Michaëlle Arseneau – Physiotherapist | Cap-aux-Meules, QC

Michaëlle Arseneau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CISSS DES ILES in Cap-aux-Meules, QC. Michaëlle is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her approach emphasizes understanding each patient’s unique needs and working collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans that promote optimal recovery and wellness.

Michaëlle's physiotherapy practice addresses a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including issues related to muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Whether dealing with acute injuries such as sprains and strains, managing chronic pain, arthritis, or guiding patients through post-operative rehabilitation, Michaëlle offers compassionate and effective care tailored to individuals of all ages—from infants and young children to adults and seniors. Her goal is to help every patient regain function, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Michaëlle continually advances her skills through ongoing professional development. She has developed particular expertise in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, ensuring that her treatments are current and effective. Her practice philosophy centers on a collaborative, patient-focused approach that actively involves individuals in their recovery process. Michaëlle is fluent in French, facilitating clear and respectful communication with her diverse community of patients.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

Hand & Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

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

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Michaëlle can help you move beyond awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis). The focus is on a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids.
• Living with experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy doesn't have to be your norm. Michaëlle applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably.
• Are you finding that general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden stops you from enjoying maintaining your balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails? Michaëlle is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Michaëlle practices at CISSS DES ILES, located in a modern clinic situated in the heart of the central Cap-aux-Meules neighborhood. The facility is part of the 'Clinique externe de centre hospitalier,' conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access the care they need. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring accessible options for all community members. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How can I book an appointment at CISSS DES ILES?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (418) 986-2121 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website at . 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 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).

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 typically pay out-of-pocket or utilize private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy is usually not covered. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance for coverage options.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Michaëlle will review your medical history, discuss your current symptoms or injury, and establish your goals. This is followed by a physical examination, which may include evaluating range of motion, strength, posture, and movement patterns. Based on these findings, Michaëlle will provide a diagnosis or clinical impression, discuss a personalized treatment plan, and often initiate some initial therapy or education to start your recovery process.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your specific insurance requirements before your first visit.

What is CISSS DES ILES's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or no-shows without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make changes.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, including assessment and initial treatment planning, usually lasts about 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs and treatment plan.

CISSS DES ILES
430, Chemin Principal
Cap-aux-Meules, QC G4T 1R9

Phone: (418) 986-2121

Michaëlle Arseneau 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.