Jean-Michel Gagnon – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Jean-Michel Gagnon is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Physio Outaouais - Pont Alonzo in Gatineau, QC, Jean-Michel is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). His approach emphasizes addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, ensuring that each patient receives personalized treatment tailored to their specific needs. Whether managing acute injuries or chronic conditions, Jean-Michel strives to facilitate recovery, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being.

Jean-Michel's role involves comprehensive assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and implementing evidence-based interventions. His expertise covers conditions such as sprains, strains, arthritis, post-operative rehabilitation, and neurological impairments following events like stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Serving older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, Jean-Michel is adept at guiding diverse age groups through their rehabilitation journey with compassion and professionalism.

With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Jean-Michel has cultivated skills in both orthopedic and neurological physiotherapy. His philosophy revolves around a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Jean-Michel is fluent in French and English, ensuring clear communication and effective care for a broad community.

Jean-Michel Gagnon provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Jean-Michel can assess your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Jean-Michel. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

At Physio Outaouais - Pont Alonzo, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Jean-Michel frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from Jean-Michel, their physiotherapist, when clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.
• Patients struggling with that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder can find dedicated and compassionate support from Jean-Michel. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• Are you finding that frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders stops you from enjoying being able to carry your baby or toddler without straining your back or arms? Jean-Michel is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Jean-Michel, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Jean-Michel practices at Physio Outaouais - Pont Alonzo, situated within a reputable physiotherapy clinic in the Gatineau neighborhood of Gatineau. The clinic is conveniently located near the Federal Government Buildings at Place du Portage, making it easily accessible for professionals and residents alike. It is well-served by public transportation, including the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) and the Rapibus BRT system, ensuring straightforward access from various parts of the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Does Physio Outaouais - Pont Alonzo offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Physio Outaouais - Pont Alonzo offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Patients are advised to bring their insurance card and policy details to facilitate the process. This service aims to streamline your experience by reducing out-of-pocket costs and paperwork. However, coverage varies depending on your specific insurance plan, so it is recommended to verify your coverage with your insurer beforehand. Patients are responsible for any portion of the treatment not covered by their insurance.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, Jean-Michel will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform him immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Some coverage may be available if the treatment occurs within a public hospital or CLSC under specific conditions. Most patients rely on private insurance to cover physiotherapy in private clinics. It is recommended to check your private extended health benefits and confirm coverage details with your insurer. For certain populations, such as seniors or those receiving specific government benefits, partial coverage might be available.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform patient assessments, establish diagnoses, develop treatment plans, and perform certain restricted activities. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiothérapeute in QC?

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician’s referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to confirm the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage. Regardless, physiotherapy services can often be accessed without a referral for assessment and treatment.

Physio Outaouais - Pont Alonzo
2368, Rue Saint-Louis, bureau 201
Gatineau, QC J8V 1A2

Phone: (819) 772-1012

Jean-Michel Gagnon is regulated by the Code des professions and Professional Integration Arrangement for physiotherapists in QC and is a member of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Registration can be verified with the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.