Élodie Hamel – Physiotherapist | Verdun, QC

Élodie Hamel is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Centre Hospitalier Verdun in Verdun, QC, Élodie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She takes a compassionate approach to healing, emphasizing personalized treatment plans that respect each individual's unique needs and goals. Élodie understands that rehabilitation is not just about physical recovery but also about restoring confidence, mobility, and overall well-being, supporting her patients through every step of their journey toward health.
In her practice, Élodie addresses 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. She specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, tailoring her interventions to help athletes of all levels—from recreational enthusiasts to elite competitors—return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Élodie’s holistic approach aims to empower her patients to regain their independence and engage fully in their daily activities.
Élodie completed her degree in Physiotherapy with a focus on evidence-based practices and continuous professional development. She has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy, continually updating her skills to provide the most current and effective treatments. Her philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. She promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Verdun community through proactive physiotherapy. Élodie is fluent in French and English, ensuring clear communication and compassionate support for her diverse patient base.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• 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.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.

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

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Élodie. 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 Centre Hospitalier Verdun, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Élodie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• When trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work, physiotherapy with Élodie can help you work towards resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Élodie frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands.
• At Élodie's physiotherapy practice, individuals with trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury are guided towards sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.

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

Élodie's practice is situated within the Centre Hospitalier Verdun, a central healthcare facility in the Verdun neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located in a modern setting that is accessible for all patients. It is near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to combine their physiotherapy visits with other errands or healthcare needs. The location is well-served by local public transit routes, ensuring convenient access for those using buses or other public transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 directly by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. However, care received within public hospitals or CLSCs might be covered under specific circumstances. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., RAMQ card), any relevant medical reports or imaging results, a list of medications, and your insurance details if you plan to use private insurance. Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement is also advised.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial appointment will include a comprehensive assessment where Élodie will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a physical examination. This may involve evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, and movement patterns. Based on this, she will discuss a personalized treatment plan and may initiate some initial interventions or provide exercises to start your recovery.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a referral, known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your appointment.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnosis, and create treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist, implementing treatment plans and assisting in rehabilitation activities, but does not diagnose or establish treatment plans independently.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, physiotherapy can play a significant role in injury prevention and long-term musculoskeletal health. Élodie can assess movement patterns, identify potential weaknesses, and develop personalized exercise programs to help reduce the risk of future injuries.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area and freedom of movement. Items like shorts, tank tops, or athletic wear are recommended. If needed, a gown may be provided.

Centre Hospitalier Verdun
4000, Boulevard Lasalle
Verdun, QC H4G 2A3

Phone: (514) 362-1000

Élodie Hamel 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.