Occupational therapy plays a key role in the rehabilitation of individuals living with injury, chronic pain, or functional limitations. Its goal extends beyond restoring physical capacity - it seeks to help individuals regain an active and meaningful role in their daily, social, and professional activities. To achieve this, occupational therapists rely on a holistic approach that considers the physical, cognitive, and emotional dimensions of health (OEQ, 2024). Recent research highlights the importance of this biopsychosocial view of pain. Lagueux et al. (2018) showed that occupational therapy is distinct in its occupation-based focus, centered on engagement and participation rather than merely on symptom reduction. More recently, Bouchard et al. (2025) demonstrated that occupational therapists actively contribute to the development of self-management skills among individuals living with chronic pain by helping them experiment, self-regulate, and integrate concrete strategies into their daily lives. In this context, electrotherapy is emerging as an interesting complementary tool. Although it has historically been associated with physiotherapy, its gradual integration into occupational therapy practice supports pain management, facilitates mobility, and promotes client autonomy. Recent research underscores the importance of viewing pain through a biopsychosocial lens. According to Lagueux et al. (2018), occupational therapy stands out for its occupation-based approach, focusing on engagement and participation rather than simply on symptom relief. Building on this, Bouchard et al. (2025) demonstrated that occupational therapists play a key role in helping individuals with chronic pain develop self-management skills through guided experimentation, self-regulation, and the integration of practical strategies into everyday life. In this context, electrotherapy has become an increasingly relevant complementary tool. Although it has long been linked to physiotherapy, its gradual adoption in occupational therapy helps manage pain, promote movement, and enhance client independence. Occupational therapy: a client-centered, holistic approach Occupational therapy is grounded in an integrative understanding of health and human functioning. Lagueux et al. (2023) reported that Quebec occupational therapists adopt an occupation-centered approach combining education, work rehabilitation, energy conservation, and activity modification to support participation. This diversity of interventions illustrates the profession's adaptability in addressing the complexity of chronic pain. When an occupational therapist supports an injured client, they focus not only on the physical impact but also on its effects on mood, motivation, and social participation. Assessment often includes aspects such as time management, role balance, effort tolerance, and pain perception. This holistic vision facilitates the integration of complementary tools - such as electrotherapy - within the rehabilitation process. Here’s how! Electrotherapy to support mobility and activity resumption Electrotherapy refers to the use of electrical currents for therapeutic purposes. The most common modality is TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), primarily aimed at reducing pain (Johnson et al., 2022). Evidence suggests that its short-term analgesic effects are comparable to, or even greater than, those achieved with first-line medications (Arnold, 2020). In occupational therapy, electrotherapy can serve as a supportive tool for mobilization or the resumption of functional activities. For example, it can help a client reduce pain associated with movement, maintain a working posture, or complete an exercise without exceeding their limits. By reducing pain, TENS promotes active participation and helps sustain the level of activity needed to progress with the therapist's intervention plan (Dailey et al., 2020). This modality becomes especially meaningful when taught as a self-management tool. By learning to use it safely and appropriately, clients gain autonomy and can continue treatment at home, consolidating therapeutic gains and preventing setbacks related to pain or inactivity. Autonomy as a therapeutic goal Client autonomy remains at the heart of occupational therapy practice. According to Bouchard et al. (2025), occupational therapists promote pain self-management through experiential interventions that develop three key competencies: understanding one's condition, effectively using self-management strategies, and self-regulating to sustain participation in meaningful activities. Functional electrotherapy aligns with this philosophy. When properly supervised, it becomes an extension of the therapist's intervention plan. It encourages clients to experiment, observe their reactions, and adjust their use according to their needs. This sense of responsibility enhances engagement in the rehabilitation process and strengthens confidence in one's abilities. Moreover, learning to manage pain through a tangible tool such as TENS can positively influence motivation. The client becomes an active participant in their recovery rather than a passive observer of their symptoms. This approach reinforces the coherence between different therapeutic components - functional exercises, energy management, cognitive strategies, and the gradual return to meaningful activities. Energy management: a pillar of occupational therapy Energy management helps prevent fatigue, avoid overexertion cycles, and maintain consistent participation. Lagueux et al. (2023) found that energy conservation and postural hygiene are among the most frequently used interventions by occupational therapists in Quebec. These strategies promote better activity planning and reduce pain flare-ups. Many clients living with chronic pain or persistent fatigue tend to alternate between periods of overactivity and avoidance. Occupational therapists help them identify early warning signs - such as increasing pain, reduced concentration, irritability, or fatigue - to adjust their pace before reaching a point of decompensation. Tools such as perceived exertion scales or activity logs are often used to quantify and regulate energy expenditure. Combined with electrotherapy, this approach can improve effort tolerance. For instance, a client may use stimulation before or after certain tasks to reduce pain, allowing for more consistent and balanced activity levels. Conversely, it may be used during an activity if it triggers pain or movement-related fear. Energy management is not only about reducing fatigue - it also promotes self-awareness, planning, and adaptability. It aligns perfectly with the occupational therapy philosophy centered on autonomy and relapse prevention. Interdisciplinary collaboration in client care The integration of electrotherapy and other physical modalities should occur within an interdisciplinary framework, consistent with the care model recommended by the OEQ and the guidelines of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) . Interdisciplinary teamwork ensures coherence across interventions and enhances client safety. In collaboration with physiotherapy professionals, the occupational therapist can ensure that the modality is used appropriately, without contraindications, and in alignment with the overall treatment goals. Team meetings and clinical discussions enable practitioners to adjust interventions based on observed progress and to harmonize messaging for the client. This integrated approach enhances care quality, prevents duplication, and ensures continuity across the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of rehabilitation. In short, interdisciplinarity gives full meaning to the concept of holistic care. Toward an integrative and proactive occupational therapy Electrotherapy expands the range of tools available to occupational therapists to support rehabilitation. When used thoughtfully - tailored to the client's profile and integrated into a collaborative care plan - it can significantly reduce pain, improve mobility, and strengthen self-confidence. An integrative approach combining electrotherapy, education, self-management, and interdisciplinary collaboration reflects the current vision of a proactive occupational therapy practice oriented toward sustainable health and participation. It aligns with the direction of the Ordre des Ergothérapeutes du Québec, which promotes evidence-based, person-centered practice. Ultimately, electrotherapy stands out as a relevant complementary modality within a comprehensive therapeutic approach. When used judiciously, it supports the core principles of the profession: autonomy, occupation, collaboration, and empowerment. REFERENCES Arnold, M. J. (2020). Management of acute pain from non–low back musculoskeletal injuries: Guidelines from AAFP and ACP. American Family Physician, 102 (11), 697–698. Bouchard, S., Choinière, M., Masse, J., Labourot, J., & Vachon, B. (n.d.). Empowering people living with chronic pain to use self-management strategies in their daily lives: Understanding occupational therapy practices. Disability and Rehabilitation, 0 (0), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2025.2540069 Dailey, D. L., Vance, C. G. T., Rakel, B. A., Zimmerman, M. B., Embree, J., Merriwether, E. N., Geasland, K. M., Chimenti, R., Williams, J. M., Golchha, M., Crofford, L. J., & Sluka, K. A. (2020). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces movement-evoked pain and fatigue: A randomized, controlled trial. Arthritis & Rheumatology, 72 (5), 824–836. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.41170 Johnson, M. I., Paley, C. A., Jones, G., Mulvey, M. R., & Wittkopf, P. G. (2022). Efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for acute and chronic pain in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 381 studies (the meta-TENS study). BMJ Open, 12 (2), e051073. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051073 Lagueux, É., Dépelteau, A., & Masse, J. (2018). Occupational therapy’s unique contribution to chronic pain management: A scoping review. Pain Research & Management, 2018, 5378451. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5378451 Lagueux, É., Masse, J., Pagé, R., Marin, B., & Tousignant-Laflamme, Y. (2023). Management of chronic pain by occupational therapists: A description of practice profile. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy / Revue Canadienne d’Ergothérapie, 90 (4), 384–394. https://doi.org/10.1177/00084174231162709 Masse, J., Nielsen, S. S., Christensen, J. R., Skou, S. T., Côté, J., Saunders, S., Lagueux, É., Boulanger, A., Perez-Martinez, J., Lussier, M., & Pagé, M. G. (2023). Co-designing a Canadian adaptation of a lifestyle-oriented intervention aimed to improve daily functioning of individuals living with chronic pain: A multi-method study protocol of REVEAL(OT) Canada. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 4, 1281680. https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2023.1281680 Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec (OEQ). (n.d.). What is occupational therapy? Retrieved October 21, 2025, from https://www.oeq.org/m-informer/qu-est-ce-que-l-ergotherapie.html

September 2025 marks not only the return to school, but also the start of a new sports season. Whether it’s a training camp, a marathon, or a triathlon, many individuals fully commit to their goals. The body is pushed to its limits—sometimes beyond them. The result: injuries. Why Do Sports Injuries Happen? Most often, they are linked to: A rapid increase in training intensity. Inadequate recovery: insufficient sleep, lack of rest days, absence of stretching. Overexertion during a challenge or competitive training (marathon, XMan Race, CrossFit, etc.). The Most Common Injuries The Knee Patellofemoral pain syndrome: pain around the kneecap, common among long-distance runners. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury: often occurs during sudden pivots, rapid changes of direction, jumps, or abrupt stops. Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome): pain along the shin, frequently associated with a rapid increase in distance or workload. The Ankle Achilles tendinitis: common in runners and endurance athletes (basketball, volleyball, soccer). Muscles and Bones Muscle strains/tears: occur during high-intensity efforts, sprints, or explosive movements. Stress fractures: caused by repetitive overload, often affecting the tibia or foot. The Role of Biomechanics Injuries are not only the result of training intensity or overexertion. They may also be influenced by the body’s natural biomechanics, such as: Flat feet or excessively high arches. Muscle stiffness or, conversely, hyperlaxity. Poor joint alignment. Weakness in key muscle chains (core, glutes, stabilizers). Deficient or excessive mobility. Solutions: Stimulating and Strengthening the Body The good news? There are effective strategies to prevent injuries—or to optimize recovery when they do occur—particularly through muscle stimulation and targeted training: Strengthening exercises : building strength and endurance, correcting instability by activating the right muscle groups. Motor relearning : enhancing muscular control and joint stability. Capacity optimization : correcting imbalances, progressing through rehabilitation, and unlocking the body’s full potential. Key takeaway: a well-prepared, balanced, and rested body performs better—and is less prone to injury.

Stay Active This Summer: Take Control with Self-Care Summer is the perfect time to explore, travel, get moving, and finally tackle all those projects that were on hold. Whether you're road-tripping, hiking, renovating, or simply soaking up the sun, this vibrant season invites us to push our limits and enjoy life to the fullest. But with increased activity often comes unexpected physical strain. Long hours on the road, repetitive movements, and intense efforts can quickly lead to discomfort or pain. When that happens, your body is sending a clear message: it’s time to act—before it disrupts your plans. The good news? You can take care of yourself right from home, without putting your summer on pause. Self-Care: Your Best Ally for an Active Summer Self-care is about listening to your body and taking proactive steps to maintain your well-being. It's a way to stay in control, especially when pain tries to slow you down. One of the most effective and user-friendly tools for self-care? The TENS unit. Why Choose TENS This Summer? TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a proven, drug-free method to relieve pain. It’s safe, easy to use, and fits perfectly into an active lifestyle. Here’s why it’s worth bringing along on your summer adventures: Fast and effective relief : Feel better in minutes, with results lasting between 2 to 8 hours. 100% natural, medication-free solution : No side effects—just relief. Discreet and portable : Wear it under your clothes while you go about your day. Stay active without compromise : Keep doing what you love, at your own pace. Supports professional care : Complements physiotherapy and rehabilitation treatments. Effective for various pain types : Including musculoskeletal, discogenic, and postural pain. Easy to use: no steep learning curve — you can start using it today, with guidance from healthcare professionals. Personalized and proactive pain management : Empower yourself to respond quickly and consistently. Listen to Your Body—and Keep Moving Pain doesn’t have to hold you back. With the right tools and a bit of guidance, you can enjoy all that summer has to offer—without sacrificing your comfort or well-being. By adding TENS to your daily routine, you’re taking a step toward freedom, movement, and greater autonomy over your health. Need advice or personalized support? Our experts are here to help you choose the right device and guide you in using it effectively. Get in touch with us today!

Rehabilitation following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury or surgery can be a significant challenge for healthcare professionals, who must assist patients in quickly restoring muscle strength and knee function.

Persistent pain can be challenging to address. Among various non-pharmacological pain treatment strategies, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) stands out as one of the most applied modalities.

Musculoskeletal disorders are a major public health concern, significantly impacting individual quality of life and generating substantial costs for the healthcare system." (Collette et al., 2013)

Pelvic floor issues are complex and multifaceted, encompassing various clinical disorders in women such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, fecal incontinence, and pelvic-perineal pain.

My name is Marie-Pierre Fournier. I have been a physiotherapy therapist for eight years and have owned a clinic for almost three years.

Patients seek pelvic-perineal rehabilitation for a variety of reasons. Commonly, these include discomfort due to pelvic organ prolapse (POP), stress urinary incontinence or urgency incontinence, lower back or sacroiliac pain, or simply to regain control of the pelvic floor and ensure a gradual return to sports activities postpartum.