Benjamin Richer

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

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Gentle and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation following spinal surgery (e.g., for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spinal fusion), initiated once cleared by your surgeon, to improve mobility, core strength, posture, reduce pain, and safely return to daily activities.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Guidance on hip precautions (if applicable for your surgical approach), a progressive exercise program, and functional retraining after hip surgery to help you achieve your goals.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Comprehensive strategies developed with your Physiotherapist to help you understand and live better with chronic pain, focusing on improving function, reducing pain's impact, and enhancing self-efficacy rather than solely on pain elimination.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Benjamin. 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 CISSS des Laurentides Point de service d'Argenteuil, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Benjamin frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Tired of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain interfering with engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands? Benjamin uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care and regain your freedom of movement.
• When recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing playing a full game of recreational hockey with your friends, physiotherapy with Benjamin can help you work towards a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• For those whose dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) has made dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks seem like a distant memory, Benjamin's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Benjamin practices at the CISSS des Laurentides Point de service d'Argenteuil, situated in a central Lachute neighborhood. This public sector facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care in a familiar setting. The clinic is easily reachable via local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for everyone. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered under specific circumstances. It’s important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

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

A Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) in Quebec holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, create treatment plans, and perform certain restricted activities. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying treatment modalities and guiding exercises without diagnosing or creating treatment plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Does CISSS des Laurentides Point de service d'Argenteuil offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CISSS des Laurentides offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate this process. If direct billing is not available for your plan, we provide detailed receipts that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. We recommend confirming your coverage and any limits directly with your insurer, as plans vary.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician’s referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

The initial appointment, which includes assessment and treatment planning, usually lasts about 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions are generally scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your specific needs and the treatment plan developed by Benjamin.

CISSS des Laurentides Point de service d'Argenteuil
145, Avenue de la Providence
Lachute, QC J8H 4C7

Phone: (450) 562-3761

Benjamin Richer 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.