Melanie Crete – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Melanie Crete is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at l'Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ in Québec, QC. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by l'Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Melanie specializes in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, with a focus on optimizing physical performance and supporting active lifestyles. Her approach emphasizes evidence-based techniques tailored to each individual's unique needs, whether they are recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or enhancing athletic performance.

Her scope includes managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic conditions like arthritis, tendinopathies, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Melanie also has expertise in managing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, including COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, and post-COVID-19 symptoms. Her comprehensive treatment plans often incorporate breathing exercises, airway clearance, personalized exercise prescriptions, and patient education to promote long-term health and functional independence. Melanie serves adults and seniors, helping them regain strength, mobility, and confidence in their daily activities.

With a solid educational background in Physiotherapy and extensive clinical experience, Melanie continually advances her skills through professional development. She has developed particular interests in orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy revolves around empowering patients through clear education, collaborative goal-setting, and fostering active participation in their recovery process. Melanie is fluent in French and English, allowing her to effectively communicate and connect with diverse patient populations.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• 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.

Long Covid

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Symptom Management: Managing a wide range of persistent or new symptoms that can occur for weeks, months, or longer after the acute COVID-19 infection, including profound fatigue, breathlessness, 'brain fog' (cognitive issues), muscle weakness, joint pain, exercise intolerance, dizziness, and POTS-like symptoms.

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

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• 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: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy management for individuals experiencing persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection (Long COVID), such as profound fatigue, breathlessness (dyspnea), muscle weakness, joint pain, 'brain fog' (cognitive difficulties), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) symptoms, and exercise intolerance.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Melanie. 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 l'Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ, Melanie focuses on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. She works closely with patients to develop tailored plans that support their specific goals, whether it's returning to sports, improving mobility, or managing chronic conditions. Melanie's approach emphasizes empowering patients through education and active participation, ensuring lasting results.

Many patients have successfully regained mobility and confidence through Melanie’s care, whether it involves overcoming post-injury limitations or enhancing athletic performance. Her strategies include evidence-based exercise prescriptions, manual therapy, and functional training, all aimed at helping patients move more freely and comfortably. Melanie’s dedication is to help you reach your full potential and enjoy an active, fulfilling lifestyle.

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

Melanie practices at l'Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ, situated in a central Québec neighborhood. 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 well-served by local public transit routes, ensuring smooth transportation options. 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.

What are l'Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ's operating hours?

l'Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (418) 684-5333 or check our website at www.irdpq.qc.ca for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiothérapeute.

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, and patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some public coverage may be available if the care is received within a hospital or CLSC under specific conditions. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many extended health plans offer coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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, which is 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 first appointment to ensure coverage.

Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ
525, Boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel
Québec, QC G1M 2S8

Phone: (418) 529-9141

Melanie Crete 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.