This is the first in a six-part series of profiles on some great local businesses that are working to keep us all in good health.
When co-owner, Linda Walker, moved her Physiotherapy practise from downtown to Brentwood Bay 11 years ago it was a leap of faith. She joined partner Suzie Cutt who had a successful Registered Massage Therapy clinic here and the rest is history. “We joined forces, put our heads together and created Brentwood Physiotherapy & Massage,” says Linda. “We absolutely love working on the Peninsula because it’s a friendly, active community and we get to treat kids in sports, working moms and dads, and active elderly”. Then in 2012 an opportunity came up to purchase Peninsula Physiotherapy & Massage and they expanded their services to the north Peninsula area as well. They support local businesses as often as possible and are actively involved in the community.
The focus of their practise is on service, education and combined treatment to allow clients to be involved in their own health. You won’t see too many machines in use at their clinics because they prefer to work hands-on. Linda explains that there is research behind the appropriate use of electric modalities such as ultrasound, laser, and traction but they only implement them when clearly indicated to promote healing.
The most important part of their client-centred care is finding the root cause of the problem and this is the part they love most. They have hired a diverse team of professionals who happily work together to figure out complex problems and apply the most up-to-date treatment possible. The team provides Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy, Pelvic Floor Health, IMS (Gunn Intermuscular Stimulation), Acupuncture, Kinesiology, and Acupressure. There is an emphasis on continual learning and research, and their team often takes time to attend courses in Canada.
“We like to invite other local healthcare practitioners, including doctors, to our clinics to share knowledge,” Linda explained. This allows clients to benefit from a community of practitioners who offer specific treatments. Linda often attends orthopaedic seminars in Vancouver in order to understand what the newest surgical procedures are and who performs them. “Ultimately the goal is to advocate for our clients and know who to refer them to when needed,” she clarifies. Originally from Toronto, Linda attended McMaster University and moved to Vancouver Island as soon as she graduated in 1998. She has kept close contact with her professors who help her stay current with the latest health science research which gives her a broader approach to care.
In order to share information they offer public presentations at the clinics on a variety of healthcare topics. These seminars are by donation and proceeds are given to local charitable causes. “Giving back to this community just makes sense, it’s what we like to do,” Linda says.
When looking to the future Linda will complete her Specialization in Chronic Pain Management through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, and continue her work as assistant instructor with the Physiotherapy Association of BC’s Manual Therapy program. She is also a certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor and continues to build her practise daily.
Both Brentwood Physiotherapy & Massage, and Peninsula Physiotherapy & Massage build primary prevention education into every treatment, providing the most innovative healthcare in your community. Look for posters in the community, follow them on Facebook or the web for upcoming presentations.
