CUSTOMIZED CARE FOR SPRAINS AND MUSCULAR INJURIES CAUSED BY TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS (SAAQ)

The the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) selects clinics that offer quality, care, without delay, that offer this Program that is based on teamwork between the patient, the SAAQ and other healthcare professionals (doctors, physiotherapists and occupational therapists). This innovative and proactive approach to treatment ensures that patients will be able to resume normal activities safely and quickly.

We are proud that so many of our clinics were selected to take part in this Program; however, since we operate more than one clinic is some areas, some of our clinics were not chosen to particpate in this SAAQ program. For those of you who are not eligible for the program who who may benefit from our services, rest assured that all of our clinics offer the same level of high-quality treatment and quick response times.

This Program is designed for people who are suffering from sprains and muscular injuries following traffic accidents. For quick relief of symptoms, patients must begin treatment quckly, within 24 to 48 hours of the accident.

If this Program is right for you, call the clinic nearest you that offers this Program , once you have obtained a medical prescription for treatement.

For more information on First Aid , please consult our Web site.

If you are experiencing problems , contact an SAAQ agent at
1 888 810-2525
and mention that you may be eligible for the
Program for sprains and muscular injuries.

For your information …

This program is aimed at:
• Enabling you to resume regular activities
• Enabling you to return to work full time and without risk
• Providing the best possible recovery
• Providing satisfaction to those who have been in traffic accidents.

The results of our pilot projects demonstrate:
• A 50% reduction in the disability and in the length and number of treatments
• Return to work in 100% of cases
• Client satisfaction rate of 94% in the program and the results obtained.

This program is based on the following principles:
• Quick access to services
• Information and client accountability
      - Information on the problem
      - Education in terms of self-treatment
• Proactive methods, much like sports medicine
• Emphasis on active functional exercise
• Reaching the level of activity enjoyed prior to the accident.

Our professionals offer the following services, in consultation with your doctor:
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy.

Within an appropriate time frame that targets gradual and steady improvement, the results obtained should allow patients to:
• Complete the acute treatment phase in a maximum of three weeks
• Complete the ‘back-to-work' preparedness phase in a maximum of four weeks.

If the goals are not reached or if they seem out of reach, clients may be referred
to the assessment centre and may be transferred to the centre
to follow a interdisciplinary program, comprising occupational therapy,
physiotherapy, psychotherapy, etc.

* The results of our pilot projects show that only a small number of patients had to be referred to the assessment centre.

For more information on this program:
Visit the SAAQ Web site, and the links to this particular Program .
(Links in French only.)