Melanie Desjarlais – Physiotherapist | Drummondville, QC

Melanie Desjarlais is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at MELANIE DESJARLAIS, PHYSIOTHERAPEUTE in Drummondville, QC. Melanie is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her approach encompasses a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan tailored to each individual, ensuring optimal recovery and functional improvement.

Specializing in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and pediatric conditions, Melanie offers specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents to address developmental delays, congenital conditions such as torticollis, orthopedic injuries, neurological disorders, and developmental concerns. Her expertise extends to managing acute injuries like sprains and strains, chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation, aiming to restore mobility, reduce pain, and promote overall well-being.

Melanie completed her degree in Physiotherapy, and with extensive clinical experience, she remains dedicated to continuous professional development. Her interests include Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Pediatric Physiotherapy. Melanie’s practice philosophy emphasizes evidence-based interventions and a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to help them achieve their movement and functional goals. She is fluent in English and French.

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

Developmental

• Coordination Challenges / Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) - Supportive Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy to help improve motor skills, balance, coordination, motor planning, and functional task performance for children with DCD or general coordination difficulties, often using a task-oriented or motor learning approach.

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): 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.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Tailored exercises, hands-on techniques, and functional strategies to manage symptoms (e.g., spasticity, weakness, ataxia) and optimize function in various neurological conditions, promoting participation in daily life.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.

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 MELANIE DESJARLAIS, PHYSIOTHERAPEUTE, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Melanie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• At Melanie's physiotherapy practice, individuals with feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older are guided towards a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as running your usual 5k route without knee pain.
• Many individuals seek help from Melanie, their physiotherapist, when an awkward gait or limping when I walk starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio), empowering them to joyfully return to activities like taking group exercise classes at the community center.
• Rediscover your ability to working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness without the constant burden of swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment. Melanie focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Melanie's practice at MELANIE DESJARLAIS, PHYSIOTHERAPEUTE, is situated in the Drummondville Centre, within the Drummondville East neighborhood of Drummondville. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. The location benefits from proximity to public transportation options, including services provided by the Société de transport de Drummondville (STD), ensuring straightforward access for those using transit. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiothérapeute will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy coverage varies. The Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. However, care provided within public hospitals or CLSC may be covered if specific criteria are met. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private extended health insurance plan for coverage details.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master’s degree in physiotherapy and is an autonomous healthcare professional authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, create treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions, including some restricted activities if they hold specific attestations. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level diploma (CEGEP) and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress but does not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

Patients in Quebec can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician’s referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check the specific requirements of your insurance plan prior to your appointment.

MELANIE DESJARLAIS, PHYSIOTHERAPEUTE
1015, Rue du Faucon
Drummondville, QC J2C 7N3

Phone: (819) 850-1234 | Website: www.melaniedesjarlais.com

Melanie Desjarlais 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.