Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis #
Arthritis and osteoarthritis are two different forms of degenerative joint diseases that result in pain, stiffness and inflammation. Arthritis is a general term for conditions related to joint inflammation, while osteoarthritis specifically refers to damage to the cartilage of a joint. Osteoporosis is a disease that makes bones more fragile, weaker and more likely to break. While both arthritis and osteoarthritis can cause pain and decreased mobility, their underlying causes and treatments are different.
Arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation around the joints. This causes pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as reduced range of motion and joint deformity if left untreated for long periods of time. Treatment for arthritis may include lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments or physical therapy, and medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs ( ARMM).
Osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage surrounding the joints, causing it to break down and the friction of bone against bone causing pain, swelling and stiffness. Osteoarthritis can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as weight loss if necessary or osteopathic and laser treatments. Medications may also be used, such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids, depending on your doctor's advice. Surgery may be an option in severe cases where joint replacement may be beneficial in relieving pain and restoring mobility, depending on individual circumstances (eg hip or knee replacement surgery). Laser therapy is often useful for temporary pain relief while you wait for your surgery.
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones and makes them more fragile, making them more vulnerable to fractures due to the decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). Factors that contribute to low BMD include age, gender (women are more affected by osteoporosis than men), family/genetic history, poor diet/diet low in calcium and vitamin D as well as the lack of physical exercise. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, such as a balanced, calcium/vitamin D-rich diet, combined with regular weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or stair climbing, and dietary supplements if necessary, and medications such as bisphosphonates or hormone replacement therapy, as appropriate and always on the advice of your doctor.

Rheumatoid arthritis of the hand
A complete guide to arthritis #
Introduction #
Arthritis is a group of painful and degenerative conditions marked by inflammation of the joints that causes stiffness and pain. It affects people of all ages, genders, and races, but is more common in women and occurs more frequently with age. There are two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this guide, we'll take an in-depth look at the symptoms, causes, and treatments for these conditions so you can understand how to best manage your symptoms if you or someone you know has them.
What is arthritis? #
Arthritis is a medical term used to describe joint pain or disease. It can affect any joint in the body, including the hips, knees, hands, feet, spine, and shoulders. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, it can cause mild to severe pain and inflammation around the affected area. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis symptoms #
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and usually affects people over the age of 50. The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is joint pain that increases with activity or age. Other symptoms include swelling around affected joints, stiffness after long periods of rest or inactivity, a grinding sensation when moving joints due to bone-to-bone contact caused by loss of cartilage between the joints. bones that make up the structure of a joint, decreased range of motion due to stiffness and/or pain in the affected areas.

Osteoarthritis of the knee
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis #
RA is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation throughout the body, with symptoms appearing symmetrically on both sides. Common symptoms of RA are fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, chronic morning stiffness, muscle aches, tenderness around joints, warmth around joints, redness around joints, dry eyes and mouth, small bumps under the skin near elbows and fingers called rheumatoid nodules, among other possible signs/symptoms depending on severity.
Causes of arthritis #
The exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, but certain factors can increase the risk, including joint wear and tear from age and years of use or abuse, which can lead to cartilage breakdown and friction of the bones against each other, which causes pain and inflammation; being overweight or obese, which puts pressure on weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees, which increases the risk of osteoarthritis; family history – if one or both parents have osteoarthritis, children are more likely to have it later in life; previous injuries – any damage to the musculoskeletal system or musculoskeletal system caused by osteoarthritis, previous injuries – any damage done to a joint previously can increase the chances of developing osteoarthritis later, due to destruction partial that weakens the muscles surrounding the area, increasing the risk of future injury; genetics – some research suggests that genetic factors may be involved in the development of osteoarthritis, but further testing needs to be done before any concrete conclusions can be drawn; RA develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to inflammation throughout the body, including sensitive areas like the synovia (inner lining of the joints). This damage leads to the destruction of cartilage and bone, which eventually leads to deformities and disability if left untreated over time; environmental factors – exposure to certain environmental toxins has been linked to an increased risk of RA, such as cigarette smoke, asbestos fibers, etc.
Treatment of arthritis #
At TAGMED clinic, we offer laser therapy not only as a treatment for arthritis and osteoarthritis, but also as a way to manage the symptoms associated with it. Laser therapy is an effective, non-invasive approach that uses light energy to reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote healing. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or alone. Laser therapy is quick and easy, with little to no side effects. It works by helping the body release endorphins and natural pain relievers that block pain signals sent to the brain, helping to reduce inflammation and swelling around the joints. This allows greater freedom of movement and reduces stiffness.
Additionally, laser therapy can promote faster healing of damaged tissue by increasing blood flow to affected areas and stimulating collagen production, which can help repair joint tissue damage caused by arthritis or osteoarthritis. At the TAGMED clinic, our highly trained experts will work with you to create an individualized plan that matches your specific needs and goals. Thanks to laser therapy combined with our other services such as osteopathy or lifestyle changes, you can feel better and regain control of your life! helping to maintain the best possible quality of life, despite the limitations that the disease may present. It is important to maintain good communication between healthcare professional and patient when it comes to managing the treatment plan, to ensure maximum long-term success in living with arthritis. As always, seek the advice of a medical professional before making any decisions about managing your health.

Laser therapy – osteoarthritis of the knee
Conclusion #
Living with arthritis and treatment options: A good understanding of how arthritis works can help you learn how to best manage its effects, whether through lifestyle changes, medications, physical therapy, exercises, surgery or a combination of these, depending on the severity of the case. By knowing the different treatment options available, you will be able to make informed decisions based on what is best for your condition, while helping you maintain the best possible quality of life, despite the limitations the disease may present.
Preparations for Treatment #
- Before you go to the Tagmed clinic for your first treatment, there are some things you should definitely do. First, make sure you have your medical imaging reports (X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound) available.
- After that, download, print and fill out our form below, with all the relevant information that may be needed for your treatment. Finally, before you come to the Tagmed clinic for your first treatment, familiarize yourself with the different treatments offered by our clinic and know what you can expect.
- Also, make sure you are aware of the different risks and possible side effects associated with the treatment proposed by the Tagmed clinic. You should also take all necessary measures (e.g., apply ice to the inflamed area) to ensure that your body is ready to receive a new treatment.
- Finally, if you were unable to complete our form, as mentioned above, arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to ensure you have enough time to discuss your condition, make the assessment and your treatment.
To be completed before your consultation #
Make an appointment #
Then, book your appointment online or contact our staff at the TAGMED clinic to book your appointment by phone.
References #
Frequently Asked Questions #
Appointment #
- How do I get an appointment at the TAGMED clinic?
To obtain an appointment at the TAGMED clinic, you can call the center directly, either in Montreal at +1 (877) 672-9060 or in Terrebonne at (450) 704-4447.
You can also visit our website for more information and book your appointment online here .
How long does it take to get an appointment?Most appointments at the TAGMED clinic, for a person who is already a patient of our clinic, can be made on the same day or the next day. Patients requesting an emergency appointment can be seen the same day, if they are willing to travel to the Montreal or Terrebonne clinic, depending on where the clinic is open that day. We are in Terrebonne on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and in Montreal on Tuesday and Thursday. Appointments for new patients are usually made within 3 days.
What happens during your first visit?The first visit to the TAGMED clinic will be as follows:
- A staff member will greet you and ask you to fill out a health history form, which includes information such as your medical history, allergies or current health problems. You will be asked to sign an informed consent form. The purpose of informed consent is to ensure that the patient fully understands the implications and risks associated with a treatment, so that they can make informed and educated decisions about how they wish to proceed.
- Waiting time in the waiting room is minimal and you will be seen by our health care professional at the time of your appointment, if you are not late, of course.
- In this regard, complete the Health History Form (download here ) before you arrive for your appointment. If you are unable to do so, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to allow time to complete it before meeting with our therapist.
- Afterwards, you will meet with one of the qualified practitioners to discuss your condition and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
- Your practitioner may also perform a physical examination and/or suggest a variety of other tests (e.g., x-ray), if deemed necessary.
- If your treatment requires a physician's referral for medical imaging, it will be discussed with the practitioner and the appropriate information will be provided to obtain this request.
- Finally, your practitioner will discuss with you the steps to take regarding your treatment or care plan and can answer any other questions you may have about it so that you can make an informed decision.
- In most cases, we will be able to start the first treatment unless your condition requires further investigation to exclude underlying pathology.
- Calculate that you will be at our clinic for about 1 hour in total.
- At the end of the treatment, you should pay the fee, as you do at each visit.
- We accept cash, debit, Visa or Mastercard.
- We will print or email you a claim form for your insurance.
- You will need to schedule your next appointment with the receptionist, if suggested by your therapist.
- If your condition requires more than one treatment, we will explain how many treatments you will need and how often. Since every patient is different, and we do not know the severity or nature of your condition at the time of reading this, we are not able to provide you with more information in this regard. All of this will be discussed at your first visit. However, you will be able to get a general idea of the course of treatment for your particular condition by consulting our section on conditions and their treatment here
How long will my first visit take?The length of your first visit to the TAGMED clinic will depend on your reason for coming. However, in general, it will be between 30 minutes and 60 minutes.
You can help us reduce the time you spend in our clinic by completing the health history form which you can download here
Finally, if you have not been able to fill out our form, as mentioned above, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to ensure that you have enough time to complete your form, properly discuss your condition, do the evaluation and your treatment.
What forms do I need to fill out?If you are a new patient, you can download the necessary forms before your first visit here .
If you are an existing patient, your therapist may ask you to fill out a re-evaluation form: if you have a new condition or if you are coming for a re-evaluation of your condition after several visits.
Will I be able to start my treatment at the first visit?In general, you may be able to start your treatment during your first visit to the TAGMED clinic.
However, this will depend on the reasons you made the appointment and the type and level of care you need. The staff will review each case individually and make a decision on the spot at the end of the initial examination.
If you have already had X-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), SCAN (computed tomography or CT scan) or ultrasound examinations and have the written reports, please make sure you have them with you on your first visit to our clinic: this will allow us to begin your treatment without delay.
Therefore, you may be able to begin treatment on your first visit to the TAGMED clinic, but this will depend on the nature of your visit and the severity of your condition: a simple back pain with no worrisome neurological symptoms can usually be treated on the first visit, whereas a herniated disc with severe numbness in the legs or arms requires medical imaging studies before starting any treatment, to ensure that there are no contraindications to treatment and that we can safely begin treatment.
. Medical management and examinations will be performed at your appointment and a personalized treatment plan will be developed to meet your specific needs.
Price #
- What are the fees for your treatments?
Fees for treatment at TAGMED vary depending on the type of treatment and services provided. We will provide you with an insurance receipt if needed and our rates are competitive. The best way to know the exact price is to consult our "prices" section. here
In general, the first visit will cost you between $100 and $130Depending on the treatment that will be required for your condition.
Is there a consultation or examination fee?Yes and no: TAGMED only charges a consultation fee if the patient does not wish to start treatment on the same day as the first visit and if the consultation took more than 15 minutes. However, if you have a treatment on the day of your first visit, we will not charge you a consultation fee: you will only pay the fee for the treatment you received. See the price list of treatments here. Otherwise, the fee for an initial consultation will be $85.
Similarly, there will be no charge for your initial exam if you have your treatment that same day.
For those of you who are unsure of the difference between a treatment, a consultation and a review, here is a short summary:
A consultation is a discussion between a therapist and a patient during which the therapist asks questions about your health and the condition for which you are seeing him or her, gives advice, and suggests different tests to evaluate you.
On the other hand, a review is a procedure that allows the practitioner to gather more information about the patient's health and may include physical tests (range of motion, orthopedic or neurological tests) or an evaluation based on your x-ray, MRI, SCAN or ultrasound test report.
Finally, a treatment is an intervention plan designed by a therapist to treat or alleviate the symptoms of a health condition (e.g. herniated disc) or injury (e.g. lumbar sprain). Treatment may include manual therapy, traction and/or therapies such as laser or shockwave, as appropriate. See the list of treatments offered at the TAGMED clinic here .
How much will the first visit cost me?The first consultation at TAGMED can cost between $75 and $185, depending on the type of treatment provided. Additional fees may apply for complementary therapies. For example, if you are seeing us for treatment of one or more herniated discs in your lower back, you will pay $130 for neuro spinal decompression treatment for one area of your spine. On the other hand, if you would rather have one neurovertebral decompression treatment for a herniated disc (or discs) in your lower back and a second treatment for a herniated disc (or discs) in your neck, it will cost $185, as these are two treatments for two different areas (the neurovertebral decompression table cannot do traction of your back and neck at the same time: it can only do one area (lower back or neck) at a time. See the complete price list by clicking here
Treatments #
- What kind of patients come to us?
The TAGMED clinic is a fascinating place. It serves a wide range of patients from around the world, from athletes to people with chronic pain. Its services attract people of all ages, genders and lifestyles who are looking for state-of-the-art health care from experts in the field. Patients come to the clinic for treatments that may not be available in their area, as well as for access to specialists who can provide complex therapies. Everyone is always treated with respect and kindness, while benefiting from the latest technological and medical advances. So, if you need specialized care or want to be seen more by top professionals, TAGMED is the place to go!
What is specific osteopathy?Osteopathy is a manual therapy technique that consists of manipulating the body to reduce pain, discover dysfunctions and restore joint mechanics. Two very distinct osteopathic approaches are specific osteopathy and classical osteopathy. Specific osteopathy is a more modern approach that uses evidence-based findings and current technologies, while classical osteopathy returns to the original form and uses deeper manipulation of the body while relying on the osteopath's intuition and experience.
Specific osteopathy is different from classical osteopathy: it is a unique form of manual medicine focused on the precise treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunctions through evidence-based scientific treatments. This technique aims to reduce aches and pains, while providing many patients with increased mobility. Osteopaths also place importance on overall health, taking into account lifestyle and emotional states before choosing an appropriate treatment plan. It is particularly suitable for those who prefer natural alternatives to medical treatment, as osteopathy not only provides relief, but also promotes long-term well-being.
Specific osteopaths are highly skilled practitioners who not only use their hands to evaluate and treat various physical dysfunctions of the body, but also use medical imaging (X-rays, MRI, SCAN or ultrasound) and complementary high-tech therapy. These treatments are very specific to the patient's condition and therefore much more effective and safe.
For example, a herniated disc will not be treated with classical structural osteopathy mobilizations. Although this technique may provide some short-term relief, it will have no medium or long-term benefit. On the other hand, numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of neurovertebral decompression treatment for herniated discs. See some published scientific articles on neurovertebral decompression here
Should I use ice or heat to relieve my pain?One of the most persistent difficulties many people face is finding pain relief. Unfortunately, there is no single answer to the question of whether ice or heat is the best solution to relieve your pain. It all depends on the nature and location of the pain. If you have a muscle strain or sprain, applying ice will help reduce inflammation in the area and generally make you more comfortable. For joint problems such as arthritis that cause stiffness, heat will generally be more beneficial in soothing the area and increasing flexibility. If you are not sure which method to use, consult us for more information. See our simplified guide in French here or in English here .
Do I need to have x-rays to receive care at TAGMED?At TAGMED, we strive to provide the best care for all of our patients. The safety and health of our patients is our top priority, so in some cases, x-rays may be necessary in order to receive the best care possible. Our team of professionals will determine whether or not x-rays are necessary and will explain the reasons for any x-ray request. Understanding why a particular test or procedure is needed can help ease discomfort and help you make informed decisions about your care.
We all need to be careful about the frequency of our x-rays, as excessive exposure to ionizing radiation can pose a significant health risk. Physicians should only order x-rays for truly necessary examinations, ensuring that these examinations are performed in the safest possible manner, using specialized shielding and techniques. Patients also play an important role in limiting their own exposure by asking tough questions about every x-ray they may need and understanding why it is medically necessary in order to assess their own risks. By taking these steps, we can ensure that exposure to ionizing radiation is kept to an absolute minimum while providing health care professionals with the diagnostic images needed to make informed decisions.
Rest assured that if X-rays are recommended, it is because they are necessary to provide you with the most appropriate care for your health condition!
How do I prepare for the first visit to the TAGMED clinic?To be prepared for your first visit to the TAGMED clinic, we recommend that you:
- Prepare a list of questions and find out your current medical history (including medications you are taking).
- Take any relevant information such as the results of examinations or laboratory tests performed by a previous health care professional.
- If you have a ticket to another specialist's referral, please bring it with you.
- If you have developed any new or unusual symptoms between the time your appointment was scheduled and the time you arrive at the clinic, please report them to the health care professional who will evaluate you.
- Download, print and complete our health history form here
- Familiarize yourself with the different treatments offered by our clinic and know what you can expect.
- Also, make sure you are aware of the different risks and possible side effects associated with the treatment offered by the Tagmed clinic.
- You should also take any necessary steps (e.g., apply ice to the inflamed area) to ensure that your body is ready for further treatment.
- Finally, if you were unable to complete our form, as mentioned above, arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to ensure you have enough time to discuss your condition, make the assessment and your treatment.
Do your treatments at TAGMED require a doctor's referral?Most of the treatments offered at the TAGMED clinic can be taken without a medical recommendation or prescriptionfor an initial consultation.
That being said, if your condition requires treatment for a specific condition such as a herniated disc, your general practitioner may recommend an appropriate medical imaging test (X-ray, MRI, SCAN) tailored to your needs.
If you have already had these tests done, please obtain the results and have them available at your first visit to our clinic.
What health conditions do you treat at the TAGMED clinic?Our experienced therapists have the expertise to assess and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic back pain, neck pain and headaches. Using highly specialized treatments, they can help relieve referred pain away from the areas that were originally injured - improving their patients' overall quality of life.
More specifically, the TAGMED clinic treats a variety of health conditions including:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (joint and muscle pain)
- Sports and/or professional injuries
- Chronic and/or acute pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Herniated disc
- Heel Spur
And many other conditions. To see the complete list and more details about each condition click here
Are your treatments covered by my group insurance?Treatments offered at the TAGMED clinic may be covered by your group insurance. The amount of reimbursement will depend on the terms of your insurance policy and the services that are provided. We recommend that you contact your insurance company for more information and to clarify the amount you will receive in reimbursement.
Be aware that insurance covers for care provided by professionals (e.g. osteopath or naturopath) rather than for a specific treatment, such as robotic traction (neurovertebral decompression).
Furthermore, even though we are a member of several associations, insurers can at any time include or exclude an association in a very random way, without us being informed.
What treatments are offered at the TAGMED clinic?TAGMED Clinic offers a variety of treatments, including osteopathy, neurovertebral decompression, laser therapy and shockwave therapy. Each of these treatments is designed to help relieve pain and improve body function. Treatments may include specific manual movements, specialized stretches or pulls, mobilizations and complementary therapies that are designed to address your condition in a very specific way with the goal of achieving quick and lasting relief.
Our forward-thinking approach to health care means we use the most reliable and well-documented technologies, backed by substantial scientific research. Get ready for an unparalleled level of care!
You can get more details about our treatments here
Do your osteopathic treatments at TAGMED include massage?No, the osteopathic treatments offered at TAGMED are evidence-based structural osteopathic treatments and do NOT include massage. The osteopathic techniques used may vary depending on your condition and the treatment recommended by the treating staff.
The main difference between massage therapy and osteopathy is that massage therapy is only focused on relaxation and the treatment of muscular tension, while osteopathy offers a more holistic approach to correcting structural dysfunctions and restoring normal body movement. Massage therapy will not be able to directly correct these structural dysfunctions, whereas osteopathy focuses on understanding the underlying cause of the problem and resolving it through various manual techniques.
How long will my treatment last?The length of each visit to the TAGMED clinic will depend on your initial treatment plan and the type of treatment used in your case. Care may vary depending on your diagnosis and may take time for more complex procedures. Nevertheless, most appointments are intended to be short and to the point, to ensure that you get the best treatment possible.
In this regard, a shockwave treatment may take 5 minutes for certain conditions while a neuro spinal decompression treatment for a herniated disc requires a combined treatment of 30 minutes in total. As for osteopathic treatments, here is our WARNING Contrary to most osteopathic clinics, we do not believe that a general treatment of a fixed duration (e.g. 60 minutes) is the most efficient way to solve the health problems for which you consult us: specific osteopathy is more precise and efficient than traditional osteopathy because the treatment is more specific and personalized to the exact condition of the patient. Therefore, the treatment in specific osteopathy generally takes from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the condition to be treated and the level of pain and/or inflammation. Generally speaking, the more pain the person is in, the less time the procedure will take since we need to relieve the pain quickly without further irritating the structure where the inflammation is occurring. Obviously, if you are looking for a long term relaxation treatment, you are not in the right place. However, if you are looking for a specific treatment, personalized to your condition, and effective, you have found the clinic that can help you.
How much treatment will I need?It is difficult to predict how many treatments will be required at the TAGMED clinic as this will depend on the specific needs of the patient and the treatment plan developed by the treating staff.
In addition, the amount of treatment you need at TAGMED will depend on your condition, its chronicity, severity and the therapist's recommendations. Treatments can range from a simple examination to a series of visits to monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
For example, a simple recent backache may require only one treatment, while a herniated disc may need several weeks of care.
With over 30 years of experience in this field and our evidence-based clinical judgment and your imaging exams, we will be able to answer this question accurately after meeting with you.
We cannot answer such a question over the phone: this would be a demonstration of a blatant lack of competence and judgment...
"Good osteopaths do everything in their power to help their patients feel better as quickly as possible with as little treatment as necessary, ultimately reducing care to a follow-up plan as needed. They also give advice on how to avoid future problems by evaluating lifestyle activities, ergonomics, posture and orthotics."
Are all patients treated the same way?No, not all patients are treated the same at TAGMED. Therapists and staff take into account each patient and their unique condition to develop a personalized treatment plan that works best for each individual patient.
In short, no two treatments are the same because you are unique!