Raphaël St-Gelais – Physiotherapist | Jonquière, QC

Raphaël St-Gelais is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS de Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean in Jonquière, QC, Raphaël is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. With a compassionate approach, Raphaël focuses on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. His goal is to assist individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease.

Raphaël completed his degree in Physiotherapy with a strong foundation in evidence-based practices and ongoing professional development. Over the years, he has cultivated specialized skills and a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. His clinical experience allows him to provide tailored treatment plans that are both effective and empathetic, ensuring each patient feels supported throughout their healing journey.

His practice philosophy revolves around promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Jonquière community. Raphaël emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Fluent in both English and French, Raphaël is committed to communicating clearly and compassionately, ensuring his patients feel understood and empowered in their recovery process.

Raphaël St-Gelais provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.
• 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.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Restoring spinal function, core stability, and body mechanics post-operatively, ensuring a safe progression back to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.
• 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.

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.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.

Peripheral Nerve

• 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.
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Improving safety, function, and quality of life for those with impaired sensation or strength due to various types of peripheral neuropathy.

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

• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Tailored exercises, hands-on techniques, and functional strategies to manage symptoms (e.g., spasticity, weakness, ataxia) and optimize function in various neurological conditions, promoting participation in daily life.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Effective therapy for various inner ear and balance disorders, including BPPV, vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis, unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction, Meniere's disease (symptom management), and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.

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

• Rediscover your ability to performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease without the constant burden of needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity. Raphaël focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Many find that facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) significantly impacts their ability to carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably. Raphaël helps patients target enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Raphaël believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) is hindering your ability to feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings, a personalized plan focusing on reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas can make all the difference.

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

Raphaël practices at the CIUSSS de Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, situated within a central clinic in the Jonquière neighborhood of Jonquière. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring an easy and stress-free visit. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiothérapeute will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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. It is advisable to check the requirements of your individual insurance policy before your appointment.

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. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is important to verify your coverage with RAMQ and your private insurer.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Technologue en physiothérapie in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a Physiothérapeute, applying prescribed treatments and assisting in rehabilitation without diagnosing or establishing treatment plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CIUSSS de Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean treat?

Our Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, nerve pain, and neurological conditions like stroke, MS, Parkinson's, or spinal cord injury. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, patient education, and specialized approaches in areas like orthopedics and neurology.

CIUSSS de Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
2230, Rue de l'hôpital
Jonquière, QC G7X 7X2

Phone: (418) 695-7700

Raphaël St-Gelais 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.