Mélissa Coulombe – Physiotherapist | Lévis, QC

Mélissa Coulombe is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at PCN Lévis in Lévis, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that adheres to the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Mélissa specializes in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including issues affecting muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Her approach encompasses both acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She also offers specialized assessment and treatment for jaw pain (TMJ/TMD), orofacial pain, and various types of headaches with a musculoskeletal component. Serving adult patients, Mélissa aims to restore optimal function and improve quality of life through personalized physiotherapy interventions.
Mélissa completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience, which fuels her ongoing commitment to professional development and evidence-based practice. She has developed particular expertise and interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as TMJ, headache, and orofacial pain management. Her continuous learning ensures she stays current with the latest techniques and research, allowing her to provide effective and innovative care tailored to each patient's unique needs. Mélissa’s dedication to excellence is evident in her attentive approach and her focus on achieving tangible results for her patients.
Her practice philosophy emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Mélissa believes that empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies is essential for lasting improvement. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood and motivated to participate actively in their recovery. Mélissa is fluent in English and French, enabling her to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations and ensure comprehensive understanding and comfort throughout the treatment process.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• 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).
• 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.

Tmj Headache

• Tension-Type Headaches: Managing and preventing tension-type headaches with physiotherapy, addressing the underlying musculoskeletal factors that contribute to their occurrence.
• Tinnitus (Musculoskeletal/TMJ-Related): Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other noises perceived in one or both ears that are not caused by an external sound. In some cases (somatic tinnitus), these symptoms can be influenced by or linked to problems in the jaw (TMJ), neck (cervical spine), or surrounding muscles that physiotherapy can address.
• Cervicogenic Headaches: Physiotherapy for headaches that are referred from structures in your neck, involving a thorough assessment to identify the neck source and targeted treatments to alleviate it.
• Migraines (Supportive Musculoskeletal Care): Supportive physiotherapy care as an adjunct to medical management for migraines, focusing on alleviating musculoskeletal triggers and improving overall physical well-being.

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

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• 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.

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 PCN Lévis, 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:

• Physiotherapy with Mélissa can be a transformative turning point for those affected by recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches. The shared goal is achieving successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines, paving the way for you to enjoy walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness and a more active, vibrant life.
• Many individuals seek help from Mélissa, their physiotherapist, when recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved circulation and tissue healing, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• Mélissa believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) is hindering your ability to competing effectively in your curling league games, a personalized plan focusing on regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities can make all the difference.

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

Mélissa practices at PCN Lévis, situated in the Lévis Centre within the Lauzon neighborhood of Lévis, QC. The clinic is conveniently located in the Lévis Centre, close to Les Galeries Chagnon, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. The practice is accessible via the Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis), ensuring convenient public transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Does PCN Lévis offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, PCN Lévis offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Patients are encouraged to bring their insurance card and policy details to facilitate the process. However, it is always advisable to confirm your coverage with your insurer prior to your appointment, as plans and reimbursement policies can vary. Please note that patients are responsible for any portion not covered by their insurance, including deductibles, co-payments, or annual maximums.

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 and is an autonomous healthcare professional authorized to perform patient assessments, establish diagnoses, create and modify treatment plans, and perform certain restricted activities such as spinal manipulations if certified. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level diploma (CEGEP) in physiotherapy technology and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician. They assist with prescribed treatments, guide exercises, and monitor progress but do not independently diagnose or establish treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician’s referral, a practice known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check with your insurer before your appointment to confirm their specific requirements. While a referral is not necessary to see a physiotherapist, having one may facilitate coverage with some insurance providers.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and improve function. Some techniques or treatments, such as deep soft tissue work or joint mobilizations, might cause mild, temporary discomfort. Your physiotherapist, Mélissa, will always work within your comfort limits, communicate expectations clearly, and adjust treatments as needed. If you experience significant pain during your session, please inform Mélissa immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Some exceptions may exist for care provided within public hospitals or CLSCs under specific conditions. It is recommended to verify your coverage directly with RAMQ and your private insurance provider, as policies vary and may change over time.

PCN Lévis
5700, Boulevard Étienne-Dallaire, bureau 180
Lévis, QC G6V 8R8

Phone: (418) 838-0121

Mélissa Coulombe 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.