Francis Lacombe – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Francis Lacombe is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS de L'Estrie-CHUS (CLSC) in Sherbrooke, QC, Francis is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. With a focus on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, Francis helps patients recover from acute injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures, as well as manage chronic issues like arthritis and post-surgical rehabilitation. His approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans that promote optimal recovery, functional independence, and pain relief, always considering each patient’s unique needs and goals.

Francis’s scope of practice also extends to managing respiratory and cardiac conditions. His expertise includes supporting patients with COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, and recovery after cardiac events or pneumonia. His interventions involve breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, and tailored exercise prescriptions to improve lung function, endurance, and overall well-being. Francis’s commitment to ongoing professional development ensures he stays current with evidence-based practices, particularly in orthopaedic, musculoskeletal, and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy. He has developed a particular interest in integrating innovative techniques to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

Practicing with a patient-centered philosophy, Francis actively involves individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. He believes in empowering patients through education, active participation, and shared decision-making. His dedication to continuous learning reflects his commitment to providing the highest standard of care. Francis is fluent in French and English, ensuring clear communication and comfort for his diverse patient population.

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

Arthritis

• 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.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.

Cardioresp

• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Physiotherapy exercise guidance, education on safe activity progression, and risk factor modification support as part of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program following events like a heart attack (myocardial infarction - MI), heart surgery (e.g., coronary artery bypass graft - CABG, valve replacement), or angioplasty.
• Post-Pneumonia / Respiratory Infection Recovery: Physiotherapy rehabilitation to help regain lung function, improve breathing efficiency, clear any residual lung secretions (mucus), build up endurance and strength, and manage persistent cough or breathlessness after a significant lung infection like pneumonia or severe bronchitis.
• Asthma Management (Exercise-Induced & General Support): A chronic inflammatory condition of the airways causing recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, often triggered by allergens, irritants, cold air, or exercise (Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction - EIB).

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• 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.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.

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

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• 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.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: Improving your breathing efficiency, increasing your exercise tolerance, reducing feelings of breathlessness, and enhancing your overall well-being and ability to perform daily activities when living with a chronic respiratory disease.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Rehabilitation support following cardiac events (e.g., heart attack, bypass surgery - often as part of a cardiac rehab team) or for chronic respiratory conditions like COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis), asthma, or bronchiectasis.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Francis. 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 CIUSSS de L'Estrie-CHUS (CLSC), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Francis frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Don't let trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) dictate what you can and cannot do. Francis offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns, helping you reclaim performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease and enjoy a more functional life.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Francis can help you move beyond recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim). 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 maintaining your balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• Tired of facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) interfering with driving for longer periods without neck or back pain? Francis uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Francis practices at the CIUSSS de L'Estrie-CHUS (CLSC), located in the Fleurimont East neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near Mont Bellevue Access and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiothérapeute will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiothérapeute may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

What is CIUSSS de L'Estrie-CHUS (CLSC)'s appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost or a set amount like $50 may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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, a practice known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify your insurance policy before your appointment.

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

Most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by RAMQ. Coverage may be available for physiotherapy received within a hospital or CLSC if meeting specific criteria. Patients are encouraged to check their private insurance plans for coverage options, as many offer significant reimbursement for physiotherapy in private clinics.

Does CIUSSS de L'Estrie-CHUS (CLSC) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, our clinic 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 information to facilitate the process. If direct billing is not available for your insurer, we provide official receipts for you to submit for reimbursement.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master’s level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, diagnose, and develop treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and plays a vital role in implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress under supervision.

CIUSSS de L'Estrie-CHUS (CLSC)
1200, Rue King E
Sherbrooke, QC J1G 1E4

Phone: (819) 780-2220

Francis Lacombe 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.