Physiotherapy for Neck Pain: Effective Approaches and Treatments

Physical therapy offers exercises, advice, and sometimes manual therapy to reduce cervical pain—that is, neck pain—and make it easier for you to carry out your daily activities. A 2021 review of European guidelines—documents that summarize recommended treatments—supports these options. The evidence supporting these recommendations is weak or moderate: they must be tailored to your specific situation 1. A 2017 Danish guideline recommends supervised exercises and manual techniques—performed by hand—over medication for recent neck pain lasting less than twelve weeks. Its recommendations are based on weak evidence or expert opinion 2. To understand the causes and symptoms of neck pain, see our comprehensive guide on neck pain.
At Physioactif, our physical therapists treat patients with neck pain on a daily basis. Your physical therapist will explain the proposed treatment plan, the potential benefits, and any limitations based on your evaluation.
Neck pain can interfere with sleep, work, or movement. These exercises have been studied, in particular, in adults whose pain persists without a specific identified cause 3.
Why Consider Physical Therapy to Treat Neck Pain?
Physical therapy can reduce neck pain and improve daily functioning through a tailored program, without resorting to surgery right away. The choice depends on the symptoms and the evaluation.
10 Quick Tips to Understand Your Pain
One tip a day for 10 days to help you better understand your pain. About a 2-minute read.
Among adults with nonspecific chronic pain—pain that persists without a specific identified cause—certain exercises reduced pain and daily difficulties more than no treatment. The certainty of the evidence was very low: further studies could change these estimates 3. Medications, physical therapy, and other options should be discussed based on your needs, their benefits, and their risks.
| Approach | Possible Benefits | Limitations to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy | May reduce pain and make it easier to move and perform activities; program tailored after an assessment | Requires participation in the exercises and adjustments based on the response |
| Pain Medications | May relieve symptoms; consult a doctor or pharmacist before choosing a treatment | Adverse effects and drug interactions should be checked |
| Neck Surgery | May be considered for a compressed nerve or certain spinal cord problems; the nerve cord that connects the brain to the body | Plan for the procedure and recovery; discuss the benefits and risks specific to the procedure |
| Extended rest | Temporarily reduces strenuous activities | It is generally recommended to stay active and gradually resume activities, unless otherwise directed by a doctor |
Non-surgical treatments and situations in which surgery should be considered
Non-surgical treatment may combine exercises, advice, manual techniques, and medications selected based on your specific situation. Surgery may be discussed if certain neurological symptoms are severe or worsening, or if treatment does not result in sufficient improvement. The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves in the spine that transmits messages between the brain and the body. A nerve root is the portion of a nerve that emerges from the spinal cord.
Two 2025 trials compared surgery with non-surgical care in 180 people with radiculopathy, a condition affecting a nerve root that causes symptoms in the arm, among other things. One focused on a herniated disc, in which part of the cushion between the vertebrae protrudes. The other focused on spondylosis, age-related changes in the discs and joints. At 12 months, surgery led to greater improvement in functional ability in the herniated disc group: the average difference was 7.4 points out of 100, which was below the 15-point threshold defined by the trial as significant. The spondylosis trial did not show a clear difference 4.
A 2024 review included two other trials, involving a total of 117 people. It generally found no clear difference in arm pain or daily functioning, except for certain specific or long-term outcomes. Surgery led to greater improvement in neck pain, loss of sensation, and perceived recovery, but these findings were uncertain 5. The decision should therefore be based on your diagnosis, symptoms, and goals—not on an image alone.
How is a physiotherapy assessment for the neck conducted?
The initial evaluation includes a discussion of your symptoms, an assessment of your range of motion and strength, and nerve tests if necessary. The physical therapist will explain the findings and the proposed treatment plan to you. Please confirm the duration of the appointment with the clinic.
What happens during the first visit
Your first appointment begins with questions about your health. The physical therapist wants to understand when the pain started, how it has progressed, and what makes it worse or better. They are also interested in your daily activities, your job, your past health issues, and your treatment goals.
The physical examination follows this discussion. The physical therapist observes how you move your neck in all directions. They test your muscle strength, assess your posture, and check the mobility of your cervical joints. Neurological tests assess whether your nerves are affected, particularly if you have pain or numbness in your arms. The tests focus on strength, sensation, and reflexes—automatic muscle responses. A review published in 2025, based on research completed in February 2024, reports that the content and accuracy of the neurological examination vary widely from one study to another 6. A 2018 review concludes that data on the accuracy of physical tests of the neck remain limited 7. Certain tests may support the hypothesis of a compromised nerve root, but a single test result is not sufficient to reach a definitive conclusion. The result must be interpreted in conjunction with the person’s medical history, multiple tests, and, if necessary, imaging.
Tests and Measurements Used
| Test | What it assesses | Why it's important |
|---|---|---|
| Range of motion | Neck mobility in all directions | Identifies specific restrictions |
| Neurological tests | Nerve function (reflexes, sensation, strength) | Their results are interpreted as part of the overall evaluation |
| Examining Muscles with Your Hands | Tension and tender points in muscles | Sensitive areas are interpreted in conjunction with the other elements of the assessment |
| Provocation tests | Movements that reproduce pain | Identify the movements that trigger symptoms, which helps in determining the intensity and frequency of exercises or treatments |
| Postural assessment | Head and shoulder position | Identify the positions that your neck is currently having more trouble tolerating |
The evaluation is used to identify movements, symptoms, and limitations that guide the treatment plan.
What are the main physiotherapy techniques for the neck?
Patient education, therapeutic exercises, and manual therapy are the most commonly recommended approaches for neck pain. A review of European guidelines—the documents that list recommended treatments—shows that these approaches are frequently mentioned 1. The same guidelines also mention medications, psychological support, and care provided by a team of professionals. The choice depends on the individual’s profile and assessment. These approaches are combined based on your specific needs. Each treatment plan is tailored to your assessment results.
Manual therapy
La Manual therapy regroupe les techniques appliquées avec les mains sur le cou et les régions voisines. Elle peut compléter les exercices pour réduire la Pain et faciliter les Activities. Une revue Cochrane de 2025, qui évalue les essais de façon structurée, a réuni neuf essais et 694 personnes, surtout avec Pain persistante. Vers quatre semaines, la combinaison améliorait la Pain d’environ 2,4 points sur 10 et les Activities par rapport à l’absence de traitement. Face à un traitement simulé, l’amélioration des Activities restait possible, sans différence de Pain clairement démontrée. Les données étaient peu certaines. Ces comparaisons n’isolent pas l’effet des soins manuels de celui des exercices8.
A 2010 review also found that manual therapy combined with exercises provided better short-term relief than exercises alone. It did not find any lasting differences in several outcomes 9. These findings apply to specific programs.
Joint mobilization is a guided movement of the neck. It can be tried for a specific movement or symptom and then reevaluated based on the observed effect.
The Cochrane review of 51 trials reports similar results for neck mobilization and manipulation across several comparisons. Upper-back manipulation improved pain in the short term compared with a no-intervention control group in some trials, although there is a risk that the benefits may have been overestimated 10. The results and their certainty varied depending on the techniques and study groups.
Temporary muscle soreness may occur after a manual therapy session.
Manual muscle work may be used to relieve discomfort in a sensitive area. The physical therapist will assess its effect on your pain or on a specific movement before continuing.
Cervical traction applies a pulling force to the neck, either by hand or using a device.
Dry needling involves inserting thin needles into muscles without administering an injection, particularly in sensitive areas 11. A 2020 review compiled twenty-eight trials on this technique; the results depend on the comparison, measurement, and time frame studied 12. A trial involving 77 adults compared the needles to a sham injection, both of which were added to exercise and manual therapy. It found no additional benefit from the needles regarding pain or functional activities for up to one year. Both groups showed improvement over the course of follow-up.
Therapeutic Exercises
Exercises are the part of treatment that you do on your own, between sessions and after treatment is complete. The exercises can be continued or adjusted based on your symptoms, your abilities, and your goals.
In adults with chronic nonspecific neck pain, several types of exercises improved pain and functional ability compared with no treatment 3. The 2020 review included 40 randomized trials, in which participants were randomly assigned. It combined direct and indirect comparisons between treatments. The favorable results pertained to strengthening, movement control, and programs such as yoga, Pilates, tai chi, or qi gong. No single type stood out as clearly superior to the others. The very low certainty suggests choosing based on your goals and how you respond.
A Cochrane review of 27 trials in adults supports certain programs that combine strength training, endurance training, and stretching. Some participants also had headaches attributed to neck issues or nerve root involvement; the results are not the same for all exercises or all conditions 13.
| Type of exercise | Goal | How to Adapt the Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Mobility Exercises | Maintain or increase the range of motion allowed | Depending on the neck's response and the actions to be taken |
| Strengthening exercises | Build strength in the neck, shoulders, or upper back | Resistance, repetitions, and rest periods tailored to your ability |
| Endurance Exercises | Maintain or repeat an effort for a longer period of time | Duration and breaks tailored to daily tasks |
Strength-training exercises can be selected and adjusted based on your symptoms, your abilities, and the activities you want to do.
Des exercices de force ou d’endurance du cou peuvent réduire une Neck pain chronique. Dans le Follow-up de 118 femmes ayant fait un programme de 12 mois, les améliorations de la Pain et des capacités se maintenaient à trois ans.14, 15
Exercising muscles can temporarily reduce pain sensitivity. A laboratory study involving 48 people observed this effect after a sustained arm contraction with the elbow held still. Sensitivity decreased near the muscles being exercised and in certain areas of the hands. 16
Une autre étude comparait 21 personnes avec une Pain persistante après un coup du lapin et 19 personnes sans symptômes. Les personnes blessées avaient une Pain et des difficultés légères à modérées. Après avoir maintenu une position accroupie, le dos appuyé au mur, les deux groupes étaient moins sensibles à la pression au cou et à la jambe. Une séance de vélo ne produisait pas cette baisse, sans augmenter la sensibilité.17 Ces résultats après une seule séance ne garantissent pas un soulagement durable et ne prescrivent pas le même exercice à tout le monde.
Understanding the Problem and Participating in Care
Information about pain helps in discussing symptoms, activities, and care options. A review published in December 2023 synthesized 11 studies of programs in which participants learn to manage their symptoms. These programs improved pain levels, functional capacity, and certain pain-related concerns 18. They often combined information, exercises, or hands-on techniques: the outcome cannot be attributed to information alone. Another review reports that structured information alone does not yield significant benefits compared to other forms of care 19. Small, short-term benefits were still possible when it supplemented physical therapy, particularly after whiplash—a sudden movement of the neck during an impact.
Concerns and context can be part of the assessment; their importance and how they are addressed vary from person to person.
What is the McKenzie approach and how does it work?
The McKenzie approach assesses how your symptoms respond to repeated movements and certain positions to guide tailored exercises. The physical therapist also takes your medical history and other exam findings into account.
The basic idea is simple: some movements make your pain worse, while others make it better. The therapist has you perform repeated movements in different directions. Some movements may alter your symptoms during the exam; however, the interpretation of these movements alone does not determine the treatment.
When pain that was radiating down the arm moves closer to the neck during the examination, the physical therapist notes this change. The ability to predict the course of the condition has been studied primarily in the lower back; data for the neck remain limited 20. The 2018 review does not establish that this sign can determine which treatment will work best. It can complement the evaluation but should not dictate the treatment plan on its own.
The McKenzie approach includes exercises that you learn to do on your own between sessions. A 2023 review analyzed 11 trials involving a total of 677 adults. It found an additional average reduction in pain of 1.14 out of 10 compared to the control treatments, with no clear benefit regarding daily functioning 21. In five trials where the average baseline pain was at least 5 out of 10, the favorable difference reached 2.06 points. This result compares study groups; it does not predict your individual response. Follow-up periods were mostly short, and the comparators varied. A 2004 review found only one trial on neck pain, in which the McKenzie method showed benefits similar to those of another exercise program 22.
How many physiotherapy sessions are needed?
There is no set number of physical therapy sessions for neck pain. The treatment plan is tailored to your symptoms, activities, and goals. Chronic cases may require ongoing care that is reassessed based on your progress.
| Element or step | Organization of Follow-Up | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of follow-up | To be discussed from the outset, then reassessed | Continue with visits that provide useful feedback |
| Progression of Symptoms | Schedule a reassessment if the situation changes | Check for pain, range of motion, and neurological signs |
| Program Objectives | Choose exercises you can do between visits | Follow a specific action, such as turning your head or working |
| Medical and Personal Background | Tailor care to other health issues and limitations | Choose a program that is feasible and compatible with your situation |
| Activities to Resume | Gradually increase the intensity based on how your body responds | Find Important Tasks |
| Session Organization | Work with the physical therapist to determine which visits are necessary | Understanding the program and its progression criteria |
| Start of treatment | Frequency adjusted based on the response to the plan | Relieve recent pain and learn basic exercises |
| Treatment progression | Frequency determined and then reassessed based on the response to the plan | Progressing through exercises and developing independence |
| Follow-up | As needed | Adjust the program and routines to reduce the risk of new episodes |
You’ll work with the physical therapist to determine which changes to monitor and when to schedule a follow-up evaluation. If your symptoms or activities aren’t progressing as expected, the therapist will revise the program, identify any obstacles, and discuss other options. A worsening of symptoms or the appearance of new neurological signs requires a more prompt evaluation.
Is physiotherapy covered by insurance in Quebec?
La Physiotherapy peut être remboursée au Québec selon le milieu de soins, votre assurance et les règles du régime concerné. Les soins offerts dans le réseau public sont couverts par le gouvernement; l’accès dépend de l’établissement. L’Ordre professionnel de la Physiotherapy du Québec explique qu’en clinique privée, les conditions varient selon votre contrat ou un régime public admissible23.
| Coverage type | Details |
|---|---|
| Private Insurance | Check the covered services, the amount per session, the annual maximum, and whether a prescription is required. |
| Workplace Accident: CNESST | For eligible medical care following a recognized work-related injury, the clinic bills the CNESST in accordance with its rules and cannot charge you an additional fee for the services to which you are entitled. |
| Traffic Accident: SAAQ | For necessary, doctor-prescribed treatment related to an accident, the current maximum coverage for private clinics is $65 per treatment. Any difference between that amount and the clinic’s actual fee may be your responsibility. |
| No insurance | Ask the clinic for the cost of the evaluation and follow-up visits before your appointment. |
Vous pouvez consulter en clinique privée sans prescription, même si votre assureur peut en exiger une pour rembourser. Selon l’Ordre professionnel de la Physiotherapy du Québec, le physiothérapeute est accessible directement, sans référence médicale, depuis 199024. Consultez aussi les règles de la SAAQ25 et de la CNESST26 avant d’engager des frais.
10 Quick Tips to Understand Your Pain
One tip a day for 10 days to help you better understand your pain. About a 2-minute read.
When should you request a reevaluation or seek medical care?
A reevaluation is necessary if the pain worsens, if your activities are limited, or if new neurological symptoms appear. Severe pain that persists despite the treatment plan may also warrant a medical consultation. Some conditions require a combination of treatments or a different intervention.
The symptoms that require urgent medical attention or a call to 911 are described in our comprehensive guide to neck pain.
Options are discussed with the relevant professionals based on the diagnosis, symptoms, functional abilities, and goals. For more information on nerve compression, see our guide.
The doctor and physical therapist can discuss medications, tests, or a surgical referral together when they are indicated. Your preference and the expected benefits are taken into account in the decision.
What results can I expect from physiotherapy?
Physical therapy can reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you resume your activities. The results depend on the specific problem and the treatment plan. Some types of pain go away; for others, the first sign of progress is being able to sleep better or move more easily, even if some pain remains.
| Results to follow | Example of Progress |
|---|---|
| Pain | Less pain at rest or during a major activity |
| Movement | Turn or tilt your head more easily |
| Activities | Sleep, work, or engage in an activity with less difficulty |
| Autonomy | Know how to perform and adapt your exercises, and recognize when to seek advice |
De nombreuses douleurs au cou s’améliorent en quelques semaines, mais certaines persistent ou reviennent. Ce repère général ne prédit pas votre nombre de séances. Si la Pain ne diminue pas après quelques semaines, si les médicaments n’aident pas ou si la situation vous inquiète, demandez un avis27.
How can you reduce the risk of future episodes of neck pain?
Exercise can reduce the risk of another episode of neck pain, though it does not guarantee that it will never happen again. A review of five trials examined people who were pain-free at the start. Two trials on exercise, involving a total of 500 people, showed a reduced risk, with moderate certainty; one combined exercise with other measures. Three trials on task and workplace modifications did not show a clear reduction 28. Postural habits can be adjusted for comfort without requiring a “perfect” posture. A review of 21 articles found insufficient evidence that leaning the neck forward while using a screen alone causes pain 29. The exercises studied for pain that is already persistent address a different question: treating current symptoms 3.
Maintenance Exercises
After your sessions, maintain an exercise routine that’s tailored to your activities and how your body responds. Also, adjust your breaks based on the tasks and positions your neck can handle.
Daily Habits
Workstation setup can be adjusted based on comfort, tasks, and symptoms; the impact of these changes is then reassessed.
What adjustments should you try based on the sensitive movements?
For neck pain with symptoms when bending the neck forward:
- Limit the time spent with your head bent down.
- When reading or using your phone or tablet, place cushions on your lap and position the device at eye level.
- Rest your elbows on armrests or cushions when you're sitting if doing so makes you more comfortable
- When the pain becomes too severe, lie on your back with your neck well supported until the pain subsides. Stay in this position only if it provides relief.
- Rest your head against a cushion on the wall when you are sitting.
- Avoid cracking your neck.
- Make sure your neck is well supported while you sleep at night by using a pillow that fills the curve of your neck. Make sure your neck isn't completely bent toward your stomach while you sleep (for example, don't sleep on your back with a stack of thick pillows).
For neck pain with symptoms when extending the neck:
- Limit the time spent on the computer and driving if it increases the pain.
- Rest your elbows on armrests or cushions when you're sitting if doing so makes you more comfortable
- When the pain becomes too severe, lie on your back with your neck well supported until the pain subsides. Stay in this position only if it provides relief.
- If looking up triggers pain, try looking down slightly. Keep doing this only if it helps. You don't have to move your chin backward; avoid doing so for the time being if it makes your symptoms worse.
- Rest your head against a cushion on the wall when you are sitting.
- Avoid cracking your neck.
- Make sure your neck is well supported while you sleep at night by using a pillow that fills the curve of your neck. Make sure your neck isn't tilted all the way back while you sleep (for example, don't sleep on your stomach or on your back without a pillow).
Stress Management
If stress is interfering with your sleep, your daily activities, or your exercise routine, talk to your physical therapist. You can discuss relaxation techniques or a tailored treatment plan. Stress alone does not account for all cases of neck pain.
How does physical therapy address specific neck problems?
Physical therapy tailors movements, exercises, and their progression to the symptoms in the neck, any nerve damage, and medical recommendations. The goals may include regaining range of motion, reducing pain in the arm, or resuming an activity. Our guides explain whiplash and torticollis.
After a car accident, the resumption of movement is determined following an evaluation and reassessed based on symptoms and the instructions received. See our guide on whiplash.
When neck pain radiates down the arm, the evaluation may include guided neck and arm movements, followed by a reassessment based on your symptoms and abilities. For more information, read our guide on cervicobrachialgia.
Changes visible on imaging, such as osteoarthritis, are explained in our comprehensive guide to neck pain. Check out our guide to cervical osteoarthritis.
What are some frequently asked questions about cervical physical therapy?
Frequently asked questions about cervical physical therapy include discomfort, manual therapy, choosing a practitioner, access without a prescription, wait times, and how the body responds to exercises.
Is it painful to see a physiotherapist for your neck?
Some techniques may cause temporary discomfort. If you experience significant pain, let your physical therapist know so they can adjust or stop the technique.
Can a physiotherapist crack my neck?
Certains physiothérapeutes utilisent des techniques de manipulation qui peuvent produire un son de craquement. Une revue critique de la littérature s'est penchée sur le bruit articulaire entendu pendant une manipulation, c'est-à-dire une poussée brève et rapide appliquée sur une articulation. Un craquement peut accompagner la technique, mais cette revue soulignait le peu de recherches sur ce bruit30. Cette revue de 1996 porte sur les façons d’enregistrer et d’analyser le bruit, sans mesurer son lien avec le soulagement. Vous pouvez refuser une manipulation. Le professionnel doit expliquer les bénéfices possibles, les risques et les autres options. Les manipulations du cou comportent un risque rare de complication grave; les études décrivent imparfaitement ces événements10. Les mobilisations douces et les exercices peuvent aussi être discutés selon vos préférences.
Should I see a physiotherapist or a chiropractor?
Physical therapists and chiropractors can treat neck pain. In a 2014 international survey of 360 clinicians, exercises and manual therapy were among the two practices 31. Physical therapists reported using certain exercises, pain education, and other strategies more frequently. Chiropractors reported performing rapid joint manipulations more often. These are practices reported by the respondents; they do not constitute evidence of one profession’s superiority over another. Approaches vary: ask what treatments are offered, why, and what other options are available.
Can I see a physiotherapist without a medical prescription?
Yes. In Quebec, you have been able to see a physical therapist directly at a private clinic since 1990. If your medical condition requires a doctor’s referral, the physical therapist will refer you to the appropriate service. However, an insurance company or public health care provider may require a prescription depending on its policies. Be sure to confirm the reimbursement requirements before receiving treatment. See our guide on physical therapy.
How long before you see improvement?
Some types of pain improve within a few weeks, but the timeframe varies depending on the issue. The physical therapist will monitor your pain and activities with you. A lack of progress will lead to a review of the treatment plan; a new neurological symptom or worsening of symptoms requires prompt consultation.
Can neck exercises make my pain worse?
An exercise may cause temporary discomfort. Reduce the intensity or stop the exercise if the pain increases significantly or remains more severe afterward. Seek advice before continuing. If a new nerve-related symptom appears, follow the medical guidelines described in our comprehensive guide to neck pain.
Need professional advice?
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Make an appointmentReferences
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Nos physiothérapeutes ont défini la stratégie de recherche, le plan et le contenu clinique de cet article. Un outil d’IA a soutenu la recherche documentaire et la révision du texte pour assurer une cohérence du contenu et du style d’écriture.
Other conditions
Hip osteoarthritis is the normal wear and tear of the hip joint. It is often said that osteoarthritis is the wear and tear of the cartilage between our bones. That is true, but it involves more than just the cartilage. Cartilage is a tissue that acts as a cushion between the surfaces of our bones and allows our joints to glide smoothly and move fluidly.
This is normal wear and tear of the knee joint. It’s often said that osteoarthritis is the wearing down of the cartilage between our bones. That’s true, but it’s more than just the cartilage. Cartilage is a tissue that acts as a cushion between the surfaces of our bones and allows our joints to glide smoothly and move fluidly.
It is an inflammation of the subacromial bursa in the shoulder joint.
A bursa is a small, thin sac filled with fluid that is found in many of the body's joints. This small sac acts as a cushion within the joint and lubricates the structures that are subject to increased friction.
It is a tissue that surrounds the shoulder and helps keep the shoulder bone in place within the joint. The capsule helps keep the joint stable.
In both types of injury, pain is felt in the neck and then radiates into the arm, or vice versa.
It is a severe strain or tear of the muscle fibers in the groin or inner thigh.
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Blainville
190 Bas-de-Sainte-Thérèse Road, Suite 110,
Blainville, Quebec
J7B 1A7
Located in Blainville, near Rosemère, the Physioactif clinic is easily accessible to residents of the area and the surrounding communities
Boucherville
690 Rue de Montbrun, Suite S,
Boucherville, Quebec
J4B 8H2
Located in Boucherville, the Physioactif clinic is easily accessible to people in the area
Laval
3224 Jean-Béraud Ave., Suite 220, Laval,
QC H7T 2S4
Located in Chomedey, in the heart of Laval, the Physioactif clinic is easily accessible to people in the area
Montreal
8801 Lajeunesse Street,
Montreal,
QC H2M 1R8
Located in Ahuntsic, near Villeray, the Physioactif clinic is easily accessible to residents of both neighborhoods
Saint-Eustache
180 25th Avenue, Suite
201 Saint-Eustache
QC J7P 2V2
Located in Saint-Eustache, the Physioactif clinic is easily accessible to residents of the area and the surrounding communities
Vaudreuil
21 Cité-des-Jeunes Boulevard, Suite 240,
Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec
J7V 0N3
Located in Vaudreuil-Dorion, the Physioactif clinic is easily accessible to people in the area
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