Jean-Sébastien Lafond – Physiotherapist | Shawinigan, QC

Jean-Sébastien Lafond is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Clinique de physiothérapie de la Mauricie in Shawinigan, QC. Jean-Sébastien is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). His approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, with a focus on optimizing function, reducing pain, and promoting recovery through evidence-based physiotherapy techniques.

Specializing in addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, Jean-Sébastien's expertise covers everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. He has a particular focus on the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. His care is tailored to help athletes of all levels—recreational, competitive, or elite—return to their sport safely, enhance their performance, and prevent future injuries, ensuring they achieve their performance goals efficiently and effectively.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Jean-Sébastien holds a degree in Physiothérapie and has cultivated skills and interests in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Sports Physiotherapy. He is fluent in French and English, and his practice philosophy is rooted in a strong commitment to evidence-based practice, continuous learning, and actively involving patients in their treatment planning and goal setting to ensure optimal outcomes.

Jean-Sébastien Lafond provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective 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): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, cognitive difficulties ('brain fog', memory issues), fatigue, and emotional changes. Post-Concussion Syndrome refers to symptoms persisting beyond the typical recovery window.

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

• 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Jean-Sébastien. 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 Clinique de physiothérapie de la Mauricie, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Jean-Sébastien frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady is preventing you from fully enjoying returning to a specific physical hobby you had to give up due to pain, Jean-Sébastien offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be and achieved less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function under the skilled care of Jean-Sébastien. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty with a new lease on life.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Jean-Sébastien can help you move beyond awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis). The focus is on the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.

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

Jean-Sébastien practices at Clinique de physiothérapie de la Mauricie, located in the heart of Shawinigan in a centrally accessible clinic. Situated in the central Shawinigan neighborhood, the clinic is conveniently close to local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to integrate physiotherapy into their routine. The clinic is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring convenient access for those using transit. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at Clinique de physiothérapie de la Mauricie treat?

Our Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, and nerve pain. They address conditions like peripheral neuropathy (e.g., diabetic or chemotherapy-induced), tendinopathies, and soft tissue injuries. Treatments often involve Therapeutic Ultrasound Application, Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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 diagnoses, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician. They apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide exercises, and monitor progress, but do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some techniques might cause temporary discomfort or soreness, physiotherapy should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Jean-Sébastien will discuss what sensations to expect and will adjust treatments to ensure your comfort while still providing therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

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 (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment.

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

RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered, but private clinic physiotherapy typically is not. Always verify your specific eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessments are usually between 45 to 60 minutes to allow for a thorough evaluation. Follow-up sessions are typically 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs and the treatment plan designed by Jean-Sébastien.

Clinique de physiothérapie de la Mauricie
695, Avenue de la Station, # 201
Shawinigan, QC G9N 1V9

Phone: (819) 536-0900

Jean-Sébastien Lafond 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.