You sustained some knee injuries early on in life while ski racing. How did your experience with these injuries affect how you work as a physiotherapist now?
My knee injuries had a HUGE impact on my life, particularly in my career choice! Now with the experience of surgery(ies) and rehab, I am very empathetic towards my clients because I remember so clearly all of the peaks and valleys associated with the road to recovery. Furthermore, I am VERY aware of the consequences of poor rehab~ of the factors that can lead to re-injury. Needless to say, am I am keen to ensure my clients do not repeat the same mistakes I made which led to my re-injuries.
You have TWO masters degrees. Does your advanced schooling in kinesiology (the science of human movement) impact your approach to treatment? If so, how?
Definitely. I worked as a sport physiologist and strength & conditioning coach prior to attending physio school. I decided to advance my career with a clinical approach to sport physiology~ where I could learn about assessment and analysis of movement from a rehab point of view. I believe strongly in proper and efficient movement execution and this is where physio and kinesiology have very common ground~ both are rooted in motor control and both are necessary for performance~ not just in sport but in life too. My approach to treatment is affected greatly by this belief as I take great care to prescribe the best exercises that address an individual’s rehab and health goals.
You are the strength and conditioning coach as well as the physiotherapist for the Canadian Paralympic Alpine team. What have been some of the highlights and the challenges of this position?
The highlights definitely include being involved in a high performance sport that is evolving every year. As well, it is very rewarding to get to know the athletes and their disabilities on a very personal level. I feel as though it has opened my eyes greatly to what it means to be disabled~ and how society can so easily impose limits. However, these athletes are limitless.
Challenges of the position mostly revolve around the travel~ although it is exciting to see parts of Asia, Europe, North and South America, it is tough for me to maintain a caseload and build relationships with clients at home. Furthermore, it is difficult to leave my husband and my Squamish life behind for 3 weeks at a time!
You’ve chosen to join the Reach Physio Solutions team. What lead you to that decision? Where do you see this taking you as a therapist?
Choosing to join the Reach physio solutions teams was simple: the philosophy of the clinic is very similar to my own and I really enjoy the one-on-one treatment approach. I really enjoy the other staff members~ there’s a very good energy and vibe in the clinic that makes me happy to come to work!
Thank-you Maggie!
To find out more about Maggie, please read her bio here.
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