Melanie Jean Matthews-Loughery – Physiotherapist | Petawawa, ON

Melanie Jean Matthews-Loughery is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Canadian Forces Base-Physio Dept in Petawawa, ON, Melanie Matthews is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Melanie Matthews focuses on addressing 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. Melanie Matthews serves adult patients.

Melanie Jean Matthews-Loughery completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Dalhousie University (Graduating Class of 2006). With extensive clinical experience, Melanie Matthews is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Melanie Matthews has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Melanie Matthews employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Melanie Matthews utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Melanie Matthews empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Melanie Matthews offers consultations in English.

Melanie Jean Matthews-Loughery provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Melanie Matthews can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Melanie Matthews, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At Canadian Forces Base-Physio Dept, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Melanie Matthews frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Melanie Matthews's help, managing hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side to achieve enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions) becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• For those whose frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders has made reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain seem like a distant memory, Melanie Matthews's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Patients struggling with loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury can find dedicated and compassionate support from Melanie Matthews. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts.
• At Melanie Matthews's physiotherapy practice, individuals with tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot are guided towards seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio). The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.

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

Melanie Matthews's practice at Canadian Forces Base-Physio Dept is situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Petawawa neighborhood of Petawawa. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Canadian Forces Base-Physio Dept treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment, Postural Assessment and Correction, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

Is there parking available at or near Canadian Forces Base-Physio Dept?

Ample free parking is available for patients directly in front of and beside the building. Look for the designated patient spots.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most of the population. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. Check your private insurance for coverage.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your appointment.

Canadian Forces Base-Physio Dept
P.O. Box 9999 Stn Main
Petawawa, ON, K8H 2X3

Phone: (613) 687-5511

Melanie Jean Matthews-Loughery is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX31

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=91e9b6d5-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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