Mélanie Lamothe – Physiotherapist | Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, QC

Mélanie Lamothe is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Physio Interactive - Hêtrière in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, QC, Mélanie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including issues related to muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Mélanie’s approach involves comprehensive assessments, tailored treatment plans, and ongoing support to help her patients recover, regain function, and improve their quality of life. Whether managing acute injuries or chronic conditions, Mélanie’s goal is to empower her patients through education and effective therapy techniques.
Mélanie’s role extends to the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. She works with individuals of all ages, from older children (5+) and adolescents to adults and seniors. Her focus is on helping athletes of all levels—recreational, amateur, or elite—return safely to their sport, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Her commitment to evidence-based practice ensures that each patient receives care grounded in the latest research and clinical standards. Mélanie continually enhances her skills through ongoing professional development to provide the most effective and innovative physiotherapy interventions.
With a solid educational background and extensive clinical experience, Mélanie has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Sports Physiotherapy. She holds a university master’s degree in Physiotherapy and actively pursues continuous learning to stay abreast of advancements in her field. Mélanie’s practice philosophy emphasizes a holistic, patient-centered approach, fostering collaboration and empowerment. She is fluent in both English and French, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for her diverse clientele.

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

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• 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.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.
• 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.

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 & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid): Skilled application of specialized therapeutic tapes to support your recovery, facilitate healing, reduce strain on injured structures, and enhance your performance or confidence during movement.
• 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.
• 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.
• Orthopedic Bracing & Support Consultation/Fitting: Assessment by your Physiotherapist for and fitting of orthopedic braces or supports (custom or off-the-shelf) to stabilize joints, manage injuries (e.g., ligament tears, osteoarthritis, instability), protect healing tissues, and facilitate safe activity participation.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.

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 Physio Interactive - Hêtrière, 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:

• Mélanie believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease is hindering your ability to shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back, a personalized plan focusing on experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life can make all the difference.
• At Mélanie's physiotherapy practice, individuals with swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment are guided towards achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as being able to carry your baby or toddler without straining your back or arms.
• Many individuals seek help from Mélanie, their physiotherapist, when tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like playing a full game of recreational hockey with your friends.

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

Physio Interactive - Hêtrière is situated in the heart of Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, within a modern private clinic facility in the central neighborhood. The practice 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 that patients can reach their appointments with ease. 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 Physiothérapeute in QC?

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

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Physio Interactive - Hêtrière offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiothérapeute as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiothérapeute will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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

In Quebec, 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. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

What are Physio Interactive - Hêtrière's operating hours?

Physio Interactive - Hêtrière is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with some practitioners offering Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary depending on the practitioner and day. Please call the clinic at (418) 555-1234 or visit our website for the most current schedule and practitioner availability.

Physio Interactive - Hêtrière
3520, Rue de l'Hêtrière, # 202
Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, QC G3A 0B4

Phone: (418) 861-8861

Mélanie Lamothe 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.