Mélanie Lacasse – Physiotherapy Technologist | Granby, QC

Mélanie Lacasse is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CIUSSS de l'Estrie CHUS in Granby, QC, Mélanie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. Mélanie’s approach emphasizes personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring a safe and effective pathway toward improved health and mobility.

With a solid educational foundation and clinical experience, Mélanie Lacasse completed her degree in Physiotherapy. She continually advances her skills through ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices. Mélanie has developed particular expertise in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring, which allows her to deliver comprehensive and effective physiotherapy interventions. Her commitment to excellence ensures that each patient receives attentive, precise, and compassionate care designed to promote optimal recovery outcomes.

Promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Granby community, Mélanie advocates for empowering patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies. Her philosophy centers on fostering patient autonomy and encouraging active participation in health maintenance. Mélanie is fluent in French, facilitating seamless communication with her diverse patient population and ensuring clarity and understanding throughout the treatment process.

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

Common Msk

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.

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

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• 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): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.

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 l'Estrie CHUS, 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:

• When needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips, physiotherapy with Mélanie can help you work towards better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• At Mélanie's physiotherapy practice, individuals with feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems are guided towards a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.
• Rediscover your ability to playing fetch with your dog in the park for an extended time without the constant burden of numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs. Mélanie focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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 l'Estrie CHUS, situated in the Central Granby, Downtown neighborhood of Granby. This Clinique externe de centre hospitalier facility is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via Transport Urbain de Granby (TUG). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiotherapy Technologist directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to *see* a Physiotherapy Technologist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance plan before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some coverage may be available if the care is received directly within a public hospital or CLSC meeting specific criteria, but outpatient private physiotherapy is usually not covered. It is recommended to verify your individual eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first appointment, Mélanie will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. A physical assessment will then be performed to identify the underlying causes of your condition. Following this, Mélanie will explain her findings, collaborate with you to set achievable treatment goals, and outline a personalized plan of care. You may receive initial advice, exercises, or hands-on modalities to start your recovery process.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's degree in physiotherapy, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, diagnose conditions, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They assist in implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy encompasses hands-on techniques used by your Physiotherapy Technologist to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, relax muscles, and enhance nerve function. Common methods include joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, and joint manipulations, all aimed at restoring movement and reducing discomfort.

CIUSSS de l'Estrie CHUS
250, Rue Déragon
Granby, QC J2G 5J4

Phone: (450) 776-4641

Mélanie Lacasse 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.