Melissa Laberge – Physiotherapy Technologist | Sherbrooke, QC

Melissa Laberge is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at Clinique Physio-Santé (Fleurimont) in Sherbrooke, QC, Melissa is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her role involves assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. Melissa serves a diverse patient population, including older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, ensuring that each individual receives tailored interventions suited to their specific needs.

With a solid educational foundation and clinical experience, Melissa completed her degree in Physiotherapy and continuously advances her skills through ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. She has developed particular expertise in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring, which allows her to deliver comprehensive care. Her commitment to staying current with the latest physiotherapy techniques ensures her patients benefit from the most effective and safe treatment options available.

Melissa’s practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. She adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Melissa is dedicated to evidence-based practice and continuous learning to provide the highest standard of care. She is fluent in both English and French, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient demographic.

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

Common Msk

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.

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

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.

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 Clinique Physio-Santé (Fleurimont), 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:

• Patients often come to Melissa feeling defeated by their child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines and resuming performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching your back becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Are you finding that needing to improve your breathing patterns or lung capacity stops you from enjoying working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness? Melissa is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve feeling more stable and confident on your feet, especially on uneven surfaces through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Many find that loss of strength in one of their limbs after an injury significantly impacts their ability to walk your children to school or the park. Melissa helps patients target sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Melissa practices at Clinique Physio-Santé (Fleurimont), situated in the Fleurimont East neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This private clinic facility is conveniently located near the Musée de la nature et des sciences de Sherbrooke and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiotherapy Technologist directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, while a referral is not always legally required to initiate physiotherapy care, some private or extended health insurance plans do require a physician's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify the specific requirements of your insurance plan before your appointment.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy is typically not included. It is recommended to check your private insurance coverage and eligibility with RAMQ.

How can I book an appointment at Clinique Physio-Santé (Fleurimont)?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (819) 573-0400 during business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer online booking through our website. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy encompasses a range of hands-on interventions used by Physiotherapy Technologists to help reduce pain, increase joint mobility, relax tight muscles, and improve nerve function. Techniques include joint glides, soft tissue massage, sustained pressures, and joint manipulations when appropriate, all aimed at enhancing movement and reducing discomfort.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapy Technologists at Clinique Physio-Santé (Fleurimont) treat?

Our Physiotherapy Technologists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues such as back and neck pain, joint problems like arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries such as shin splints, and nerve pain. They also provide specialized care in areas like therapeutic exercise instruction and modality application to help patients restore function and achieve their wellness goals.

Clinique Physio-Santé (Fleurimont)
1115, Rue du Conseil
Sherbrooke, QC J1G 1M4

Phone: (819) 573-0400

Melissa Laberge 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.