Bénédicte Yao – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Bénédicte Yao is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CHU de Québec in Québec, QC. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her role involves addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional conditions, emphasizing performance optimization and athletic recovery. Bénédicte’s approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, whether they are recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, or seeking to enhance their physical capabilities for athletic pursuits.

With a focus on helping patients recover function, improve mobility, and manage symptoms, Bénédicte specializes in comprehensive rehabilitation programs for both acute and chronic conditions. She works closely with adults and seniors, supporting their journey toward better health, reduced pain, and enhanced performance. Her expertise extends to assisting individuals after neurological events such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, or neurodegenerative diseases like MS and Parkinson’s Disease, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery and performance enhancement.

Bénédicte Yao completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience, continually advancing her skills through ongoing professional development. She has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy is rooted in promoting preventative care and long-term wellness through evidence-based interventions and continuous learning. Bénédicte is fluent in English and French, ensuring effective communication with a diverse patient population.

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

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.

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

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Tailored exercises, hands-on techniques, and functional strategies to manage symptoms (e.g., spasticity, weakness, ataxia) and optimize function in various neurological conditions, promoting participation in daily life.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Bénédicte. 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 CHU de Québec, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Bénédicte frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many find that wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night significantly impacts their ability to walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness. Bénédicte helps patients target less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Struggling with the frustration of that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away? Bénédicte develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur. This is key to helping you get back to doing painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many individuals seek help from Bénédicte, their physiotherapist, when feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing.

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

Practicing at CHU de Québec, Bénédicte's clinic is situated in a central Québec neighborhood, within a modern healthcare facility that is easily accessible for all patients. The clinic is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it simple for patients to combine their physiotherapy appointments with other errands. Easily reachable via local public transit routes, our clinic offers accessible parking options, including free patient parking typically available on-site or nearby. Our facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and ease for patients with mobility needs.

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 rely on private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private extended health insurance plans, as many offer coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Is there parking available at or near CHU de Québec?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Additional street parking is also available on nearby streets, and a paid public parkade is located within walking distance. Please check local signage for parking restrictions and time limits.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly, without a physician's referral, a system known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

The initial appointment, which includes a comprehensive assessment and treatment planning, usually lasts about 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions generally range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the treatment plan and patient needs. Your Physiothérapeute will inform you of the exact duration during your visit.

What is CHU de Québec's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To accommodate all patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact the clinic as soon as possible if you need to modify your appointment.

CHU de Québec
11, Côte du Palais
Québec, QC G1R 2J6

Phone: (418) 525-4444

Bénédicte Yao 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.