– by Doreen Marion Gee –
This is the fifth in a six-part series of profiles on some great local businesses that are working to keep us all in good health.
The inspirational ‘TEAM’ acronym, “Together Everyone Achieves More”, underscores the work of the health care professionals at Reach Health Clinic in Sidney. They believe that a collaborative approach with each client that incorporates their combined expertise and unique perspectives is the surest route to therapeutic success. Accordingly, they work together to provide the most thorough, evidence-based and effective care possible.
The dedicated team at Reach Health Clinic in Sidney is a multidisciplinary power-house of trained therapists. Alison Esser, a Registered Massage Therapist with a degree in Human Kinetics, works with a variety of conditions at all stages of life and has a special interest in the field of women’s health. Alison is passionate about their collaborative approach: “The whole premise of being a multidisciplinary clinic is because we want to be part of a team and be able to draw on each person’s unique skill sets, expertise, experience and strengths – so that we can help the patient return to health.” Alison illustrates their integrated approach with the example of increasing the mobility of a patient’s joint: The Massage Therapist might prescribe specific exercises, and address any tight muscles around the joint but may also refer them to their resident Acupuncturist – who has a unique view of how to manage and control pain.
Alyssa Madill is a Registered Massage Therapist with Reach Health. Her treatment methods include Swedish and deep tissue massage; trigger point and myofascial release; and muscle energy technique. A triathlete, Alyssa brings valuable experience in the world of sports to the clinic team, enhancing the overall skill and knowledge base of the group. Alyssa: “I learn a lot from my colleagues.” The women at Reach Health enrich each other as professionals, which translates into optimal care for their patients – a huge benefit of being part of a team. Alyssa describes a real-life case of how a ‘team-effort’ ultimately benefited the patient: When a new client was very distressed by acute pain and could not handle being touched or massaged, Alyssa determined that Acupuncture was indicated. Lisa, their Acupuncturist, used her skills to calm the patient down. Eventually, the patient was able to benefit from massage therapy.
A graduate of a local Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program, Lisa Cumberland is a Registered Acupuncturist, a Registered TCM Herbalist and also holds a degree in Psychology. Every treatment with Lisa is a unique combination of physical therapies, including Acupuncture, Acupressure and Massage. Lisa’s services are a necessary and effective component of Reach Health, offering a unique way to enhance the well-being of patients. Her treatments are used for a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, chronic pain and anxiety. Lisa loves working with people who are anxious and need a kind touch to calm them down. “Acupressure works on the mind and spirit” and is very calming on the nervous system. As the person relaxes, Lisa will ask them questions about the problems they are experiencing. Her Acupuncture skills can also be used to help her colleagues serve their patients optimally.
A Registered Massage Therapist and an Aquanetics Certified Hydro Therapist, Sheri Griffiths-Piacente has also completed courses in Osteopathic Mobilization Techniques, Aquatic Rehabilitation, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation Level 1, and Sports Nutrition. Sheri has a holistic perspective about their work: “There are four main aspects of health: sleep, movement, healthy food and cultivating the spirit. It is our job to help our patients by generally addressing all four aspects in their health care.” This is achieved by all the therapists working together to optimize their pool of talent, skill and training.
The personable professionals at Reach Clinic are living examples of the TEAM philosophy. Their collective skills naturally enhance their ability to find solutions to any one client’s medical concerns. This intuitive and practical approach pays off where it matters most – in improved health and quality of life for their patients.
Contact: www.reachhealth.ca
