October 2011
Welcome to Stefania Rizzo who joins West 4th on a part time basis while we navigate 2011. Stef brings a wealth of manual therapy and IMS experience which fits the West 4th approach very well. Stef normally spends significant time with the Canadian Downhill ski team and will be at West 4th as much as her other commitments permit.
August 2011
Welcome to two new additions to the extended West 4th family!
Congratulations to Gretchen on the birth of her son Connor and to Suzanne on the birth of her daughter Emma. Both are (hopefully!) enjoying their maternity leaves and will let me know when they plan on returning. In the interim we welcome new associates Stuart Anderson and Marnie Giblin to the clinic. You can read more about their specific skills and interests here. http://www.west4thphysio.com/our-team/physios/stuart-anderson , http://www.west4thphysio.com/our-team/physios/marni-giblin
April 2011
Welcome to Jennifer MacPherson, our newest associate. Jen brings a wealth of experience to the clinic with qualifications in manual and manipulative therapy, acupuncture and intramuscular stimulation. In addition she is a level 1 certified bike fitter. Appointments can be made to see Jen by phoning the clinic.
March 2011
Congratulations to West 4th Physio associate Dee Malinsky who has taken a big step forward in completing her post graduate studies in Orthopedic Manual Therapy.
I had the privilege, in the last 6 months, of completing my CPA Orthopedic Division Level 4 and Level 5 courses, and working with four talented and highly recognized instructors: May Nolan, Mary Walsh, Carol Kennedy and Jan Lowcock. The focus of the courses was that of spinal and pelvic manipulation.
Manipulation invloves a quick small thrust to a joint, within its anatomical limit, and can be used when joints are fixated or adhesed, when an inextensible scar exists, or when treatment has plateaued with joint mobilizations (slower joint glides). The effects of manipulation are proven to be numerous. Mechanical effects may include an improved range of motion, stretch of a muscle or joint capsule, reduction of a joint fixation, or breakdown of an adhesion. Neurophysiological effects may involve pain reduction, and decreased muscle tightness and spasm.
I learned many valuable techniques during my Level 4 and Level 5 courses, and will be incorporating them, when safe, appropriate and indicated, into my practice as a physiotherapist. It is important to note that during assessment, it might be determined that manipulation is not appropriate for a client, and in this case would not be considered. In other scenarios, even if deemed appropriate, a client may choose not to be manipulated. In this case, a variety of other effective treatment techniques can be used.”
February 2011
I’m happy to follow up our multiple maternity leave news with some new staff news.
Jennifer Mcpherson will join the West 4th team in April. Jen is an experienced therapist and a perfect fit at West 4th. I will have a staff page and bio up for her in March.
January 2011
Happy New Year to everyone. We have some up and coming changes in the clinic with three maternity leaves coming in 2011. More on that as they come due but visitors to the clinic won’t need to be told who the fortunate three are. (OK, they are Alison, Gretchen and Suzanne going on leave in April, May and June respectively). All is well so far and of course we wish just the best for all three.
January 2010
Yoga from the Inside Out
Dean Smith http://www.west4thphysio.com/our-team/physios/dean-smith/ will lead a specialty yoga workshop for three consecutive Sundays in January. The workshop will explore the functional anatomy and physiology of yoga. Dean teaches widely in the fields of yoga, fitness and personal training and his workshops are extremely informative and well reviewed.
Details for registration can be found here.
February -March
Marj Belot Marj completed her Master’s of Science with a study on Whiplash. Her blog outlining her study and summarising interesting findings is available here. http://www.west4thphysio.com/author/marj/
Suzanne Robinson attended and completed a very interesting course in pre and post natal fitness. Her summary of the course is here. http://www.west4thphysio.com/author/suzanne/
April
We will welcome Melissa Bedford to be our newest member of West 4th Physio. Melissa has a strong interest in both orthopaedics and pelvic floor dysfunction (think post natal and aging continence issues) and will use her skills and training to develop this field within the practice. Melissa will be full time at West 4th starting from April 5th 2010
Melanie Prentice wil take a temporary break from practice to spend time with her young family. She will remain an important member of the West 4th team and will be around to do locum work over the summer of 2010.
May
Matt and Marj will study with renowned manipulative therapy educator, Ola Grimsby in a weekend course at the Physical Rehabilitation Department at UBC
June
The Ride to Conquer Cancer will see a team from West 4th Physio! This 2 day bike ride from Vancouver to Seattle promises to be a fun and exciting event with the added bonus of raising $7500 for cancer research.
July and August
Hours as usual but we will have staff on rotating holidays
September
Gretchen and Alison begin their advanced manipulative therapy training. This runs over several weeks so their availability may be limited over this time.
October
Marj attended a complex approach to whiplash course in Victoria BC. You can review her course assessment here. http://www.west4thphysio.com/avoiding-injury/whiplash-and-chronic-pain/
November
Gretchen and Alison complete their advanced Manual Therapy training. Congratulations to both!
