What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a leading, evidence based health care profession that improves your health without the use of drugs or surgery. Physiotherapists are primary healthcare providers who are regulated by the Health Professions Council, this is the same Council that regulates medical doctors. Physiotherapists are your partner in evaluating and restoring strength, endurance, movement and physical abilities affected by injury, disease, or disability. A physiotherapist works closely with your physician to help you manage and prevent many physical problems caused by sport, illness, disease, work related injury, aging, and long periods of inactivity.

Physiotherapy in Canada is currently a university Masters program requiring a minimum of six years of university training before being able to practice as a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists then continue with post graduate studies in a number of different fields that allow a physiotherapist to advance their expertise in a particular area or a number of different areas. Some of these areas include:

Sports Physiotherapy
Sprains, strains, ligament tears and other athletic injuries are a factor in most sports. Physiotherapy treatment includes sport specific exercise, taping, bracing, ultrasound, manual therapy, and icing ensure professional and casual athletes stay in the game without risking more injury.

Orthopaedics/Manual Therapy/Spinal Manipulation
For low back pain, neck, knee and shoulder injuries, tendonitis or any other joint or muscle problem, an orthopaedic or manual therapist can help restore strength, comfort and activity.

Cardio Respiratory
Physiotherapists treat asthma, emphysema, and bronchial conditions, bypass surgery or heart attack recovery by optimizing heart and lung function.

Hand Rehabilitation
Specially trained physiotherapists assist in recovery from hand injury or disease using exercise, manual therapy, and splinting techniques to promote optimal hand function

Paediatrics
Physiotherapists play a vital role in diagnosing and treating orthopaedic, neurological and respiratory conditions that can impact childhood development such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis and developmental delays.

Pre and Post Natal Care
Physiotherapists can prescribe exercise programs to keep you fit before the birth of your child and get you back in shape afterwards. Low back and pelvic pain is a common complaint during pregnancy. There are a number of ways that you can reduce the pain and this can include; manual therapy, specific exercises, massage, TENS and bracing. You can also get more specific advice on the most appropriate exercises to strengthen your back.

Neurophysiotherapy
Stroke, spinal cord and brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's and other nervous system conditions all respond to specialized techniques which help people re-learn motor skills and improve movement control.

Incontinence Treatment
Many physiotherapists have specialized training in treating bladder and bowel control. They help people with incontinence and pelvic pain or who have had prostate surgery to regain a healthy and active lifestyle. Muscle re-education and stimulation, biofeedback and bladder habit re-training alleviate incontinence, pelvic pain, prostrate post surgical conditions.

Geriatric/Chronic Care
Physiotherapists help people with arthritis, heart disease, stroke, or problems getting around by helping joints stay flexible, improving balance, preventing falls and helping manage pain and chronic conditions.

In order to practice physiotherapy in Canada, physiotherapists must be registered with the regulatory board or College of Physiotherapists in their province/territory. It is illegal to practice physiotherapy without being registered or licensed and there are laws governing the granting and removal of a physiotherapist’s registration. The title ‘physiotherapist’ or ‘physical therapist’ is protected which means that to call oneself a physiotherapist one must be registered in that specific province/territory.  

Our physiotherapist’s have a number of letters after their name which can be confusing, please find below a list of qualifications and what they mean:

BScPT:Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
This is the graduate qualification a person must have to practice physiotherapy once they are registered with the regulatory board or College of Physiotherapists in their province/territory. In Canada, this was the only route to practice physiotherapy prior to the inception of the Masters program in the early 2000’s.

MPT/MPhty:Master of Physiotherapy
This is the current post graduate qualification a person in Canada must have to practice physiotherapy once they are registered with the regulatory board or College of Physiotherapists in their province/territory.

MMT:Master of Manual Therapy
This post graduate physiotherapy program teaches advanced clinical reasoning, diagnosis, classification and musculoskeletal management/rehabilitation.  A physiotherapist with this qualification has special skills specific to treatment methods including joint mobilization and manipulation, muscle energy and muscle imbalance correction techniques, management of neurogenic pain disorders and rehabilitation of the neuromuscular system.

FCAMPT:Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapy
FCAMPT therapists have completed extensive advanced post graduate education in the area of orthopaedics and have achieved internationally recognized qualifications in hands on manual and manipulative therapy.

RCAMPT:Registrant of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapy
RCAMPT therapists have completed extensive post graduate education in the area of orthopaedics and have achieved qualifications in hands on manual and manipulative therapy.

CAFCI:Certified by the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute
This is post graduate training and qualification in medical acupuncture.

CPMA:Certificate Program in Medical Acupuncture
This is post graduate training and qualification in medical acupuncture.

CMP: Certified Mulligan Practitioner
They have successfully completed the examination process, are recognized as Certified Mulligan Practitioners and are entitled to use the following credentials: CMP.

Physiotherapists are skilled in the assessment and management of a broad range of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems. Here are some of the ways physiotherapy can help you:

Physiotherapists treat people in hospitals and clinics, neighbourhood schools, homes and long-term care programs, and sports medicine facilities. When an accident or illness affects your body, your physiotherapist, a university-trained medical professional can restore mobility. Physiotherapists treat the whole body.

With ongoing clinical research, physiotherapists continue to develop techniques to prevent and treat physical injury and disorder.

Physiotherapists employ a comprehensive biomechanical approach, looking at the underlying causes of the injury, not just the injured part. All our therapists have an excellent orthopaedic knowledge base, as reflected by their graduate and post graduate university qualifications.

A physiotherapist will:

For your first appointment, please remember:

Write down any questions you have prior to your appointment and bring them with you for your physiotherapist to answer.

Daniel McDonald
Owner, Physiotherapist, Orthopaedics, Sports Injuries, Spinal Manipulation, IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)
BSc(Hons) PT, MMT, FCAMPT, CMP, GUNN IMS

Dan McDonald is a physiotherapist with a very international background whose expertise lies in working with a variety of orthopaedic conditions, sports injury rehabilitation/therapy, manual therapy and spinal manipulation. An Aussie native, who grew up and trained as a physiotherapist in the U.K. After graduating from university with a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Physiotherapy in 2001. He then worked in the National Health System for three years treating cardiorespiratory, neurological as well as musculoskeletal conditions. Daniel soon developed an interest in orthopaedics and sports injuries and undertook a post graduate diploma in Orthopaedic Medicine.

In the pursuit of furthering his musculoskeletal knowledge and skills, Dan was accepted onto a Master of Manual Therapy at the University of Western Australia which he completed in 2007.

Dan has worked in both hospitals and private clinics not only as a physiotherapist treating patients but as a clinical educator and in service management. Most recently, prior to his arrival in Fernie, Dan worked at a clinic in Vancouver where he treated a variety of conditions. On top of his busy clinical case load, he pursued further advanced manual therapy training and is now a Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP) and a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapists (FCAMPT). He is also a member of Sports Physiotherapy Canada providing physiotherapy and acute injury care for a variety of athletes.

Dan took over Fernie Physiotherapy with his partner Jaime Ellis in May 2009 and is proud to be providing physiotherapy services to the community and surrounding area. Dan is also a Gunn IMS practitioner. IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) is a scientifically proven, clinically effective method of chronic pain management. IMS is available at both Fernie and Elkford Physiotherapy clinics.

When Dan is not working he can be found ripping down a mountain on either skis or a mountain bike, so watch out!

Laurie Block
Physiotherapist, Acupuncture, Vestibular Rehabilitation
BHK, MPT, CAFCI

Laurie is originally from Ontario. She is a keen athlete, and like many was drawn west to the mountains. She completed her Bachelor of Human Kinetics at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2005 and her Master of Physiotherapy also at UBC in 2007. After an initial stint working in Vancouver, Laurie decided to settle right here in Fernie. Laurie offers an exceptional physiotherapy care complemented with her certification in medical acupuncture. She also holds post graduate training in the treatment of vestibular rehabilitation. When Laurie is not at work she enjoys hiking, biking, running and skiing.

Laurie is currently on hiatus in Australia furthering her portfolio of physiotherapy expertise. Laurie will return to Fernie Physiotherapy in November 2010.

Anna Chow
Physiotherapist, Acupuncture, Orthopaedics
BScPT, RCAMPT, CPMA

Anna has been working in the Elk Valley for more than 15 years and a physiotherapist for 18 years. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of Alberta in 1991. She then pursued a full time physiotherapy career in Edmonton. Anna then made a move to the Elk Valley and has been working as an out patient physiotherapist for Interior Health and at Fernie Physiotherapy on a part time basis.

Anna’s background includes orthopaedics, acupuncture and manual therapy. She is a Registrant of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapists (RCAMPT) and has completed the Certificate Program in Medical Acupuncture (CPMA).

Anna’s own interest in outdoor pursuits such as mountain biking, hiking and skiing give her a real edge and understanding with her patients in regards to appropriate treatments, recovery time and injury recurrence prevention.

When Anna isn’t treating patients, look for her on some of the hard core mountain biking trails or hucking a cliff on her skis!

Lynn Ferguson
Physiotherapist, Orthopaedics, Sports Injuries, Occupational Rehabilitation
BScPT

Lynn has 15 years experience as a physiotherapist and has been a dedicated Associate of the clinic since 2004.

Lynn graduated from Queen’s University in Ontario with her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy in 1994. She initially commenced work as a physiotherapist for the Canadian Forces and the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. After her stint there, Lynn decided it was time for a change and made her way down the Bayou to southern Louisiana where she worked for a private clinic and hospital. She then made a move to New Orleans where she was locum for a number of different hospitals who offered many different levels of care. Her experiences here included wound care, rehabilitation, community paediatrics 0-3yrs, outpatient paediatrics and geriatric physiotherapy.

Lynn first arrived in Fernie during 1998 and continued to visit friends here until 2004 when she made the big move. During Lynn’s many years of physiotherapy experience she has continued with a high level of post graduate education including courses in pilates, athletic training, weight training, manual therapy, women’s health, canine physiotherapy and aquatic physiotherapy.

When Lynn is not working, she is a very busy mom taking care of her new addition and plays for the Fernie ladies soccer team.

Heather Kerr
Bilingual (English/French) Physiotherapist, Orthopaedics, Acupuncture, Custom Orthotics
BSc, PT, RCAMPT, CAFCI

Heather Kerr has been serving the Elk Valley as a physiotherapist since 2002.  A graduate of the University of British Columbia, she has taken post-graduate training in manual and manipulative therapy, acupuncture, dynamic stability, and gait analysis.  She was encouraged to go into physiotherapy at a young age by her grandmother, who noticed that Heather's favourite part of going to the mall was watching the people walk. 

Heather has published scientific research on force-plate analysis of movement and balance, and will be starting a study in late 2009 comparing different methods of foot molding for orthotics.  Heather's other professional interests, international health and teaching, took her to the Himalayan country of Bhutan in 2005-6, where she served as a university professor in the physiotherapy program at the Royal Institute of Health Sciences through Health Volunteer Services. Heather continues to publish articles on international health.

Originally from northwestern Quebec, Heather is bilingual, and happy to provide physiotherapy in either of Canada's official languages. 

When she's not working, Heather can be found coaching runners and triathletes, playing ultimate, paddling her canoe, attending music festivals and trying to write a book about her time in Bhutan.

Erin Leahy
Physiotherapist, Orthopaedics, Sports Injuries
BSc(Honours)PT

Erin Leahy, an Australian trained physiotherapist completed her Bachelor Science with Honours in Physiotherapy at LaTrobe University in 2007. Erin has recently transitioned to us from Interior Health where she has been working as a physiotherapist through out the Elk Valley.

Erin competed and coached on a national level in Australia for the women’s kayaking team. She is also a level 2 ski instructor. Erin has an advanced understanding of professional and amateur athletes’ mentality and the importance of getting them rehabilitated and back to the sport they love and depend on! She also has advanced knowledge of body mechanics and kinetics which allows her to efficiently rehabilitate those patients and educate them in order to prevent recurrence. Erin has also completed the Functional Capacity Evaluation Certification Program through the Roy Matheson Insititute.

Bob Maudie
Physiotherapist, Orthopaedics, Sports Injuries, Active Release Techniques (ART)
BScKin, MPT

Born and raised in Cranbrook, BC, Bob brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that he gained as a professional hockey player in North America (NHL & WHL) and Europe. Bob completed his BSc in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary (2006) and his Masters degree in Physiotherapy from the University of British Columbia (2008). Bob has been working at the clinic since September 2008 and has continued his post graduate education in Active Release Techniques (ART). He is also currently advancing his manual therapy knowledge with the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. When not at work, Bob can be found skiing, mountain biking, hiking and fly fishing.

Bob is currently on hiatus in Australia furthering his portfolio of physiotherapy expertise. Bob will return to Fernie Physiotherapy in November 2010.

Susan Smith
Physiotherapist, Orthopaedics, Acupuncture, Sports Injuries, Manual/Manipulative Therapy
BScPT, FCAMPT, CAFCI

Susan completed her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of Alberta in 1983. Susan is a very experienced and motivated physiotherapist who has extensive knowledge of orthopaedics, sports and industrial rehabilitation. She also has advanced training in manual and manipulative therapy which she integrates with muscle imbalance work and acupuncture.

Susan has undertaken a multitude of post graduate training including all levels of the Orthopaedic Division of Canada which has allowed her to be a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapists (FCAMPT). She has also completed her certificate in acupuncture from the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and uses medical acupuncture to complement other forms of physiotherapy treatment. Susan has completed post graduate training in paediatric physical therapy and sports therapy.

Susan, like all our physiotherapists, is a very results oriented physical therapist who utilizes manual therapy, specific exercise prescription, acupuncture and patient education to ensure her patients recover efficiently and minimalize their chance of injury recurrence.

In her spare time Susan enjoys spending time with her husband, biking, running, yoga and travelling.

Christie Stokes
Physiotherapist, Orthopaedics, Sports Injuries
BScPT, FCAMPT, CAFCI

Christie is an Australian trained physiotherapist who completed her Bachelor of Exercise in 2005 and a Master of Physiotherapy in 2007 from Griffith University in Queensland. She worked initially in paediatrics, cardiorespiratory, intensive care and in-patient orthopaedics before moving to a private orthopaedic physiotherapy clinic in 2007. Christie worked for a sports clinic in Australia and was a physiotherapist for the state soccer team during the 2007/08 season. She also worked with patients in the NBL (National Basketball League), high level track athletes and youth sporting teams. Christie left a soccer A-League contract behind in 2008 to pursue her interest in sports and travel to Canada. She gained employment in Vancouver, BC at Burrard Physiotherapy where she treated Vancouver Whitecap players. Christie’s love of the outdoors made her decide to move to Fernie where she worked for Fernie Physiotherapy as a winter locum; she was also the Fernie Ghostrider’s physiotherapist for the 2008/09 season. We are proud to welcome Christie back.

Laurel Harrison-Edge
Physiotherapist, Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, Sports Injuries
BScPT

Laurel is a physiotherapist who graduated with distinction from the University of Alberta in 1991.  For the past 16 years she has worked in the area of private practice with a special focus on pediatrics.  For the last 14 years, Laurel was co-owner of Calgary Youth Physiotherapy, a community based clinic that focuses in addressing the physiotherapy needs of children and adolescents, but also met the rehabilitation needs of patients of all ages.

Laurel's area of special interest is pediatrics including the treatment of infant torticollis, developmental delay and cerebral palsy.  She also has extensive experience treating the young athlete; particularly focusing on pre-participation screening and exercise prescription for injury prevention.

Laurel has recently moved to the Elk Valley with her husband to enjoy the active, outdoor lifestyle that Fernie offers.

Laurel is dedicated to the profession of physiotherapy and recently (2009) was awarded the National Clinical Award of Excellence by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

Jaime Ellis
Owner/Business Manager
BA (Honours)

Jaime completed her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in 2001 while living in the UK. Shortly after completing her degree she worked as a boom operator for sound in television and film. Jaime eventually transitioned herself into media, public relations, event planning and marketing. She has worked for a number of different organizations including government agencies and not for profit companies such as the Department of Indigenous Affairs - Perth, Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, Tourism British Columbia, Provincial Health Service Authority of BC and BC Women’s & Children’s Hospital. Jaime has also worked for private corporations such as Ohh Media in Sydney, Australia. Jaime brings her many years experience as a public relations, communications, marketing and business professional. Her multitude of experience from working on many projects in Canada and on an international scale will focus the clinic on a direction that really centres on community.

Kim Genovese
Office Manager
BA

Kim has lived in the Elk Valley for more than 18 years and can be found volunteering for many organizations including the Salvation Army. Kim frequented the clinic for many years with her two accident prone sons prior to taking up employment with us. If you spend so much time at a place you might as well get paid for it! When Kim is not at work, volunteering or busy looking after her family she is a certified yoga teacher who occasionally finds a spare moment to teach others this wonderful form of relaxation and exercise.

Jennifer LaVallee
Receptionist

Jennifer is a Fernie local who attended the Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson BC and completed a diploma in Art, Craft and Design. Before joining our team, Jen worked as a Lead Employment Facilitator for WorkZone in Oliver, BC. Jen complements the team well, bringing energy, enthusiasm and excellent customer service skills. She is always happy to help answer any patient questions or concerns.