Our Team

B Sc Physiotherapy, BFA

I feel very fortunate to have found my way to our profession. I thought about it in high school but at the time I was smitten by the arts and pursued a career in dance and theatre. It was fun but I came to my senses in my mid 30s and headed off to physio school at UBC. By that time I was the old guy in my class but honestly loved (almost) every minute of it. In the interim I had explored dance, yoga and fitness and had become a keen mountain guy. I had experienced more injuries than most of my contemporaries. I often joke that my body is my laboratory of dysfunction. There won’t be much that anyone comes to see me with that I have not already experienced. My goal with my clients is to not only help them get through the current injury but to teach them what they need to know to try to prevent the next. Spoiler alert - strength and flexibility are critical. I do give homework. In my work I use IMS, joint manipulation, soft tissue release and exercise to guide you to a state musculoskeletal health.

B SC Physiotherapy

Manual therapy (FCAMPT) , Acupuncture (CAFCI), Gunn IMS (CGIMS), Level 1 and 2 Bikefitting

Jennifer graduated in 1991 and has over 30 years of experience

I trained at the University of Toronto, graduating in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physiotherapy. Upon graduation, I spent three rewarding years in neurological rehabilitation at the G.F. Strong Centre, assisting clients with stoke and spinal cord impairments. I transferred my focus to orthopaedics in 1995 and spent the next three years in post graduate studies to become a certified manual and manipulative therapist. I worked in Delta for 15 years in the areas of orthopaedics and occupational rehabilitation. It was a wonderful opportunity to work with leaders in the manual therapy field. 12 years ago, I decided to work closer to home in Vancouver and specialize only in orthpaedics. It is hard to believe so many years have gone by working with Matt and the rest of the West Fourth team. I now feel a part of the community. It is exciting to work with the cycling, running and triathlon community and their clubs. This has dove tailed nicely into my bike fitting training and running assessments. My own fitness journey; including three Ironmans, has given me a real perspective on training and injuries. (It is true, you do not have to be uncomfortable on a bike!) I really enjoy giving education sessions on injury prevention in these areas as well. I feel lucky to work with such a diverse and interesting clientele. Whether a post-operative hip replacement client walks through my door or a pelvic floor post-partum new mom, I enjoy helping each person feel better and get back to what moves them.

Masters PT, B Human Kinetics,

IMS, Manual therapy, BPPV/Vertigo/Vestibular

Lisa completed both her Master’s degree in Physiotherapy and her Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia. She has experience working with a wide variety of clients, having worked in both sports and orthopedic private practice clinics.

She enjoys helping people of all levels and abilities reach their goals. Her individualized treatment approach focuses on combining hands-on manual therapy with client education and therapeutic exercise. Lisa has completed Level 1 of Kinetacore’s Functional Dry Needling and is certified in intramuscular stimulation (IMS). She is committed to continuing education in order to remain up-to-date on the latest findings in physiotherapy practice

On her days off, she can be found walking the seawall or learning to play squash.

Practicing since 1986. Started at West 4th Physiotherapy Clinic in 2008. Due to limited availability please call clinic to book at 604-730-9478 Online booking is only avaiable for current attending clients who have seen Marj within the last 6 months.

Degrees B Sc Physiotherapy M.Sc. Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology

Additional Certifications FCAMPT (manual therapy) CAFCI (acupuncture) IMS (Functional Dry Needling) Certified SHIFT Concussion Management Practitioner Duke University & APTA Vestibular Rehabilitation

My Practice Style & Philosophy

All people deserve the best physiotherapy care possible. My thirst for learning, my love of problem solving, my natural curiosity and enthusiasm for sharing my knowledge and skills with my clients all help me to empower you and guide you to success. I believe my greatest strength as a physiotherapist lays in the diversity of my training and experience. I strongly believe, that as physiotherapists we must empower our clients to the best of our abilities and assist you in gaining the skills, knowledge and confidence to take charge of your recovery.

My Experience

I worked primarily in neurology from 1986-1992. I left GF Strong Center in 1992 and have continued to assist clients with neurological disorders, particularly, concussion and other vestibular disorders while building expertise in rehabilitation of orthopaedics and sports injuries, including post motor vehicle accident rehabilitation, TMJ, and chronic pain. I’ve participated in numerous and diverse post-graduate courses since 1986. My thirst for knowledge has motivated me to take advanced courses in manual and manipulative therapy, acupuncture, dry needling (IMS), concussion management, vestibular rehabilitation (treatment of balance and dizziness disorders), pain management, muscle imbalance and motor control. Special Interests: Clinical Neuroscience Manual Therapy Acupunture & Dry Needling (IMS) Running Injuries Whiplash Vestibular Disorders TMJ

Outside of Work

I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors while road and mountain biking, running, hiking, swimming, alpine skiing and snowshoeing. I have experience with a wide variety of other sports from a personal as well as physiotherapeutic perspective. I love to exercise and strive to keep my body in balance so I also try to find time for yoga and the gym.

Links

Shift Concussion ImPACT Test ™ CAMPT

Dip. Physiotherapy NZ 1982

MCPA, Manual therapy FCAMPT, Gunn IMS (CGIMS) , Bikefit level 1

My professional strength is in the assessment and treatment of both orthopaedic and sporting injury, especially where more than one body area is involved. I enjoy unravelling complex musculo-skeletal issues, either traumatic or wear and tear related and in working out underlying causative factors. My treatment approach uses manual (hands on) and manipulative therapy, specific movement prescription, biomechanical analysis and where needed, needling techniques. I am a strong believer in educating the patient about underlying causation and believe in working with other members of the health team who may already be providing care.

MPT, B ScH

BPPV/Vestibular, Neurological & Concussion Rehabilitation, Manual Therapy, IMS

Suzanne obtained her Masters of Physical Therapy from UBC, after completing her Bachelor of Science (Honors) from Queen’s University. While completing her undergraduate degree she specialized in Neuroscience. Her interest in neurology grew through her continued education, while her interest in rehabilitation was a result of her love of sports and growing up playing competitive volleyball. Her continued passion in working with organized sport continues in her practice as a physiotherapist, working with BC Rugby and with local Rugby clubs.

Suzanne is currently pursuing her Diploma of Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Therapy. She has an interest in vestibular rehabilitation and concussions and has continued her education in these areas through several continuing education courses. Suzanne enjoys working with clients of all ages and activity levels from athletes, to weekend warriors. Suzanne has worked in a neurological setting as well and has experience working with conditions including peripheral neuropathies, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injuries, strokes, and traumatic brain injuries.

Suzanne’s approach to her treatment includes using both manual therapy techniques and active rehabilitation, including exercises to help patients reach their goals.

In her spare time Suzanne continues to enjoy running, swimming, and biking. She can also be found outside enjoying the great hikes and outdoor adventures in the lower mainland and around BC.

B Sc Physiotherapy, BA Psych,

Gunn IMS (CGIMS), Acupuncture (CAFCI), Pre and post Natal fitness (PPFS), Manual therapy (FCAMPT)

Suzanne is a graduate of the University of British Columbia (BAPsych) and the University of Western Ontario (BScPT). She began her physiotherapy career at a sports medicine clinic in Calgary, AB where she completed her Orthopedic Manual Therapy Levels. Suzanne also completed an Advanced Manual Therapy series of courses which included the craniovertebral and TMJ regions, cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine regions as well as the treatment of muscle and neural tension. She  completed her acupuncture training (AFCI) before returning to Vancouver in 2005.

In 2006 she completed her Intramuscular Stimulation (CGIMS) training and has since furthered her acupuncture training. She has taken courses in the prevention of running injuries and in 2010 became a certified Fit-For-Two Pre and Postnatal Fitness Specialist (PPFS). Most recently in 2014, Suzanne completed a series of practical and theoretical examinations in Spinal Manipulative Therapy. She continues to further her knowledge and skills taking courses around the world focusing on back fitness and strength, athletic sustainability, and enhancing performance of the athlete.

Suzanne is extremely active and enjoys mountain life. She can be found skiing (LEVEL 1 CSIA) and enjoying backcountry activities in the winters and loves to run, hike, and mountain bike in the Pacific Northwest mountain ranges during the summers.

She is actively involved with Foretrails Running Clinics and continues to race in Canada and the US including ultramarathon distances. She knows the training and discipline it takes to become an athlete. She helps athletes preparing for race day, keeping injuries at bay and enjoying the many benefits of running. Her areas of special interests include the prevention of running injuries, designing core stability, strength and endurance programs for multisport athletes, pre and post natal fitness, spinal rehabilitation, and TMJ dysfunction.

Suzanne uses a broad range of physiotherapy techniques. They include running gait assessment and treatment, manual therapy including myofascial release, as well as core stability education and designing active exercise and rehabilitation programs. She frequently uses needling techniques—IMS and acupuncture—for the treatment of sport and running related injuries, chronic pain, MVA and occupational rehabilitation.