Raphael Bolduc – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Raphael Bolduc is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Vestibular & Balance Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CHU de Québec - Saint-François d'Assise in Québec, QC, Raphael is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. He specializes in offering comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment for individuals experiencing dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues stemming from inner ear or central nervous system disorders. His approach aims to significantly reduce symptoms, enhance stability, and decrease fall risk, thereby improving overall quality of life. Additionally, Raphael addresses a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions, including acute injuries such as sprains and strains, chronic pain, arthritis management, and post-operative rehabilitation, ensuring a holistic approach to each patient's recovery journey.

With a focus on serving mainly senior patients, Raphael emphasizes personalized care plans that respect each individual's unique health status and goals. His physiotherapy interventions are rooted in evidence-based practices, ensuring effective and safe outcomes. Raphael’s expertise extends to developing strategies that promote long-term wellness, injury prevention, and functional independence, making him a reliable resource for those seeking to regain or maintain their mobility and activity levels.

Raphael completed his degree in Physiotherapy and continuously advances his skills through ongoing professional development. His particular interests include Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation as well as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. He believes in empowering his patients through education, fostering a collaborative environment where individuals are active participants in their recovery. Fluent in French, Raphael is dedicated to serving the Québec community with compassionate, effective physiotherapy care.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.

Arthritis

• 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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• 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.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

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

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Helping you stay steady on your feet and maintain your independence through targeted balance and coordination exercises, and practical fall prevention education.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Raphael. 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 CHU de Québec - Saint-François d'Assise, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Raphael frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Physiotherapy with Raphael can be a transformative turning point for those affected by needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity. The shared goal is achieving a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort, paving the way for you to enjoy carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably and a more active, vibrant life.
• Raphael frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Raphael's clinic, common concerns like my child walking on their toes most of the time are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like taking energetic, long walks with your dog every day.

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

Raphael practices at CHU de Québec - Saint-François d'Assise, located in a central Québec neighborhood within a well-equipped clinic that is part of a prominent public healthcare facility. The clinic's strategic location offers easy access to local community services and pharmacies, making it convenient for patients to integrate their physiotherapy sessions into their regular routines. The facility is accessible via various public transit routes, ensuring that patients can reach their appointments with ease. 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).

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

While some limited coverage may be available through specific programs for certain populations, most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private extended health insurance plans for coverage options.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally access physiotherapy services 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 your insurance policy before your appointment.

Does CHU de Québec - Saint-François d'Assise offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, our clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate the process. If direct billing is not available for your plan, we provide official receipts that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. We recommend confirming your coverage details with your insurance provider prior to your appointment, including any deductibles or limits, as plans vary.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your initial visit, the Physiothérapeute will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including discussing your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. A physical examination will follow to identify the underlying causes of your condition. The therapist will then explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a personalized plan of care. You may also receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery process.

CHU de Québec - Saint-François d'Assise
10, Rue de l'Espinay, Local A1-412
Québec, QC G1L 3L5

Phone: (418) 525-4444

Raphael Bolduc 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.