Pavel Mihaltchev – Physiotherapist | Laval, QC

Pavel Mihaltchev is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation in Laval, QC, Pavel is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. His approach is performance-oriented, focusing on optimizing movement, strength, and function for athletes and active individuals seeking to enhance their athletic performance or recover from injury.

Pavel's physiotherapy practice encompasses a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, emphasizing injury prevention, recovery, and performance enhancement. He specializes in addressing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as managing chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. Pavel is also experienced in assisting individuals in regaining function and mobility after neurological events like stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease, always with a goal to improve quality of life and restore active lifestyles.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Pavel continually advances his skills through ongoing professional development. He has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. Fluent in Bulgarian, English, and French, Pavel adopts a collaborative, patient-centered philosophy, working closely with each individual to develop tailored treatment plans that align with their unique goals and performance aspirations.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.

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): 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. Pavel can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Targeted exercises and strategies designed by your Physiotherapist to improve your stability, coordination, lower limb strength, and body awareness (proprioception), thereby reducing your risk of falls, particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with balance impairments.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Pavel. 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 CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Pavel frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Pavel can help you move beyond that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder. The focus is on a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• Pavel believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If my child walking on their toes most of the time is hindering your ability to walk your children to school or the park, a personalized plan focusing on greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments can make all the difference.
• For those whose awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) has made using garden tools effectively and without pain seem like a distant memory, Pavel's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to using garden tools effectively and without pain with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Pavel practices at the CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation, situated in the Chomedey East neighborhood of Laval. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Gare Chomedey (future station) and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Laval (STL). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Does CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate the process. This service helps streamline the billing and reimbursement process, saving you time and effort. However, coverage varies depending on your specific insurance plan, so it is advisable to verify your benefits with your provider beforehand. If direct billing is not available for your plan, Pavel's clinic provides official receipts that you can submit for reimbursement.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It’s recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting certain criteria. Most outpatient physiotherapy at private clinics like Pavel's is not covered by RAMQ, so it is important to check your private extended health insurance plans for coverage. For specific eligibility and coverage details, consult directly with RAMQ and your insurer.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician’s referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify the requirements of your insurance plan before your appointment to ensure coverage and smooth processing.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) 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, create and modify treatment plans, and perform certain restricted activities such as spinal manipulations or needle-based therapies if certified. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician. They apply prescribed treatments, assist with exercises, and monitor progress but do not diagnose or independently develop treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation
3205, Place Alton-Goldbloom
Laval, QC H7V 1R2

Phone: (450) 688-9550

Pavel Mihaltchev 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.