Physiotherapy

Our Physiotherapists have advanced specialized training and experience in the areas of vestibular, concussion, and neurological rehabilitation, as well as orthopedic assessment and treatment. Vestibular rehab: Vestibular-certified Physiotherapists will create an individualized rehabilitation program to improve the nerve pathways between the inner ear, eyes, brain, and spinal cord using tech... Read More

Our Physiotherapists have advanced specialized training and experience in the areas of vestibular, concussion, and neurological rehabilitation, as well as orthopedic assessment and treatment.

Vestibular rehab: Vestibular-certified Physiotherapists will create an individualized rehabilitation program to improve the nerve pathways between the inner ear, eyes, brain, and spinal cord using techniques involving eye and head movements and balance exercises to improve dizziness and balance issues. Our clinic also houses specialized vestibular rehab tools, including the SoloStep overhead track and harness system, infrared video and VNG goggles, and advanced balance equipment.

Concussion rehab: Physiotherapists with training in the area of concussion treatment will design an individualized program to restore balance, relieve nausea, decrease sensitivity to motion, light, noise, and other symptom management techniques to facilitate patient recovery and return to normal activities. Our Concussion Clinic team also provides multidisciplinary assessment services for those with concussion and mild traumatic brain injury, and consists of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling, and neurology services.

Neurological rehab: Physiotherapists with neurological training and experience will work with patients to develop an exercise program designed to improve independence and function with daily activities, promote increased mobility and strength, reduce fall risk, and work towards patient goals in a client-centered approach. Several of our physiotherapists have also completed specialized training to offer MyndMove functional electrical stimulation (FES) for stroke rehab, and LSVT BIG for improving activities of daily living in those with Parkinson's disease.

Orthopedic rehab: Our Physiotherapists have the necessary skills and experience to assess and treat injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic rehab includes assessment of movement and function and the development of a treatment plan to reduce pain, inflammation, joint restriction, and muscle weakness to improve movement and functional abilities. We offer dry needling and ShockWave therapy for pain relief, as well as the GLA:D group exercise program for osteoarthritis.


Telehealth Physiotherapy

Telehealth is a service that delivers rehab therapy via videoconferencing. It is a secure video platform that enables face-to-face assessment, education, exercise prescription, treatment, and professional expertise remotely. It is intended to provide you with the same high quality one-to-one therapy that you would receive in an in-person visit to our clinic. If you have a vestibular disorder, T... Read More

Telehealth is a service that delivers rehab therapy via videoconferencing. It is a secure video platform that enables face-to-face assessment, education, exercise prescription, treatment, and professional expertise remotely. It is intended to provide you with the same high quality one-to-one therapy that you would receive in an in-person visit to our clinic. If you have a vestibular disorder, Telehealth gives you the opportunity to access a certified vestibular physiotherapist remotely. It may also be beneficial for anyone with limited transportation or mobility.

For Telehealth Physiotherapy sessions, we recommend that you choose a well lit, private space to be able to move around, set up you device so you can be hands free, and dress as you would for a regular rehabilitation visit.


Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy can be extremely helpful for reducing pain, muscle soreness, and tension, and increasing blood flow to problem areas. Our RMTs Jennifer Power and Cathy Cull both have many years of experience and we are lucky to have them on our team. Please book at least 45-60 minutes for your first massage.


Exercise Programs

Exercise classes are ongoing and take place in cycles. For more information on our classes or to add yourself to the list for the next cycle, please contact us at 709-700-1474 or info@nlbalance.com. We are currently offering the GLA:D program (hip & knee program and back program), LSVT, iBalance classes, and Therapeutic Yoga. Our GLA:D program is an 8-week education and exercise-based progra... Read More

Exercise classes are ongoing and take place in cycles. For more information on our classes or to add yourself to the list for the next cycle, please contact us at 709-700-1474 or info@nlbalance.com. We are currently offering the GLA:D program (hip & knee program and back program), LSVT, iBalance classes, and Therapeutic Yoga.

Our GLA:D program is an 8-week education and exercise-based program for knee and hip osteoarthritis, pain, and stiffness led by our Physiotherapist Tamara Penney. GLA:D focuses on proper posture and alignment as well as building muscular strength through functional exercises in a small group of 5-8 participants. GLA:D takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The GLA:D program for back pain will be offered Fall 2024!

We offer LSVT BIG (Physiotherapy with Tamara) and LSVT LOUD (Speech Therapy with Nancy) for patients with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions. LSVT BIG focuses on improving motor functioning, including faster walking with bigger steps, improved balance, better movement in the torso, and reduced risk of falling. LSVT BIG takes place one-on-one with the physiotherapist over the course of 16 weeks, and LSVT LOUD is a group session.

Our iBalance exercise classes are appropriate for those with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and balance issues. They are led by our Kinesiologist, Rebekah Leyte, and experienced students and volunteers. Using our SoloStep System, the class allows participants to exercise safely and confidently without fear or risk of falling while attached to an overhead track. Our classes are group-based with stations for cardiovascular exercise, strengthening, stretching, balance training, and coordination. Our team will guide you through stations that will be tailored to your individual needs. iBalance classes take place Wednesday afternoons from 1:00-2:00 and 2:30-3:30. They are offered in groupings of 6 sessions.

Therapeutic Yoga is led by Physiotherapist Andrea Hann and is appropriate for those with vestibular issues, concussion, and light or sound sensitivities. All poses are modifiable to suit your abilities and goals. Our next group of yoga classes will begin July 13, 2024.


MyndMove Therapy

MyndMove is a non-invasive therapy that combines patient participation, therapist expertise, and functional electrical stimulation (FES) to restore voluntary hand and arm function for people with stroke and upper-limb paralysis.


Occupational Therapy

Our Occupational Therapist, Adrienne Thoms, can assess independence with self-care, leisure, productivity, and occupational performance. Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE), work hardening programs, workstation evaluations, pre-employment screenings, home visits, ergonomic assessments, cognitive assessments, and return-to-work plans are all services offered by our OT.

Kevin Parfrey Physiotherapist

Kevin completed his Master of Science in Physiotherapy at Dalhousie in 2010 and finished his Master of Science in Exercise Physiology at MUN in 2011. Kevin worked in Halifax for five years where he treated mainly orthopedic issues, focusing on athletic rehabilitation and injury prevention. He has played hockey in the Ontario Hockey League, and rugby for team Canada; and has been lead therapist for The Rock Rugby Program Under 16-Senior, Kings College, Halifax Hawks, and Hockey Nova Scotia.

Kevin has extended his scope of practice with advanced education in dry needling, fascial stretch therapy, Functional Movement Screening (FMS), Rock Tape for Functional Movement, TRX suspension training, concussion management and Level 2 manual therapy. Kevin is always happy to help with any musculoskeletal related issue!

Education

  • 2011 - Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John’s, NL

  • 2010 - Master of Science in Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University Halifax, NS

Continuing Education

  • Functional Movement Screening
  • Dry Needling
  • Manual Therapy Level 2
  • Rock Tape for Functional Movement
  • TXR Suspension Training
  • ImPACT Concussion Management
  • R2R Concussion Rehabilitation

Experience

Lead Physiotherapist - Under 16-Senior The Rock Rugby Program St. John’s, NL - Kings College Rugby/Hockey Halifax, NS - Halifax Hawks Hockey Halifax, NS - Hockey Nova Scotia Halifax, NS

Kevin Parfrey Physiotherapist Kevin completed his Master of Science in Physiotherapy at Dalhous... Read More

Owner and Lead Physiotherapist

Kim earned her Bachelor of Science degree in physiotherapy, and subsequently her Master of Science degree also in physiotherapy, from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. She has now accumulated over 30 years professional experience in public and private sectors of healthcare both in Canada and USA. She is a Clinical Adjunct at the School of Physiotherapy at Dalhousie University, and has also held the position of Clinical Coordinator of Physiotherapy in the Faculty of Medicine at MUN.

Kim has completed extensive postgraduate training in her specialty fields; earning her Vestibular Competency Certificate from Emory University in Atlanta Georgia. She also has advanced training in Concussion Management, and has used these particular skills to facilitate many athletes, workers, and victims of road traffic accidents to return to their respective sport or occupation after trauma.

Kim also has extensive experience in inter-disciplinary health care and teamwork, student clinical education coordination and non-profit organization development and management. Her career has provided opportunities to work in both public and private, urban, rural and community settings with multiple disciplines, agencies and varied age groups. She is an effective communicator, with excellent skills in leadership, project management and problem solving. She is passionate about her work and providing evidence based client centered care for her patients.

Education

  • 2000 - Masters of Science Degree - Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University Halifax, NS
  • 1988 - Bachelor of Science Degree - Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University Halifax, NS

Continuing Education

  • 2017 - Advanced Management of Post-Concussion Syndrome (R2P)
  • 2017 - Concussion Health Summit (Concussion Health)
  • 2017 - ImPACT Concussion Certified Physical Therapist (ImPACT Applications)
  • 2016 - Concussion Management (Ottawa, ON)
  • 2014 - Dr. Rocabado Cranio-Fascial Pain Management (St. John’s, NL)
  • 2013 - Vestibular Competency Certification (Los Angeles, California)
  • 2012 - Concussion Management (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)
  • 2011 - Connecting Inter-professional Education and Practice (St. John’s, NL)
  • 2010 - Advanced Vestibular Rehab (St. John’s, NL)
  • 2009 - Inter-professional Education (Halifax, NS)
  • 2007 - Walk-Aide by Innovative Neurotronics (Waterville, ME)
  • 2005 - C-leg Road Show by Ottobock (Bangor, ME)
  • 2004 - Advanced Amputee Gait (Robert Gailey, Portland, ME)
  • 2003-2007 - Member Mount Merici School Fund Raising Committee
  • 2003 - Amputee Rehab (Robert Gailey, Chicago, IL)
  • 2002-2007 - Founder/President Waterville Amputee Support Group
  • 1998 - Vestibular Rehab (Faye Horak, Halifax, NS)
  • 1997 - Advanced NDT Gait Certification (Halifax, NS)
  • 1995 - NDT Certification (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
  • 1993 - Spinal Cord Injury Management (RIC, Chicago, IL)
  • 1990 - Rheumatology Management (Toronto, ON)
  • 1989 - Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Evaluation (Kelly Gowland, Halifax, NS)
  • 1988-1998 - Physiotherapist & Member St. John’s Parkinson’s Disease Association

Experience

  • 2016-present - Owner and Lead Physiotherapist NL Balance & Dizziness Centre St. John’s, NL
  • 2015-2018 - Adjunct Professor (Clinical) School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University Halifax, NS
  • 2009-2017 - Clinical Education Coordinator Physiotherapy Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John’s, NL
  • 2008-2016 - Physiotherapist Dynamic Physiotherapy Services St. John’s, NL
  • 2005-2014 - Physical Therapist Camp No Limits, No Limits Limb Loss Foundation Wales, Maine, US
  • 1998-2008 - Physical Therapist Maine General Medical Center Waterville, Maine, US
  • 1991-1998 - Senior Physiotherapist Health Care Corporation of St. John’s St. John’s, NL
  • 1988-1991 - Physiotherapist St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital St. John’s, NL

Achievements

  • Physiotherapist for Camp No Limits, whose purpose is to provide therapy, education and resources to children and their families living with limb loss.

Owner and Lead Physiotherapist Kim earned her Bachelor of Science degree in physiotherapy, and s... Read More

Registered Physiotherapist

Andrea has been working as a physiotherapist for 28 years in the areas of physical rehabilitation and mental health throughout the age spectrum. For the past 5 years, she has been working with multi-disciplinary public health programs to assist in providing evidence informed health care for those who are neuro-diverse, including those diagnosed with Ehler Danlos/Hyper Mobility Spectrum, ADHD, ASD and/or DCD, to assist them and their families in optimizing their health outcomes. Andrea has extensive advanced education in Pain Science and is a certified Bonefit practitioner, giving her the understanding how to accommodate and support those with lower bone density. She is trained as a yoga teacher and she incorporates ancient practice with present day evidence-based treatment approaches.

Registered Physiotherapist Andrea has been working as a physiotherapist for 28 years in the areas... Read More

Physiotherapist

Jake is a caring physiotherapist dedicated to providing optimal individualized care to every patient he works with. He has a special interest in musculoskeletal conditions, balance training, vestibular rehabilitation and concussion management/rehabilitation. He is a jack of all trades, and he’s even a master of one. Jake received his Master of Science in Physiotherapy from Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Memorial University.

Jake is passionate about providing high quality care while empowering others to become active participants in the rehabilitation process. His personal interest in health and fitness drives his desire to improve the quality of life and functional status of his patients.

Education

  • 2017 - Master of Science in Physiotherapy, Glasgow Caledonian University Glasgow, Scotland
  • Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John’s, NL

Continuing Education

  • 2018 - Introductory Vestibular Rehabilitation
  • 2018 - Advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation
  • 2017 - Advanced Management of Post-Concussion Syndrome (R2P)

Interests

In his spare time, Jake enjoys soccer and weight lifting.

Physiotherapist Jake is a caring physiotherapist dedicated to providing optimal individualized c... Read More

Occupational Therapist

After graduation, Adrienne spent a short time practicing at the L.A. Miller Centre Rehabilitation Program until she left Newfoundland in her Honda Civic, bike strapped to the roof, and headed west to Calgary to pursue a job with a Head Injury Program at Columbia Health Centre. Two years later, she transitioned to a role as the occupational therapist/ Clinical Coordinator with the LEAD Foundation where she worked with children diagnosed with autism and their families.

After 14 years in Calgary, Adrienne drove her Honda Odyssey back to her homeland with five bikes, a Husband, three young children and their geriatric dog onboard! Since returning home, Adrienne has had the opportunity to work as a private contractor in pediatrics and adults in the community with various developmental, mental and physical health needs. She is delighted to be working with the staff and multidisciplinary team at the Dizziness and Balance Clinic and to add another dimension to the services we provide.

Education

  • Diploma in Rehabilitation Science, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC
  • Occupational Therapy Program, Dalhousie University Halifax, NS
  • Bachelor of Arts Program, Acadia University Wolfville, NS

Experience

  • Worked in Calgary for 14 years (extensive work in pediatrics, head injury, mental health, and case management.)
  • Community work with veterans diagnosed with complex mental health issues

Achievements

  • IRONMAN Florida

Occupational Therapist After graduation, Adrienne spent a short time practicing at the L.A. Mill... Read More

Cathy Cull

Registered Massage Therapist, Registered Naturotherapist, & Certified Laser Technician

Cathy graduated from Massage Therapy in 2013 and has since continued to accumulate her knowledge and skills to best benefit her patients as well as her colleagues.

Cathy has a wide range of Manual Therapy Training including Reflexology, Reiki, and Cupping and uses these skills to her advantage.

She is very passionate about helping those in her care and is always looking for the best treatment options for her patients.

Cathy Cull Registered Massage Therapist, Registered Naturotherapist, & Certified Laser Techn... Read More

Physiotherapist

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St. John's
Located at: 60 Elizabeth Avenue, St. John's
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