Mélissa Bérubé – Physiotherapist | Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, QC

Mélissa Bérubé is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CISSSL (Pavillon Philippe Lapointe) in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, QC. Mélissa 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). She specializes in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including issues involving muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Her approach encompasses everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Mélissa’s focus is on helping her patients regain function, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life through tailored, evidence-based physiotherapy interventions.

Her clinical practice is particularly attentive to the unique health needs of older adults. Mélissa aims to enhance mobility, strength, and balance in seniors, while managing age-related conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Her goal is to help older patients maintain independence, reduce fall risk, and improve their daily functioning. She serves a diverse patient population, including older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, ensuring that each individual receives personalized care that promotes optimal recovery and long-term wellness.

With a solid educational foundation and extensive clinical experience, Mélissa completed her degree in Physiotherapy. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development, constantly updating her skills and knowledge through evidence-based practices. Mélissa has developed particular expertise and interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Geriatric Physiotherapy/Seniors' Health. Her practice philosophy emphasizes empowering patients through clear education and practical self-management strategies to achieve lasting results. Mélissa is fluent in both English and French, allowing her to communicate effectively with a diverse patient community and ensure comprehensive understanding of treatment plans.

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

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.

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

• 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.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Comprehensive strategies developed with your Physiotherapist 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Helping you manage fibromyalgia symptoms through targeted exercise, education on pain mechanisms, and self-care strategies to improve daily function and overall quality of life.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Mélissa. 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 CISSSL (Pavillon Philippe Lapointe), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Mélissa 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 dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations, physiotherapy with Mélissa can help you work towards a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• For those whose shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult has made performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching your back seem like a distant memory, Mélissa's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching your back with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Tired of feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort interfering with simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions? Mélissa uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Mélissa practices at CISSSL (Pavillon Philippe Lapointe), located in the central neighborhood of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. The clinic is situated within a public healthcare facility that offers easy access for patients, conveniently positioned near community services and pharmacies. It is well-connected by local public transit routes, making it accessible for most patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 use private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. For most outpatient physiotherapy in private clinics, private insurance is usually necessary. It is recommended to verify your specific eligibility with RAMQ and check your private extended health benefits for coverage details.

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 level university education, enabling them to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and focuses on implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress under supervision.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The required number of sessions varies depending on the condition's severity, duration, your goals, and your response to treatment. Mélissa will discuss an estimated treatment plan during your initial assessment and adjust it as needed based on your progress.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is ideal—think gym wear or light exercise attire. For lower-body issues, shorts are helpful; for upper-body concerns, a tank top or loose T-shirt allows proper examination and treatment.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services through direct access, without a physician's referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your appointment.

What is CISSSL (Pavillon Philippe Lapointe)'s appointment cancellation policy?

We understand schedules can change unexpectedly. To accommodate all patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or no-shows may incur a fee, such as 50% of the service cost or a set amount like $XX. Please contact the clinic promptly if you need to change your appointment.

CISSSL (Pavillon Philippe Lapointe)
234, Rue Saint-Vincent
Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, QC J8C 2B8

Phone: (819) 324-4055

Mélissa Bérubé 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.