Physiotherapy

Etymology: (1903) ancient Greek φύσις, phýsis (nature) and θεραπεία, therapeía, (therapy).

Physiotherapy treats musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory problems through a combination of effective techniques and exercises tailored to each patient.

Who practices physiotherapy, and what is their training?

All of our physiotherapists are members of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) and can provide physiotherapy diagnoses and treatment plans related to an injury. It is a profession practiced by health professionals who have completed college and university graduate training.

What is the role of a physiotherapist?

The role of the physiotherapist includes acute and chronic pain management, injury prevention and rehabilitation, and healthy lifestyle education.

Physiotherapists are at the heart of rehabilitation of a large number of illnesses and injuries. Physiotherapy treatments are suitable for people of all ages. Physiotherapists can therefore work in a variety of settings including pediatrics, geriatrics and sports medicine.

What is the difference between physiotherapy and kinesitherapy in Quebec?

The meaning of physiotherapy differs depending on where it is practiced. In France, kinesitherapy is the name given to physiotherapy.

In Quebec, kinesitherapy is a distinct discipline. Like physiotherapy, it aims to relieve chronic pain and restore function to the affected limb. To do this, it uses massage and movement techniques. Physiotherapy and kinesiology can complement each other.

When and why should you see a physiotherapist?

Physiotherapy is allowed on a direct access basis, which means that you do not need a referral from a physician to see a physiotherapist.

If pain persists for more than a week, make an appointment at a CMI Clinic even before seeing your doctor. After the first meeting, the physiotherapist will share the results of his or her assessment and determine a treatment plan with you.

If necessary, the physiotherapist may refer you to a physician or another healthcare professional if he or she feels that your condition requires it.

A physiotherapy consultation is particularly important following a sports injury, road accident, work accident or surgery.

You will be advised on how to recover more quickly and supported in the rehabilitation process so that you can return to your work or activities.

Our physiotherapy programs aim to increase your chances of recovery and avoid a relapse of the same injury.

Example of conditions treated at CMI Clinics

  • Lumbar sprain
  • Sciatica
  • Whiplash
  • Shoulder sprain
  • Sprained wrist
  • Knee sprain
  • Sprained ankle
  • Rotator cuff
  • Spinal disc herniation
  • Shoulder tendinitis
  • Knee tendinitis
  • Wrist tendinitis
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Capsulitis
  • Bursitis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Tips:
Remember to bring comfortable clothing, ideally sportswear, as the physiotherapist will most likely have you move around during the evaluation. Also consider bringing clothing that allows you to expose the painful area.

A closer look at a few specific conditions

Physiotherapy can also treat more specific health conditions. Let’s take a look at a few of them that are sometimes overlooked: vestibular and pediatric problems.

– Vestibular physiotherapy

Vestibular physiotherapy aims to improve and correct vertigo, loss of balance and dizziness. These symptoms are caused by a disorder of the vestibular system, a cavity in the ear. They can appear after a stroke, for example.

– Pediatric physiotherapy

Pediatric physiotherapy treats orthopedic or neurological problems in children aged 0 to 17. It treats issues such as coordination and balance disorders, delayed motor development and abnormal gait.

– Sports physiotherapy

Sports physiotherapy is for everyone. It can be for people with sports-related injuries or for those who want to start an activity but have a particular condition (asthma, for example).

What should you expect from a session in our physiotherapy center?

The first physiotherapy session consists of an assessment. The physiotherapist will ask you questions to better understand the nature of your injury or pain.

He or she will then make you move and with the help of various tests specific to your injury, he or she will be able to identify the cause of your pain.

At the end of the assessment, the physiotherapist will establish a treatment plan to help you recover as quickly as possible. This plan will include different physiotherapy techniques and an exercise program.

The whole process is tailored to your injury and your goals so that you and your therapist can work together to relieve your pain.

Tips:
Remember to bring comfortable clothing, ideally sportswear, as the physiotherapist will most likely have you move around during the evaluation. Also consider bringing clothing that allows you to expose the painful area.

The techniques we use in physiotherapy

The physiotherapist’s main tools during your assessment are observation and motion analysis, teaching and listening, regardless of the condition for which you are consulting.

Exercises will help you to keep progressing on the days you don’t have treatment.

The following techniques are frequently used by our physiotherapists:

  • Manual therapy
  • Myofascial release
  • Massage and stretching
  • McKenzie Approach
  • Osteopathy
  • Massage therapy
  • Education and teaching of exercises
  • Exercise training
  • Electrotherapy
  • Needle under the skin
  • Cupping
  • Taping

Costs of a physiotherapy treatment

Most group insurance plans reimburse a portion of the treatment costs.

Some insurers such as CNESST, SAAQ and IVAC cover physiotherapy treatments if the injury occurred as a result of a work or road accident or a criminal act. If this is your situation, you must first consult a physician. He or she will fill out the documents required by the insurer.

Contact us for more information on physiotherapy treatments and insurance coverage.

The cost of a physiotherapy session is not covered by the RAMQ.

In need of a physiotherapy session?

Make an appointment quickly and let us heal you at one of our CMI Physiotherapy Clinics

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