Road or Work Accident: Physiotherapy Treatments
Accidents can happen to anyone. You may experience a workplace accident or a road accident. In Quebec, government organizations are responsible for supporting your recovery.
Government Organizations: CNESST and SAAQ
CNESST – The Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (formerly CSST) is responsible for enforcing labour laws. It compensates victims of work-related injuries and oversees their rehabilitation. Physiotherapy treatments are covered by CNESST and paid directly to the clinic. Therefore, injured workers do not have to pay out of pocket.
SAAQ – The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec provides coverage for bodily injuries to all drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists involved in a road accident. An additional $20 fee per treatment will be charged to SAAQ patients.
What to Do If You Are Injured in a Work or Road Accident
If it’s a workplace accident:
- Inform your supervisor/employer as soon as possible.
- Consult a doctor quickly. They must complete a medical certificate/report declaring the workplace accident.
- Complete the worker’s claim form on the CNESST website to open your file and receive your claim number.
- If your doctor prescribes physiotherapy, find a clinic that treats CNESST patients. You have the right to choose your clinic and do not need to wait for CNESST claim approval before starting treatment.
If it’s a road accident:
- Consult a doctor who will write on the prescription: “road accident,” “automobile accident,” or “SAAQ.” Including the date of the accident is recommended.
- Submit a compensation claim to the SAAQ to receive your claim number.
- If your doctor refers you to physiotherapy, find a clinic that treats SAAQ patients.
What Is Physiotherapy for CNESST and SAAQ Clients?
Treatment options may include:
- Pain and swelling management techniques: advice, electrotherapy, thermotherapy (heat/cold)
- Postural advice to reduce irritating positions
- Manual therapy techniques to restore overall and joint-specific mobility
- Soft tissue and/or stretching techniques to improve flexibility and relax affected muscles
- Movement normalization techniques to prevent compensations that maintain pain, stiffness, and weakness
- A personalized exercise program tailored to your work and activities
- Ongoing coaching to ensure proper exercise performance
- Support for a gradual return to personal and professional activities
Active Participation in Your Physiotherapy Care
Conditions Treated in Physiotherapy for CNESST and SAAQ Patients
Many conditions may require physiotherapy care following an injury or surgery. Diagnoses treated include:
- Sprains, tendonitis, tendinopathies, bursitis, fractures, disc herniations
- Pre- or post-operative care, tendon or muscle tears, muscle spasms, sciatica, headaches, mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), lacerations
- Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
- Osteoarthritis, arthritis, fibromyalgia
- Jaw pain (TMJ disorders)
- Urinary incontinence, vaginal pain
- Vertigo
- Age-related issues: stiffness, walking difficulties, balance problems
Our physiotherapy professionals will be happy to support you in your rehabilitation and work with you to guide you on the path to recovery.
Have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us at Cliniques de réadaptation physique Roussillon!
