Alain Tessier – Physiotherapy Technologist | Sherbrooke, QC

Alain Tessier is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at Ergothérapie de l'Estrie in Sherbrooke, QC, Alain is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. His role involves assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. Alain’s focus is primarily on serving adult patients, helping them regain mobility, reduce pain, and enhance their overall well-being.

Alain completed his diploma in Physiotherapy Technology at the college level and has accumulated clinical experience that underscores his commitment to ongoing professional development. He emphasizes evidence-based practices, ensuring that each patient receives effective and personalized care. Alain has developed particular skills in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring, which allow him to adapt treatments to individual needs and progress.

His practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Alain adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. He is fluent in both English and French, ensuring effective communication with a diverse patient population and providing compassionate, accessible care.

Alain Tessier provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Alain can assess your needs.

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Alain. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

At Ergothérapie de l'Estrie, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Alain frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from aches and pains that I’m pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk and achieved achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small under the skilled care of Alain. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing with a new lease on life.
• Physiotherapy with Alain can be a transformative turning point for those affected by loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury. The shared goal is achieving improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction, paving the way for you to enjoy giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture and a more active, vibrant life.
• Living with my child walking on their toes most of the time doesn't have to be your norm. Alain applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Alain, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Alain practices at Ergothérapie de l'Estrie, situated in the Saint-Élie neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This private clinic facility is conveniently located near Mont Bellevue Access and is easily accessible via Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapy Technologist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

What is Ergothérapie de l'Estrie's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master’s degree in physiotherapy. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy is usually not covered. It is advisable to verify eligibility directly with RAMQ and check private insurance plans for coverage.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapy Technologist in QC?

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiotherapy Technologist directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to *see* a Physiotherapy Technologist, some private or extended health insurance plans *do* require one for reimbursement. It is recommended to check the requirements of your insurance policy before your appointment.

Ergothérapie de l'Estrie
4661, Boulevard Bourque
Sherbrooke, QC J1N 2G6

Phone: (819) 575-0655

Alain Tessier is regulated by the Code des professions and Professional Integration Arrangement for physiotherapists in QC and is a member of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Registration can be verified with the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.