About
Valerie Lessard is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CISSS de Lanaudière (Centre hospitalier de Lanaudière) in Saint-Charles-Borromée, QC, Valerie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her 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. Valerie primarily serves adult and senior patients, ensuring that each individual receives personalized and effective care tailored to their specific needs.
Valerie has completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience, which she continually builds upon through ongoing professional development. Her practice is rooted in evidence-based physiotherapy, with particular skills and interests in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring. Valerie’s approach emphasizes careful assessment, precise treatment application, and patient education to foster optimal recovery outcomes.
Dedicated to promoting preventative care and long-term wellness, Valerie empowers her patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies. She believes in fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship that encourages active participation in the recovery process. Valerie is fluent in both French and English, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population.
Valerie Lessard provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Common Msk
- Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.
- Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
- Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Valerie can assess your needs.
- General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
- Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
- Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
- Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
- Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Valerie. 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 de Lanaudière (Centre hospitalier de Lanaudière), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Valerie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Physiotherapy with Valerie 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 restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks, paving the way for you to enjoy giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture and a more active, vibrant life.
- Don't let general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden dictate what you can and cannot do. Valerie offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks, helping you reclaim tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence and enjoy a more functional life.
- Valerie frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like cycling longer distances with your cycling club.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Valerie, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Valerie practices at the CISSS de Lanaudière (Centre hospitalier de Lanaudière), situated within a modern clinic in the heart of Saint-Charles-Borromée. The facility is conveniently located in the central neighborhood of Saint-Charles-Borromée, making it easily accessible for residents in the region. The public healthcare setting provides a well-equipped environment dedicated to comprehensive patient care. It is situated close to local community services and pharmacies, facilitating integrated healthcare access. The clinic is accessible via various local public transit routes, ensuring convenient transportation options for patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.
- What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?
- A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.
- Is there parking available at or near CISSS de Lanaudière (Centre hospitalier de Lanaudière)?
- Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.
- Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Coverage may be available for care received within a public hospital or CLSC if meeting specific criteria. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plan for possible reimbursement options.
- What is CISSS de Lanaudière (Centre hospitalier de Lanaudière)'s appointment cancellation policy?
- We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost or a set amount like $XX may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.
- 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 (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy details before your first appointment.
- What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?
- Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapy Technologist 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.
- Does CISSS de Lanaudière (Centre hospitalier de Lanaudière) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?
- Yes, our clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate this process. If direct billing is not available for your plan, we provide detailed receipts that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. We recommend verifying your coverage details, including any limits or deductibles, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary. The patient remains responsible for any portion not covered by insurance.
CISSS de Lanaudière (Centre hospitalier de Lanaudière)
1000, Boulevard Sainte-Anne
Saint-Charles-Borromée, QC J6E 6J2
Phone: (450) 759-8222
Valerie 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.