Estela Oliveira Melo – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Estela Oliveira Melo is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Institut de cardiologie de Montréal in Montréal, QC, Estela is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her role involves managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Estela employs a comprehensive approach that includes breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, tailored exercise prescription, and patient education to support optimal recovery and health maintenance.

Estela's practice places a strong emphasis on the unique health needs of older adults. She strives to improve and maintain mobility, strength, and balance, while also addressing age-related conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis. Her goal is to reduce fall risk and enhance overall quality of life and independence for her patients. With a focus on evidence-based practices, Estela ensures that each individual receives personalized care designed to meet their specific wellness objectives and improve their functional capacity in daily life.

With a solid foundation in physiotherapy, Estela has developed a particular interest and expertise in areas such as Cardiorespiratory and Geriatric Physiotherapy. She has completed her physiotherapy degree and continuously updates her skills through professional development. Her approach is rooted in ongoing learning and a commitment to providing the highest standards of care. Fluent in English, French, and Portuguese, Estela effectively communicates with a diverse patient population, ensuring clear understanding and active participation in treatment planning.

Estela Oliveira Melo provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Geriatric

• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Supporting seniors to maintain or improve their ability to move around effectively and independently in their home and community through targeted physiotherapy.
• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Helping seniors stay strong, mobile, active, and independent for longer through tailored exercise and functional rehabilitation programs.

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.

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).
• 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-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Estela 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• 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: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• 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.

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

• Estela believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise is hindering your ability to simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around your neighborhood for fresh air, a personalized plan focusing on a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple can make all the difference.
• For those whose aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk has made walking your children to school or the park seem like a distant memory, Estela's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to walking your children to school or the park with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• If working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery is preventing you from fully enjoying giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture, Estela offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Estela practices at the Institut de cardiologie de Montréal, situated in a central Montréal 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-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring accessibility for individuals from various parts of the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to access physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance provider before your first appointment.

What are Institut de cardiologie de Montréal's operating hours?

Our clinic 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 or check our website for the most current hours and availability.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for coverage details.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, allowing them to assess patients, diagnose, and develop treatment plans independently. They can perform advanced procedures with additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments, assisting in implementing treatment plans, helping with exercises, and reporting progress under supervision.

Institut de cardiologie de Montréal
5000, Rue Bélanger
Montréal, QC H1T 1C8

Phone: (514) 376-3330

Estela Oliveira Melo 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.