Melissa Lafleur – Physiotherapy Technologist | Montréal, QC

Melissa Lafleur is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame in Montréal, 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 primarily serves adults and seniors, helping them regain movement, reduce pain, and optimize their physical health for active and fulfilling lifestyles.

With a solid educational background in physiotherapy technology, Melissa completed her college diploma in physiotherapy at CEGEP. Her clinical experience has strengthened her skills in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring. She remains committed to ongoing professional development, staying updated with evidence-based practices to ensure her patients receive the most effective interventions tailored to their needs. Her approach emphasizes a collaborative and empowering relationship, fostering confidence and motivation in her patients to achieve their best functional outcomes.

Melissa’s practice philosophy is rooted in a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to reach their movement and functional goals. She believes in empowering individuals through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies that promote lasting results. Melissa is dedicated to evidence-based practice and continuous learning, ensuring her interventions are effective and aligned with current physiotherapy standards. She is fluent in English and French, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population.

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

Common Msk

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.

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 CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame, 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:

• Many individuals seek help from Melissa, their physiotherapist, when difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Melissa can help you move beyond dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash. The focus is on experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as playing your musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods.
• Melissa frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of an awkward gait or limping when I walk. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.

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

Melissa practices at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame, situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access. It is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring a smooth journey for those coming from different parts of the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create 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 Physiotherapy Technologist in QC?

Patients in Quebec can typically access physiotherapy services directly through a process called direct access, meaning a referral from a physician is not required to see a Physiotherapy Technologist. However, while a referral isn't legally necessary to begin physiotherapy care, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your specific insurance policy before your appointment to understand coverage details.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapy Technologist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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

In Quebec, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance for these services. Some coverage might be available if the care is received within a public hospital or CLSC meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The required number of physiotherapy sessions varies depending on the individual’s condition, severity, and goals. Factors such as the nature and chronicity of the issue, adherence to prescribed exercises, and response to treatment influence the duration. Your Physiotherapy Technologist will discuss a treatment plan and re-evaluate progress regularly to determine the appropriate number of sessions for your recovery.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain and improve function. Some treatments may cause mild, temporary discomfort, especially if tissues are inflamed or very stiff. Your Physiotherapy Technologist will always work within your comfort level, communicating clearly and adjusting treatments as needed. If you experience significant or persistent pain during your session, inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame
1560, Rue Sherbrooke E
Montréal, QC H2L 4M1

Phone: (514) 413-8730

Melissa Lafleur 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.