SAAQ Program (Traffic Accidents)

SAAQ physical therapy is designed for anyone whose mobility is limited by an injury sustained in a traffic accident. Our approach is tailored to your condition and goals, whether you’re experiencing a recent symptom or pain that has persisted for months. We identify the root cause before developing a clear treatment plan.

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Physioactif physical therapist assessing a patient's back flexion, SAAQ Physical Therapy Program

How does Physioactif treat injuries resulting from a car accident?

Physioactif begins with a targeted assessment of the affected areas—from the neck to the back, including the nervous system—and determines whether the injury is recent or chronic. This detailed assessment guides a treatment plan with measurable goals. Three approaches work together to relieve pain and restore movement:

This rigor is supported by a team that teaches at the university, presents at conferences, and publishes peer-reviewed research.

If the pain persists despite previous treatments, we investigate what may have been overlooked. From mild cases to more complex conditions, each treatment plan is tailored to your specific condition and your pace of recovery.

Manual therapy to relieve tension and restore mobility

Gradual rehabilitation of the affected area

Gradual Resumption of Your Activities

What is the treatment process like after a car accident?

Each treatment plan follows four clear steps, from assessment to a return to normal activities.

1
Step 1

Initial Assessment

Assessment of the affected structures and the extent of the injury, with a recovery goal set in consultation with you.

2
Step 2

Treatment plan

A personalized plan tailored to your condition, featuring exercises at an appropriate intensity and a realistic timeline, as part of the SAAQ program.

3
Step 3

Active Treatment

Manual therapy, rehabilitation, and targeted techniques, tailored to your progress.

4
Step 4

Prevention and Resumption of Activities

Specific milestones to achieve before returning to work and a program to prevent relapse.

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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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What many patients discover after a few sessions

Pain doesn't always originate from the place where it's felt
Waiting can slow down recovery
Knowing what to do and why often makes a bigger difference than the treatment alone

How does SAAQ coverage for physical therapy work?

Treatment related to a traffic accident may be covered under an SAAQ claim once the claim has been approved and the connection to the accident has been established. Physioactif opens the claim, follows up on it, and provides the required documentation. CNESST and IVAC claims are also accepted, and more than 30 private insurance companies cover our services for the remainder.

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.

Why choose Physioactif for your SAAQ physical therapy?

Here's what sets our approach apart after a car accident.

Recognized expertise: university teaching, conferences, and peer-reviewed research.

Measured progress: Recovery is assessed based on concrete indicators, not solely on the disappearance of pain.

Internal second opinion: A senior physical therapist reevaluates recurring pain or a rehabilitation program that has stalled.

Convenient access: 6 clinics in the Greater Montreal area, a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Google, coverage by more than 30 insurance plans, and direct access without a referral.

Our clinics

We have locations in several areas to better serve you.

Make an appointment now

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Frequently Asked Questions About SAAQ Physical Therapy

What are your rates for a consultation?

The first consultation costs $150, or $166 with a senior physical therapist, and lasts about 60 minutes. This session is used to make a diagnosis, identify the cause of your pain, and develop a treatment plan. Follow-up appointments cost $110, or $119 with a senior physical therapist, and the costs associated with an approved SAAQ claim may be covered.

What types of injuries from a traffic accident does physical therapy treat?

It treats whiplash and neck pain, back pain, sprains, and nervous system disorders, including symptoms that develop gradually after an impact. Physioactif also treats pain that persists after incomplete rehabilitation and pain that recurs despite treatment. Our physical therapists first identify the underlying issue, then tailor the treatment to your condition and your pace of recovery.

Physical therapy didn't help me—is there any hope?

Often, pain that resists treatment points to an underlying cause that has never been identified: symptoms subside before function is truly restored. Physioactif specializes in these situations and offers an in-house second opinion when a previous rehabilitation program has not been successful. Our physical therapists start from scratch with a data-driven assessment to provide you with a solid, evidence-based plan that prevents relapses.

How long does it take to recover from a car accident?

The timeframe depends on the affected structures and when treatment begins, but many patients notice that certain symptoms begin to subside as early as the first few sessions. Early intervention remains the best way to prevent pain from becoming chronic. Physioactif works with you to set realistic goals, assesses your strength and range of motion, and then guides you through a gradual progression until you can fully resume your activities.

Is a doctor's referral required, and do you accept CNESST and IVAC?

In Quebec, physical therapy is available through direct access: no referral is needed to schedule an appointment at Physioactif. However, some private insurers require a doctor’s prescription for reimbursement, so be sure to check the terms of your plan. Physioactif also accepts cases from the CNESST for work-related injuries and from the IVAC for injuries resulting from a criminal act.

Physical Therapy or Another Approach After a Car Accident?

A physical therapist is a healthcare professional trained and supervised to assess, diagnose, and treat physical injuries resulting from a traffic accident. As a member of the OPPQ, they identify the affected structure, develop a treatment plan, and set recovery milestones—an approach rooted in clinical assessment. Other approaches exist in Quebec, including occupational therapy for functional rehabilitation; Physioactif will guide you toward the care that best suits your condition.