Mélanie Saillant – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Mélanie Saillant is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Université Laval in Québec, QC. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Mélanie’s role involves comprehensive assessment and treatment of a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring personalized rehabilitation plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Her approach emphasizes evidence-based practices and a thorough understanding of the latest physiotherapy techniques to optimize recovery and restore functional independence.

Throughout her career, Mélanie has developed expertise in addressing conditions related to muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. This includes managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain syndromes, arthritis, and post-surgical rehabilitation. She also offers specialized assessment and treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ/TMD) disorders, orofacial pain, and various types of headaches with musculoskeletal components. Mélanie’s comprehensive approach ensures that each patient receives targeted interventions aimed at improving overall well-being and quality of life.

With a focus on adult and senior populations, Mélanie advocates for empowering her patients through education and active participation in their recovery process. She emphasizes the importance of preventative care and promotes long-term wellness through proactive physiotherapy strategies. Mélanie is fluent in English and French, enabling her to effectively communicate and build trusting relationships with a diverse patient demographic.

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

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• 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.

Arthritis

• In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute like Mélanie can tailor exercise programs and provide pain relief modalities to manage conditions such as Ankylosing Spondylitis, Gout, and Rheumatoid Arthritis, with the aim of maintaining mobility and reducing discomfort.

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

• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Comprehensive strategies developed with your Physiothérapeute to help you understand and live better with chronic pain, focusing on improving function, reducing pain's impact, and enhancing self-efficacy rather than solely on pain elimination.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Improving daily function, energy levels, and reducing pain sensitivity for individuals with fibromyalgia through a carefully progressed and individualized physiotherapy plan.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction / TMD Physiotherapy: Comprehensive assessment and management of temporomandibular disorders, which may include manual therapy (intra-oral and extra-oral), specific exercises for the jaw and neck, relaxation techniques, and postural correction.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• Dry Needling / Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS): A technique aimed at releasing muscle knots (trigger points) that can cause local or referred pain, alleviating persistent myofascial pain syndromes, and improving neuromuscular communication to restore normal muscle activity.
• Acupuncture (Medical or Traditional): Traditional acupuncture techniques or anatomical (medical) acupuncture integrated into physiotherapy practice for pain management (e.g., chronic low back pain, osteoarthritis, headaches), swelling reduction, and functional improvement.

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 Université Laval, 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:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak? Mélanie works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as driving for longer periods without neck or back pain.
• The path to recovery from general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden and achieving moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years for easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips often starts with expert guidance. Mélanie, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• For those whose recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery has made performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease seem like a distant memory, Mélanie's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Mélanie practices at Université Laval, situated in a modern clinic within the central Québec neighborhood of Québec. This Maison d'enseignement (private educational environment) facility is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it accessible for patients from different parts of the city. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring easy access for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

How can I book an appointment at Université Laval?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (418) 656-2131 during our business hours. Many of Mélanie's colleagues also offer online booking through our website. The friendly reception team will assist you in finding a suitable time with the appropriate physiotherapist to meet your needs.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause lasting discomfort. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments, such as deep tissue work or joint mobilization, might cause mild, temporary soreness, especially if the tissues are inflamed or stiff. Mélanie will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly, and encourage feedback. If you experience significant pain during treatment, please inform her immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process 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 before your appointment to ensure coverage.

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

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans independently. They can also perform certain restricted activities if certified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but cannot diagnose or independently develop treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ in Quebec. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care in public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered under specific circumstances. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan, as many plans offer coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Université Laval
2325, Rue de l'Université
Québec, QC G1V 0A6

Phone: (418) 656-2131

Mélanie Saillant 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.