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Treating patients, guiding students, volunteering their services to different community organizations —the Dalhousie Physiotherapy Clinic (DPC) works hard for all.

The clinic has six fully-licensed physiotherapists (PTs), each holding additional certifications in areas covering concussion rehabilitation, acupuncture, advanced integrated musculoskeletal physiotherapy, disability management, occupational therapy, dry needling, and more. PTs and staff ensure a welcoming, comfortable environment for all who visit.

All clinic PTs provide Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) treatments — these offer relief for the dysfunction of the two joints that connect the skull and lower jaw. One in three people experience symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, which include trouble eating, numbness along the tongue or face, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and more.

“When it comes to patient care, our certifications are ever-growing,” says clinic PT Joseph Ghosn.

PTs recognize individualized care as crucial when leading patients through their journeys of rehabilitation, ensuring equitable service for people of varied abilities. In his treatment of visually impaired people, Ghosn collaborates with patients to transform physical rehabilitation demonstrations into verbal ones.

“Staff at DPC have a tough benchmark, which really drives the high standards of care that I’ve experienced throughout the clinic. In addition to the high standards of the physiotherapists, I find the facility can meet all my needs,” says Alistair, clinic patient.

Team Additions

Samantha Horner and Hailey West are the clinic’s newest PTs. Horner arrived in September 2021; West in November 2021. In addition to providing regular physiotherapy for patients, West will start offering pelvic health treatments this fall.

Before starting their masters at Dal, both women worked in the clinic as therapy assistants. They are excited to be back as fully licensed physiotherapists — their return is a testament to the strength of the clinic’s team.

“The team here is really collaborative. That facilitates great care because there is good communication between the team members,” explains Rhonda Reardon, PT and clinic manager.

Reardon poses with clinic PTs and clinic mascot. Photo: provided.   

Mentorship

The clinic welcomes student placements every year, offering guidance to those seeking to grow their skills. They mentor volunteers and job-shadowers ranging from high school to post-secondary students — if you are willing to learn, the team is eager to pass on their knowledge. While the clinic welcomes student placements, all DPC treatments are provided by physiotherapists with master’s degrees, each registered with the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists.  

While completing their Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in Kinesiology, Horner and West volunteered in the clinic’s Dalhousie Athletic Trainer Program. This program is coordinated by Declan O’Brien, the clinic’s full-time therapy assistant. Program participants enjoy sports therapy and injury prevention training sessions, professional collaboration with clinic physiotherapists, and trainer/assistant trainer work placements on Dal’s sports teams. Participants are often mentored in the clinic, however, they do not treat patients.

“Many students say that this has been one of the main highlights of their undergraduate degree. As a previous Dalhousie Trainer I could not imagine where I would be today without the experiences and connections I gained through this program," explains O’Brien.

Outreach

As demonstrated by their vast treatment and mentorship offerings, the clinic is devoted to the well-being of the local community. The team volunteers their services to cultural organizations such as Diman Association Canada, and youth sports initiatives like the Easter Seals/HRM Learn to Sledge program. Beyond the HRM, the clinic is eager to invest in the success of Canadian Physiotherapy. This fall, the clinic is hosting Acupuncture Canada’s Dry Needling Level 1 course — their second time this year.

"Because the staff work with the student athletes and the general public, they approach the healing process with equality,” says Andrea, clinic patient.

Move

The clinic’s team is “super excited” for their move into the up-and-coming Dalhousie Event Centre. Set to open Winter 2023/Spring 2024, their new location will offer improved accessibility, new patient services, an increased number of physiotherapists, and double the floor space of their current site in the Dalplex.

Current Space

The clinic’s current space has access to Dalplex’s high performance and community gyms, personal training area, fieldhouse, track, and pool. The clinic offers multiple patient treatment rooms — both private and semi-private, which allow for easy access to the clinic’s main physical rehabilitation space.

Booking

In-person or video appointments at Dal Physiotherapy Clinic can be booked over the phone at 902-494-1502 , or online. In addition to providing updates on the clinic’s dog, Spot, their Facebook page shares physiotherapeutic advice and diagrams, and rehabilitation guidance videos. The clinic’s fall hours are Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 7:30pm, and Saturday from 8:00am to 4:00pm.