Javier Porras-Gil
BScHK, MHScPT, LL.L.(C)
Physiotherapy Resident
Javier’s personal journey from being bed-ridden due to an injury to playing soccer again inspired his mission to bring the joy of movement to his patients. A graduate of the University of Ottawa’s Master’s in Physiotherapy and Bachelor’s in Human Kinetics (Summa Cum Laude), he draws from experience in coaching, personal training, physical activity research (CHEO’s Research Institute), and dance to approach each case with a unique perspective. He has worked with children with severe neuro-physical challenges, coached diverse clients from pregnant women to post-op cardiac patients, and provided pediatric physiotherapy across six Indigenous reserves.
Motivated by gratitude for movement, Javier uses his personal and professional experiences to help clients rediscover the fun of physical activity. He is active in the community, raising funds and volunteering for causes such as Desjardins Charity Challenge, the Great Canadian Cycle Challenge, and local triathlons. An accomplished athlete, Javier is training for his first Ironman 70.3 and aims to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
As a therapist, Javier follows an evidence-based, holistic approach, identifying practical actions to empower healing, movement, and injury prevention. His techniques include manual therapy, muscular and myofascial release, postural education, and personalized exercise prescriptions, alongside introducing various activities to help clients reach their potential.
A first-generation Colombian Canadian, Javier is deeply committed to volunteer work, including sponsoring student refugees at the University of Ottawa and supporting Indigenous health initiatives. A musician and Orkidstra program graduate, he is also pursuing studies in law at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law (Civil Law Section).
Credentials:
- Masters of Science of Physiotherapy at University of Ottawa
- Bachelor of Science of Human Kinetics at University of Ottawa
Languages:
Services offered in French, English, Spanish; and learning Serbo-Croatian, Catalan and Ukrainian (teach me some new words!)
Conditions treated:
- Lower Back Pain (e.g., disc pathology, spinal stenosis, post-surgical)
- Thoracic/Mid-Back Pain
- Hip Pain (myofascial, bursitis, impingement, post-surgical replacements)
- Knee Pain (tendinitis, total knee replacements)
- Ankle Pain (chronic, arthritis, sprains, post-surgical)
- Shoulder Pain (rotator cuff syndrome, post-surgical, impingement syndrome, frozen shoulder)
- Wrist Pain (various pathologies)
- Elbow Pain (tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow)
- Trigger Points in Muscles
- Fibromyalgia
- Cerebral Palsy
- Stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic)
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Parkinson’s Disease
