Dr. Camille Gaudreault

Dr. Heather Pritchard provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Back & Spine Conditions

• Mid-Back Pain (Thoracic Spine Pain / Interscapular Pain): Relief for pain located in the mid-back or between the shoulder blades, often linked to prolonged sitting, poor posture, or restricted rib movement.
• Herniated, Protruded, or Bulging Discs (Symptomatic): A condition where the soft inner part of a spinal disc pushes out, potentially pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, neck, arms or legs.
• Sciatica & Lumbar Radiculopathy (Radiating Leg Pain): Management of sciatic nerve pain and other forms of radiating leg symptoms through chiropractic care aimed at relieving pressure on the affected nerve.

Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions

• Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow (Epicondylitis): Addressing the underlying causes of elbow tendon pain through manual therapy, exercise, and activity modification advice.
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A condition characterized by significant stiffness, pain, and progressive loss of range of motion in the shoulder joint, making everyday tasks difficult.
• Nerve Entrapments (e.g., Thoracic Outlet, Cubital Tunnel): Conditions where nerves in the shoulder, arm, or elbow area become compressed or irritated, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Conservative Management): Non-surgical approaches to manage carpal tunnel symptoms, including wrist and nerve mobilization, ergonomic advice, and supportive therapies.

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• Hip Pain (Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinopathy): Discomfort in or around the hip joint, often due to wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis), inflammation of bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint), or tendon issues like gluteal tendinopathy.
• Achilles Tendinopathy: Helping you recover from Achilles tendinitis/tendinosis and return to activities like running or jumping without pain.
• Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis, Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - Conservative): Addressing biomechanical factors contributing to knee pain, helping to alleviate discomfort and improve your ability to walk, run, or climb stairs.

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

• Radiographic (X-ray) Imaging & Analysis: Diagnostic X-ray evaluation to aid in accurate diagnosis and ensure the safety and appropriateness of care.
• Comprehensive Chiropractic Examination: Complete neuromusculoskeletal evaluation to identify biomechanical issues, nerve interferences, and areas of dysfunction.
• Functional Movement Screening (e.g., FMS™, SFMA™): Movement pattern analysis to understand how your body functions during common activities and sports.
• Surface Electromyography (sEMG) Scan: Non-invasive scanning technology used to measure electrical activity in muscles, helping to identify areas of abnormal muscle tone or imbalance along the spine (if offered).
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Using targeted electrical stimulation to manage acute or chronic pain.
• Postural Assessment & Correction Planning: Detailed analysis of your standing and sitting posture to identify imbalances and provide targeted advice and exercises for correction and pain prevention.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Gaudreault. 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 des chiropraticiens du Québec (OCQ).

At Centre chiropratique Mellon, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Gaudreault frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dr. Camille understands how frustrating chronic pain from a previous accident can be. By aiming for enjoying less jaw pain and more comfortable chewing, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like effectively performing all your physically demanding job duties with renewed vigor with renewed confidence.
• Getting back to managing all your household chores like vacuuming, mopping, and laundry pain-free after struggling with waking up with a stiff neck is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Camille's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to a marked decrease in episodes of dizziness or vertigo, leading to greater confidence and a return to a more active life.
• If knee pain going up and down stairs is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying your tennis matches on Saturday mornings, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Camille focuses on achieving enhanced athletic performance due to improved biomechanics and reduced restrictions so you can engage in the things you love again.
• Dr. Camille frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by soreness in my achilles tendon after activity. The common goal is participating more fully in family life and social engagements without pain being a constant distraction, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, motorcycle rides, with greater comfort and ease.

Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Gaudreault, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Centre chiropratique Mellon, where Dr. Heather Pritchard practices, is situated in a central location within the Jonquière neighborhood of Jonquière, QC. The clinic is conveniently positioned within a modern medical complex that is easily accessible by public transit and is close to various community services and pharmacies. The facility is designed to accommodate patients with mobility challenges, ensuring ease of access. Ample parking is generally available near the entrance, and the clinic is wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for all patients to receive care.

Do Chiropraticiens work with other healthcare professionals?

Yes, Chiropraticiens often believe in a collaborative approach to healthcare. We frequently work with and refer to other healthcare professionals such as family physicians, physiotherapists, massage therapists, naturopathic doctors, and specialists when it is in the best interest of our patients to ensure comprehensive and optimal care.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ does not typically cover chiropractic services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance plans. Some coverage may exist if services are rendered in a hospital setting, but this is uncommon. It is advisable for patients to verify their individual coverage with RAMQ and check their private insurance plans, as many offer significant chiropractic benefits.

What is that 'cracking' or 'popping' sound during an adjustment?

The 'cracking' or 'popping' sound, technically called cavitation, results from the release of gas from the synovial fluid within a joint when it is stretched or moved quickly during an adjustment. This sound is similar to cracking knuckles and is not an indicator of treatment effectiveness. The primary goal of the adjustment is to restore proper joint movement and relieve nerve pressure.

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

Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals in Quebec, allowing patients to book appointments directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may still require a physician's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients should verify the specifics of their insurance policy.

What is chiropractic care and how can it help me?

Chiropractic care helps your body move and function better by assessing your spine and joints for restrictions or misalignments that may cause pain or nerve interference. Through precise adjustments and treatments, chiropractors aim to improve mobility, reduce pain, and promote overall well-being, enabling you to perform daily activities more comfortably.

What kind of education and training do chiropractors in Canada receive?

Canadian chiropractors complete a rigorous post-secondary Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, which typically involves a minimum of three years of undergraduate study followed by four years at an accredited chiropractic college. Their training covers basic sciences, clinical sciences, chiropractic techniques, and extensive hands-on clinical internships. Graduates must pass national and provincial board exams to obtain licensure and practice legally.

Centre chiropratique Mellon
2152, rue Deschênes, bureau 203
Jonquière, QC G7S 2A9

Phone: (418) 548-7070 | Website: https://www.chiromellon.com/

Dr. Heather Pritchard is regulated by the Code des professions in QC and is a member of the Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec (OCQ).

Registration can be verified with the Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec (OCQ).

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.