Melissa De Michele – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Melissa De Michele is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CUSM CH ROYAL VICTORIA in Montréal, QC, Melissa is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach focuses on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Melissa’s expertise extends to assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson’s Disease.

With a solid educational foundation and clinical experience, Melissa De Michele completed her degree in Physiotherapy. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Over time, Melissa has developed specialized skills and a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy, allowing her to tailor treatments to meet her patients' unique needs effectively.

Melissa’s practice philosophy emphasizes promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Montréal community through proactive physiotherapy. She believes in empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Her collaborative approach involves working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Melissa is fluent in English, French, and Italian, ensuring effective communication with a diverse patient population.

Melissa De Michele provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Physiotherapy focuses on improving balance, strength, sensation (where possible), reducing fall risk, managing pain, and providing education on foot care (especially for diabetic neuropathy) and adaptive strategies.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Alleviating symptoms and improving function for individuals with entrapped nerves through conservative physiotherapy management, helping to avoid more invasive interventions.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

Arthritis

• 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.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• 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.

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

• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Receiving personalized physiotherapy care online through secure and interactive video sessions with your qualified Physiotherapist, including real-time exercise correction and tailored advice.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Tailored exercises, hands-on techniques, and functional strategies to manage symptoms (e.g., spasticity, weakness, ataxia) and optimize function in various neurological conditions, promoting participation in daily life.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Melissa. 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 CUSM CH ROYAL VICTORIA, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Melissa frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Melissa's help, managing recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches to achieve learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• Physiotherapy with Melissa can be a transformative turning point for those affected by clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk. The shared goal is achieving a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness, paving the way for you to enjoy returning to a specific physical hobby you had to give up due to pain and a more active, vibrant life.
• Patients struggling with widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia can find dedicated and compassionate support from Melissa. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as maintaining an upright posture while working on your computer for hours.

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

Melissa practices at CUSM CH ROYAL VICTORIA, situated in a central Montréal neighborhood, within a modern clinic that is easily accessible for patients. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to integrate their physiotherapy appointments into their daily routines. The clinic is well served by multiple public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiothérapeute will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without needing a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't usually required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans do require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check the specific requirements of their insurance policy before their first appointment.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Coverage may be available for physiotherapy provided directly within public hospitals or CLSCs under certain conditions. Most outpatient physiotherapy in private clinics requires payment out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Patients should verify their individual coverage with RAMQ and consult their private insurance plans for possible reimbursement.

What are CUSM CH ROYAL VICTORIA's operating hours?

Our clinic 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 by practitioner and day. Please contact the clinic directly at (514) 123-4567 or visit our website for the most current information and specific practitioner availability.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CUSM CH ROYAL VICTORIA treat?

Our Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, and nerve pain. They also address pelvic health concerns, manage conditions like knee pain, shoulder impingements, and post-stroke rehabilitation. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, patient education, and innovative modalities like Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio) and Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations to help you achieve your functional goals.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary soreness or discomfort after physiotherapy can be normal, similar to after a workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if discomfort persists beyond a couple of days, please contact the clinic promptly. Your Physiothérapeute will want to assess and adapt your treatment plan to ensure your safety and continued progress.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Physiotherapy Technologist in Quebec?

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans. They are autonomous healthcare professionals. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision or treatment plan established by a physiotherapist or physician. They assist with treatment modalities, patient education, and monitoring progress but do not diagnose or independently develop treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

CUSM CH ROYAL VICTORIA
1001, Boulevard Décarie, C RC-8370 Glen
Montréal, QC H4A 3J1

Phone: (514) 934-1934

Melissa De Michele 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.