– by Barry Mathias –
This is the third in a six-part series of profiles on some great local businesses that are working to keep us all in good health.
In his play Julius Caesar, Shakespeare writes: “There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood leads on to fortune.” In this, the word “fortune” refers to health and happiness as well as success, and depends on the decisions we make in our lives.
A good example is Scott Simpson (PT, BSc.Kin) of Saanichton Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, where he is a partner with Shevaun Sedlock (D.PT). Scott is a highly qualified physiotherapist with a second degree in kinesiology, and is a noted athlete. During his time at Dalhousie University in Halifax, he was an Academic and Athletic All-Canadian, and in 2000 was awarded a yearlong scholarship at the UC Australian Institute of Sport. He has participated at provincial level in soccer, hockey, golf and baseball, and has excelled at long distance running. From 2001 to 2010 he was a member of the Canadian National Team, becoming the Canadian National Champion at the 10k distance in 2006, and the B.C. road-racing champion in 2009 and 2010, and was the top Canadian in the TC10k.
With this impressive background, Scott brings a wealth of first-hand knowledge to his treatment of people’s injuries. “I am constantly adapting to the latest treatments and research,” he says. “I aim to treat the cause of the injury, not just the symptoms.”
For some time, he was the Team Physiotherapist for the Canadian National Team, but he has withdrawn from this, as the necessity of being away for long periods did not fit in with the new and fulfilling demands of a father. “I don’t do so much competitive running these days,” he says. “Being a dad is important.” Scott has a four-year-old daughter, Clara, who is the focus of his life away from work. “Who knows, I might wish to challenge myself in the future,” he says. But for now, he is happy with the new direction he has chosen. He tells a story of how an interviewer asked what his job was, and he simply replied: “I’m a dad.”
Scott enjoys being a physiotherapist, and believes that his two degrees are complementary. “First and foremost, I am a physiotherapist, and although I do not practise kinesiology to the same extent, it has given me a huge understanding of movement and how to aid the body’s healing.”
His training, both in academic study and athleticism, has shown him the value of teamwork. He works closely with his partner Shevaun, who has more than 25 years’ experience. Three well-qualified younger therapists complete the team: Sandra Hardy, who has a degree in Physical Therapy and is trained in acupuncture; Lindsay Williamson, a registered Massage Therapist; and Kris Swanson, who has a BSc in Kinesiology. “We pride ourselves on ensuring that an injured person gets seen quickly,” he says. “We put the clients first, and work together for their benefit.”
Scott is proud of the clinic’s ability to diagnose the root cause of a person’s injury. “I don’t prescribe medications,” he explains. If a client is found to need some form of drug therapy or perhaps an operation, Scott will liaise with the client’s doctor. “People do not need a referral to see us.” He favours a collaborative approach to healing, and is keen to emphasize the value of planned exercise … Scott’s approach is built on experience.
Saanichton Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, located at # 2-7865 Patterson Road in Saanichton, is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This allows clients maximum flexibility with appointments. The clinic offers physiotherapy to evaluate, diagnose and treat injuries; acupuncture to aid healing and pain relief; and massage therapy for hands-on healing. Kinesiology, also known as human kinetics, uses the knowledge of movement to prevent injury, and orthotics and bracing is the use of external devices to support the skeletal frame. “I want to empower people to heal themselves,” Scott says, “I know it works.”
