– by Barry Mathias –
This is part of a rotating series of articles on members of Sidney Meet Up Women’s Networking Group, featuring women in business on the Saanich Peninsula.
It’s always exciting to meet someone who is genuinely passionate about the work they do. Such was the case when I interviewed Linda Walker, the joint owner of Brentwood Physiotherapy and Massage (6967 Wallace Drive, Brentwood Bay), and the recently acquired Peninsula Physiotherapy and Massage (9733 Fourth Street, Sidney). “I love to know how to help a patient reach their full potential,” she says.
A graduate of McMaster University, Linda was awarded a BSc (Kinesiology) and later a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Physiotherapy. She is a registered Iyengar Yoga instructor, and has diplomas in Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy, Health Promotion, and a range of Business Management and Leadership qualifications.
“I was drawn to physiotherapy from an early age,” Linda says. Always a keen player of team sports, she was 16 when she severely damaged her left knee while playing hockey; she made a full recovery thanks to extensive treatment by a physiotherapist. “I have always been active.” In her ’30s Linda experienced further sports injuries, and discovered the powerful healing qualities of Iyengar Yoga. “I know what getting well entails,” she says. “I have an understanding of the meaning of pain.”
Linda started her career in private practice and VIHA in Victoria in 1998; later, she joined forces with Suzie Cutt, a Massage and Craniosacral Therapist, and together they established Brentwood Physiotherapy and Massage, expanding to include Peninsula Physiotherapy and Massage in 2013. Linda and Suzie lead a team of skilled therapists who have particular specializations that enable their clients to regain, and maintain, good health. “We try to create as much interdisciplinary knowledge and practice as is possible, in order to produce the best care for the patient,” Linda says. “We like to think ‘outside the box’ and apply the latest research.
“My main focus is to be the best health care problem solver. We have lots of different treatment options, and we are very willing to look outside our practice to help patients.” Linda explains: “Pain science is in its infancy. Ongoing education and course work keeps me as up-to-date as possible on areas of specialization, on the most current treatments, and on injury prevention.”
She has been greatly influenced by the work of Neil Pearson, Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC, and leader in the field of physiotherapy and yoga pain management. She refers to “pain champions:” “those of us who are helping teach other physiotherapists and doctors how to treat patients suffering from chronic pain through the PainBC Association.”
Linda treats all age groups; if you’re suffering from an injury, or want to know how to avoid one, visit www.brentwoodphysio.com or www.peninsulaphysio.ca.
