Truth be told if you asked me to perform physiotherapy through a computer monitor a few months ago, I’d say no way. I am a manual therapist and need my hands, or so I thought. However, as social distancing didn’t allow for traditional in person visits, I had to adapt.
Physiotherapy is a health care profession directed at assisting people to restore, maintain and maximize their movement, strength, function, and overall well-being. It includes rehabilitation, as well as prevention of injury, and promotion of health and fitness. Everything in this definition can be done online! We can still offer the same expertise in musculoskeletal injuries as we did in person. Did you know that France provides ten physiotherapy sessions to ALL of their women who have just delivered a baby? During that time, the physiotherapists there implement an exercise routine often incorporating Hypopressive/Low Pressure fitness exercises. France has taken into consideration the importance of rehabilitating the inner core and the pelvic floor after pregnancy and made it available to all.
The other day my nine-year-old patient Keira asked, “Why does it say Keep Moving on your wall?” I commented to her mom that our tag line written on our lobby wall is a little confusing as some patients think that it is an order to walk down the end of our hallway. For this reason, we have considered moving and/or changing it.
![]() Many people see the turn of a new year as a time to make a change in their life. Most who make New Year’s resolutions have intentions to work harder, be nicer, or create healthy habits. All in all, it is a high time of positive change. A time where we look at our lives and think that we could do a little better in some way or another. Often, those resolutions revolve around our life choices surrounding our health; creating fitness goals and making choices to lead a healthier lifestyle. Below I’ve included some helpful tips for everyone to follow to help stick to your new year’s resolution. As a physiotherapist, I believe a large part of my role is to empower you to self manage, whether it is in the form of injury prevention or managing a chronic condition (such as Osteoarthritis). Hence I am a big advocate of foam rolling.
“Core /kôr/ noun, the central or most important part of something.”
Yes, by definition it is a perfect name for the core muscles of the human body. You’ve heard about the importance of having strong core muscles but do you really know how to engage them? From what I’ve seen in my practice as a Physiotherapist, I would say the majority need some assistance. “Happy new year!” It’s an inherently positive message meaning let’s look forward to a bright new start but you can’t see the horizon (much less what’s in front of you) if you’re looking at the ground. Over my twenty years in Physiotherapy practice, I have seen the decline in people’s posture in general. About 90% of my patients have arrived with poor posture and likely posture was a contributing factor to their ailments in 70% of those patients.
Winter is in the air. And that means skiers and boarders have one thing on their minds, hitting the slopes. As more and more British Columbians hit the slopes, it’s important to make sure participants have fun and remain pain and injury free. Always wear a helmet and ensure your equipment has been checked and tuned for the season. Whether you’re cruising a green run or racing through the gates, your physiotherapist can create a ski fit program that’s right for you. If you experience pain during or after skiing or boarding, your physiotherapist can help.
Hockey is truly Canada’s passion, NHL or no NHL. Before you (or your child) even step on to the ice make sure you are well equipped. Wear a mouth guard and a good quality helmet that fits you and is adjusted properly. Getting fitted with the right equipment will help prevent injury from muscle imbalance, flying pucks, body contact and accidental collisions. If you feel pain during or after playing hockey, your physiotherapist can help.
Pregnancy and early motherhood can be hard on your body. Seek advice early on from your physiotherapist for tools to reduce pain during and after pregnancy. Exercising while pregnant will help strengthen and prepare your body for the birth. Continuing to exercise after your baby is born will help ensure you are able to care for your newborn and regain your fitness. Your physiotherapist can create an exercise program that meets your individual goals and help reduce pain during and after your pregnancy.
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