Francois Cadoret – Physiotherapist | Shawinigan, QC

Francois Cadoret is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS MCQ (Hôpital du Centre-de-la-Mauricie) in Shawinigan, QC, Francois is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. With a focus on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions, Francois aims to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life.

Francois's role involves developing personalized treatment plans that emphasize evidence-based practices and patient education. He works closely with individuals to understand their unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment to facilitate recovery and long-term wellness. Francois’s approach is rooted in empathy and collaboration, ensuring that each patient feels heard, respected, and actively involved in their healing journey.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Francois is committed to staying current with the latest physiotherapy techniques. He is fluent in English and French, enabling him to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations and provide care that respects cultural and linguistic preferences.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

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): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• 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.

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): A bone injury resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation due to repetitive mechanical loading, often seen in runners or athletes who rapidly increase their training.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.

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

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Francois. 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 MCQ (Hôpital du Centre-de-la-Mauricie), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Francois frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from Francois, their physiotherapist, when aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout.
• Tired of shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult interfering with operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work? Francois uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities and regain your freedom of movement.
• Francois believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) is hindering your ability to engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands, a personalized plan focusing on feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries can make all the difference.

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

Francois practices at CIUSSS MCQ (Hôpital du Centre-de-la-Mauricie), located centrally in the Shawinigan neighborhood. The clinic is situated within a public healthcare facility that offers easy access for patients, being conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies. The facility is well-connected via local public transit routes, making it straightforward for patients to reach. 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?

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

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. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) is generally not covered for services in private clinics by RAMQ. Some public coverage exists for specific cases, such as after hospital discharge or for certain low-income groups through provincial programs. Most outpatient physiotherapy in private clinics is paid out-of-pocket or covered by private insurance. It is advisable to verify your individual eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage details.

Is there parking available at or near CIUSSS MCQ (Hôpital du Centre-de-la-Mauricie)?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Please check local signage for any restrictions or time limits.

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

Patients in Quebec 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 recommended to verify your insurance policy before your appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This varies depending on your condition and goals. After an initial assessment, Francois will discuss an estimated number of sessions and frequency, and adjustments will be made as you progress. Regular reviews ensure your treatment remains aligned with your recovery objectives.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used by a Physiothérapeute to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Techniques include joint mobilization, joint manipulation, soft tissue mobilization (massage, myofascial release), and neural mobilization. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore tissue function.

CIUSSS MCQ (Hôpital du Centre-de-la-Mauricie)
50, Rue 119e
Shawinigan, QC G9P 5K1

Phone: (819) 536-7500

Francois Cadoret 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.