Julien Lessard

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

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 (e.g., 'brain fog', memory issues), fatigue, and emotional changes. Post-Concussion Syndrome refers to symptoms persisting beyond the typical recovery window.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• 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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.

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).
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.

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

• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription (if offered/certified): Assessment for and provision of custom orthotics to help manage lower limb conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, Achilles tendinopathy, or leg length discrepancies.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Baseline concussion testing (if offered by the clinic/practitioner) and evidence-based post-injury management to ensure a safe and effective recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Therapeutic & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid): Application of various supportive and therapeutic taping techniques (e.g., elastic Kinesio tape for proprioception and muscle facilitation, McConnell taping for patellar tracking, rigid athletic tape for joint support) to protect joints, support muscles, reduce pain, manage swelling, or improve movement patterns.
• Orthopedic Bracing & Support Consultation/Fitting: Helping you choose and correctly use the best brace or support for your specific needs, ensuring proper fit and optimal benefit for your condition.

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 PCN St-Nicolas, 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:

• With Julien's help, managing my child walking on their toes most of the time to achieve improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like maintaining an upright posture while working on your computer for hours.
• Don't let feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be dictate what you can and cannot do. Julien offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began, helping you reclaim attending and enjoying your children's or grandchildren's sporting events and enjoy a more functional life.
• If awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) is preventing you from fully enjoying working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness, Julien offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Julien practices at PCN St-Nicolas, situated in the Saint-Jean-Chrysostome East neighborhood of Lévis. The clinic is conveniently located near Les Galeries Chagnon, making it easy for clients to access high-quality physiotherapy care. The location is well-served by the Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis), providing straightforward public transit options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiothérapeute will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiothérapeute to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. However, care received within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It’s recommended to verify with RAMQ and your private insurance provider regarding coverage details.

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 and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, create treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatment modalities, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress but does not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiothérapeute, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function affected by injury, illness, or disability. It also aims to reduce your risk of future problems. Techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, education, and advice are used to empower you to manage your health and achieve your physical goals.

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 insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your appointment to ensure coverage.

PCN St-Nicolas
820, Route des Rivières, 150
Lévis, QC G7A 2V1

Phone: (418) 914-2766

Julien Lessard 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.