Since this is the first time I’m writing a blog, I gave some thought to what I should write. I thought I’d start with my basic philosophy as a physiotherapist. I get asked a lot how Physiotherapy differs from other medical practitioners in terms of their care.

My reply is usually something like this," My job is to teach you how not to come back to me."

By that I mean, I believe that my role is as a facilitator in your rehab. The manual treatment that I may do in the 45 minutes you’re in the clinic can’t compete against all the wrong things you’re doing outside the clinic the other 23 hours in the day.

In other words, my job is to assess what you’re doing and how you’re doing actions at work, at home, while you’re sleeping, while you’re exercising(or not) and determine which of those things is a perpetuating factor in delaying your recovery. My task is give you the tools to help speed your recovery so that you’re dependence on me is limited. If you have a chronic condition, and we determine that a specific stretch or posture can help in your rehab, then you now have a tool in which you know you can make a difference. That applies now while you’re recovering from an accident or injury, and down the line if symptoms reappear.

Whether you have a chronic or acute injury, I believe my ultimate role should be as an educator. After more than twenty years of practice as Vancouver physiotherapist, I know that it takes commitment on my part as well as the patients to have a complete recovery.

Gail Mattuck

BMR(PT)

 

To book an appointment with Gail, call Kitsilano Physiotherapy Clinic at 604-731-7319