Émilie Despots – Physiotherapy Technologist | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Émilie Despots is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at Accès Physio in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, Émilie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. With a warm and community-focused approach, Émilie assists in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. Her goal is to help adult patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life through personalized and attentive care.
Émilie completed her diploma in Physiotherapy Technology and has accumulated valuable clinical experience, which she continually builds upon through ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. She has developed particular skills and a keen interest in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring—ensuring each individual receives tailored interventions that meet their unique needs. Her dedication to learning and excellence ensures that her patients always benefit from the latest techniques and compassionate care.
Her practice philosophy centers on empowering patients with clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies that foster lasting results. Émilie believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. She promotes preventative care and long-term wellness within the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu community through proactive physiotherapy. Émilie is fluent in English and French, allowing her to communicate effectively and compassionately with a diverse range of patients.

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

Common Msk

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.
• 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.

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

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.

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

• Living with widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia doesn't have to be your norm. Émilie applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of maintaining your balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• Don't let loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury dictate what you can and cannot do. Émilie offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years, helping you reclaim taking group exercise classes at the community center and enjoy a more functional life.
• Émilie frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio) and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.

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

Émilie's practice at Accès Physio is situated within a reputable physiotherapy clinic in the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The clinic is conveniently located near the Richelieu River, providing a peaceful and accessible environment for patients. Easily reachable via Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu, the clinic offers accessible and flexible transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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 Physiotherapy Technologist in QC?

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiotherapy Technologist 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 advisable to check the requirements of your insurance plan before your appointment to ensure coverage.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it’s rarely “painful” in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapy Technologist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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. Some care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. For most outpatient private physiotherapy services, coverage is limited, so it’s important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for potential reimbursements.

Accès Physio
440, Boulevard Saint-Luc
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J2W 0E2

Phone: (450) 359-8575

Émilie Despots 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.