Alexandra Lafrance – Physiotherapist | Saint-Hubert, QC

Alexandra Lafrance is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Kinatex Sport Physio Saint-Hubert in Saint-Hubert, QC, Alexandra is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She focuses on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Alexandra specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, ensuring her care is tailored to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries.

With a strong educational foundation, Alexandra Lafrance completed her degree in Physiotherapy. Her clinical experience and ongoing professional development reflect her commitment to evidence-based practices. Alexandra has developed particular expertise and interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy, enabling her to provide comprehensive care tailored to her patients' needs and goals.

Alexandra’s practice philosophy revolves around a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. She emphasizes a collaborative process, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Alexandra is fluent in English and French, ensuring effective communication and personalized care for a diverse patient population.

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.

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

• Sports Performance Enhancement & Injury Prevention: Physiotherapy interventions aimed at helping you reach your athletic potential by addressing physical limitations, improving power and agility, and implementing evidence-based injury prevention strategies.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Comprehensive rehabilitation programs designed by a sports physiotherapist to address the specific demands of your sport, facilitate a full recovery from athletic injuries, and prevent recurrence.
• Orthopedic Bracing & Support Consultation/Fitting: Providing customized or appropriately sized bracing solutions to protect injured areas, limit harmful movements, reduce pain, and support your return to function or sport.
• Gait Analysis & Running/Walking Re-training: Evaluation of how you walk or run, with tailored advice from your Physiotherapist on footwear, technique modifications, and exercises to improve your form and prevent injury.
• Therapeutic & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid): Application of various supportive and therapeutic taping techniques (e.g., elastic Kinesio tape for proprioception and muscle facilitation, McConnell taping for patellar tracking, rigid athletic tape for joint support) to protect joints, support muscles, reduce pain, manage swelling, or improve movement patterns.
• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription (if offered/certified): Providing individualized foot supports created from a precise mold of your feet to improve comfort, alignment, reduce pain, and enhance function during walking, running, or standing.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Alexandra. 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 Kinatex Sport Physio Saint-Hubert, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Alexandra frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise has made taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes seem like a distant memory, Alexandra's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Struggling with the frustration of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain? Alexandra develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving enhanced ability to participate in social and community events. This is key to helping you get back to doing getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• The journey to being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again when faced with persistent a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) is made smoother and more effective with Alexandra's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like cycling longer distances with your cycling club.

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

Alexandra practices at Kinatex Sport Physio Saint-Hubert, situated within a modern clinic located in the central Saint-Hubert neighborhood of Saint-Hubert, QC. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare in one location. The facility is well-connected by local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiothérapeute will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor’s referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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

In Quebec, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance for these services. Some physiotherapy care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic treatments are usually not. It is advisable to verify your eligibility for any public coverage directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

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 Physiothérapeute will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master’s level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician’s referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy requirements before your appointment to ensure coverage.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To ensure a smooth first visit, please bring your health card, any relevant doctor’s referral letters, results of imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your condition, a list of current medications, and your insurance information if you wish for direct billing. Wearing comfortable clothing is also advised.

Kinatex Sport Physio Saint-Hubert
8141, boulevard Cousineau, # 204
Saint-Hubert, QC J3Z 0G6

Phone: (450) 671-3500 | Website: www.kinatex.com/cliniques/saint-hubert

Alexandra Lafrance 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.