Back pain
Physioactif has 5 physiotherapy clinics in Greater Montreal that unravel the mysteries of your back pain, offering an in-depth assessment for lasting solutions for the lumbar region.


Relieve your lower back pain
This pain can come from several sources: herniated disc, osteoarthritis, muscle tension, or joint blockage. Our assessment identifies the origin of your pain to effectively treat muscles, discs, and joints, improving your mobility and reducing your daily pain.
Manual techniques to release back tension
Stabilization exercises tailored to your condition
Practical tips to protect your back every day
Key Steps in Physiotherapy
The goal of a physiotherapist is to assess problems with movement and physical function. They then plan and apply treatments to restore your mobility and completely eliminate pain, helping you get back to your previous quality of life.

In-depth physiotherapy assessment
A comprehensive, approximately one-hour assessment to determine if the pain originates from a nerve, tendon, or joint.
We also analyze factors contributing to the problem, such as work, sports, or old injuries.
You will leave with a clear understanding of your condition and the next steps.

Treatment, relief, education
Treatments combine manual therapy and targeted exercises tailored to your condition.
We adjust the treatment based on your progress and actual limitations.
You'll know what to do between sessions to recover faster.

Relapse Prevention and Return to Activities
Once the pain is reduced, we structure your return to activities to prevent relapses, providing a clear plan to maintain the results.
You will be empowered to manage your condition long-term.
Specific conditions treated for treatment
Lower back pain in the morning upon waking, improving after a few minutes of gentle movement. Worsens after prolonged standing or extended walking on uneven terrain. Lumbar mobility exercises and deep core strengthening to reduce joint stress.
Asymmetrical back or lower back pain with muscle fatigue increasing during prolonged standing. Maintained by muscular and postural asymmetries related to the spinal curvature, often during periods of rapid growth. Strengthening of paravertebral muscles on the concave side and Schroth mobility exercises to stabilize the curvature.
Acute lower back pain with paravertebral muscle spasms, limiting trunk flexion and rotation. Occurs during lifting with poor posture or a sudden twisting movement of the trunk. Early gentle mobilization and progression to core strengthening to prevent recurrence.
Electric pain, numbness, or weakness in one leg following the precise path of a nerve root. Results from disc or joint compression on a specific root, worsened by coughing or sneezing. Targeted neurodynamics on the compressed root and decompression exercises based on directional preference.
Stabbing pain in the lower back with an electric shock sensation radiating down the buttock and leg. Worsens with prolonged sitting or when bending the trunk to pick up an object from the floor. Centralization exercises based on directional preference and neurodynamics for the sciatic or femoral nerve.
Pain and heaviness in both legs appearing after a few minutes of walking and disappearing when sitting. Related to spinal canal narrowing, often in adults over 60, relieved by bending forward. Lumbar flexion exercises and stationary cycling to maintain mobility without compressing the canal.
Pain starting from the lower back and extending down the front of the thigh to the knee or foot. Related to irritation of the L3-L4 nerve roots, worsened by prolonged standing or walking downhill. Neural mobilization of the femoral nerve and lumbar extension exercises to relieve nerve root compression.
Diffuse lower back pain limiting daily activities such as dressing, driving, or sitting. Affects 80% of adults at least once in their lives, often maintained by a sedentary lifestyle and stress. Pain education, progressive active exercises, and gradual return to meaningful activities.
Pain localized to a specific point in the lower back, worsening with lumbar extension or trunk rotation. Related to irritation of the lumbar facet joints, often in active adults over 50. Lumbar facet mobilization and deep core strengthening to reduce joint compression.
Acute pain localized to a precise point in the lower back, worsened by weight-bearing and coughing. Often related to osteoporosis in older women or severe trauma in younger adults. Safe mobilization after consolidation and bone strengthening through progressive weight-bearing exercises.
Low back pain radiating into the buttocks during prolonged standing or walking uphill. Forward slippage of one vertebra over the next, worsened by back extension activities like cycling. Lumbar stabilization through strengthening of the transversus abdominis and multifidus muscles in a neutral spinal position.
Dull central lower back pain increasing with prolonged sitting or when moving from lying to standing. Silent progression related to disc dehydration, often revealed by a simple lifting effort. Lumbar motor control exercises and transversus abdominis strengthening to maintain disc stability.
What Many Patients Discover After a Few Sessions
Our clients' satisfaction is our priority.
At Physioactif, excellence defines our approach. But don't take our word for it, see what our patients are saying.
Our quality and satisfaction guarantees
We offer a triple quality guarantee: optimized time, double physiotherapy assessment, and ongoing expertise for effective care tailored to your needs.


30+ insurance plans accepted for physiotherapy services
We manage direct billing so you can focus your energy on recovery, not paperwork.








Discover our physiotherapy services for treatment
We offer a comprehensive range of health services to meet your individual needs. Whether for a specific treatment or to maintain your general well-being, we are here to help you.
Road accidents frequently result in musculoskeletal injuries requiring prompt care. We manage SAAQ (Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec) cases, including assessment, treatment, and documentation. The goal is to restore function and enable a safe return to activities and work.
Work-related injuries require structured and documented rehabilitation. We manage CNESST (Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail) cases with an approach focused on returning to work. Treatment aims to restore physical capabilities, reduce limitations, and prevent recurrence.
Some running injuries are linked to repeated mechanical stress. Our video analysis helps identify at-risk biomechanical factors. We combine this analysis with physical tests to suggest targeted corrections, improve running efficiency, and reduce injury risk.
Veterans may experience complex musculoskeletal conditions related to their service. We offer tailored care coordinated with coverage programs. Treatment aims to improve function, reduce pain, and support a return to daily activities within a respectful and structured environment.
If your condition does not improve after several sessions, a complete re-evaluation may be necessary. Our second opinion service aims to validate or adjust the initial diagnosis. We analyze often-overlooked factors, including movement patterns, unevaluated structures, and persistent pain components. This approach helps optimize the treatment plan and accelerate results.
Pregnancy and postpartum periods involve significant biomechanical changes that can cause lower back, pelvic, or abdominal pain. We adapt treatments to each phase to relieve pain, improve stability, and support a safe return to activities. Special attention is given to diastasis recti and pelvic floor recovery.
The McKenzie Approach is a globally recognized assessment and treatment method, particularly effective for back problems. This approach equips you with the tools to independently manage and prevent your pain.
The Mulligan approach, recognized worldwide, combines active movement and mobilization for immediate results. This unique technique restores joint function without pain, even in cases where other approaches have failed.
Knowledge is key to a successful recovery. Our educational approach allows you to better understand your pain problem and gives you the necessary tools to actively participate in your recovery and prevent recurrences.
A poorly set up workstation can cause tension and pain that affects your productivity. Our professional ergonomic assessment identifies the necessary adjustments to create a comfortable and efficient workspace.
A personalized exercise program is key to achieving your strength and endurance goals. Our expertise in designing customized programs allows you to progress safely while respecting your abilities and lifestyle.
Our clinics
We have multiple locations to better serve you.
Montreal
8801 Lajeunesse Street,
Montreal,
QC H2M 1R8
Located in Ahuntsic, near Villeray, the Physioactif clinic is easily accessible for residents of both neighborhoods.
Blainville
190 Chem. du Bas-de-Sainte-Thérèse Bureau 110,
Blainville, Quebec
J7B 1A7
Located in Blainville, near Rosemère, the Physioactif clinic is easily accessible for residents in the area and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Physiotherapy
What are your consultation fees?
At Physioactif, our fees are $150 for the initial consultation, or $166 for a senior physiotherapist. The initial consultation lasts approximately 60 minutes and allows the physiotherapist to conduct a thorough assessment and establish a clear diagnosis. Follow-up consultations cost $110, or $119 for a senior physiotherapist. These are then tailored to your personalized treatment plan, including exercises, manual therapy, advice, and education. We accept various payment methods and can provide you with the necessary receipts for your private insurance.
Physiotherapy Treatment: Find out what to expect
It's important to know that physiotherapy treatments are personalized for each individual and their injury. First, the physiotherapist will ask you about any changes you've noticed since your last appointment. They will also check how your exercises have been going. If needed, exercises will be modified, corrected, or advanced to ensure the best progress for your condition. Next, the physiotherapist will perform some tests to re-evaluate your condition. If your condition requires manual therapy, the physiotherapist will treat your joints, muscles, or nerves. Finally, the physiotherapist will check if you have any questions or concerns related to your condition. Read this blog article for more details on the treatment process.
Physiotherapy Assessment: Discover the Physioactif process
Before your assessment begins, you will need to complete a questionnaire about your overall health, including any health conditions, past injuries, surgeries, and a list of medications you are taking. This will give the physiotherapist a comprehensive understanding of your health to better assist you. During the assessment, you will discuss your problem with the physiotherapist. This will be followed by a physical evaluation, leading to a diagnosis established by the physiotherapist. Afterward, a treatment plan will be developed in collaboration with the physiotherapist. You will leave with your treatment plan sheet, which will also include your home exercises. Read this blog article for more details on the assessment process.
How do I know if I am receiving good physiotherapy?
As with any profession, the quality of physiotherapy can vary greatly from one clinic to another. Here are some key indicators to help you determine if you are receiving high-quality physiotherapy care:a. The physiotherapist spends the entire appointment time with you.b. You have a home exercise program specific to your condition that you clearly understand.c. You have received a diagnosis and can briefly explain the cause of your problem.d. You know what to do to relieve pain when you experience it because your physiotherapist has given you advice.e. During your appointments, you are not connected to electrotherapy devices.f. You have received a clearly defined treatment plan that has been personalized by the physiotherapist.g. Other factors that may hinder recovery (stress, sleep, anxiety, worries, etc.) have been assessed and discussed with you.h. Your treatment is not exclusively passive; meaning you don't just receive manipulations without also getting an exercise plan, advice, and education about your condition. Read this blog article for more details on receiving good physiotherapy care.
Physiotherapy hasn't helped me in the past, is there still hope?
Yes, there is hope! Whether you have seen other physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, or others, you will find solutions with our physiotherapists at Physioactif. We are used to treating complex problems and people who have not had results with other professionals. With this reputation, we receive people every week who come to see us even though they have already seen 3-4 other professionals who have not solved the problem. You will see from the first meeting that the care at Physioactif is different from what you have experienced elsewhere. From diagnosis to exercises and treatments, you will see a difference with Physioactif compared to other professionals who have accompanied you in the past. We encourage you to come to us full of hope, because we are eager to help you!
Do you take insurance and accept work and car accident cases?
Yes, your physiotherapy treatments may be covered by your insurance. Most insurance plans cover a portion of physiotherapy costs. To find out if this is the case for you, check with your insurer or consult the details of your insurance package. During your appointment at the clinic, we will take care of checking your coverage with you. If your pain is the result of a work accident, then the CNESST covers your physiotherapy. To do this, you must see a doctor first and have a prescription for physiotherapy from the doctor. If your pain is the result of a car accident, then the SAAQ covers your physiotherapy. To do this, you must see a doctor first and have a prescription for physiotherapy from the doctor.
I've been in pain for a long time, is it too late?
No, it's never too late. No matter how long your injury or pain has been present, it is always possible to improve your condition. Studies show that the duration of pain does not prevent you from improving. The majority of the clients we see are people who have had pain for at least several months. We are therefore very comfortable helping people who have been in pain for 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, and even 20 years! The most important thing is to start from the beginning and therefore get evaluated in physiotherapy to have a good diagnosis. Afterwards, a game plan will be established with the physiotherapist to start getting better.
Can physiotherapy help me?
Physiotherapy can treat injuries, pain, and discomfort related to bones, muscles, joints, vertebrae, tendons, ligaments, menisci, and nerves (in short, all the structures of the body that allow us to move). If you have pain or discomfort that bothers you, limits you in your activities, work, or leisure, then physiotherapy is the solution for you. Here are some examples of things that physiotherapy can treat: back pain, neck pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, headaches and migraines, jaw pain, concussions, vertigo and dizziness, urinary incontinence/bladder prolapse/sexual pain, sprains, strains, tendinitis, torticollis, whiplash, fractures, tears, sciatica, herniated disc, contusion, plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, arthritis, car accident, work accident, sports injuries.
What is the difference between an osteopath, a chiropractor, a physiotherapist, a massage therapist, an acupuncturist, and a kinesiologist?
An osteopath has non-university training and diagnoses by touching different parts of the body (organs, bones, muscles, etc.). Their approach is based on the body's ability to heal itself, and that manipulating organs, bones, and muscles can restore the function of affected tissues. A physiotherapist has university training and diagnoses based on the injury's history, pain behavior, and a physical assessment. They then establish a treatment plan that includes specific exercises, advice on managing activities/postures/sports, and applies manual therapy treatments as needed. A chiropractor has university training and often diagnoses using X-rays of the spine or a joint, and with their hands. The fundamental principle was to use "chiropractic adjustments" to restore the electrical flow of nerves blocked by joint misalignment. This practice is less common now, as its scientific basis has been invalidated. A massage therapist has non-university training and uses various massage techniques to work on muscles to reduce pain or stiffness. An acupuncturist has college-level training based on traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncturists use techniques, often with needles, to stimulate an energy called "Qi" to restore energy flow and help with pain or illnesses. A kinesiologist has university training and is a health professional specializing in exercise and physical activity. They use physical activity as an intervention tool to improve physical capabilities, prevent risk factors related to sedentary lifestyles, and optimize sports or physical performance. For more details on the difference between these professionals, read this blog article.
Do I need a prescription?
No. Anyone can consult a physiotherapist directly. Simply call the clinic to make an appointment. You do not need to be evaluated by a doctor before going to physiotherapy. The physiotherapist is the expert in evaluating pain and does not need the doctor's opinion. However, some insurance companies that cover physiotherapy expenses require a doctor's prescription before reimbursing the costs. If this is the case with your insurance company, then you will need an appointment with a doctor and a prescription if you wish to be reimbursed by your insurer. Check with your insurer to see if this is the case.
How does physiotherapy work?
Physiotherapy is a medical discipline that helps improve your quality of life and allows you to return to your desired activities when you are in pain. This is achieved through exercises, advice, lifestyle adjustments, and hands-on therapy. During the initial consultation, the physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment of your condition, including a physical examination with tests and some hands-on techniques. The physiotherapist will then establish a diagnosis and work with you to develop a treatment plan to achieve your desired goals. The physiotherapist will monitor you for a specific period to optimize progress and healing until your goals are reached. During the follow-up, exercises are often necessary to improve your condition and can be done at home. In the clinic, the physiotherapist will perform the necessary treatments and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure proper healing of the injury.
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