Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not necessary to have a medical prescription to consult in physiotherapy. Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals authorized to assess your condition, establish a physiotherapy clinical impression, and begin a treatment plan adapted to your needs.

However, in rare cases, some insurance companies still require a medical prescription for reimbursement of services. We therefore recommend that you verify this with your insurer. If needed, we can guide you through the process. Otherwise, we encourage you to consult as soon as possible in clinic to treat your injury.

The first session begins with a complete evaluation of your condition. Your physiotherapist will take the time to discuss your symptoms, your health history, your goals, and your functional limitations.

A physical evaluation will then be performed to identify the source of your issue (mobility, strength, posture, movement, etc.). Following this evaluation, your physiotherapist will explain their conclusions and propose a personalized treatment plan.

The initial evaluation also includes treatment, which may involve manual therapy techniques to relieve your pain and improve the identified impairments, therapeutic exercises, advice, and strategies to support your recovery at home.

The number of sessions varies depending on several factors, including the nature and severity of your injury, its duration, your general health condition, and your commitment to the treatment plan.

During your initial evaluation, your physiotherapist will provide an estimate of the number of recommended sessions, along with a progression plan. This estimate may be adjusted along the way depending on your progress.

Our goal is always to help you recover efficiently and to make you as independent as possible as quickly as possible.

To get the most out of your physiotherapy session, here is what we recommend you bring:

• Comfortable clothing: Clothing that allows you to move easily (t-shirt, tank top, shorts, or sports pants) so your physiotherapist can assess your mobility and movements without restriction.

• Medical documents: If you have recent medical reports, imaging results (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound), prescriptions, or notes from your physician.

At Évolution Physio, we do everything we can to see our patients as quickly as possible in order to relieve pain and promote recovery.

In general, it is possible to obtain an appointment with a physiotherapist within a maximum delay of 2 weeks. For urgent situations or for the follow-up of sports teams we work with, we have priority time slots available to see you much more quickly.

If there is no availability with physiotherapists at your local clinic, we can also check availability at our nearby clinics to offer you an appointment as soon as possible.

Our priority is to ensure that you can begin your treatment without delay and receive personalized care adapted to your needs.

Yes, we offer evening availability, as we know these time slots are the most convenient for workers and students.

Clinic hours are as follows (except for holidays):

• Monday to Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

• Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m., depending on the clinic

We are unfortunately closed on weekends, but our extended weekday hours generally make it possible to find an appointment that fits your schedule.

The duration of sessions varies depending on your condition and treatment needs.

• Initial session: 60 minutes, including full evaluation, treatment, and plan

• Follow-ups: usually 30 minutes, but 60-minute sessions are also available when needed

Our goal is to provide sufficient time for quality treatment adapted to your situation.

We accept payments by debit card, credit card, and cash for appointments as well as for the purchase of rehabilitation equipment. A receipt will be provided so you can submit a claim to your insurance company, if applicable. At this time, we are not able to bill your insurer directly.

Yes. At Évolution Physio, we accept patients covered by CNESST (Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail) as well as by the SAAQ (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec).

Our team is familiar with the administrative procedures associated with these files and works in collaboration with physicians and other stakeholders to ensure thorough follow-up and optimal rehabilitation.

Yes. It is important to us that all our patients benefit from the same level of care, whether it is for CNESST, SAAQ, or private follow-up.

The duration of sessions, the quality of treatments, and the attention given to your rehabilitation are the same for everyone. Our priority remains your optimal and safe recovery, regardless of the type of file.

In most cases, physiotherapy consultations are covered by private insurance plans, whether through your employer or personal insurance.

The amount reimbursed and the number of eligible sessions may vary depending on your insurance policy.

At Évolution Physio, we provide receipts that meet insurance requirements, allowing you to request reimbursement quickly and easily.

We recommend verifying with your insurer to know the exact details of your coverage and avoid any surprises.

If needed, your physiotherapist can provide a note justifying an exemption from a physical education class, sports activity, or competition. They can also provide information and recommendations to guide the physical education teacher, school staff, coach, or any person involved in the activity, to support an optimal return without risk of re-injury.

If your doctor referred you to physiotherapy, it is recommended to ask your physiotherapist for a note summarizing the main findings of the evaluation or a progress note after a few sessions, especially if you plan to follow up with your doctor for the same condition.

If deemed appropriate, the physiotherapist may also recommend a specific imaging test, another treatment approach, or work-related modifications in the note. You simply need to request it during your session.

Physiotherapists are authorized to complete the section reserved for healthcare professionals on both of these forms. It is important to inform the receptionist when booking your appointment that your request involves one of these forms so the physiotherapist can be properly prepared.

They will ask you questions about your physical abilities and perform certain physical tests to support your application.

Physiotherapy is a regulated healthcare profession in Quebec governed by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Physiotherapists establish a physiotherapy diagnosis and treat musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory disorders. Treatments combine manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, education, movement correction, and modalities, based on the best available scientific evidence.

Osteopathy is a manual care approach that aims to promote balance and mobility of the body’s different structures (muscles, joints, fascia, organs, cranial system, etc.) in order to support the body’s self-regulation capacities. Osteopaths mainly use gentle manipulation and mobilization techniques to improve overall function.

Both approaches can be beneficial depending on the patient’s condition and needs. At Évolution Physio, our professionals will guide you toward an active, personalized approach focused on long-term results.

Physiotherapists are qualified healthcare professionals with university-level education. In Quebec, they must complete:

1. University degree in physiotherapy: a bachelor’s and a master’s degree recognized by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

2. Supervised clinical internships: during their training, students complete multiple internships in various care settings (hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation centers, sports environments, etc.), allowing them to gain practical experience under supervision.

3. Professional exam and licensing: after graduating, physiotherapists must pass the OPPQ competency exam to obtain their license to practice. Membership ensures compliance with professional standards and legal requirements.

4. Continuing education: physiotherapists must regularly complete continuing education to stay up to date with the latest scientific evidence and treatment techniques.

In summary, becoming a physiotherapist in Quebec requires comprehensive university training, supervised internships, and membership in a professional order, ensuring safe, effective, and evidence-based care.

Physiotherapy is not limited to exercises. Although therapeutic exercises are an important part of treatment, physiotherapy combines several approaches to promote recovery and improve function:

• Manual therapy: mobilizations and techniques targeting joints and muscles

• Education and advice: posture, ergonomics, injury prevention, and pain management strategies

• Physical modalities: such as ice, heat, electrotherapy, or specialized equipment when needed

• Personalized plan: each treatment is tailored to your condition and goals

At Évolution Physio, our approach is global and evidence-based to help you recover efficiently, quickly, and sustainably.

Yes, under certain conditions. The physiotherapist must have completed recognized training by the OPPQ and obtained certification allowing them to prescribe X-rays.

The prescription must concern a musculoskeletal injury resulting from trauma that occurred within the last 72 hours prior to consultation, in order to rule out a fracture.

Physiotherapists cannot prescribe X-rays for all conditions. If in doubt, contact us to determine the appropriate course of action.

Some physiotherapists practice “dry needling.” This technique involves inserting fine needles into muscles or specific points to reduce muscle tension and stimulate healing.

Main benefits:

• Relief of muscle pain and trigger points

• Improved mobility and muscle function

• Reduction of spasms and stiffness

• Faster rehabilitation

This is not acupuncture. Dry needling is a scientific, musculoskeletal approach used to treat muscle dysfunction.

The main goal of physiotherapy is to relieve symptoms and promote optimal healing. However, some tests performed during the initial evaluation to identify the source of your pain may cause temporary discomfort. In certain cases, reproducing symptoms is necessary to properly diagnose the issue and ensure nothing important is missed.

It is important to communicate any discomfort to your physiotherapist so they can adjust the tests and treatment techniques to ensure your comfort throughout the sessions. In some cases, it is normal to experience a slight increase in symptoms within 24 hours following the evaluation, but this should typically be followed by pain relief and improvement in your condition.

The primary goal of physiotherapy is to help you achieve optimal participation in your daily activities and in society. This includes relieving pain, improving physical abilities, guiding safe return to sports, and helping you adapt or compensate for limitations and challenges.

Physiotherapy is a science-based approach that promotes healthy lifestyle habits to support optimal function and help you reach your personal goals, whatever they may be.

It is not necessary to undergo imaging tests before consulting a physiotherapist. If deemed necessary, your physiotherapist may recommend that you see a doctor and will provide a note indicating the appropriate test to prescribe, along with key findings from your evaluation.

If you have already seen a doctor and were prescribed a specific imaging test, you can still begin your rehabilitation without waiting for the results. However, it is recommended not to delay the test, especially if there is a risk of a more serious condition (for example, a suspected fracture).

At Évolution Physio, we treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal, neurological, and postural conditions. The most common include:

• Joint and muscle pain: pain in the back, neck, shoulders, knees, hips, elbows, and ankles.

• Sports injuries: sprains, tendinitis, muscle injuries, and issues related to running or team sports.

• Post-surgical conditions: rehabilitation following orthopedic or traumatic surgery.

• Work-related conditions: pain and injuries related to prolonged postures, lifting, or repetitive movements.

• Postural and ergonomic issues: posture correction and prevention of chronic pain.

• Functional rehabilitation: improvement of mobility, strength, and performance in daily or sports activities.

Each treatment is personalized according to your needs, your condition, and your goals, with follow-up based on the best available scientific evidence.

Yes. At Évolution Physio, we are fully qualified to help individuals with back or spinal conditions.

We treat a wide variety of conditions, such as:

• Low back or neck pain

• Herniated discs or disc protrusions

• Sciatica and radiating pain in the legs or arms

• Muscle tension or spasms

• Osteoarthritis or joint degeneration

• Post-spinal surgery rehabilitation

• Problematic posture or pain related to work and daily activities

Our physiotherapists assess each case individually, identify the causes of pain, and develop a personalized treatment plan, including manual therapy, specific exercises, and advice to improve posture and prevent recurrence.

Our goal is to help you regain mobility, comfort, and quality of life while allowing you to safely continue your normal activities.

Yes. At Évolution Physio, we offer specialized follow-up for post-surgical patients, whether it involves orthopedic procedures (knee, hip, shoulder, spine, etc.) or other surgeries affecting mobility and function.

Our approach aims to:

• Restore strength, mobility, and function of the affected joints and muscles

• Reduce pain and inflammation

• Promote a safe return to daily and sports activities

• Prevent complications and recurrence

Each rehabilitation plan is personalized according to your type of surgery, your orthopedic surgeon’s recommendations, your physical condition, and your recovery goals.

Yes. At Évolution Physio, we regularly treat conditions related to osteoarthritis, a condition that affects the joints and can cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement.

Our treatments are personalized and may include:

• Therapeutic exercises: to strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve stability, and reduce pressure on affected joints

• Manual therapy: gentle mobilizations to improve mobility and reduce pain

• Education and advice: regarding posture, safe movements, pain management, and optimization of daily activities

• Complementary techniques: use of physical modalities (ice, heat, electrotherapy) as needed to relieve symptoms

The goal is to reduce pain and inflammation, improve joint function, maintain independence, and slow the progression of symptoms.

Yes. Certain types of headaches can be improved through physiotherapy, particularly those of musculoskeletal or cervical origin (related to the muscles and joints of the neck), as well as some headaches associated with concussions.

At Évolution Physio, we perform a complete evaluation to identify the factors contributing to your headaches, such as posture, cervical mobility, muscle tension, or work habits.

Treatments may include manual therapy, specific exercises, postural education, and advice to reduce the frequency and intensity of symptoms.

The goal is to decrease your headaches, improve your daily function, and prevent recurrence.

Yes. At Évolution Physio, we offer specialized management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. These conditions can cause jaw pain, facial pain, neck pain, headaches, clicking, or difficulty opening or closing the mouth.

Our physiotherapists with specific training in TMJ assess jaw mobility, muscle function, posture, and associated movements to identify the cause of the problem.

Treatments may include manual therapy, targeted exercises, muscle release techniques, and personalized advice to improve function and reduce pain.

The goal is to reduce symptoms, restore mobility, and improve your comfort in daily life.

Yes. At Évolution Physio, we offer concussion management for athletes as well as for the general population who have sustained a head impact (fall, accident, collision, etc.).

The evaluation helps identify the different factors contributing to symptoms, such as the neck, balance, vision, effort tolerance, headaches, and fatigue. Based on this evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is established.

Treatments may include:

• Progressive return-to-exercise programs

• Balance and coordination exercises

• Cervical treatment

• Education and symptom management strategies

This service is offered in some of our clinics. We invite you to contact your clinic of choice to confirm availability.

Recovery after a concussion varies from person to person. In general, most symptoms improve within 7 to 14 days, but this period can be longer depending on several factors such as age, type of sport or activity, history of previous concussions, and the severity of symptoms.

At Évolution Physio, we follow a progressive and personalized approach: we assess your symptoms, balance, coordination, and physical capacities before planning a safe return to activities, work, and sport.

Individualized follow-up ensures that your recovery pace is respected and helps reduce the risk of complications or recurrence.

In some cases, concussion recovery can take longer. Post-concussion symptoms may persist beyond the usual timeframe depending on several factors.

Physiotherapy can therefore be beneficial when symptoms persist for several weeks, months, or even longer. Some concussions can lead to more complex after-effects, such as balance disorders, persistent headaches, significant fatigue, or cognitive difficulties, which can extend recovery time.

At Évolution Physio, we offer personalized and progressive follow-up to help patients:

• Reduce pain and persistent symptoms

• Restore balance, coordination, and mobility

• Regain confidence and safety in daily and sports activities

Even long after the event, physiotherapy can help improve quality of life and facilitate a safe return to activities while respecting each person’s recovery pace.

Yes. Physiotherapy can be very effective in treating certain types of dizziness and vertigo, particularly those of vestibular origin (related to the inner ear and the balance system).

At Évolution Physio, our physiotherapists trained in vestibular rehabilitation can assess your condition in order to identify the cause of your symptoms and propose a personalized treatment plan.

Treatments may include:

• Specific maneuvers for positional vertigo (e.g., BPPV)

• Balance and gaze stabilization exercises

• Progressive rehabilitation exercises

The goal is to reduce dizziness, improve balance, and allow you to safely return to your activities.

We invite you to contact your clinic to ensure that the service is offered, as it is not available in all Évolution Physio clinics.

Yes. At Évolution Physio, we treat a wide variety of sports injuries in recreational, competitive, and elite athletes. Our team has strong experience working with numerous sports teams on the North Shore, including hockey, soccer, volleyball, football, gymnastics, and many others.

We perform a complete evaluation to identify the causes of your injury and establish a personalized treatment plan focused on pain reduction, optimal recovery, and a fast but safe return to sport.

We also support you in planning a progressive return to training and competition, with the objective of improving performance and reducing the risk of recurrence.

For our partner teams, appointments are prioritized to allow athletes to return to play as quickly as possible. In addition, young athletes who are part of our partner teams have direct and privileged access to our sports medicine team when needed.

We invite you to contact us to find out whether your child is part of our list of partner sports teams in order to benefit from faster service and reduced rates.

Our goal is always to help you return to the sport you enjoy as quickly as possible, while respecting the necessary timelines and stages for safe healing.

In many cases, it is not necessary to completely stop running, but rather to temporarily adjust the volume, intensity, or type of training based on your condition.

At Évolution Physio, we have physiotherapists specialized in running who assess your injury, your running mechanics, and your tolerance to effort in order to establish a progressive, personalized, and safe return-to-running plan.

Since every situation is different, a physiotherapy evaluation helps determine the best time and method to resume running. The goal is to return safely, without risk of recurrence, and to optimize your long-term performance.

Returning to sport should be done progressively and safely. At Évolution Physio, we evaluate several criteria before allowing you to resume your activities:

• Strength and mobility: Your physiotherapist ensures that your joints and muscles are functioning properly and without pain.

• Endurance and motor control: You must be able to perform movements specific to your sport in a stable and efficient manner.

• Absence of pain or symptoms: Returning should not cause significant pain, inflammation, or swelling.

• Functional tests: We may perform sport-specific tests to ensure you are ready to meet the demands of your discipline.

If these criteria are met, a progressive return program is implemented to gradually reintegrate training and competition while minimizing the risk of recurrence.

Absolutely. At Évolution Physio, we treat individuals of all ages and place great importance on each patient, without judgment. Whether you are an athlete or not, you deserve a level of care comparable to that provided to athletes.

Our goal is to help everyone return to the activities they enjoy or improve their quality of life, whether in daily life, at work, or in leisure activities.

Physiotherapy can help relieve pain, restore mobility, strengthen the body, and prevent injuries, regardless of your age or activity level.

Yes. At Évolution Physio, we offer personalized injury prevention programs for athletes of all levels, from recreational individuals to competitive teams.

These programs target muscle strengthening, mobility, motor control, and sport-specific movements in order to reduce the risk of injury.

We also work with several hockey, soccer, volleyball, and football teams, as well as school and college sports programs, to integrate prevention directly into training and promote long-term performance.

Yes. At Évolution Physio, we treat all running-related injuries, whether they involve the knees, ankles, hips, back, or feet.

We have physiotherapists specialized in running who are trained to support runners of all levels. They assess your mechanics, identify the cause of the injury, and develop a personalized rehabilitation plan, including targeted exercises, training advice, and a progressive return to running.

Our goal is to help you return to running safely and prevent future injuries.

Yes. It is possible to consult a physiotherapist for preventive purposes, whether before starting a new physical activity, planning a return to sport, determining if you are ready to participate in a training camp, preventing loss of independence or deconditioning in older adults, or simply avoiding the development of injuries by adopting healthy lifestyle habits.

You do not need to be experiencing pain to benefit from physiotherapy.

General musculoskeletal physiotherapy treatments (sports injuries, tendinitis, osteoarthritis, sprains, CNESST or SAAQ cases, etc.) are available in all our clinics.

However, certain specialized services (vestibular rehabilitation, global postural re-education, running, bike fitting, jaw dysfunction, cranial therapy, concussion management, pelvic rehabilitation, massage therapy, osteopathy, occupational therapy, etc.) are not offered in all clinics.

We recommend contacting the clinic of your choice directly to confirm whether the desired treatment is available there.

Pelvic (or perineal) physiotherapy aims to assess and treat pelvic floor disorders, a group of muscles essential for urinary and bowel control, organ support, sexual function, and trunk stability.

It can help treat conditions such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and discomfort during pregnancy or postpartum.

The first session includes a discussion of your symptoms and a personalized evaluation. With your consent, an external and/or internal examination may be performed.

At Évolution Physio, we have physiotherapists, but our team also includes other health and sports professionals depending on the clinic.

Our team may include sports physicians, specialized physiotherapists (pelvic, postural), physiotherapy technologists, massage therapists, osteopaths, athletic therapists, and occupational therapists.

This multidisciplinary approach allows us to offer comprehensive and personalized care adapted to your needs, whether for rehabilitation, injury prevention, or performance improvement.

Not all clinics offer all services. We recommend contacting us to confirm availability near you.

Yes. Physiotherapists can treat children and adolescents for injuries and pain without specialized training.

For developmental issues, torticollis, plagiocephaly, or children under 3 years old, it is recommended to consult a pediatric physiotherapy specialist.

For children over 14, the decision is theirs.

For children 13 and under, it is recommended that a parent be present to provide information and understand the treatment plan.

Yes. Physiotherapy is suitable for all ages.

Treatment focuses on mobility, balance, daily activities, and maintaining independence.

It is recommended that a family member be present for patients with cognitive impairments.

Yes. Évolution Physio clinics offer free parking directly on site. We place great importance on ease of access, knowing that getting around can be more difficult when you are injured. Our clinics also have parking spaces reserved for individuals with reduced mobility permits.

Our goal is to make your visit as simple and comfortable as possible, starting from the moment you arrive.

All clinics that are not located on the ground floor are equipped with an elevator to facilitate accessibility. If you have a disability or reduced mobility, it is recommended to mention it when booking your appointment so that our staff can accommodate you as best as possible.

All our clinics are equipped with kinesiology tape, resistance bands for strengthening, massage balls, and certain types of braces available for purchase.

To find out about product availability (especially brace sizes) and pricing, please contact us or ask your physiotherapist during your next appointment. If we do not have the item you are looking for in stock, we will do our best to direct you to the nearest place where you can obtain it.

Yes. Our clinics include both male and female physiotherapists. It is important to us that you feel comfortable and confident with the person treating you.

When booking your appointment, feel free to mention your preference, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Yes, as much as possible, you will be followed by the same physiotherapist throughout your treatment plan. This allows your therapist to fully understand your condition, monitor your progress, and adjust your rehabilitation plan optimally.

In certain situations (absences, scheduling, or specific needs), another physiotherapist from our team may intervene. However, we ensure that the transition is seamless and that your care remains consistent and personalized.