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.

​I want you to pause for a second and take a look at your posture. Is your chin poking forward? Are your shoulders hunched and slouched over as you are reading this? What about your arms, low back, and feet?  Are they supported or dangling in space? 

What is happening? Why is this such a contentious issue? Why is it getting so much attention? Should I be concerned about my own kids? What can I do to protect my kids?

As a parent and physiotherapist these issues are of interest to me. As a former volleyball collegiate athlete I reflect on my own experience and wonder what has changed?

Why do we put our kids into organized sport? I think most parents would ultimately say for fun. Did you know the number one reason kids quit sports? It is no longer fun!

“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. ​

​Summer holidays are over. The long trek back to school and work is beginning. Here are a few tips to consider when carrying a heavy load to and from work or when selecting a backpack for your child. By following these simple tips you can help minimize injury and alleviate the pain of carrying a heavy load.  If you feel pain during or after carrying a heavy load, your physiotherapist can help.