Benoit Y. Rivard – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Benoit Y. Rivard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CHU de Québec (Hôpital de l'enfant-Jésus) in Québec, QC, Benoit is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. His role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Benoit takes a compassionate, individualized approach, emphasizing the unique health needs of older adults to help them maintain and improve mobility, strength, balance, and independence, while addressing age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis and reducing fall risk.

With a solid foundation in physiotherapy, Benoit completed his degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that fuels his ongoing commitment to professional development and evidence-based practices. His particular interests include neurological physiotherapy and geriatric physiotherapy, where he applies his skills to serve adults and seniors effectively. Benoit's approach is grounded in continuous learning, ensuring his treatments incorporate the latest advances and techniques to deliver optimal outcomes for his patients.

He upholds a philosophy rooted in evidence-based practice, promoting preventative care and long-term wellness within the Québec community. Benoit actively involves his patients in their treatment planning and goal setting, fostering empowerment and engagement. Fluent in both English and French, Benoit communicates clearly and warmly, creating a welcoming environment where patients feel supported and understood.

Benoit Y. Rivard provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.
• 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.

Vestibular Balance

• 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.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.

Common Msk

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.

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

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Tailored exercise prescription, education on safe movement, manual therapy (gentle techniques), and functional training to help seniors maintain their independence, enhance safety in their home and community, and promote active and healthy aging.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Helping seniors regain their physical capacity, reduce dependency, and improve their ability to manage at home safely and effectively.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Benoit. 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 (Hôpital de l'enfant-Jésus), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Benoit frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from that 'pins and needles' feeling that won’t go away and achieved being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again under the skilled care of Benoit. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as peacefully paddling your kayak or canoe on the lake for hours with a new lease on life.
• Tired of difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain interfering with participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises? Benoit uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease and regain your freedom of movement.
• It's truly rewarding for Benoit to witness patients conquer recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches and experience enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions). A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in attending and enjoying your children’s or grandchildren’s sporting events again.

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

Practicing at the CHU de Québec (Hôpital de l'enfant-Jésus), Benoit's clinic is situated in the central Québec neighborhood of Québec, within a modern healthcare facility dedicated to serving the community. The clinic's location provides easy access for patients coming from various parts of the city and surrounding regions. It is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it simple for patients to coordinate their healthcare needs. The facility is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring an inclusive environment for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiothérapeute will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

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 usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within public hospitals or CLSCs might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage details.

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 tissues are sensitive or inflamed. Your Physiothérapeute will work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly, and encourage feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an assessment involving discussion about your history and physical tests to evaluate movement, strength, and areas of concern. The goal is to understand your condition fully and develop a personalized treatment plan. You may also receive initial exercises or hands-on care to begin your recovery.

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 insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Technologue en physiothérapie in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute has completed a master's level university education, enabling them to assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and assists physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, helping with exercises, and reporting progress. Both play vital roles in patient care, with the physiotherapist having greater clinical autonomy.

CHU de Québec (Hôpital de l'enfant-Jésus)
1401, Rue 18e
Québec, QC G1J 1Z4

Phone: (418) 525-4444

Benoit Y. Rivard 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.