Nancy Louwagie – Physiotherapist | Kingston, ON

Nancy Louwagie is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Providence Care Hospital in Kingston, ON, Nancy Louwagie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Nancy Louwagie's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Nancy Louwagie serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Nancy Louwagie completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2020). With clinical experience, Nancy Louwagie is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Nancy Louwagie has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Nancy Louwagie demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Nancy Louwagie employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Nancy Louwagie offers consultations in English.

Nancy Louwagie provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Improving safety, function, and quality of life for those with impaired sensation or strength due to various types of peripheral neuropathy.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Symptoms such as localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by mechanical compression or irritation of peripheral nerves at specific anatomical sites (entrapment points).

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. Nancy Louwagie can assess your needs.

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Baseline concussion testing (if offered by the clinic/practitioner) and evidence-based post-injury management to ensure a safe and effective recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Comprehensive assessment of your fall risk factors with individualized interventions, including balance exercises, strength training, gait re-training, and home safety advice to help you prevent falls.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Customized exercise-based programs (e.g., gaze stabilization, habituation, balance retraining exercises) prescribed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist to reduce vestibular symptoms, improve functional balance, decrease fall risk, and enhance confidence in movement.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Nancy Louwagie, 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 Providence Care Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Nancy Louwagie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to improved circulation and tissue healing when faced with persistent needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity is made smoother and more effective with Nancy Louwagie's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like taking group exercise classes at the community center.
• Are you finding that an awkward gait or limping when I walk stops you from enjoying engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours? Nancy Louwagie is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Nancy Louwagie believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity is hindering your ability to going on birdwatching outings in various terrains, a personalized plan focusing on building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury can make all the difference.
• Many individuals seek help from Nancy Louwagie, their physiotherapist, when general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like playing in their competitive volleyball league again.

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

Nancy Louwagie practices at Providence Care Hospital, situated in the Downtown Kingston, Queen's University Area, Sydenham Ward neighborhood of Kingston. The clinic is conveniently located near Grand Theatre and is accessible via Kingston 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 Nancy Louwagie or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

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.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist 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 modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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.

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.

Providence Care Hospital
752 King Street West
Kingston, ON, K7L 4X3

Phone: (613) 544-4900

Nancy Louwagie 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: XXX49

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c334007e-9006-eb11-a813-000d3af427b4

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