Nerve pain
Neural pain is often described as a burning, electric shock, or tingling sensation that can follow a specific path in a limb. It can occur when a nerve is irritated or compressed and may vary with different positions or movements.
Why Neural Pain is Often Misidentified
In many cases, pain is only associated with muscles or joints.
However, when a nerve is involved, symptoms can persist even after well-managed local treatment.
When the neural origin is not identified, the management remains incomplete.
Specific evaluation of nerve structures and their pathway.
Techniques to reduce nerve irritation and sensitivity.
Tailored exercises to improve nerve mobility.
Key Steps in Physical Therapy
A physical therapist’s goal is to assess movement and physical function issues, and then plan and implement treatments to restore your mobility and completely eliminate pain. This will help you regain the quality of life you once had.

Comprehensive Physical Therapy Assessment
A comprehensive evaluation lasting about an hour to determine whether the pain is coming from a nerve, a tendon, or a joint.
We also analyze the factors contributing to the problem, such as work, sports, and past injuries.
You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your condition and the next steps.

Treatment, relief, education
Treatments that combine manual therapy and targeted exercises tailored to your condition
We tailor the treatment to your progress and your specific limitations.
You’ll know what to do between sessions to recover faster.

Relapse Prevention and Return to Activities
Once the pain has subsided, we’ll help you gradually resume your activities to prevent relapses, with a clear plan to maintain your progress.
You’ll be able to manage your condition on your own in the long term.
Specific conditions addressed in the treatment
A burning or electric shock sensation starting from the neck and radiating down the arm to the fingers. This is worsened by tilting the neck laterally towards the affected side or by axial compression. Treatment includes upper limb neurodynamics, cervical traction, and postural correction of the shoulder girdle.
Sharp, stabbing pain in the neck with numbness or weakness in a specific arm. Worsens with prolonged neck flexion or carrying a load in a tilted position. Decompression through cervical traction and centralization 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 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.
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.
Pain radiating from the buttock down to the foot, following the path of the sciatic nerve, often accompanied by numbness. This intensifies with prolonged sitting, especially on a hard surface, and while driving. Treatment includes neurodynamics of the sciatic nerve, centralization exercises, and correction of prolonged sitting postures.
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.
Pulsating, one-sided pain accompanied by nausea and hypersensitivity to light, which can last for several hours. Often preceded by a visual aura and triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or sleep disturbances. Treatment of cervical and vestibular triggers and re-education of postural habits to reduce the frequency of attacks.
A burning or electric shock sensation radiating down the leg, sometimes accompanied by numbness in the foot. This is linked to irritation of the sciatic or femoral nerve and is worsened by prolonged sitting on a hard surface. Treatment involves targeted neurodynamics for the affected nerve and education on pain-relieving positions to calm the nerve irritation.
Electric shock-like pain or tingling sensations starting from the neck and radiating down the arm to a specific area of the hand. This is worsened by tilting the neck towards the affected side or by carrying a heavy load with arms hanging. Treatment involves neural mobilization of the brachial plexus and correction of cervical posture to reduce tension on the nerve roots.
An electric pain or a sensation of a pebble under the foot, specifically between the 3rd and 4th toes, worsened by tight shoes. This is caused by compression of the interdigital nerve by the metatarsal heads, often observed in women who wear narrow-toed shoes. Treatment involves correcting weight distribution on the forefoot and using metatarsal pads to help spread the metatarsal heads apart.
A burning pain or a sensation like sitting on a pebble in the anal, vulvar, or perineal area, which is relieved when standing. This is linked to irritation of the pudendal nerve, and it worsens with prolonged sitting on hard surfaces, such as a bicycle seat or an office chair. Treatment includes neural mobilization of the pudendal nerve and releasing the contracted obturator muscles that are compressing the nerve.
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.
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.
Tingling or burning sensation in the sole of the foot radiating towards the toes, worsening after prolonged standing. This is due to compression of the tibial nerve behind the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus), often associated with flat feet or a previous ankle sprain. Treatment includes neural mobilization of the tibial nerve and correcting foot pronation control to relieve the compression.
Numbness and tingling in the little finger and ring finger on the palm side, especially at night and when cycling. Caused by compression of the ulnar nerve at the wrist, common in cyclists and those who work with vibrations. Treatment includes ulnar nerve neural mobilization and correcting wrist position during aggravating activities.
Nighttime tingling in the first three fingers and palm, often waking you up and requiring you to shake your hand. Worsened by tasks involving prolonged wrist flexion or activities with repeated vibrations. Treatment involves median nerve neurodynamics, a nighttime splint, and correcting aggravating work postures.
What many patients discover after a few sessions
Customer satisfaction is our top priority
At Physioactif, excellence defines our approach. Don’t just take our word for it—check out the reviews from our patients.
Our Quality and Satisfaction Guarantees
We offer a three-pronged quality assurance approach: optimized treatment time, a second opinion from a physical therapist, and ongoing expertise to ensure effective care tailored to your needs.


Over 30 insurance plans accepted for physical therapy services
We handle the claim directly so you can focus your energy on your recovery, not on paperwork.








Discover our physical therapy services for treatment
We offer a full range of healthcare services tailored to your individual needs. Whether you’re seeking treatment for a specific condition or looking to maintain your overall well-being, we’re here to help.
A car accident can cause pain, stiffness, or symptoms that develop gradually after the impact. These conditions require a thorough evaluation to prevent them from becoming chronic
An injury at work can limit your mobility, cause persistent pain, and affect your ability to return to your duties. Prompt and structured care is essential to support your recovery
The way you run directly influences your performance and your risk of injury. A biomechanical analysis helps to understand how your body absorbs impacts and produces movement.
Injuries sustained during military service can persist for a long time and affect your mobility, pain levels, and quality of life. These conditions require appropriate care that is recognized by veterans’ programs
When symptoms persist or the results obtained are inconsistent, a thorough evaluation can help clarify the situation. The goal is to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem and avoid guesswork
Pregnancy and postpartum bring significant body changes, particularly in the abdominal and pelvic areas. These transformations can cause pain, loss of control, or discomfort that requires tailored care.
A sports injury rarely happens by chance; it's often linked to overload, an imbalance, or the body's poor adaptation to effort. Understanding why the injury occurred helps prevent its recurrence.
Pain that has persisted for several weeks or months often indicates that the problem is no longer limited to simple physical irritation. Over time, the nervous system becomes more sensitive and perpetuates the pain even after the initial cause has changed
Numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or pain that radiates down an arm or leg is often caused by irritation or compression of the nervous system. These symptoms occur when a nerve is no longer functioning normally or becomes sensitive to movement.
A feeling of stiffness, tightness, or loss of mobility is never something to ignore. Behind this limitation often lies a specific structural issue that prevents normal movement.
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 globally recognized Mulligan approach combines active movement and mobilization to deliver immediate results. This unique technique restores joint function without pain, even in cases where other approaches have failed.
Knowledge is the key to a successful recovery. Our educational approach helps you better understand your pain and gives you the tools you need to actively participate in your recovery and prevent future episodes.
An ill-suited workstation can cause strain and pain that affect your productivity. Our professional ergonomic assessment identifies the adjustments needed to create a comfortable and efficient workspace.
A personalized exercise program is the key to achieving your strength and endurance goals. Our expertise in designing tailored programs allows you to progress safely while taking your abilities and lifestyle into account.
Weak stabilizing muscles can cause pain during prolonged periods of standing or sitting, or even during simple movements. Core exercises are often taught incorrectly, which can hinder your progress. Our specialized approach activates these essential deep muscles, creating a solid foundation for all your movements and daily activities.
Complex musculoskeletal conditions require in-depth expertise for accurate diagnosis and treatment. FCAMPT certification represents the highest level of training in manual therapy in Canada, ensuring specialized care based on the latest evidence.
Joint pain and stiffness can significantly limit your daily activities. Our physical therapists use specialized joint mobilization and manipulation techniques to restore your joints’ natural range of motion and reduce your pain.
Poor posture can be the cause of many everyday aches and pains. Our approach combines precise postural analysis with practical solutions to improve your natural alignment and prevent chronic muscle tension.
Always moving in the same way can lead to injuries because repetitive movements eventually overburden the same parts of your body. Our approach analyzes and precisely corrects your movement patterns to restore biomechanics that won’t cause microtrauma.
Therapeutic taping is a versatile technique that uses various types of adhesive tape to relieve pain and improve joint stability. Among our approaches, we use the McConnell method, which is recognized for its effectiveness in biomechanical correction and the treatment of joint pain.
Tele-physical therapy offers the flexibility of professional care from the comfort of your own home. No matter where you are in the world, you can benefit from our unique expertise. This modern solution provides effective, personalized care tailored to your schedule, while maintaining the highest quality of care.
Primitive reflexes that persist into adulthood can disrupt your balance, coordination, and posture, leading to tension and chronic pain. Our specialized approach targets these primitive motor patterns to restore more mature and efficient movements. These treatments are recommended for persistent pain.
We are pioneers in Quebec in the field of nerve treatment. We know that symptoms of nerve compression—such as tingling, numbness, or burning pain—can disrupt your sleep and affect your quality of life. Our specialized nerve treatment techniques precisely target these sensitive structures to reduce irritation and restore their proper function.
Our clinics
We have locations in several areas to better serve you.
Montreal
8801 Lajeunesse Street,
Montreal,
QC H2M 1R8
Located in Ahuntsic, near Villeray, the Physioactif clinic is easily accessible to residents of both neighborhoods
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
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy
What are your rates for a consultation?
At Physioactif, our rates are $150 for the initial consultation, or $166 for a senior physical therapist. The initial consultation lasts about 60 minutes and allows the physical therapist to conduct a thorough assessment and establish a clear diagnosis. Follow-up consultations cost $110 or $119 for a senior physiotherapist. They are then tailored to your personalized treatment plan: exercises, manual therapy, advice, and education. We accept various payment methods and can provide you with the necessary receipts for your private insurance.
Physical Therapy Treatment: Find Out How It Works
It’s important to know that physical therapy treatments are tailored to each individual and their specific injury. First, the physical therapist will ask you about any changes you’ve noticed since your last appointment. The physical therapist will also check how you’ve been doing with your exercises. If necessary, the exercises will be modified, corrected, or progressed to ensure the best possible improvement in your condition. Next, the physical therapist will perform a few tests to reassess your condition. If your condition requires manual therapy, the physical therapist will treat your joints, muscles, or nerves. Finally, the physical therapist will check if you have any questions or concerns regarding your condition. Read this blog post for more details on how a treatment session unfolds.
Physical Therapy Assessment: Learn About the Physioactif Process
Before your evaluation begins, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your overall health, including any medical conditions, past injuries, surgeries, and a list of medications you are taking. This will give the physical therapist a comprehensive understanding of your health and enable them to better assist you. During the evaluation, you will discuss your condition with the physical therapist. This will be followed by a physical assessment, which will lead to a diagnosis by the physical therapist. Afterward, a treatment plan will be developed in collaboration with the physical therapist. You will leave with your treatment plan sheet, which will also include the exercises you need to do at home. Read this blog post for more details on how the assessment works.
How can I tell if I'm receiving the right physical therapy?
As with any profession, the quality of physical therapy can vary greatly from one clinic to another. Here are a few key indicators to help you determine whether you are receiving high-quality physical therapy care:a. The physical therapist spends the entire duration of your appointment with you.b. You have a home exercise program tailored to your condition that you fully understand.c. You have received a diagnosis and can briefly explain the cause of your problem.d. You know what to do when you’re in pain to relieve it because your physical therapist has given you advice.e. During your appointments, you are not hooked up to electrotherapy devices.f. You have received a clearly defined treatment plan that has been personalized by the physical therapist.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; in other words, you are not just receiving manual therapy without a plan of exercises, advice, and education about your condition. Read this blog post for more details on what constitutes effective physical therapy care.
Physical therapy hasn't helped me in the past—is there still hope?
Yes, there is hope! Whether you’ve seen other physical therapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, or other practitioners, you’ll find solutions with our physical therapists at Physioactif. We’re used to treating complex issues and helping people who haven’t seen results with other professionals. Thanks to this reputation, every week we see patients who come to us even after having consulted 3–4 other professionals who couldn’t resolve their problem. You’ll see from the very first meeting that care at Physioactif is different from what you’ve experienced elsewhere. From diagnosis to exercises and treatments, you’ll notice a difference with Physioactif compared to other professionals who have treated you in the past. We encourage you to come to us full of hope, because we can’t wait to help you!
Do you provide insurance coverage, and do you handle workplace and traffic accident claims?
Yes, your physical therapy treatments may be covered by your insurance. Most insurance plans cover part of the cost of physical therapy. To find out if this applies to you, contact your insurer or review the details of your insurance plan. During your appointment at the clinic, we will work with you to verify your coverage. If your pain is the result of a work-related accident, then the CNESST covers your physical therapy. To do so, you must first see a doctor and obtain a prescription for physical therapy from the doctor. If your pain is the result of a traffic accident, then the SAAQ covers your physical therapy. To do so, you must first see a doctor and obtain a prescription for physical therapy 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 you’ve been dealing with your injury or pain, it’s always possible to improve your condition. In fact, studies show that the duration of your pain doesn’t prevent you from getting better. The majority of the clients we see are people who have been in pain for at least several months. So we’re very comfortable helping people who’ve been in pain for 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, and even 20 years! The most important thing is to start at the beginning—that means getting a physical therapy evaluation to get an accurate diagnosis. After that, you’ll work with your physical therapist to create a treatment plan to start getting better.
Can physical therapy help me?
Physical therapy treats injuries, pain, and discomfort related to bones, muscles, joints, vertebrae, tendons, ligaments, menisci, and nerves—in short, all the structures in the body that allow us to move. If you have pain or discomfort that bothers you or limits your activities, work, or leisure time, then physical therapy is the solution for you. Here are some examples of conditions that physical therapy can treat: back, neck, knee, and shoulder pain; headaches and migraines; jaw pain, concussions, dizziness and lightheadedness, urinary incontinence/prolapsed bladder/pain during sex, sprains, strains, tendonitis, stiff neck, whiplash, fractures, tears, sciatica, herniated discs, contusions, plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, arthritis, car accidents, workplace accidents, sports injuries.
What is the difference between an osteopath, a chiropractor, a physical therapist, a massage therapist, an acupuncturist, and a kinesiologist?
Osteopaths receive non-university training and make a diagnosis using their hands to palpate various parts of the body (organs, bones, muscles, etc.). Their approach is based on the belief that the body has the ability to heal itself and that manipulating organs, bones, and muscles can restore function to affected tissues. Physical therapists have a university education and make a diagnosis based on the history of the injury, the nature of the pain, and a physical examination. They then develop a treatment plan that includes specific exercises, advice on managing activities, postures, and sports, and apply manual therapy treatments as needed.Chiropractors have a university education and often make a diagnosis using X-rays of the spine or a joint, as well as their hands. The fundamental principle has been to use “chiropractic adjustments” to restore the electrical current in nerves that is blocked by joint misalignment. This approach is no longer as prevalent as it once was, since the scientific basis for this practice has been invalidated. The massage therapist has non-university training and uses various massage techniques to work on the muscles in order to reduce pain or stiffness. The acupuncturist has college-level training based on traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncturists use techniques to stimulate an energy called “Qi,” often with needles, to restore energy flow and alleviate pain or treat illnesses.Kinesiologists have a university education and are health professionals specializing in training and physical activity. They use physical activity as a tool to improve physical abilities, prevent risk factors associated with a sedentary lifestyle, and optimize athletic or physical performance. For more details on the differences between these professionals, read this blog post
Do I need a prescription?
No. Anyone can see a physical therapist directly. All you need to do is call the clinic to make an appointment. You do not need to be evaluated by a doctor before starting physical therapy. Physical therapists are experts in assessing pain and do not need a doctor’s referral.However, some insurance companies that cover physical therapy expenses require a doctor’s prescription before reimbursing costs. If this applies to your insurance company, then you’ll need an appointment with a doctor and a prescription if you want to be reimbursed by your insurer. Check with your insurer to see if this applies to you.
How does physical therapy work?
Physical therapy is a medical discipline that helps improve your quality of life and enables you to return to your desired activities when you are in pain. This is achieved through exercises, guidance, lifestyle changes, and hands-on therapy. During the first appointment, the physical therapist conducts a comprehensive assessment of your condition, including a physical examination with tests and certain manipulations. Then, the physical therapist makes a diagnosis and works with you to develop a treatment plan to help you achieve your goals. The physical therapist will monitor your progress over a set period to optimize your recovery until your goals are met. During follow-up, exercises are often necessary to improve your condition, and these can be done at home. At the clinic, the physical therapist performs the necessary treatments and adjusts the treatment plan as needed to ensure proper healing of the injury.
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