Janvier Bagalwa – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Janvier Bagalwa is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CISSSO Hôpital de Jour Hull in Gatineau, QC. Janvier is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). With a focus on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, Janvier's approach is both comprehensive and personalized. This includes managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain conditions, arthritis, and facilitating post-operative rehabilitation. Janvier's goal is to help individuals recover function, improve mobility, and manage symptoms effectively, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
Janvier's practice extends to supporting adults and seniors, assisting them in regaining independence and confidence in their daily activities. Whether working on recovery after neurological events like stroke, brain injury, or spinal cord injury, or aiding in the management of conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s Disease, Janvier employs evidence-based methods tailored to each patient's unique needs. His empathetic, community-focused approach fosters a welcoming environment where patients feel supported and empowered throughout their healing journey.
With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Janvier has developed expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. His commitment to staying current with the latest practices ensures that patients receive care grounded in the most recent evidence. Fluent in French, Swahili, and Lingala, Janvier is able to communicate effectively with diverse communities, fostering trust and understanding in every patient interaction. His philosophy centers on empowering patients through education and active participation, helping them achieve their health and wellness goals with confidence and clarity.

Janvier Bagalwa provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.

Neurological

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Physiotherapy aimed at maximizing functional independence, mobility (e.g., transfers, wheelchair skills, ambulation if appropriate), strength, range of motion, and managing secondary complications (e.g., pain, spasticity, respiratory issues) for individuals with incomplete or specific types of spinal cord injuries. Often part of a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Physiotherapy aimed at maintaining optimal function, managing contractures (joint stiffness), optimizing mobility (including prescription of mobility aids), adapting activities, and managing respiratory function (if applicable) for individuals with progressive muscle weakness due to muscular dystrophy or other myopathies.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Personalized exercise programs, hands-on therapy, and functional retraining for post-stroke recovery, addressing issues like hemiparesis, spasticity, or neglect.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Tailored rehabilitation programs focusing on restoring physical abilities, managing secondary complications, and improving quality of life for individuals post-TBI or ABI.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

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

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Specialized therapeutic interventions provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to assist individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, balance, coordination, strength, and independence following a neurological event or diagnosis.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy to address persistent concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, and difficulty concentrating or tolerating activity.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Janvier. 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 CISSSO Hôpital de Jour Hull, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Janvier frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Are you finding that sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica stops you from enjoying carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably? Janvier is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Janvier believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older is hindering your ability to participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises, a personalized plan focusing on successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery can make all the difference.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Janvier's clinic, common concerns like a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.

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

Janvier practices at CISSSO Hôpital de Jour Hull, situated in the Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighborhood of Gatineau. The facility is conveniently located near Hôpital de Gatineau and is easily accessible via Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to *see* a Physiothérapeute, some private and extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check the specific requirements of their insurance policies before their first appointment to ensure coverage.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a key role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiothérapeute can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modifications, physiotherapy can help reduce the risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, including assessment and treatment planning, usually lasts around 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions are generally scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact length depends on your specific needs and treatment plan.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It is difficult to predict precisely without an initial assessment, as individual cases vary. Some conditions resolve quickly within a few sessions, while others may require longer-term care. Your Physiothérapeute will provide an estimated treatment plan after your initial visit, which will be adjusted as needed during your recovery process.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, create treatment plans, and apply a broad scope of therapeutic interventions. A Technologue en physiothérapie, with a college diploma, works under supervision or based on a physiotherapist’s plan, applying treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Coverage may be available for services received in public hospitals or CLSCs if meeting specific criteria. For outpatient private physiotherapy, patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. It is recommended to verify individual eligibility directly with RAMQ and check with private insurers for coverage options.

Is there parking available at or near CISSSO Hôpital de Jour Hull?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for designated patient spots. Additional street parking may be available on nearby streets, with some paid options in public parkades in the vicinity. Please check local signage for restrictions and hours.

CISSSO Hôpital de Jour Hull
116 Boulevard Lionel-Émond
Gatineau, QC J8Y 1W7

Phone: (819) 966-6200

Janvier Bagalwa 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.