Physiotherapy is a health science for people of all ages struggling with pain or physical disability. Through manual techniques, exercises and advice, the physiotherapist can help you regain your physical shape and resume your activities.
Why consult a physiotherapist?
The role of the physiotherapist ranges from prevention to rehabilitation. He can accompany you before, during or after a problem that affects your quality of life, such as back, neck or shoulder pain, numbness, headache, leg pain, knee pain or ankle, dizziness, jaw pain, etc. If you are awaiting surgery, a physiotherapist will help you relieve pain and optimize your physical condition to allow you a better recovery after surgery.
You don't have to be injured or sick to consult! Your physiotherapist can also evaluate you preventively in order to optimize your physical condition to prevent injuries. It can also accompany you in a new or long-standing sports practice if you want to improve your performance.
YOU
KNOW?You do not need a medical referral to consult in physiotherapy. Physiotherapists work on the front line, which means you can book an appointment directly with them. If ever your condition requires medical advice, your physiotherapist will direct you to the right resource.
What are the benefits of physiotherapy?
The treatments, exercises and advice from your physiotherapist are primarily intended to relieve your symptoms and allow you to resume your daily, professional, sports and leisure activities as quickly as possible.
By improving your physical abilities such as mobility, flexibility, strength and balance, physiotherapy helps you return to normal. Not only can treatments lessen or eliminate pain, they can reduce the need for medication or even save you from certain surgeries.
Overall, your physiotherapist helps you bring about a lasting change in your daily life so that you can carry out all your activities.
What are the treatments used in physiotherapy?
Different treatments can be used by a physiotherapist, such as manual techniques (joint mobilizations, muscle relaxation, etc.), taping (adhesive tape that can be used, among other things, to support a joint), electrotherapy (ultrasound, electrical stimulation , etc.), thermotherapy (ice or heat) and exercises. Some physiotherapists have advanced training in the treatment of vertigo and dizziness, jaw pain and dysfunction, pelvic problems, venous insufficiency and lymphedema. They can also offer support during pregnancy and rehabilitation for children.
What does a physiotherapy session entail?
From the first appointment, the physiotherapist will assess your condition, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis and propose a treatment plan adapted to your needs. It will be based on a health report that will be sent to you before the first appointment and on a clinical evaluation.
At the beginning of the meeting, your physiotherapist will ask you questions in order to fully understand your problem, your symptoms and your objectives. Then, he will perform various physical tests to assess, for example, the amplitude and quality of your movements, muscle strength, flexibility, motor control, mobility of your nerves, etc.
After this assessment, your physiotherapist will explain the origin of the problem and the cause of your symptoms. He will discuss with you a treatment plan that includes, most of the time, clinic sessions and exercises to be done at home. He will give you advice to apply in your daily life and will teach you exercises to improve your condition, in line with your goals (such as reduce pain or improve your performance).
You can also consult a physiotherapist remotely thanks to telerehabilitation.
Physiotherapy services available
General physiotherapy
Physiotherapists are experts in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders (which affect the muscles, bones and joints), neurological system (nerves, brain and spinal cord) and cardiorespiratory system (heart, lungs and blood vessels). Their extensive knowledge allows them to treat all areas of the body to relieve your symptoms and prevent their recurrence.
Physiotherapy after an accident at work (CNESST)
Physiotherapists and physiotherapy technologists have extensive expertise in treating pain and disability that occurs after an accident at work. They will accompany you towards a complete and lasting recovery.
Physiotherapy after a motor vehicle accident (SAAQ)
Physiotherapists and physiotherapy technologists can support and treat you for pain and disability that occurs after a traffic accident. They will guide you every step of the way to a full and lasting recovery.
Perineal and pelvic rehabilitation
Perineal and pelvic rehabilitation is an effective treatment approach for pelvic problems such as urinary incontinence, organ descent, overactive bladder and for pain related to pregnancy, childbirth or sexual relations. A physiotherapist with advanced training in perineal and pelvic rehabilitation will assess your pelvic floor, hips and pelvis, among other things, then teach you exercises adapted to your condition in addition to providing you with numerous tips to reduce or relieve your symptoms.
Vestibular rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation is an effective way to treat vertigo and dizziness. A physical therapist with advanced training in vestibular rehabilitation will assess the system responsible for balance in the ear to establish the cause of your symptoms and treat them. Vestibular rehabilitation can also treat balance disorders and visual disturbances related to dysfunction of the vestibular system.
Pediatric physiotherapy
Pediatric physiotherapy is intended in particular for babies and children whose motor development is affected by a musculoskeletal, neurological or tone disorder. After a comprehensive assessment of your child’s movement, strength, tone, flexibility and posture, the physiotherapist will suggest a treatment plan and give you advice and exercises to do at home, often in the form of games.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) treatment
Treatment of the temporomandibular joint is an effective approach for jaw pain and dysfunction. Interventions by a physiotherapist with advanced training in the treatment of the temporomandibular joint can take the form of manual therapy techniques, muscle relaxation, exercises and advice to apply in your daily life to reduce or relieve your symptoms.
Concussion treatment
All physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat disorders and disabilities that occur as a result of concussion (or mild traumatic brain injury), and many also have advanced training. You will be guided through every stage of your recovery to know exactly how and when you can resume your activities.
Combined decongestive therapy
Combined decongestive therapy is the most effective way to treat venous insufficiency and lymphedema. Offered by physiotherapists and massage therapists who have advanced training in this subject, interventions may include manual lymphatic drainage techniques, the use of bandages or compression garments as well as exercises to reduce swelling, associated symptoms and their potential complications.
Running assessment
The running evaluation is intended for runners from beginners to experts looking for an effective way to prevent injuries, treat pain related to this sport or improve their performance. A physiotherapist with advanced training in running will analyze your running pattern and your training parameters to establish a treatment plan based on your goals and provide you with numerous advice.
Cycling assessment and positioning
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, cycling assessment and positioning is an effective way to prevent injuries, treat pain related to this sport or improve your performance. A physiotherapist with advanced training in evaluation and cycling positioning will analyze your positioning and your movements, guide the choice and adjustment of your pieces of equipment and establish a treatment plan based on your goals in addition to providing you with numerous advice.
