Marie-Josee M. Dagenais – Physiotherapist | North Bay, ON

Marie-Josee M. Dagenais is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at North Bay Regional Health Centre in North Bay, ON, Marie-Josee and MJ is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Marie-Josee and MJ's focus is addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Marie-Josee and MJ serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Marie-Josee M. Dagenais completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2001). With extensive clinical experience, Marie-Josee and MJ is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Marie-Josee and MJ has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Marie-Josee and MJ's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; and a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Marie-Josee and MJ offers consultations in English, French.

Marie-Josee M. Dagenais provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Marie-Josee and MJ can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Marie-Josee and MJ, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At North Bay Regional Health Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marie-Josee and MJ frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Marie-Josee and MJ believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury is hindering your ability to being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms, a personalized plan focusing on improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity can make all the difference.
• Many find that that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity significantly impacts their ability to feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings. Marie-Josee and MJ helps patients target understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• If facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) is preventing you from fully enjoying attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events, Marie-Josee and MJ offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Living with numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs doesn't have to be your norm. Marie-Josee and MJ applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.

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

Marie-Josee and MJ's practice is located at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, situated in the Downtown North Bay, Central neighborhood of North Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Canadore College / Nipissing University Campus and is accessible via North Bay Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Marie-Josee and MJ or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most of the population. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

North Bay Regional Health Centre
50 College Dr., P.O. Box 2500
North Bay, ON, P1B 5A4

Phone: (705) 474-8600

Marie-Josee M. Dagenais is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX42

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=de5f3805-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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