Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a first-line health discipline concerned with health prevention and promotion and the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of physical dysfunctions and disabilities. Physiotherapy corrects joint, muscle and nerve dysfunctions that cause pain and lack of muscle control, strength, endurance and proprioception. Various therapeutic approaches are used to return clients to optimal physical condition.

Sports physiotherapy

Sports physiotherapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy that requires an advanced knowledge of sports biomechanics and the physical demands they place on the athlete’s body. It seeks to correct muscle and joint problems and ensure optimal healing. Physiotherapy maximizes healing using various techniques such as manual therapy, neuro-proprioceptive taping, electrotherapy and the prescription of specific exercises allowing a rapid return to normal activities or competition.

Our physiotherapists work with many sports teams in the region including athletes competing at the school and international levels. They have specialized techniques that help athletes return rapidly to play and prevent injury.

In addition, we have physiotherapists accredited by the Centre National Multisports de Montréal

Here is a list of events and competitions our team of physiotherapists have participated in:

• Olympic Games
• Commonwealth Games
• Summer and Winter Canada Games
• Quebec Games
• World Goalball Championship
• Pan American Handball Championship
• Canadian Volleyball Championship
• Future Tennis, semi-professional tournament

• Professional female golfer development camp
• Quebec AAA soccer cup
• College and high school football finals
• Griffons sports teams
• Soccer sports study
• AAA (ASH and ASG) soccer
• AA soccer

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is a treatment approach that uses the hands to assess and mobilize the various tissues surrounding the joints. Treatment is based on a structured assessment that identifies the source of functional problems and accurately evaluates their severity. We use a number of different techniques including joint mobilization and manipulation, neural mobilization, soft tissue techniques and stretching to restore optimal functioning and mobility. Specific exercises are prescribed to maintain the treatment’s effects.

All our physiotherapists have manual therapy training and we are one of the few clinics in the Outaouais Region with a physiotherapist accredited by the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy.

Active rehabilitation

Active rehabilitation is directed by a kinesiologist. The kinesiologist works in partnership with physiotherapists to optimize the patient’s functional capabilities through exercise. He helps develop and implement a treatment plan. The aim of rehabilitation is to allow patients to return to work, sports or their daily routine through exercises suited to their individual needs. The kinesiologist develops an exercise program to improve the joint stability, power, endurance and muscle strength needed to get you back on your feet.

Running analysis

During your assessment, the physiotherapist uses a treadmill and sometimes video to analyze your biomechanics when running. A few simple tips and exercises will allow you to continue running without pain and prevent other injuries. At Santé Universelle, many of our therapists have received specific training in running injuries and are runners themselves.

Post-operative rehabilitation

Santé Universelle maximizes your post-operative recovery by using a multidisciplinary approach. Your treatment plan combines the expertise of our physiotherapists, massage therapists and kinesiologists to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. Our health professionals work together with local orthopedic surgeons and have acquired expertise in post-operative care. Several of our physiotherapists have worked for many years in hospitals and can facilitate post-surgery transition and ensure your full recovery.

If you are awaiting surgery, don’t hesitate to contact us for a pre-operation consultation. This consultation will allow us to assess your condition before surgery and then advise you on what to do immediately after the operation. We also have a list of suppliers who can rent you specific equipment to hasten your recovery.

Dorn therapy

Dorn therapy is a one-hour treatment session consisting of adjusting the entire spinal column by gently mobilizing it, mainly while you are moving. This therapy is very effective not only because it properly aligns the joints but also restores normal movement to the spine joints lost due to age or injury. Since the entire body adjusts simultaneously, several related symptoms are relieved at the same time. It is especially effective in treating a number of related spinal conditions (neck and upper and lower back pain), headaches often resulting from poor posture or bad alignment, repeated neck pain/torticollis/shoulder pain, scoliosis (idiopathic or acquired), mechanical pelvic problems, repeated muscle strains or tendinitis.

Pediatrics

At birth, babies sometimes have minor musculoskeletal or neuromotor problems that are easily treatable with physiotherapy. Whether it be congenital torticollis, retarded development or acquisition, lack of motor control or simply a slightly “lazy” baby you want to learn to stimulate, or of course if you have any concerns, the physiotherapist is there for you. Treatment, even though performed very gently, is very effective at that age. And, as with all conditions, the sooner a problem is identified and dealt with, the sooner it can be resolved. Older children with constant headaches can also be easily treated with physiotherapy when they are caused by abnormal neck tension. In fact, many headaches originate from musculoskeletal problems in the neck resulting from a fall, a road accident, abnormal alignment or poor posture. In such cases, physiotherapy is gentle and very effective.

Home care

Back Health Program (BHP)

Our Back Health Program (BHP) is a unique and recognized program for preventing and treating lumbar (lower back) problems.
In 5 weeks, participants acquire a large range of tools, tips and exercises allowing them to change bad daily habits and optimize the stability, strength and flexibility they need to keep their backs healthy.
The BHP is taught by a certified physiotherapist at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings at our Hull branch.
Contact us for more information!

Aqua-physio

Arthrosis, disc hernias, post-surgery, chronic pain, back or neck aches: aqua-physio courses are your solution for improving your physical condition. Supported by water, you can safely exercise under the supervision of physiotherapists. You don’t have to know how to swim. We issue receipts for insurance purposes.

Description: One-hour course including cardiovascular exercises, stretching, balance and progressive strengthening exercises.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.
Place:Santé Universelle, 72 Jean-Proulx Street, Hull, Sporthèque Pool

We also offer private in-pool sessions, supervised by a kinesiologist or physiotherapist. Register any time at our Hull or Aylmer branch.