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Types of Physiotherapy: The 8 Specialties Explained

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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

[^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

Our clients' satisfaction is our priority.

At Physioactif, excellence guides everything we do, but our patients' experiences truly speak for themselves. Check out their verified reviews to get a clear picture of what to expect.

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I recommend Physioactif 100%. Their approach is unique and tailored to the patient. The service is extremely courteous and professional. I know this firsthand, as I have been a client since the end of April 2019. Physioactif St-Eustache gave me back my active life! I had been followed in physio elsewhere for 2 years, without great results, following a work accident. From my first appointment, I saw a marked improvement, I had a complete support, an intervention plan based on my abilities and my goals. A human approach, listening, professionals who are there out of passion and for the right reasons, a physio 100% with me during my treatments. The rehabilitation took place in 6 months. I returned to 100% of my abilities before the accident. No recurrence since. Thank you a thousand times to Alexis Gougeons, physiotherapist. Again this year, I needed their good care. Sabrina, my new physio, whom I have recommended to several of my acquaintances. In addition to being highly knowledgeable in her field, she is sincerely a warm and curious person, with a beautiful energy. For me it's Physioactif St-Eustache 100% and nowhere else.
Audrey Koch
I have arthritis in my knee. At the end of my workday, I was limping and felt like my knee weighed 100 pounds. My doctor prescribed injections and suggested physiotherapy before resorting to surgery. Before scheduling an injection, I went to see Hayley at Physio Actif. I was assessed, and I was asked what I wanted to achieve with the treatment. Each visit showed improvement. I was given exercises to do at home with increasingly specific details. At each visit, Hayley assessed my progress and manipulated my knee to improve my flexibility. As I improved and my discomfort disappeared, we modified the goals. I rarely have pain. I don't need to physically lift my knee to get into the car at the end of my day. I have not received any injections and rarely have pain. My flexibility is much improved. Hayley was/is available by email at any time. She monitored me between appointments. As the intervals between appointments increased, I was able to call for advice or information. My husband is also a client of Hayley. Whenever he has a new ache, he calls or texts her. Sometimes she makes an appointment. Other times, she will send him a link to an exercise targeting the area. And the receptionist (Annick) is great too. I would recommend Physio Actif to my friends.
Anita Stevens
Following a back injury, I had to seek physiotherapy services. At Physioactif, Myriam was able to give me excellent advice, all with simple and precise explanations, which contributed to my rapid recovery. Thank you, Myriam, for your professionalism and attentiveness.
Bernadette Paré
The Physioactif Ahuntsic team goes the extra mile to make sure you get the support you need. After a dislocated jaw (TMJ disc displacement with reduction), Ariel Desjardins-Charbonneau quickly saw me as an emergency. He listened to me describe my pain, carefully assessed my needs, and proposed an individualized and evidence-based approach to my recovery. Along the way, he adjusted my recovery plan, paying close attention and carefully monitoring my progress. He experimented with different treatments and exercises, measuring the result each time, always looking for the best results. He is NOT the kind of physiotherapist who simply takes a page from a manual and blindly applies those techniques to those in his care. You can tell that he is passionate about his work and that he really wants to help people improve their quality of life. One of his strengths is that he is both extremely professional and very friendly. He is able to establish a solid relationship of trust, which is essential when dealing with a TMJ disc displacement. In general, receiving treatment for TMJ injuries can feel awkward or even embarrassing, as it requires special maneuvers that may seem invasive to people who have never had treatment before. He helped me overcome the initial discomfort by building trust and making me feel comfortable under his care. After nearly two months of physiotherapy and regular exercise, I am almost 100% recovered! Thank you Ariel and Physioactif Ahuntsic!
Shirley C
Thank you to the entire Physioactif team in Boisbriand. Over time, you have always found the right way to relieve my pain with very appropriate exercises. Thank you, David, for your listening and your clear and precise explanations.
Line Lamothe
Physioactif was recommended to me by two of my friends following a back injury at work. The team is very friendly and professional. The office is very clean and they have implemented many safety measures to ensure everyone's safety during the current pandemic. Philippe Paradis was assigned to help me with my back, he is very professional and made me feel much better from my first visit only. I have no more pain after my treatments and I highly recommend Physioactif to anyone looking for physiotherapy.
Scott Newbury
I have been dealing with persistent pain for over 20 years. Alexis Gougeon from Physioactif Laval unexpectedly relieved me of neck pain related to teleworking. Thank you, Alexis!
Nathalie Lessard
Incredible clinic. Very attentive staff, from your arrival to your departure. I am very satisfied with the quality of the therapists who are there to meet our needs. The people who welcome us so kindly and answer the phone are exceptional as well. Moving soon (January 31, 2022) near the Crémazie metro station
Sarah-Aude Lavigne
What else can I say to keep it simple other than... thank you! I have consulted in physio in various clinics in the past, but nothing compares to what I have discovered as an approach and treatment at Physioactif (Boisbriand). Competent staff, interested in sharing/explaining and treating. If my children need to consult in physio one day, it will be at Physioactif.
Martin Leclerc
Thank you to the entire Physioactif Laval team. From the initial appointment to the end of treatment, you feel at home. Special thanks to Lorianne for everything you have taught me. The aches and pains are gone! 👍🏼
Simon-Pierre Hawey

Discover our physiotherapy clinics

We have multiple locations to better serve you.

Blainville

190 Chem. du Bas-de-Sainte-Thérèse Bureau 110,

Blainville, Quebec

J7B 1A7

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Located in Blainville, near Rosemère, the Physioactif clinic is easily accessible for residents in the area and 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 for those in the vicinity.

(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 for residents of both neighborhoods.

(514) 385-5682
ahuntsic@physioactif.com
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St-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 for residents in the area and surrounding communities.

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

21 Cité-des-Jeunes Blvd. Suite 240,

Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec

J7V 0N3

‍

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

(450) 319-0157
vaudreuil@physioactif.com
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