National Physiotherapy Month is a time to connect with people in the community and help the public better understand what physiotherapy is and how it can help lives. The COVID-19 virus has challenged all aspects of our profession, in hospitals, rehab settings, private clinics and in the community. As we navigate the new normal of pandemic life, we are taking this opportunity to discuss the essential role of physiotherapy and our vision for the future.

Physiotherapy is a profession that assesses, diagnoses and treats conditions that may be present from birth or acquired. Physiotherapists are experts in assessing movement and function working together with clients and other health professionals to optimize functional outcomes.

Centre of Excellence in Physical Rehabilitation

At Propel Physiotherapy, we deliver high-quality, integrated healthcare to clients across a broad spectrum of injuries and conditions — from neurological injuries such as a stroke or brain injury; and complex orthopedic injuries like those resulting motor vehicle or workplace accidents; to chronic pain and nagging injuries.

Our team of physiotherapists, massage therapists, kinesiologists, exercise therapists, yoga therapist, mindfulness coach and administrative staff deliver comprehensive and integrated care to best meet individual client needs. We offer a wide array of services including acupuncture, pelvic floor physiotherapy, vestibular rehabilitation, yoga therapy, mindfulness training and much more from two clinic locations in Etobicoke and Pickering and mobile or community services in the Greater Toronto and Peterborough Areas.

Since its inception five years ago, Propel Physiotherapy has been working towards a vision of being a centre of excellence in rehabilitation. To that end, we offer the most advanced, and evidence-based technology and equipment available in rehabilitation. Our clinics are equipped with technology like a body weight supported treadmill, robotic assisted walking devices, a shockwave therapy machine, customized 3D orthotics scanner, neurofunctional screening tools and a wide array of accessible exercise equipment.

You may also enjoy reading: Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training in Neurological Rehabilitation

In addition, we provide leading edge therapies like PoNS (portable neuromodulation stimulator) treatment, which has the potential to restore balance in individuals with chronic balance deficit due to a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury or concussion; and gait in individuals with gait deficit due to mild to moderate symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Propel Physiotherapy staff are experienced in working collaboratively with other health care professionals such as occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, case managers, and social workers to implement and work towards the client’s individual goals. Shared goal setting is integral in leading physiotherapy interventions toward measurable, meaningful and achievable outcomes.

Related post: Physiotherapists & Occupational Therapists Collaborate to Maximize Outcomes

Physiotherapists Providing Essential Services

In a year where healthcare workers are on the front lines in the fight against this pandemic, it is even more important to recognize our physiotherapist colleagues across the country. Physiotherapists in Canada have been asked to provide essential care to those patients who require emergency services.

At Propel Physiotherapy and other clinics, physiotherapists have been using personal protective equipment to enter people’s homes in order to provide physiotherapy to clients who would otherwise physically decline without these services. In hospitals, therapists have been redeployed and have changed areas of practices to best serve areas that are in need.

Life has changed for all of us both personally and professionally. I am deeply moved by the compassion and dedication my physiotherapy colleagues have shown during this difficult time. I have the privilege of working both in the private and public sector. It is remarkable to see the dedication and resilience of all those around me in providing care to clients. This has been the top priority for all clinicians I know.

From my physiotherapy coworkers volunteering to go to long term care homes to our colleague who is supporting personal support workers in our vulnerable long term care facilities; from everyone who has had to dust off and relearn more about technology and virtual rehab than they probably wanted to know to those that have redefined what teamwork truly means; and to those that have expanded their role to truly encompass all that this profession offers, I truly salute all of you.

While I have been honoured to call myself a physiotherapist for the past 17 years, I have never been so proud of and touched by all those around me who have risen to these challenging times.

Physiotherapy Helps Lives

At Propel Physiotherapy, we are continuing to provide care to our existing clients and are accepting new clients during this COVID-19 crisis while diligently following public health and college guidelines. We have successfully implemented secure virtual rehabilitation platforms and determine our approach to managing new client assessments on an individual basis.

Related post: Tele-Rehabilitation Services & Emergency Care Needs

As we look ahead to reopening our clinic according to public health guidelines in the near future, we continue our commitment to providing the best quality care to all our clients.  Physiotherapy services are an integral part of the health care system and can help restore and maintain an individual’s mobility, function and well being. The health and welfare of our current and future clients continue to be the number one commitment for our therapists.  Contact us to see how we can best serve and meet your priorities and needs during this challenging time.

Written by

Kathy Mileski
Kathy MileskiRegistered Physiotherapist and Mindfulness Trainer
Kathy Mileski loves the idea of helping others be as mobile and active as they possibly can. She believes that every person has the potential to do amazing things. That belief bolstered by her training and experience has helped her clients to achieve success in their rehab goals no matter where they are in terms of their recovery.

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