Types of Physical Therapy: An Overview of the 8 Specialties | Physioactif
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Types of Physiotherapy: The 8 Specialties Explained

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Lorianne Gonzalez-Bayard
Scientifically reviewed by:
Alexis Gougeon
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Types of Physiotherapy: The 8 Specialties Explained

How to Get Started with Physioactif for Your Physiotherapy Needs?

The eight types of physiotherapy offer targeted expertise for specific populations and conditions. The most common specialties include musculoskeletal, sports, women's health, and neurological physiotherapy. Choosing the right specialty depends on your condition, symptoms, and goals.

At Physioactif, our multidisciplinary team has expertise in several specialties. The initial assessment determines the best course of treatment, whether it's general or specialized. We make internal referrals to specialists or external referrals when appropriate.

Unsure which specialty is right for you? Start with an assessment. Our team will guide you to the appropriate care. Contact Physioactif to book your assessment.

Whatever your condition, there's a type of physiotherapy suited to your needs, and our team is here to help you find it.

References

[^1]: Canadian Physiotherapy Association. (2023). Specialty Practice in Physiotherapy. Retrieved from https://physiotherapy.ca/divisions

[^2]: Higgs, J., et al. (2008). Clinical Reasoning in the Health Professions (3rd ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.

[^3]: Canadian Physiotherapy Association. (2023). Division Membership and Certification. Retrieved from https://physiotherapy.ca/divisions

[^4]: American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. (2022). Specialist Certification Requirements. Retrieved from https://www.abpts.org

[^5]: Jette, D. U., et al. (2020). Physical Therapist Management of Total Knee Arthroplasty. Physical Therapy, 100(9), 1603-1627. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzaa099

[^6]: Boissonnault, W. G., & Badke, M. B. (2005). Collecting health history information: The accuracy of a patient self-administered questionnaire in an orthopedic outpatient setting. Physical Therapy, 85(6), 531-543.

[^7]: FCAMPT. (2023). Fellowship Certification Standards. Retrieved from https://www.fcampt.org

[^8]: Petty, N. J., & Barnard, K. (2017). Principles of Musculoskeletal Treatment and Management: A Handbook for Therapists (3rd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.

[^9]: Veerbeek, J. M., et al. (2014). What is the evidence for physical therapy poststroke? A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One, 9(2), e87987. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0087987

[^10]: McDonnell, M. N., & Hillier, S. L. (2015). Vestibular rehabilitation for unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 1, CD005397. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005397.pub4

Need professional advice?

Our physical therapists can assess your condition and provide you with a personalized treatment plan.

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[^11]: Dumoulin, C., et al. (2018). Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment, or inactive control treatments, for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 10, CD005654. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005654.pub4

[^12]: Sherrington, C., et al. (2019). Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 1, CD012424. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012424.pub2

[^13]: Novak, I., et al. (2017). Early, accurate diagnosis and early intervention in cerebral palsy: Advances in diagnosis and treatment. JAMA Pediatrics, 171(9), 897-907. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.1689

[^14]: Anderson, L., et al. (2016). Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for coronary heart disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 1, CD001800. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001800.pub3

[^15]: McCarthy, B., et al. (2015). Pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2, CD003793. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003793.pub3

[^16]: Desmeules, F., et al. (2013). Advanced practice physiotherapy in patients with musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 14, 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-14-14

[^17]: Kisner, C., & Colby, L. A. (2017). Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques (7th ed.). F.A. Davis Company.

[^18]: Professional Order of Physiotherapy of Quebec. (2023). Entry-to-Practice Requirements. Retrieved from https://oppq.qc.ca

Customer satisfaction is our top priority

At Physioactif, excellence guides everything we do, but our patients are the best ones to tell you about it. Take a look at their verified reviews to get a real sense of their experience.

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A special thank you to Sonia at Physioactif Saint-Eustache! She really listens to our needs and is very friendly. I felt completely at ease with her throughout my entire experience!
Anne-Marie Côté
I really enjoyed my experience at Physioactif Ahuntsic, which was recommended to me by my orthopedist at Fleury Hospital. After fracturing my humerus, I needed several physical therapy sessions. Thomas is professional, attentive, and encouraging, with a touch of humor; he helped me persevere and push myself. Thank you, Thomas! Nathaly H - Ahuntsic
Nathaly Hébert
A wonderful clinic with a highly skilled and attentive team! I saw David for a nerve issue that was preventing me from doing my usual activities. I have nothing but praise for the service and the quality of care I received from David! A big thank you
Erika Gauthier
What else can I say, to keep it simple... thank you! I’ve taken my kids to physical therapy at various clinics, but nothing compares to the approach and treatment I’ve found at Physioactif (Boisbriand). The staff is knowledgeable, eager to share and explain, and dedicated to providing care. If my children ever need physical therapy, Physioactif is where they’ll go.
Martin Leclerc
I was treated by Véronique, and after just two sessions, the tailbone pain I’d been dealing with for five years was gone! I’d seen several specialists over the years, but nothing had helped. Véronique was able to pinpoint the source of my problem right away. Proper realignment and the right exercises made all the difference. Thank you so much, Véronique, for your excellent service and expertise. I highly recommend her to everyone!
Julie Nhan (Brow and Lashberry)
I consulted with vestibular physiotherapist Pascal Boisseau for a problem with dizziness. I immediately noticed his expertise and skill in conducting a comprehensive assessment of my condition. He developed a treatment plan that was appropriate and tailored to my evolving condition. During the first session, the physical therapist conducted a thorough questionnaire to identify the problem, guide the examination, and find a way to improve my daily life despite the dizziness. Then, Pascal performed a physical examination. This laid the foundation for effective treatment. Treatment began during the very first visit. I was given exercises to do at home. Pascal Boisseau’s approach to patients is very courteous. During the second session, he reassessed the situation (no more dizziness following the treatment) and gave me additional suggestions for other concerns I had (balance and muscle flexibility). I have been a client at Physioactif for a long time and have always found the professionals to be highly competent and attentive. That is why I highly recommend this place! Thank you, Pascal! Francesca Barbieri
franc
I highly recommend Physioactif in Montreal, and Isabelle in particular. She gets a 5⭐️ across the board. I’ve seen Isabelle three times over the past few years for various ailments, and I’ve made a full recovery each time. Isabelle stands out not only for her professionalism, sound advice, and treatment plans, but also for her extreme kindness, active listening, and comforting empathy. Don’t hesitate to visit Physioactif and see Isabelle. You’ll definitely be in good hands!
Louise Manuri
I was treated by Sabrina Robitaille, an exceptional physical therapist! She was punctual, a comforting and attentive listener, and provided highly effective and functional treatments. I had been dealing with jaw pain for over a year, and after just a few treatments combined with exercises, I was able to comfortably resume my daily activities. The receptionists are welcoming and kind; they’ll make you feel at ease from your very first visit. I recommend Physio Actif in Saint-Eustache to anyone looking to address their physical ailments.
Jessica Sirkovsky
I had unbearable pain that radiated from my neck all the way to my fingertips. The physical therapist I saw quickly identified the source of the problem and provided the appropriate treatment. After just three visits, everything was resolved!
Jean-Sébastien Deslauriers
As someone who enjoys pretty extreme competitive sports, I’m often completely beat up ☹ It means so much to me to know that you’re always there to fix me up! I can count on both Charles and Claudine to work miracles. And they always do it on an as-needed basis, without requiring me to sign up for a “membership” like other professionals often do. I also really appreciate the “hands-on” approach you promote. You suggest exercises for me to do on my own at home to speed up my recovery. So if I want things to go quickly and smoothly, it’s my responsibility to do the exercises. That means less reliance on the therapist. Which is great. And what can I say about your front desk staff: if I could, I’d give them an 11 out of 10!!! They’re always smiling and always try to find a solution. Now that’s service! Kudos once again to your entire fantastic team. You really are the best! Alain Brousseau
Alain Brousseau

Discover our physical therapy clinics

We have locations in several areas to better serve you.

Blainville

190 Bas-de-Sainte-Thérèse Road, Suite 110,

Blainville, Quebec

J7B 1A7

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Located in Blainville, near Rosemère, the Physioactif clinic is easily accessible to residents of the area and the surrounding communities

(450) 951-6111
blainville@physioactif.com
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Laval

3224 Jean-Béraud Ave., Suite 220, Laval,

QC H7T 2S4

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Located in Chomedey, in the heart of Laval, the Physioactif clinic is easily accessible to people in the area

(450) 688-7497
laval@physioactif.com
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Montreal

8801 Lajeunesse Street,

Montreal,

QC H2M 1R8

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Located in Ahuntsic, near Villeray, the Physioactif clinic is easily accessible to residents of both neighborhoods

(514) 385-5682
ahuntsic@physioactif.com
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Saint-Eustache

180 25th Avenue, Suite

201 Saint-Eustache

QC J7P 2V2

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Located in Saint-Eustache, the Physioactif clinic is easily accessible to residents of the area and the surrounding communities

(450) 623-7268
st-eustache@physioactif.com
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Vaudreuil

21 Cité-des-Jeunes Boulevard, Suite 240,

Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec

J7V 0N3

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Located in Vaudreuil-Dorion, the Physioactif clinic is easily accessible to people in the area

(450) 319-0157
vaudreuil@physioactif.com
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