Mélissa Bilodeau

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

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): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

Arthritis

• 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.
• 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.

Tmj Headache

• Migraines (Supportive Musculoskeletal Care): While physiotherapy doesn't 'cure' migraines, it can be a valuable part of a multidisciplinary management plan by helping to manage musculoskeletal contributing factors or secondary issues (like neck tension, postural strain, or TMJ dysfunction) that may trigger or worsen migraines in some individuals.
• Cervicogenic Headaches: Differentiating and effectively treating headaches that stem directly from problems in your neck joints or muscles.

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

• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Dry Needling / Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS): IMS or dry needling used as part of a comprehensive physiotherapy treatment plan for various musculoskeletal conditions, such as chronic back pain, neck pain, tendinopathies, or sports injuries.
• Acupuncture (Medical or Traditional): Acupuncture as a complementary therapy used by trained physiotherapists to address a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, stimulating the body's natural pain-relieving and healing mechanisms.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.

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 CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent, Kamouraska, 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:

• Are you finding that a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck stops you from enjoying attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout? Mélissa is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio) through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Mélissa's clinic, common concerns like my child walking on their toes most of the time are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like taking energetic, long walks with your dog every day.
• Many find that my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking significantly impacts their ability to simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions. Mélissa helps patients target a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Mélissa practices at CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent, Kamouraska, situated in a central La Pocatière neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring that transportation is straightforward for most individuals. 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 physiotherapy services through direct access, meaning a referral from a physician is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute. However, while a doctor's referral may not be necessary to initiate treatment, some private or extended health insurance plans do require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

Does CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent, Kamouraska offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent, Kamouraska offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and Blue Cross. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing is not available for your plan, the clinic provides official receipts that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. It is advisable to verify your coverage specifics, including any annual maximums or per-visit limits, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Absolutely. Physiotherapy is not only effective for treating current issues but also plays a key role in injury prevention. A Physiothérapeute can assess your movement patterns, identify weaknesses or imbalances, and develop a personalized exercise and strategies program. This proactive approach benefits athletes, workers with physically demanding jobs, and anyone looking to maintain musculoskeletal health and prevent future injuries or recurring pain.

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. Some limited coverage may be available through specific programs for certain populations, such as low-income individuals or seniors, typically within hospital or CLSC settings. Most outpatient physiotherapy in private clinics is paid out-of-pocket or through private insurance. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage details.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, enabling them 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) and focuses on implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, and applying modalities under supervision. They are integral to delivering physiotherapy care under the direction of a physiothérapeute or physician.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. Some discomfort or a gentle stretching sensation may be experienced during treatment, especially in the early stages of injury recovery or chronic stiffness. However, your Physiothérapeute will tailor treatments to your comfort level, ensuring the process is safe and tolerable. The goal is to facilitate healing and improved function, not to cause pain.

What is CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent, Kamouraska's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To accommodate all patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the appointment slot to others who may be waiting. A fee of 50% of the service cost or a set amount may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact the clinic as soon as possible if you need to modify your appointment.

CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent, Kamouraska
1201, 6e Avenue, C.P. 460
La Pocatière, QC G0R 1Z0

Phone: (418) 856-7000

Mélissa Bilodeau 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.