Traffic Accident (SAAQ)
SAAQ clients
Following a road accident, if you experience pain, please consult a doctor promptly for an evaluation. If the doctor deems physiotherapy necessary, you can schedule an appointment with us.
We will need the following documents:
- A medical referral for physiotherapy
- Your SAAQ claim number
We will then send a request to your agent to authorize the start of treatments. Once we receive the authorization, we will contact you to schedule an appointment.
Service Description
The physiotherapy service for road accident victims, generally covered by the SAAQ (Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec), aims to support physical recovery after an accident. The physiotherapist plays a key role in helping relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore function, while guiding the patient through the rehabilitation process.
Here are the main components of this service, along with the specific role of the physiotherapist at each stage:
Initial Evaluation
During the first consultation, the physiotherapist conducts a thorough evaluation to identify injuries, pain, movement limitations, muscle strength, and functional abilities. This helps understand the impact of the accident on the patient’s daily life. The evaluation includes specific physical tests and questions about the accident history and symptoms, to create a tailored treatment plan.Personalized Treatment Plan
After the evaluation, the physiotherapist develops a customized rehabilitation program based on the patient’s specific needs. This plan includes clear goals for recovery, whether it’s pain reduction, improving mobility, or restoring muscle strength. The physiotherapist also educates the patient on the steps of rehabilitation and the importance of following the plan to achieve optimal results.Pain Management
The physiotherapist uses a range of techniques to manage pain, such as manual therapy (joint mobilizations and therapeutic massages), thermal treatments (heat and cold applications), and electrotherapy (using electrical currents to reduce pain and inflammation). These interventions are selected based on the nature of the injuries and the patient’s symptoms. The physiotherapist monitors the effectiveness of these treatments and adjusts them based on the patient’s response.Rehabilitation Exercises
The physiotherapist prescribes specific exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility. These exercises are tailored to the type of injury (cervical, lumbar, upper or lower limbs) and are done under the physiotherapist’s supervision to ensure proper execution and avoid further injury. The goal is to strengthen muscles, restore range of motion, and prevent future complications such as stiffness or functional limitations.Functional Rehabilitation
Once acute pain is managed, the physiotherapist helps the patient relearn essential movements for daily activities, such as standing up, walking, sitting, or climbing stairs. Functional rehabilitation exercises are used to prepare the patient to safely resume normal activities, improving coordination and retraining muscles used in everyday tasks.Education and Prevention
The physiotherapist provides important guidance on pain management, posture, and ergonomics to prevent future injuries. The education also includes recommendations on lifestyle habits, such as physical exercise, stretching, and modifying work habits to reduce the risk of relapse. The physiotherapist explains the mechanisms of road-related injuries and how to prevent them.Follow-up and Treatment Adjustment
Regular follow-up sessions allow the physiotherapist to assess the progress of the patient and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. The physiotherapist modifies exercises and techniques based on the patient’s progress and any new issues that arise. If new challenges appear, the physiotherapist reassesses the treatment and makes necessary adjustments to continue optimizing rehabilitation.Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The physiotherapist works closely with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, occupational therapists, and psychologists, to ensure comprehensive care for the patient. This collaborative approach helps coordinate care, especially when there are emotional or psychological impacts related to the accident or when specialized treatments are required for complex injuries.Reports and Documentation
The physiotherapist writes regular reports for the SAAQ, documenting the patient's progress, treatments performed, and any changes to the care plan. These reports are essential for ensuring the patient receives necessary support and justifying the continuation of treatments.
This service is vital for helping road accident victims regain their quality of life, improve their physical function, and facilitate successful social and professional reintegration. The physiotherapist’s role is crucial throughout this process, as they guide the patient at every step of rehabilitation, ensuring that each phase is adapted to the patient’s needs and recovery pace.
You were involved in a traffic accident?
Description of the Role of Occupational Therapy for SAAQ Clients
Occupational Therapy – Traffic Accident (SAAQ)
Following a road accident covered by the SAAQ, your treating physician may recommend consulting an occupational therapist. Assessments and treatments in occupational therapy are fully covered by the SAAQ.
During the first session, which lasts approximately 75 minutes, the occupational therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation of your situation. This evaluation aims to identify physical and/or cognitive barriers that may hinder your ability to resume your professional or daily activities. Based on the results, a personalized intervention plan will be developed in collaboration with you, taking into account the goals you wish to achieve. This plan can be adjusted according to the progress of your condition or changes in your priorities.
The frequency of occupational therapy sessions depends on your needs and may range from weekly visits to bi-weekly visits.
How Can Occupational Therapy Facilitate Your Rehabilitation and Return to Activity?
The occupational therapist will work with you to improve your autonomy in performing meaningful activities. Some of the interventions offered include:
- Functional exercises tailored to your professional or domestic tasks.
- Simulations of professional activities to promote rehabilitation.
- Education on preventive practices, such as posture hygiene, pain management, joint protection, and energy conservation.
- Advice on efficiently managing your schedule and daily activities.
The goal of occupational therapy is to maximize your independence and support you in returning to important activities, whether they are professional, domestic, or social.
Collaboration with Your Physiotherapist and SAAQ
We work closely with your physiotherapist and the SAAQ to support your rehabilitation and optimize the achievement of your goals.
Occupational Therapy Services for SAAQ Clients
After a road accident, whether it was your fault or not, we are here to help you return to your daily activities.
If you are having difficulty performing your usual tasks following the accident, it is important to consult a doctor for an assessment. If they recommend occupational therapy treatments, you can then visit the clinic of your choice.
To begin care, we will need the following documents:
- A medical prescription specifying the recommended physiotherapy treatments
- Your SAAQ claim number
- The name of your SAAQ agent
To open a file with the SAAQ, we will also ask you to sign a consent form for information exchange between our clinic and the SAAQ. We will handle sending this information directly to the SAAQ.
Once we receive authorization from the SAAQ to start treatments, we will contact you to schedule an appointment at your convenience.
"We offer a personalized approach to help individuals achieve their health goals in prevention, rehabilitation, and performance."
