Nicolas Chapdelaine – Physiotherapy Technologist | Chicoutimi, QC

Nicolas Chapdelaine is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CIUSS Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean in Chicoutimi, QC, Nicolas is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. His role involves assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by a physiotherapist or physician, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. Nicolas’s approach emphasizes performance enhancement and athletic rehabilitation, helping active individuals and athletes optimize their movement and achieve their training goals.

With a strong focus on adult patients, Nicolas prioritizes evidence-based practices and personalized care strategies. He ensures that each patient receives a tailored treatment experience that addresses their unique needs, whether recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, or enhancing athletic performance. His dedication to ongoing professional development keeps him at the forefront of physiotherapy techniques and modalities, enabling him to deliver innovative and effective interventions.

Nicolas completed his degree in Physiotherapy with a focus on functional and performance-oriented rehabilitation. He has accumulated clinical experience in sports, orthopedics, and injury prevention, fostering a particular interest in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his continuous pursuit of evidence-based practice and his active engagement in professional learning.

He values a patient-centered philosophy, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting to maximize outcomes. Nicolas is fluent in French and English, allowing him to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population and provide comprehensive care in both languages.

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

Common Msk

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.

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

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• 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.
• 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 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Nicolas. 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 CIUSS Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Nicolas frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery when faced with persistent one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain is made smoother and more effective with Nicolas's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like attending and enjoying your children's or grandchildren's sporting events.
• At Nicolas's physiotherapy practice, individuals with managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease are guided towards a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain.
• For those whose that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder has made enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again seem like a distant memory, Nicolas's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Nicolas practices at CIUSS Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, located within a dedicated clinic in the central Chicoutimi neighborhood of Chicoutimi. This Clinique externe de centre hospitalier facility offers a convenient and accessible environment for patients seeking high-quality physiotherapy services. Situated near key community services and pharmacies, the clinic is easily reachable by public transit routes, making it straightforward for active individuals and athletes to attend appointments. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapy Technologist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapy Technologist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

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 usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It's important to verify with RAMQ and your private insurer regarding coverage details for your particular situation.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiotherapy Technologist directly without a physician's referral, thanks to the province's direct access model. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It's advisable to check with your insurer before your first appointment.

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 university program, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They assist physiotherapists or physicians by implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress, playing a vital role in the rehabilitation process.

CIUSS Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean
930, Rue Jacques-Cartier E
Chicoutimi, QC G7H 7K9

Phone: (418) 818-3703

Nicolas Chapdelaine 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.