Louis-Michel Lechasseur – Physiotherapist | Rimouski, QC

Louis-Michel Lechasseur is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent (CHR Rimouski) in Rimouski, QC. He is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). With a focus on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-surgical conditions, Louis-Michel strives to help his patients recover function, manage symptoms, and improve their overall quality of life. His approach emphasizes individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring a comprehensive and effective rehabilitation experience.
Louis-Michel’s scope of practice encompasses treatment of acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic conditions like arthritis and persistent pain. He also specializes in neurological rehabilitation, assisting individuals recovering from strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s Disease. Serving older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, Louis-Michel employs evidence-based therapeutic techniques to facilitate recovery, enhance mobility, and promote independence. His dedication to ongoing professional development ensures his methods remain current and aligned with the latest advancements in physiotherapy.
His practice philosophy is rooted in a patient-centered and collaborative approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Louis-Michel believes in empowering his patients with education and self-management strategies to support long-term wellness. Fluent in French, he communicates effectively with his diverse patient population, fostering a respectful and supportive clinical environment that prioritizes each person's health journey.

Louis-Michel Lechasseur provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• 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.

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Difficulty maintaining stability during standing, walking, or changing positions, which may be due to various factors including age-related changes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal weakness, sensory impairments, or medication side effects, often leading to an increased risk of falls.

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

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy to address persistent concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, and difficulty concentrating or tolerating activity.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Louis-Michel. 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 CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent (CHR Rimouski), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Louis-Michel frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Louis-Michel's clinic, common concerns like facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• Rediscover your ability to playing in your competitive volleyball league again without the constant burden of frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders. Louis-Michel focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Louis-Michel believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement is hindering your ability to tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence, a personalized plan focusing on increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints can make all the difference.

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

Louis-Michel practices at CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent (CHR Rimouski), situated within a clinic in the central Rimouski neighborhood of Rimouski, QC. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making access to care straightforward for residents. The clinic is easily reachable via local public transit routes, ensuring patients can attend appointments with minimal inconvenience. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiothérapeute will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy before your appointment to confirm specific requirements.

Does CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent (CHR Rimouski) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent (CHR Rimouski) 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 details to your appointment. If direct billing is not available with your insurer, we provide official receipts that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. It is recommended to verify your coverage and any limits or requirements directly with your insurer beforehand.

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, make diagnoses, and develop treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments, assisting physiotherapists or physicians by implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Certain services within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if criteria are met. It is important to check your eligibility with RAMQ and verify your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer substantial physiotherapy benefits for private outpatient care.

What are CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent (CHR Rimouski)’s operating hours?

CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent (CHR Rimouski) is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners may offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours can vary depending on the practitioner and specific days, so it is recommended to contact the clinic directly at {contact_number} or visit their website for current hours and appointment availability.

CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent (CHR Rimouski)
150, Avenue Rouleau
Rimouski, QC G5L 5T1

Phone: (418) 724-3000

Louis-Michel Lechasseur 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.