Mélanie Deschesnes – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Mélanie Deschesnes is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale (CLSC Limoilou) in Québec, QC, Mélanie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Mélanie’s role involves providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. She believes in fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their recovery journey.

With a solid educational foundation and clinical experience, Mélanie Deschesnes completed her degree in Physiothérapie. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development and practices evidence-based physiotherapy to ensure her patients receive the most current and effective treatments. Mélanie’s approach is personalized, tailored to each individual’s unique needs, ensuring that every patient feels heard, respected, and supported throughout their rehabilitation process.

Mélanie values a patient-centered philosophy that emphasizes collaboration, education, and encouragement. She is fluent in English and French, allowing her to effectively communicate with a diverse range of patients and their families, ensuring clarity and comfort during every step of their care.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• 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: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): An overuse injury resulting from repetitive friction of the IT band over the lateral femoral epicondyle (at the knee) or greater trochanter (at the hip).
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Knee discomfort frequently experienced by runners, cyclists, and those involved in activities with repetitive knee bending, which physiotherapy can effectively manage through exercise and biomechanical correction.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• 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.

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

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Mélanie. 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 CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale (CLSC Limoilou), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Mélanie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Mélanie's help, managing trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain to achieve improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.
• The journey to being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations when faced with persistent hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side is made smoother and more effective with Mélanie's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.
• Tired of an awkward gait or limping when I walk interfering with challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing? Mélanie uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Mélanie practices at the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale (CLSC Limoilou), 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 healthcare. The clinic is well-connected by public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for everyone. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What are CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale (CLSC Limoilou)'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 at (418) 529-2572 or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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

Patients in Québec can generally see 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's specific requirements before your first visit.

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

In Québec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if specific criteria are met. It is important to verify your coverage with RAMQ and your private insurer.

How can I book an appointment at CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale (CLSC Limoilou)?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (418) 529-2572 during business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer online booking through our website. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first session is primarily an assessment where Mélanie will discuss your health history, current concerns, and treatment goals. She will perform physical tests to evaluate your movement, strength, and areas of pain or dysfunction. This initial visit aims to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include hands-on therapy, exercises, or education to support your recovery.

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

A Physiothérapeute has completed a master's degree in physiotherapy, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and assists physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, and reporting progress, playing a vital role in patient care.

CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale (CLSC Limoilou)
1405, Chemin de la Canardière
Québec, QC G1J 0A7

Phone: (418) 529-2572

Mélanie Deschesnes 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.