Julien Lachance – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Julien Lachance is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Clinique-école de physiothérapie du Cégep de Sherbrooke in Sherbrooke, QC, Julien is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. With a focus on performance and athletic rehabilitation, Julien specializes in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring active individuals recover swiftly and return to peak performance.

Julien's approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans that incorporate evidence-based techniques, manual therapy, and functional training tailored to each patient's goals. His expertise spans acute injury management, chronic pain relief, post-operative rehabilitation, and neurological recovery, helping patients regain strength, mobility, and confidence in their movement. Julien is passionate about empowering athletes and active adults to optimize their physical potential and prevent future injuries.

With a strong background in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy, Julien continuously updates his skills through professional development. He believes in a collaborative, goal-oriented approach, actively involving patients in their recovery process. Julien is fluent in English and French, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for a diverse community of active clients.

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

Common Msk

• 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.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• 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.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• 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.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Management of symptoms such as pain (neuropathic pain), numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness, typically in the hands or feet, resulting from damage to peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.

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

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Specialized therapeutic interventions provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to assist individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, balance, coordination, strength, and independence following a neurological event or diagnosis.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Julien. 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-école de physiothérapie du Cégep de Sherbrooke, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Julien frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• At Julien's physiotherapy practice, individuals with knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run are guided towards enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids.
• If tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot is preventing you from fully enjoying resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely, Julien offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Struggling with the frustration of persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady? Julien develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community. This is key to helping you get back to doing dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Julien practices at the Clinique-école de physiothérapie du Cégep de Sherbrooke, situated in the Les Nations (Downtown East) neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This modern Maison d'enseignement (public education environment) facility is conveniently located near Bishop's University and easily accessible via Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). The clinic is designed to accommodate patients with mobility needs, ensuring seamless access for all. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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).

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) 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 with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm their requirements.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Coverage is usually limited to services received within public hospitals or CLSCs, under specific conditions. Most patients pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and review your private insurance plan for coverage details.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., RAMQ card), any relevant medical records or imaging reports, a list of current medications, and your private insurance card or policy details if applicable. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

Clinique-école de physiothérapie du Cégep de Sherbrooke
355, Rue du Cégep, (Pavillon 1) Niveau 2
Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K1

Phone: (819) 566-7192 | Website: https://www.cegepsherbrooke.qc.ca/fr/services-au-grand-public/clinique-de-physiotherapie/clinique-ecole-en-physiotherapie

Julien Lachance 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.