Mélissa St-Arneault – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Mélissa St-Arneault is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CISSS de L'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation La Ressource in Gatineau, QC, Mélissa is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and age-related conditions, always with a compassionate approach that prioritizes her patients' well-being and recovery. Mélissa believes in empowering her patients through education and personalized treatment plans to foster confidence and independence throughout their rehabilitation journey.

Specializing in addressing issues such as joint pain, muscle injuries, and mobility challenges, Mélissa's focus extends to helping older adults maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. Her approach encompasses a variety of therapeutic techniques, exercises, and patient education strategies tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Whether managing acute injuries, chronic conditions, or post-operative recoveries, Mélissa strives to support her patients in achieving optimal health outcomes and regaining their confidence in movement.

With a solid educational background and ongoing commitment to professional development, Mélissa has cultivated expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Geriatric Physiotherapy. She values a collaborative, evidence-based approach, working closely with her patients to set realistic goals and develop effective strategies for recovery. Mélissa is fluent in French and English, ensuring she can communicate effectively and empathetically with diverse patient populations in Gatineau and surrounding communities.

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

Geriatric

• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Difficulty with walking (e.g., slow gait, shuffling, unsteadiness), transferring (e.g., getting in/out of a chair or bed), using stairs, or performing other daily mobility tasks due to age-related changes, chronic health conditions, deconditioning, or fear of falling.
• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Physiotherapy programs designed to address physical decline in older adults, focusing on rebuilding strength (resistance exercise), improving endurance (aerobic exercise), enhancing balance, and maintaining or improving functional independence.

Post Surgical

• 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-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

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

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Convenient access to expert physiotherapy services from the comfort of your home, office, or any location with an internet connection, ideal for those with busy schedules, living in remote areas, or preferring virtual care.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Providing professional physiotherapy assessment, treatment, education, and exercise prescription directly in the comfort and convenience of your home environment, especially for those who have difficulty attending an outpatient clinic due to mobility issues, severe pain, or other constraints.
• 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 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 CISSS de L'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation La Ressource, 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:

• The path to recovery from awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) and achieving enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions) for returning to a specific physical hobby you had to give up due to pain often starts with expert guidance. Mélissa, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Mélissa frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like playing fetch with your dog in the park for an extended time.
• When my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun, physiotherapy with Mélissa can help you work towards a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Mélissa practices at the CISSS de L'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation La Ressource, situated in the Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighborhood of Gatineau. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Federal Government Buildings, including the Terrasses de la Chaudière, making it easily accessible for residents and workers in the area. The clinic is well-connected via the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT system, providing reliable transit options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

Is there parking available at or near CISSS de L'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation La Ressource?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

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 usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your coverage directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for eligibility and reimbursement options.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., RAMQ), any relevant medical information such as a doctor’s referral note if you have one, reports from recent imaging (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound), and a list of current medications. Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement is also recommended.

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

A Physiothérapeute has completed a master's level university education, granting autonomy to assess patients, diagnose, and develop treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments and assists the physiotherapist or physician in delivering care.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly through a process called direct access, without a physician's referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment.

CISSS de L'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation La Ressource
135, Boulevard Saint-Raymond
Gatineau, QC J8Y 6X7

Phone: (819) 777-6269

Mélissa St-Arneault 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.