Melissa Martel

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

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, cognitive difficulties (e.g., 'brain fog', memory issues), fatigue, and emotional changes. Post-Concussion Syndrome refers to symptoms persisting beyond the typical recovery window.

Common Msk

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• 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.

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

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 Centre de Réadaptation Marie-Enfant du CH Ste-Justine, 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:

• Are you finding that recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee stops you from enjoying easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips? Melissa is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve improved circulation and tissue healing through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Struggling with the frustration of a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns)? Melissa develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints. This is key to helping you get back to doing enduring your daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• It's truly rewarding for Melissa to witness patients conquer difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain and experience the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain again.

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

Melissa practices at the Centre de Réadaptation Marie-Enfant du CH Ste-Justine, situated within a central Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easily accessible for patients. The clinic is well-connected by local public transit routes, ensuring that patients can reach their appointments with ease. 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 see a Physiothérapeute (Physiothérapeute) directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally necessary to initiate physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check the specific requirements of their insurance policies before their first appointment to ensure coverage.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are generally scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration depends on your individual needs and the treatment plan devised by Melissa to best support your recovery and progress.

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, enabling them to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, develop treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions independently. They are authorized to perform certain restricted activities if certified. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) has a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises without diagnosing or creating treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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, meaning patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Certain services received directly within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered, depending on eligibility. Patients are strongly advised to verify their specific coverage details with RAMQ and consult their private insurance providers for potential reimbursement options.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at Centre de Réadaptation Marie-Enfant du CH Ste-Justine treat?

Melissa and her colleagues treat a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional conditions. This includes post-surgical recovery such as shoulder or knee surgeries, neurological conditions like stroke, brain injuries, and Parkinson's Disease, as well as sports injuries, balance disorders, and developmental concerns in children. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, neural mobilization, and patient education to support optimal recovery and functional independence.

Centre de Réadaptation Marie-Enfant du CH Ste-Justine
5200, Rue Bélanger E
Montréal, QC H1T 1C9

Phone: (514) 374-1710

Melissa Martel 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.