Things Physiotherapist Justine Chartrand Wants You To Know About Physiotherapy

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Physiotherapist Justine Chartrand

If you want information about physiotherapy, there is no better person to request it from than a physiotherapist. Understandably, many people are curious about what physiotherapy is and how it can benefit them. They want to know if it can really cure their pains and help them live more active lives. While the answers to these queries will vary from individual to individual, some information about physiotherapy is universal, applying to the vast majority of people. Again, what better person to provide this information than a physiotherapist?

Things Physiotherapist Justine Chartrand Wants You To Know About Physiotherapy

There are a few things that physiotherapist Justine Chartrand wants you to know about physiotherapy. Chartrand is a physiotherapist at Elite Sports Injury Physiotherapy Clinics in Winnipeg. After reading our exclusive interview with her (below), you will be more enlightened about this incredible form of therapy that changes lives daily.

Interview with Elite Sports Injury Physiotherapy Clinics PT Justine Chartrand

Q) Justine, what are three qualities you feel a person should seek in a physiotherapist?

A) The top-three qualities I would personally look for in a physiotherapist who works in a private practice or orthopaedic setting are:

  1. Competence: A Physiotherapist that is well-rounded and knowledgeable in a variety of orthopaedic conditions and with a variable patient population is important. Physiotherapists can achieve this through participation in regular continuing education and professional development courses that keep them updated on best practice assessment and treatment techniques.
  2. A positive/caring attitude: Having a physiotherapist who is enthusiastic and motivating and who focuses on the positive improvement of his or her patient’s rehabilitation is helpful in improvement of symptoms of injury, in my experience.
  3. Communication: I believe strong communication skills are a necessity in the orthopaedic setting, as you are expected to discuss a large amount of information including realistic goals and timelines. Also, you must provide clear education on injuries, diagnoses, exercises, and treatment plans in a way that is comprehended by patients and family members.

Q) Have you witnessed physiotherapy providing people relief from longstanding pain? If so, how did these people respond to the results?

A) Yes! Definitely. As physiotherapists, we see a multitude of chronic conditions such as Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, etc. in a patient’s past medical history daily. I find this population can benefit from physiotherapy through education on self-management to utilize at home. Self-management may include use of heat/ice, individualized stretches, range of motion/strengthening home exercise programs, and positioning for pain relief. Of course, in-clinic manual therapy treatment is important for overall relief of pain. I find patients are always very grateful for any type of advice about and alleviation from longstanding pain. Their reactions are usually extremely positive regarding what physiotherapy can do to help them.

Q) What made you a believer in physiotherapy? In other words, why did you go into the field?

A) Growing up, I was very active in recreational activities and sports (primarily hockey and soccer) that lead to inevitable, acute, repetitive injuries. I was introduced to physiotherapy early on and always found it very interesting and was fascinated by the quick results and relief of pain from my injuries in addition to getting back to sport with the same or improved function and mobility. I knew I wanted to pursue a career that involved sports and athletes. I found that physiotherapy allowed me to combine my love for sports, keen interest in anatomy, and ability to help people maintain or improve function and mobility.

Q) In what area(s) of physiotherapy do you shine? In the context of physiotherapy, what are your strongest skills?  

A) I feel that my strongest skills as a physiotherapist are adapting assessment and treatment techniques to fit the specific patient’s needs. I am effective with manual therapy and joint mobilizations. Also, I’m skilled with exercise prescription progression and regression with an overall goal of stability and function. I thrive at expressing my outgoing personality and enjoy friendly rapport with patients, family members, and co-workers.

Q) What do you wish the average person understood about physiotherapy and how it can potentially benefit him or her?

A) I would like as many people as possible to know that physiotherapy can benefit a wide variety of issues, no matter how small or big or what the target-age population being treated is. Physiotherapists are educated in how to decrease pain, improve joint mobility, and prescribe home exercise programs for flexibility/range of motion/strengthening/balance. Physiotherapy can make a difference and will aid patients in continuing to live an active and independent lifestyle.

Q) What are three physiotherapist-approved tips the average person can implement to protect his or herself from exercise-related injuries?

  1. Always implement a proper stretching/warm up and cool down prior to and post-exercise.
  2. Engage in a variety of workouts/classes/sports throughout the year to prevent repetitive strains/sprains.
  3. If possible, have a trainer or exercise professional review specific exercises that you are not familiar with to ensure proper technique and posture throughout.

Q) What are your top-three favorite issues to treat?

A) I honestly enjoy treating an assortment of injuries, although if I had to choose, I would choose cervical radiculopathies, discogenic lower back pain, or herniations and meniscal sprains or tears of the knee.

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Sometimes, a little information from an expert in a particular therapy is all you need to make you a believer in that therapy. We hope you are educated and inspired by the wisdom physiotherapist Justine Chartrand shared.

Live near Winnipeg? If so, schedule an evaluation with Justine or an equally amazing physiotherapist here.

What questions do you have about physiotherapy? Share them with us in the section below.

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