B Sc Physiotherapy, M.Sc. Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology
MCPA, FCAMPT, CAFCI, IMS (Functional Dry Needling-Level 2)
Certified SHIFT Concussion Management Practitioner
Aside from a brief adventure, working in downtown Vancouver, I have enjoyed working at West 4th Physiotherapy Clinic since 2008.
My 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 believe that every client and every life experience provides a rich source of learning, which can be used to aid future clients on their healing path. 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 graduated in 1986, from Queen’s University at Kingston, Ontario with a Bachelor of Science degree in physiotherapy. 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
Connect Therapy™
I am passionate about integrating my knowledge and experience of orthopaedics with the latest evidence in pain neurophysiology, brain plasticity, motor control and motor learning. In 2017, I participated in a Sports Thorax Course where I learned the Thoracic Ring Approach™ and was introduced to the concepts of Connect Therapy. I found it so beneficial to my clients that I enrolled in the 2018 Connect Therapy Series, a 3-week intensive, hands on course. The Connect Therapy approach works really well for people with multiple symptoms as it helps guide the therapist in determining which mechanical dysfunctions are most relevant and, therefore, where to focus treatment. It also works well for those whose symptoms are being influenced by dysfunction elsewhere in their body. As of October 2018 I changed my bookings (hour-long initial sessions and 30-45 minute follow-up sessions to allow the increased time it takes to do this type of assessment and treatment approach.
Clinical Neuroscience
I am passionate about integrating my knowledge and experience of orthopaedics with the latest evidence in pain neurophysiology, brain plasticity, motor control and motor learning. In 2017 I participated in a Sports Thorax Course where I learned the Thoracic Ring Approach™ and was introduced to the concepts of Connect Therapy™. This approach works really well for people with multiple symptoms as it helps guide the therapist in determining which mechanical dysfunctions are most relevant and, therefore, where to focus treatment.
Manual Therapy
In 1999, I attained a graduate diploma in Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association & am currently a member of the International Federation of Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT), as well as a registered mentor with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopaedic Division. I mentor physiotherapists who are pursuing advanced post-graduate manual therapy education and wish to improve their clinical reasoning and exercise prescription with clients who have, or wish to prevent, musculoskeletal disorders. I also guide them in improving hands-on skills with joint manipulation, joint mobilization and soft tissue release.
Acupunture & Dry Needling (IMS)
2000 Acupuncture certification with the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (AFCI)
2014 Certified Level-2 Functional Dry Needling (IMS) Practitioner with Kinetacore.
Running Injuries
As an avid runner and former triathlete, I am excited that West 4th Physiotherapy Clinic is now recognized as a specialty running clinic with The Running ClinicTM, a passionate and dedicated group of physiotherapists who specialize in research and education of health care professionals and the public regarding prevention and management of running injuries. The course I took with them in 2014 was one of the best I have done in my long career. As affiliates we are constantly updated with the latest and best research. We offer biomechanical assessments of your running to optimize your efficiency and prevent running injuries.
Whiplash
In 2009 I completed Master of Science Degree in Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology at Simon Fraser University to enrich my knowledge and experience in clinical research, with a focus on assessment of chronic whiplash injuries. I’ve been instructing the MPT students at UBC in whiplash theory and management since 2008. Whiplash is a great example of a condition that varies greatly from person to person. In my experience, the best outcomes are achieved when the client takes ownership of their recovery and partners with a physiotherapist with a diverse skill set.
Concussion Management
I’ve worked with people with brain injuries for more than 30 years. I am a professional member of the BC Brain Injury Association and, in 2015 attained certification with Shift Concussion, a leading edge Concussion Management Team based in Guelph, Ontario. I am also an ImPACT Trained Physical Therapist. At West 4th Physiotherapy we provide baseline testing (before concussion) and incorporate online neurocognitive testing, the ImPACT Test ™ as well as computerized testing of balance and reaction time using the SWAY Medical™ app. The concussion services provided at West 4th Physiotherapy reflect best practices in concussion management and are updated as new, clinically relevant research emerges. Every concussion is different so it is important to see a health care practitioner with up to date knowledge to evaluate your needs and guide you appropriately.
Links
Vestibular Disorders
My interest in whiplash and concussion motivated me to learn more about vestibular physiotherapy. I had previously participated in three vestibular courses prior to enrolling in the 2016 six-day Emory University Vestibular Rehabilitation Course. This intensive course was well worth the time and expense. I am thankful to the BC Balance and Dizziness Disorders Association for providing me with an educational bursary, which helped to offset the cost. As a result, of this course my knowledge of, and confidence in, treating people with balance and dizziness disorders has grown immeasurably.
TMJ
I am fortunate to have been mentored by two physiotherapists with a high level of interest and expertise in assessing and treating disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). As a result, I have found that I enjoy helping people with TMJ pain, clicking, locking and instability to manage and/or resolve their issues.
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.
Booking an Appointment
If you have questions or concerns that need to be addressed prior to your first appointment, feel free to email me at marj@w4pt.com or phone West 4th Physiotherapy Clinic at 604-730-9478 and ask for Marj.