Charles Lafortune – Physiotherapist | L’Épiphanie, QC

Charles Lafortune is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CISSS Lanaudière in L'Épiphanie, QC, Charles is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. He provides comprehensive physiotherapy services aimed at restoring mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing overall well-being. With a focus on individualized treatment plans, Charles emphasizes education and proactive strategies to support long-term health and functional independence.

Charles's approach involves addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. His expertise includes managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, chronic pain conditions, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, Charles offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. His goal is to help patients regain stability, reduce fall risk, and improve quality of life across all age groups, from older children to seniors.

With a strong background in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation, Charles has developed skills through ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. He is committed to promoting preventative care and long-term wellness within the L'Épiphanie community. Charles is fluent in English and French, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for a diverse patient population.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.

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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

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

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for concussion recovery, including initial assessment of symptoms (headache, dizziness, etc.), management of associated neck pain or dysfunction, vestibular and oculomotor (eye movement) rehabilitation, and guided, gradual return-to-learn, work, and sport protocols.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Targeted exercises and strategies designed by your Physiotherapist to improve your stability, coordination, lower limb strength, and body awareness (proprioception), thereby reducing your risk of falls, particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with balance impairments.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Charles to witness patients conquer recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee and experience achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in playing your musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods again.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Charles can help you move beyond feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be. The focus is on feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.
• At Charles's physiotherapy practice, individuals with my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night are guided towards feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun.

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

Charles practices at CISSS Lanaudière, situated in a modern clinic in the central L'Épiphanie neighborhood of L'Épiphanie. This Family Medicine Group (FMG) is a public healthcare facility conveniently located near community services and pharmacies, making it accessible for many residents. The clinic is easily reachable via local public transit routes, ensuring patients from surrounding areas can attend their appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if it meets specific criteria. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check with your private extended health insurance plans, as many provide coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiothérapeute as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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

Patients in Quebec 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 referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance requirements before your first appointment.

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.

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. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or a physician. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiothérapeute to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

CISSS Lanaudière
16, Rue Leblanc
L'Épiphanie, QC J5X 4R9

Phone: (844) 333-0233

Charles Lafortune 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.