2011 APTEI Acupuncture & Dry Needling (ADN) Program

In This Issue 

President’s Address ..................2 

CEO’s Message ........................3 

Names in the News ..................4 

Wendy Rogers, Professional 

Business Woman of the Year ...6 

Innovation in Practice ................8 

Advocacy Champion ............... 10 

National Physiotherapy Month 12 

Hospital Corner ....................... 14 

Call for Educational Sessions 

& Poster Presentations .............15 

Introduction to Neuro- 

Proprioceptive Taping ............. 15 

Homecare corner .................... 16 

Health Care 

Financial Group ....................... 18 

Invitation to Participate 

in a Survey ...............................20 

June is Brain Injury 

Awareness Month ...................22 

Want to attract new patients? 24 

Volunteer Opportunity .............24 

ONTARIO HYSIOTHERAPY ASSOCIATION 

Issue # 132 June/July 2011 

The Newsletter of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association 

Issues update 

By Jennifer Holstein 

OHA HealthAchieve 

Once again, OPA is participating in the 

development and implementation of the 

Interprofessional Practice Session at the 

Ontario Hospital Association’s annual conference, 

HealthAchieve. Hospital Advisory 

Committee members were polled for presentation 

topics and those were brought 

back to the planning group. Ultimately, the 

timely release of the Caseload Management 

Planning Tool developed in partnership 

with CPA, CAOT and CASLPA provided 

a unique opportunity to promote this tool 

while providing additional context with 

respect to system efficiencies, provider 

“burnout” and interprofessional care. 

The session will be presented on Tuesday, 

November 8 from 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm and 

will be chaired by J. Holstein. 

CHC Survey 

As reported in the last issue of Physiotherapy 

Today, the OPA began conducting a survey of 

the provision of physiotherapy services within 

Community Health Centres (CHCs) in May. 

Pre-interview calls have been completed and 

we are in communication with the Association 

of Ontario Health Centres (AOHC) to work 

together to gather this important information. 

Project materials and preliminary results 

have been disseminated to the AOHC’s 

Resource Management Committee, which 

will be providing the OPA staff with feedback 

on the research goals and questions by the 

end of June. 

Preliminary results from the pre-interview 

calls include: 

• A total of 12 CHCs (approximately 

20%) employ a PT, 2 more than identi- 

fied by the OPA Access Study (2010). 

• There was a 75.5% response rate to our 

initial pre-interview calls (we have no 

information about the availability of PT 

services in 14 CHCs). 

One CHC indicated that they had 

employed a PT (.2 FTE) within the recent 

past, but had not been able to recruit a 

replacement after the PT retired. 

AOHC Conference 

As part of our strategic direction to develop 

links and partnerships (particularly in the 

areas of primary care and primary health care, 

FHTs and CHCs), OPA secured an exhibit 

booth at the conference of the Association 

of Ontario Health Centres (AOHC) on 

June 9-10, 2011. The AOHC members 

include 120 of Ontario’s Community Health 

Centres, Aboriginal Health Access Centres 

and Community Family Health Teams. 

Board members J. Williams and S. Patton, 

as well as Practice and Policy staff J. Holstein 

and D. Gentili were onsite for the duration of 

the conference. 

Print resources, including brochures, 

information sheets on physiotherapy and 

common injuries/diseases, and position 

statements on physiotherapy and primary 

care were handed out to the more than 

1000 delegates attending the conference 

from around the world. 

Many attendees were keen to discuss the 

role of physiotherapy in the community, 

and in Community Health Centres. Based 

on these interactions, it seemed that the 

primary barriers keeping more physiotherapists 

from being employed in CHCs were 

Continued on page 4

presIdent’s address 

Health promotion: the only long-term solution 

to the healthcare crisis 

By Christopher Winn 

My previous article in Physiotherapy 

Today touched on something which I feel 

more strongly about with each passing 

year: Primary Health Care. We’re all acutely 

aware of the rising costs associated with the 

delivery of health care and while the rate 

of increase is abating, costs continue to rise 

unsustainably. Currently, over 40% of all 

Ontario government revenue is spent on 

healthcare. More disturbing is the prediction 

that should costs continue to rise at 

their current rate, this number will increase 

to 70% in the next 10 years! 1 

I submit that the health care system 

in which we function is not so much 

“health care” as it is “disease care”. I’m of 

this opinion because the vast majority of 

encounters that health care providers have 

with patients occur after the individual has 

become unwell. From the beginning of 

treatment, we are behind the eight ball and 

in the case of costly chronic diseases such as 

heart disease and diabetes, by the time the 

patient enters the health care system, he or 

she likely has a myriad of unhealthy behaviours 

and other risk factors that should have 

been addressed years before. 

Our health care system is at an inter- 

Number 132 

June/July 2011 

Ontario Physiotherapy Association 

55 Eglinton Avenue East 

Suite #210 

Toronto, Ontario M4P 1G8 

Tel: 416.322.6866 

Toll Free: 1.800.672.9668 

Fax: 416.322.6705 

Email: physiomail@opa.on.ca 

Web: www.opa.on.ca 

Physiotherapy Today is published 

bi-monthly. The information and views in 

letters or advertisements published in this 

newsletter do not necessarily reflect the 

policies and opinions of OPA. 

All items for the August/September 

edition should be submitted to the OPA 

office no later than August 15, 2011. 

esting juncture. Advances in medical care 

have allowed individuals to live longer 

with chronic illness and while this is commendable, 

it comes at a cost. Individuals 

receiving care for longer periods of time 

place increased financial pressure on the 

health care system. In fact, the direct 

and indirect costs associated with disease 

morbidity now exceed those of disease mortality. 

2 According to the Ontario Ministry of 

Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), 

“the economic burden of chronic disease in 

Ontario is estimated to be 55% of total direct 

and indirect health costs which includes… lost 

productivity from disability.” 3 

In that same document, the MOHLTC 

goes on to state “the good news is that there 

is great potential to improve health outcomes 

and reduce the burden of chronic disease.” 

To me, that’s an interesting spin on what 

is basically saying that the situation is so 

dreadful, we don’t have anywhere to go 

but up! 

So how do we effect change? I’ve personally 

read report after report whose 

conclusions are similar: we need to tackle 

the rising rates of chronic disease by taking 

a preventative approach. The Ontario 

government for their part seems to understand 

this and has even published their 

“Framework for Preventing and Managing 

Chronic Disease”. 4 

The problem, in my opinion, lies in the 

lack of funding commitment to address the 

issue. Ontario has two separate ministries 

responsible for health care and disease prevention: 

the MOHLTC and the Ministry 

of Health Promotion and Sport. Setting 

aside for the moment the strange logic 

of creating a separate ministry for health 

promotion than for health care, the budget 

numbers don’t lie. Health promotion/disease 

prevention initiatives require financial 

commitment, yet the Ontario Ministry of 

Health Promotion and Sport has an annual 

budget that is less than 10% of the annual 

budget of the MOHLTC. 5,6 

Thinking bigger picture for the moment, 

we should never forget that being “healthy” 

is a much more complex state of being than 

simply being free of disease. An individual’s 

health status is the product of a complex 

assortment of factors, known collectively 

as the Determinants of Health. The Public 

Health Agency of Canada currently lists 

2 

twelve such determinants, ranging from 

income and social support networks to 

education level and culture. In other words, 

improving the health status of a population 

means more than just good quality health 

care. It means equal opportunity for education, 

ensuring access to clean drinking 

water, breaking down stigmas associated 

with gender and cultural inequality and 

much more. 

Overwhelmed? It’s not an easy task and 

simple solutions are hard to come by. So 

how can we as a profession help? I believe 

it starts first and foremost when we as physiotherapists 

work with individual patients 

to empower them with the means by which 

they can not only recover from injury but 

ensure they maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Patient education is central to this and it’s 

incumbent upon all of us to recognize, for 

example, that educating a patient we’re 

seeing for a neck strain about the risks 

inherent with his obesity is entirely within 

our scope of practice. Taking it to the next 

level, I feel it is absolutely our responsibility 

to approach each and every one of our 

patient interactions with this broader perspective 

in mind. 

More formally, Ontario has several service 

models for primary health care already 

in place, including Community Health 

Centres. Although originally envisioned as 

another model of primary health care, the 

extent to which Family Health Teams have 

achieved this component of their mandate 

is debatable. Regardless, the Ontario 

Physiotherapy Association is committed to 

ensuring physiotherapists are included as 

a valued member of the team in primary 

health care roles. As individuals, we must 

also take every opportunity to show our 

value as primary health care practitioners 

in both the way we treat our patients and 

in our communications with our partners. 

There is no doubt in my mind that 

the only long-term solution to the crisis 

of our health care system is preventing 

people from becoming ill in the first place. 

Physiotherapists can and must be a leader in 

these initiatives and I encourage all of us to 

apply that in our day to day practice. 

Continued on page 5

CeO’s Message 

Election Ready! 

By Dorianne Sauvé 

Do you belong to a riding that has experienced 

reductions in physiotherapy services 

over the last two years? Do seniors in your 

area face challenges in accessing care that 

helps them stay in their homes longer? Do 

you wish to improve access to the health 

system, that diagnostic testing ordered by 

physiotherapists should be funded under 

the public health system? 

Is the candidate in your riding potentially 

the next Premier, Minister of Health, 

Leader of the Opposition, rising backbencher? 

This is our chance to educate 

decision makers about how physiotherapy 

is a solution to many of the issues faced by 

the health system in Ontario and to have 

our voices heard on key issues. 

The OPA has been working on our 

election strategy for the upcoming Ontario 

election. The writ is expected to be dropped 

around Labour Day (September) and the 

Election Day taking place on Thursday, 

October 6, 2011. An election provides the 

profession with a great opportunity to educate 

candidates on physiotherapy issues that 

OPA is on Facebook 

and Twitter! 

Check out stories about physiotherapy, get 

updates from OPA and chat with your peers! 

Like us on Facebook 

at Ontario Physiotherapy 

Association. 

Follow us on Twitter 

@OntarioPT. 

impact the health system and Ontarians. 

OPA’s platform will focus on two main 

issues: access to physiotherapy services and 

funding and support for new authorities. 

Members are asked to volunteer to be 

active in each of the 103 electoral districts. 

Acting as physiotherapy champions, 

member volunteers can: 

• Send congratulatory letters to each 

nominated candidate and provide them 

with information on OPA issues, as well 

as those specific to their local riding 

(candidates to be identified as nominations 

occur and contact information will 

be available to all OPA members via an 

Elections page on the OPA website. 

Form letters to be developed by OPA 

with opportunity for members to insert 

local “flavour”) 

• Attend candidate meetings and debates 

• Submit opinion/editorial letters to local 

newspapers (draft letter provided by 

OPA and local flavor on the issues added 

by volunteers) 

• Send standard questionnaires (provided 

3 

by OPA and sent by local volunteers) to 

local candidates requesting their disclosure 

of their position on physiotherapy 

issues (responses will be made available 

to all members) 

During the election, OPA will dedicate 

staff and resources to provide members 

with riding-level advocacy support. A 

separate page on the website will host 

information and tools to assist members 

in contacting candidates. Two webinars 

are planned in the late summer to prepare 

our local advocates. Volunteers will be 

encouraged to share their activities and the 

results of contacts with OPA so that we can 

monitor the effectiveness of our tools and 

to allow for post election follow up with 

successful candidates. 

With over 5000 members around the 

province, OPA can have a strong voice 

for the profession in this election. Contact 

David Gentili, Project Coordinator, Practice 

and Policy at davidg@opa.on.ca and volunteer 

as a physiotherapy champion! 

OPA Staff Changes 

Summer Student 

The OPA would like to welcome our 2011 summer 

student, Leah Takeuchi. Leah is a recent graduate of the 

University of Western Ontario, receiving a Bachelor of 

Science degree in Kinesiology. Leah’s interest in physiotherapy 

stems from her participation in athletics and 

working with children with special needs. Experience 

gained volunteering in physiotherapy clinics and as a 

student trainer for the UWO women’s basketball team 

further enhanced her interest. She is excited to discover 

another aspect of the physiotherapy profession through 

her work at the OPA. We hope you will join us in welcoming 

Leah to the Association!

naMes In the news 

A News (London ON) – Physiotherapist Gloria Gilbert discusses how chronic pain can 

be managed by implementing an exercise program based on the principals of biomechanics 

and on proper stretching and strengthening techniques. 

Waterloo Region Record (Kitchener ON) – Physiotherapist Mona Negoita is highlighted 

for her work providing rehabilitation services in Mexico. Negoita and business partner Peter 

Morris formed the foundation, Abrazos Canada, which aims to help those who are impoverished, 

disadvantaged, or disabled, and who otherwise would have no access to health care 

services. 

Hospital News (Toronto ON) – The West End Integrative Falls Prevention program 

celebrated its first anniversary in April amidst many signs of success. Physiotherapist Anna 

Banks currently works for the program, helping to design specialized exercise programs for 

seniors in order to improve balance and strength, and to reduce the incidence of falls. 

The Tribune (Welland ON) – Physiotherapist Scott Fenwick discusses the excitement 

and challenge of working with the Canadian Men’s Under-23 and Senior National soccer 

teams; for him, the perfect mix between business and pleasure. 

Open File (Hamilton ON) – The MOTOmed therapy bike is used at Hamilton Health 

Sciences Regional Rehabilitation Centre to give patients with brain injuries access to active 

exercise they would otherwise have to go without. Physiotherapist Denise Johnson is also 

thrilled to announce the donation of a second MOTOmed bike by Wheels of Fitness! 

Hospital News (Toronto ON) – The Restorative Care Program at the Brockville General 

Hospital targets frail or elderly acute patients who are ready to switch to a more rehabilitative 

program aimed at getting patients back home. Physiotherapist Tanya Collins is part of the 

interprofessional team behind this successful program. 

The Hamilton Spectator (Hamilton ON) – Incontinence is an issue faced by 3.3 million 

Canadians. Physiotherapist Carolyn Vandyken discusses her personal struggle with it, how 

she has been able to overcome it, and her goal to bring treatment options into the spotlight. 

U. of T. Bulletin (Toronto ON) – A new Mobile Applications course offered to graduate 

students at U of T has enabled physiotherapist Nirtal Shah to develop an app called iAnkle 

that allows patients to assess their rehabilitation by using a smartphone to measure the stability 

of an ankle after injury. 

The Whig-Standard (Kingston ON) – Physiotherapist Lindsay Thompson takes part in 

free paediatric sports clinics run by Fineline and K-Town physiotherapy with the help of an 

orthopedic surgeon from Kingston General Hospital. The clinics aim to improve the treatment 

of juvenile sports injuries and are the first of their kind in Kingston. 

Daily Press (Timmins ON) – Timmins and District Hospital physiotherapists Patricia 

Ferrari, Yannick Audet, and Lisa St. Onge promoted National Physiotherapy Month 

and the importance of an active lifestyle with a free swim on Sunday, May 15 at the Archie 

Dillon Sportsplex. 

InterACTION 2011 - Correction 

On Page 10 of the April/May 2011 issue of Physiotherapy Today, there was an error. 

The group picture found in the third column should have had the following caption: 

Julie Rice, 2011 recipient, Professional Contribution - External. 

4 

Issues Update 

Continued from page 1 

funding prioritization and availability of 

physical space. We took every opportunity 

to inform delegates about our collaboration 

with AOHC, in which we will survey CHCs 

about these barriers and work together to 

address the barriers. 

Ministry Consultation 

on Low Back Pain 

On May 31, 2011, OPA was invited to 

attend a consultation hosted by the Ministry 

of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) 

on “Improving Evidence-based Care for 

Low Back Pain”. The objectives for the 

meeting included: 

• Contribute to the understanding of the 

current environment and system context 

for ALBP management in Ontario 

• Explore drivers of the system and potential 

levers to improve practice 

• Identify and discuss best practice implementation 

activities or strategies for 

consideration in the ALBP Project Planning 

• Identify opportunities for collaboration 

with and between organizations/associations 

with an interest in Acute Low 

Back Pain 

A previous session held on April 21, 

2011 invited clinical experts to discuss the 

issue, while the second meeting brought 

together professional associations, colleges, 

WSIB and Ministry representatives to discuss 

health system issues and strategies for 

information facilitation. 

One of the key driving factors identified 

by the Ministry as the reason for looking at 

back pain in particular was the increasing 

use (and expense) of MRIs ordered by 

physicians, as well as referrals to specialists 

for patients presenting with acute low back 

pain, and increasing numbers of patients 

who are presenting with chronic back pain. 

Dr. Raja Rampersaud presented data 

on this patient population, as well as his 

personal experiences. Dr. Rampersaud submitted 

a proposal to the Ministry of Health 

and Long-Term Care last year based on his 

research, to help save the government an 

estimated $24M in unnecessary MRI and 

CT scans of spines by implementing a triage 

system using physiotherapists (his research 

and proposal were recently reported on in 

the Globe and Mail and was highlighted by 

CPA on their website). He also reported 

that one of the top three barriers identified 

by back surgeons in preventing acute 

patients from becoming chronic was “lack 

of publicly funded physiotherapy”.

Much of the conversation over the 

course of the day focused not on increased 

treatment for this population, but rather 

on prevention and education of patients. 

A summary of the recommendations will 

be shared with the membership once it has 

been released by the Ministry, and we will 

continue to monitor this initiative. 

Town Hall Meetings 

Town Hall Meetings will be held in ten 

of the sixteen OPA districts in September 

2011. The meeting will be an open discussion 

forum, led and facilitated by members of 

the Board of Directors. It is an opportunity 

to provide information about the current 

environment, receive feedback from the 

members, and address or discuss member 

issues. The meetings will be on Monday 

and Wednesday evenings (7-9pm) during 

the month of September. The timing of the 

Town Halls will allow us to incorporate the 

information and feedback into our Strategic 

Planning discussions in November. 

We are currently working with the districts 

to set up dates and locations. Keep 

an eye out for more information through 

i-Blast communications, as well as postings 

on our website and Facebook page. 

GTA Rehab Network and 

Stroke Rehabilitation 

The following excerpt is from www. 

gtarehabnetwork.ca: 

“The GTA Rehab Network is leading 

an initiative across the Toronto Central 

and GTA LHINs to enhance efficiency and 

access to stroke rehabilitation, particularly 

for severe stroke patients. 

Working with the three Toronto-area 

Stroke Networks, the Network reviewed 

the data from the DAD, NRS and Torontoarea 

E-stroke Rehab Referral databases to 

assess current patient flow. Evidence and 

data on performance was also reviewed 

to determine best practice and optimal 

rehabilitation access for patients post mild, 

moderate and severe strokes. 

The evidence was compelling: earlier 

admission to rehabilitation improves 

clinical outcomes and reduces ALC days. 

Furthermore, acute stroke units with specialized 

teams achieve earlier rehabilitation 

referral and reduced acute lengths of stay 

(LOS). The Networks concluded that targeting 

earlier admission to rehabilitation for 

severe stroke patients could save significant 

acute care days each year through reduced 

LOS and ALC days. 

Based on the evidence, the GTA Rehab 

and Stroke Networks recommended reallocating 

resources in order to: 

• enhance outpatient rehabilitation to 

accommodate more people with mild 

strokes—freeing up inpatient capacity 

for severe strokes; and 

• convert some low tolerance, long duration 

stroke rehabilitation beds to high 

tolerance rehabilitation in order to 

improve outcomes and reduce LOS for 

patients post severe strokes. 

The Networks are currently working 

with the LHINs and acute care, rehabilitation 

and CCAC representatives from across 

the GTA to determine the organizationspecific 

impacts of the proposed changes 

and implementation strategies.” 

Updates in Auto Insurance 

The Financial Services Commission of 

Ontario (FSCO) has recently released a new 

Professional Services Guideline. 

Effective July 1, 2011, the maximum 

hourly rates for auto insurance will increase 

by 1.8% ($96.07 per hour for non-catastrophic 

and $115.50 for catastrophic 

impairments). This rate applies to all services 

rendered on or after July 1, 2011. 

Changes to the Professional Services 

Guideline also include clarifications to applicable 

caps for the costs of health care 

assessments and examinations. There are 

three main clarifications made regarding caps 

on costs or assessments and examinations. 

First, the $200 maximum fee for a 

Treatment and Assessment Plan (OCF- 

18) applies only to the services of a health 

practitioner as referred to in subsection 25 

(1) 3 of the SABS, and not to assessments 

or examinations that are proposed in an 

OCF-18 and that an insurer agrees to pay 

for under subsection 38 (8). 

Second, the Guideline states that an 

insurer should consider each proposed 

assessment or examination on its merit with 

regard to the insurer’s obligation to adjust 

and settle claims fairly and without unreasonable 

delay or resistance. “Even though 

the SABS does not expressly set out the criteria 

an insurer is to apply in determining whether 

or not they agree to pay for a proposed assessment 

or examination under subsection 38 

(8), one should not act arbitrarily or fetter 

its discretion.” 

Lastly, as provided in subsection 25(5) 

(a) of the SABS, an insurer may agree 

under subsection 38 (8) to pay fees of up to 

$2000 for any one assessment or examina- 

5 

tion proposed in an OCF-18. 

FSCO is also releasing amended versions 

of the Application for Accident Benefits 

(OCF-1) and the Settlement Disclosure 

Notice (SDN) with minor corrections. 

These will also be effective July 1, 2011. For 

further information on the new Professional 

Services Guidelines or the amended versions 

of the OCF-1 and SDN, visit the FSCO 

website at www.fsco.gov.on.ca. 

President’s Address 


References: 

1. Ontario Government Speech From The 

Throne, 2010. 

2. Economic Burden of Illness in Canada 

(1998 data). Statistics Canada, 2002. 

3. Available from: http://www.health.gov. 

on.ca/english/providers/program/cdpm/ 

index.html 

4. Available from: http://www.health.gov. 

on.ca/english/providers/program/cdpm/ 

pdf/framework_full.pdf 

5. Ontario Ministry of Finance. Available 

from: http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/ 

estimates/2010-11/volume1/MOHLTC. 

html 

6. Ontario Ministry of Finance. Available 

from: http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/ 

estimates/2011-12/volume1/MHPS.html 

7. Available from: http://www.phac-aspc. 

gc.ca/ph-sp/determinants/index-eng.php 

CLINIC FOR SALE 

SucceSSful PhySiotheraPy 

clinic for Sale 

Busy plaza in Scarborough, store front 

1300 square feet, 

fully equipped gym and therapies 

Owner Retiring 

Flexible Financing available 

for new grad or experienced PT 

For more information contact 

416 402-8001 or 

physiosporttherapy@gmail.com 

Clinic4SaleScar_ninth.indd 1 27/06/11 3:30 PM

Wendy Rogers, Physiotherapist 

2010 Professional Business Woman of the Year 

“How was I to know that there was more to running a business 

than registering a business name at the library and handing out business cards?” 

Wendy (Bannerman) Rogers is a 1975 

graduate from Dalhousie University and 

completed her Bachelor’s program at the 

University of Manitoba in 1983. Her private 

practice, Access At Home Physiotherapy, 

has grown significantly in the past five 

years and provides in-home physiotherapy 

services throughout the Ottawa region. 

On April 28, 2010, Wendy was selected as 

the 2010 Professional Business Woman of 

the Year, a prestigious city wide business 

award sponsored by The Ottawa Women’s 

Business Network. (www.womensbusinessnetwork.ca). 

Following is an interview with 

Wendy Rogers. 

You have been a registered 

physiotherapist for many 

years; what have been your 

primary areas of practice? 

My primary interest has always been 

neurological rehab but in the early years of 

my career I travelled/worked throughout 

Canada and internationally and consequently 

had the opportunity to develop a 

very broad experience base. Since I love 

learning, I have taken a great variety of continuing 

educational courses which make me 

well suited for general rehabilitation. 

What attracted you to 

community based rehab? 

In 1992, I moved to Brisbane, Australia 

with my husband and family. While taking a 

pool therapy certification, I met a PT who 

suggested I would be well suited for their 

“domiciliary” program, their home based 

service. I accepted a locum position – I 

loved it immediately and I have never left! 

It provided me the opportunity to use all 

of my skills and experience, often at the 

same time with the same person. I enjoyed 

the independence, flexibility, variety and 

constant challenge of the work as no two 

clients are quite alike. I moved to Ottawa 

in 1996, so I naturally joined the Home 

Care Program which, at that time, was 

stimulating. With today’s CCAC mandate 

and focus on consultative practices, the 

work was less challenging and satisfying 

for me, so after a major reorganization in 

2004, I moved to the private sector where I 

Wendy Rogers. 

Wendy Rogers and the staff of 

Access At Home Physiotherapy. 

was confident people would pay for service 

excellence and active home based rehabilitation 

that was no longer available within 

the public sector. Although I had absolutely 

no previous business experience or any idea 

how to run a business, I was happy to move 

away from the system wide bureaucracy that 

seemed to be eroding professional morale. 

6 

What was your biggest 

challenge in trying to make 

your business successful? 

Naively presuming that physicians and 

hospital staff would recognize the need for 

in-home rehab services, I was unprepared 

for the divide between public and private 

services. Much to my surprise, professionals 

working in the public system believed that 

their patients would be unable to afford inhome 

rehab services and implied that those 

of us in post acute rehab were not colleagues 

providing a necessary service to complete the 

circle of care, but PTs taking financial advantage 

of people in need. I had no idea that 

physiotherapists and physicians would be 

such a marketing challenge. I believed that 

since active in-home rehab was no longer 

offered through the Champlain District 

CCAC, I knew that my services were not 

only needed, but could also relieve pressure 

on the wait lists for CCACs and outpatient 

departments, while assisting people to self 

manage chronic conditions. Fortunately, 

this paradigm has changed significantly over 

the past few years and the lines of communication 

are improving, as mutual respect 

for each other’s expertise continues to grow. 

It is my dream for community based physiotherapists 

to be able to refer to hospital 

based physiotherapy programs without the 

physician gatekeeper model. 

How did you overcome 

your biggest challenge? 

I overcame these challenges through 

volunteer activities, in-services, public education, 

networking, and marketing directed 

towards the people who needed this service. 

Our clients have always been our strongest 

advocates and their frustration with existing 

publically funded programs is the stimulus 

for our growth. Regardless of expertise 

levels, it has always been clearly understood 

that acute care facilities are not permitted 

to recommend specific private sector service 

providers. Gradually, many of the physiotherapy 

practice leaders and CCAC case 

managers acknowledged the limitations 

within the various publically funded and 

outpatient programs so that now many acute 

care PTs, OTs, physicians, social workers

and CCAC staff often suggest their patients 

investigate private options post discharge. 

How do you view the 

challenge of competition 

in your business practice 

both from other physiotherapists 

and other health 

care professionals? 

In any private business, competition is 

expected, but we have some unique challenges. 

One main issue is clients paying for 

a service that they “perceive and expect” 

should be free and because they have a poor 

understanding of our scope of practice, they 

don’t recognize quality of service as one 

would when purchasing a known entity. 

Secondly, as a profession, more public 

education is needed as we often hear from 

clients “I had no idea physiotherapy would 

help me so much or that physiotherapists did 

this kind of work.” Thirdly, many physiotherapists 

undervalue their own expertise 

and believe that a patient can be taught an 

effective rehab program in a short time and 

then carry through on their own or with a 

non-regulated professional. I am constantly 

shocked at how poorly programs are carried 

out at home and how misinformed the 

patients are mainly because they were not 

taught effectively they were shown. Finally, 

physiotherapists need to be careful in how 

they delegate their expertise to less qualified 

service providers so that we don’t risk 

erosion of our professional reputations and 

allow other providers to become the musculoskeletal 

and neuromuscular experts! 

Wendy Rogers accepting her Award. 

What unique benefits 

are involved in owning 

and operating your 

own business? 

Two benefits are the ability to streamline 

your bureaucratic processes and maintain 

your personal ideals. We can provide truly 

client centered programs and set our own 

service standards to give people the personal 

care they desire in an unrushed environment. 

I have been able to select an exceptional 

team of very skilled physiotherapists who are 

deeply committed to their profession and 

enjoy a tremendous sense of job satisfaction. 

What advice would you 

give other physiotherapists 

with a private practice or 

thinking about opening 

their own practice? 

Be a CPA member! OPA, CPA and 

Private Practice Division have been invaluable 

resources for me and I am absolutely 

confident I would never have been able 

to remain viable without their ongoing 

guidance. Issues surrounding governance, 

third party payers, health related legislation, 

support in decision making, brainstorming 

difficult situations - all things one takes 

for granted when working as an employee 

are now your responsibility and it is never 

ending! I would also recommend developing 

a network with other private practice 

and business owners to brainstorm and 

troubleshoot challenging issues. 

What do you think is the 

most important skill you 

had to learn in order to run 

a successful business? 

CONFIDENCE: to think broadly, take 

chances, move outside your comfort zone 

and remain committed to your beliefs. I had 

no business plan as I had no idea where I was 

going. I never intended to be more than a one 

person business but I knew I could achieve 

better job satisfaction while utilizing the skills 

I had spent decades developing. Our rapid 

growth occurred primarily from providing an 

excellent product and engaging only highly 

experienced PTs. My business journey has been 

extremely rewarding but always a challenge as 

systems are constantly changing. 

7 

Wendy Rogers wins 2010 Professional Business 

Woman of the Year Award. 

Wendy Rogers accepting her Award.

InnOvatIOn In praCtICe 

TGR Therapeutic Golf Rehabilitation TM 

By Sari Shatil, MSc PT, Physiotherapist / Proprietor (Neuphysio); 

Founder TGR Therapeutic Golf Rehabilitation 

TGR Therapeutic Golf Rehabilitation TM was pioneered in 1997 

as a novel program that uses golf as a tool to improve balance and 

increase community participation. Participants must have an interest 

in golf, but no experience is necessary. Utilizing a team comprised of 

a Physiotherapist and a certified Golf Professional, TGR helps patients 

attain the goal of effective return to an active lifestyle through safe 

participation in golf. All aspects of treatment are designed to achieve 

this goal. The role of the physiotherapist is to prescribe and implement 

a treatment program based on the golf professional’s recommendations. 

The role of the golf professional 

is to suggest swing modification and 

equipment that will improve patient 

performance. Participants receive individual 

physiotherapy combined with 

golf lessons in small groups. Treatment 

takes place at Neuphysio (private outpatient 

practice) and at East Park Golf, 

a local, accessible golf course with a 

driving range. Social engagement, positive 

experiences and a fun atmosphere, 

combined with physiotherapy and swing 

modification, result in improvements in 

balance, golf performance, and quality 

of life. 

One innovative aspect of TGR 

is that it uses sport in a rehabilitation 

setting to improve physical and 

psychosocial outcomes. TGR meshes 

sport specific physiotherapy with 

neurologic physiotherapy. It uses the 

fundamentals of golf (bilateral activity, 

weight transfer, upright postural control, 

trunk rotation, grasp and release, 

and speed of movement) to rehabilitate 

persons with significant impairment 

and disability. Melding biomechanics 

of sport with rehabilitation principals 

(mass practice, neuroplasticity, motor 

control, motor learning and training 

principles) allows people to return 

to activities that they are passionate 

about, such as golf. Participants have 

typically suffered a neurological event 

such as a stroke, are living with chronic 

disease such as pain, have MS or Parkinson’s disease, or have been 

involved in trauma resulting in multiple fractures, brain injury, 

spinal cord injury or amputation. After initial goals of walking and 

ADL have been reached, a program such as TGR brings meaning 

to the rehabilitation process. Providing physiotherapy in an outdoor 

golf setting is enjoyable to patients and treating professionals alike. 

Feedback and practice occur in a true to life environment and comfort 

with community participation increases. 

One of the most enjoyable aspects of TGR is witnessing the 

change in people’s confidence and outlook through the course of 

the six week program. Often, participants have heard that they may 

8 

never walk independently; discovering that they are capable of golf 

opens up a world of active leisure and social interaction. 

The challenges that face TGR physiotherapists include the need 

to study the biomechanics of golf and understand the varied skill 

set that makes for a successful golf practice. TGR physiotherapists 

work closely with golf professionals and require access to a driving 

range. Fostering relationships within the local community is essential. 

Effective communication between both parties allows the pro 

to understand physical restrictions, and the physiotherapist to understand 

swing mechanics. One of the 

most challenging aspects of TGR is to 

establish how to modify the individual’s 

swing so that they can succeed. For 

example, at what point does a person 

play with two hands verses one hand; 

when do you change the handedness 

of a golfer; what clubs and grips do 

you use; is it better to facilitate trunk 

or hip rotation; when do you play with 

the support of a walker; and is a weight 

transfer even appropriate? Facilitating 

the proper swing changes through 

physiotherapy that ensures available 

range, strength, balance, coordination, 

postural control and motor learning 

is critical to patient success. This is a 

complex and challenging skill. 

TGR is the only program of its 

kind in Canada. At the present time, 

it is available in London, Ontario. 

This program has had a positive effect 

on our community by assisting people 

with disability to return to an activity 

that they are passionate about without 

stigma. Graduates of the program 

can be found golfing with one arm 

or sitting in their wheelchairs at local 

courses. TGR has been featured as a 

public interest story in local, provincial 

and national media. People come 

from across Southwestern Ontario 

to benefit from the opportunity. 

Awareness of disability and the need 

for accessibility in our community 

has been heightened. Local golf courses have upgraded their own 

accessibility with ramps and paved access to driving ranges in order 

to better support their members and the public at large. 

The creation and development of TGR has been a purposeful 

and rewarding career long endeavor. The concept was visualized in 

1996, when neurosurgical patients in acute care identified return to 

golf as a primary goal. Driven by their passion, I brought a golf club 

into the hospital and was amazed to see the positive result. Using 

golf in rehabilitation increased patient motivation and participation 

in physiotherapy. Perhaps it could also improve outcomes. 

Continued on page 10

3M Ergonomics 

© 2011. All rights reserved. 

Used under license in Canada. 

1104-01284E 

Solutions To Feel 

This Good... 

We Can Help: 

www.3M.ca/ergo 

Enjoy a comfortable working 

environment with our help. 

Our Pain Point Avatar and 

Interactive Virtual Office can help 

you learn more about your own 

body’s pain points and how to use 

our product solutions to create a 

pain free work space. MA220 - Easy Adjust Dual Monitor Arm 

3

advOCaCy ChaMpIOn 

The Central Toronto District’s Email Campaign 

By Meghan Buttle and Josh Williams 

The Ontario Physiotherapy Association would like to recognize the essential role our members play in effecting change within our health care 

system. As we approach a provincial election this year, we want to highlight and congratulate some of our members who have advocated on behalf 

of the profession and patients. 

Leading up to the Ontario provincial election in the fall of 2007, 

the executive of the Central Toronto District (CTD) of the Ontario 

Physiotherapy Association (OPA) undertook an e-mail advocacy 

campaign to highlight issues relating to the funding and provision 

of physiotherapy services in Ontario for the candidates of the three 

major political parties in all 17 ridings within the CTD’s boundaries. 

During the provincial election campaign, four separate messages 

were e-mailed on consecutive days to each candidate addressing different 

issues surrounding physiotherapy in Ontario and the impact 

on the healthcare system and patient outcomes. These issues were: 

access to publicly funded physiotherapy and the effect of the partial 

delisting of services in 2005; health human resources and the role 

that physiotherapists can play in improving access and reducing wait 

times; expanded scope of practice legislation that would allow physiotherapists 

to use all of their knowledge and skills to provide care 

to Ontarians; and access to physiotherapy services, particularly those 

provided in hospital outpatient departments, in light of the numerous 

closures of these services across Ontario. Each message was tailored 

to reflect the candidate’s party platform on healthcare and it also 

addressed gaps in their proposals with solutions that involved the 

inclusion of physiotherapists. 

Many of the candidates that responded to the e-mails were supportive 

of our profession’s commitment to practice using our full 

scope of knowledge and skills as well as the important role physiotherapists 

play in a publicly funded healthcare system. 

With the election quickly approaching in October 2011 it is time 

again for physiotherapists to consider how each political party will 

Innovation In Practice 


At that time, a review of the evidence found no papers on the use 

of golf in rehabilitation, specifically post stroke. A pilot study was 

designed to examine the effects of TGR on balance and quality of 

life in people with chronic stroke (Shatil and Garland 2000, Shatil et 

al 2005). Results demonstrated significant improvements in balance 

and quality of life that were not present in a control group. TGR 

was implemented as a summer program for persons with stroke. It 

has since expanded to assist any person with a physical limitation to 

their golf performance. Over 120 persons have participated in TGR 

since its inception, and all have safely returned to golf activities and 

improved their steadiness along the way. Research on the benefits of 

TGR continues, with outcome measure data collected each season. 

10 

address the growing gap in the demand for healthcare services and 

the ability to provide them, as well as the role that physiotherapists 

can play in creating solutions including: 

• Supporting rehabilitation, specifically physiotherapy, across the 

Continuum of Care to reduce hospital length of stay and 

improve patient outcomes 

• Inclusion of physiotherapists in primary care models including 

Family Health Teams and Community Health Centres 

• Increasing community based and outpatient services to keep 

patients in their homes and out of hospital emergency departments 

and long term care institutions 

• Reducing wait times for spinal patients to see a surgeon by triaging 

those that would benefit from conservative management 

including physiotherapy 

• Reducing the complications caused by obesity, including heart 

disease, stroke, hypertension and diabetes, through active living, 

prescribed exercise and education 

• Management of chronic disease to reduce hospital re-admissions, 

promote independent living and community integration 

The Central Toronto District would encourage all districts and 

members to speak to your MPPs and candidates in your riding 

regarding these issues and others that affect your profession. The 

authors of this article would like to acknowledge the members of 

the executive committee of the Central Toronto District during the 

e-mail advocacy campaign: Mandy Smart, Meghan Buttle, Dimple 

Mistry, Jean Liu, Emma Dickinson, Gillian Bone and Kelly O’Brien. 

The vision of TGR is that golf and other sport specific activities 

are available for interested patients across the continuum of care on 

a national scope. Future plans for this innovative approach include 

training rehabilitation professionals so that they may implement TGR 

programs in their own communities. For those interested in learning 

more, TGR will be presented in Whistler BC at Congress 2011 as 

part of a 60 minute interactive workshop. 

References 

1. Shatil SM, Garland SJ, Ivanova T, Mochizuki G. Effects of 

Therapeutic Golf Rehabilitation on Golf Performance, Balance, 

and Quality of Life in individuals Following Stroke: Pilot Study. 

Physiotherapy Canada 2005; 57:101-112. 

2. Shatil SM, Garland SJ. Strengthening in a Therapeutic Golf 

Program for Individuals Following Stroke. Special Topics in Geriatric 

Rehabilitation. 2000; 15(3):83-94.

® 

�� 

APTEI ACUPUNCTURE & DRY NEEDLING 

CERTIFICATION PROGRAM 

Chief Instructor:Tom Kiroplis, MSc.Ed., Dip.Ac., Dip.TCM 

Vice president of the Ontario Association of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

The program is designed for PTs with little or those with extensive previous acupuncture 

experience. Each APTEI Acupuncture & Dry Needling (ADN) course is designed to be 

one-day in length (9am-5pm). For PTs with no ADN experience, the introductory course is 

required prior to continuing with the Level 1 courses. Upon the successful completion of 

the four (4) APTEI ADN Level 1 courses, registrants will be required to complete an 

examination and will receive “APTEI Acupuncture & Dry Needling Level 1 Certification”. 

For specific ADN course objectives, location and details, please visit 

www.aptei.com or call: 905-707-0819 or 1-866-APTEI-44 

2011 APTEI Acupuncture & Dry Needling (ADN) Program 

Full name�� 

Mailing address�� 

�� 

Contact Telephone Number ��Fax �� 

E-mail:�� 

� 

Note: The Introduction or basic needling experience is required for all the ‘Level 1’ courses 

EARLY REGISTRATION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS ENROLEMENT IS LIMITED 

COURSE 

Please check EITHER 

Saturday (BRAMPTON) OR a Sunday (TORONTO) 

�� “ADN: Introduction” 

�� 

� Sat. July 9 th � Sun. Sept 18 th 

� “ADN: Upper Extremity (Level 1)” � Sat. Sept 24 th � Sun. Sept 25 th 

� “ADN: Cervical & Thoracic Spine (Level 1)” � Sat. Oct 15 th � Sun. Oct 16 th 

� “ADN: Lower Extremity (Level 1)” � Sat. Nov 12 th � Sun. Nov 13 th 

� “ADN: Lumbo-pelvic Region (Level 1)” � Sat. Dec 3 rd � Sun. Dec 4 th 

� Cheque payable to: APTEI 

Course Tuition: $245 per Course Total Tuition: _______ 

� Visa � M/C # __________- __________- __________- __________ exp ____ / ____ 

Authorization Signature: ___________________________ Date: __________________ 

** APTEI reserves the right to restrict registration or cancel any course. 

11

National Physiotherapy Month 2011 — 

Physiotherapists and physiotherapist assistants promoted their 

profession during May’s National Physiotherapy Month in record 

numbers this year. To give you an idea of the magnitude of this 

year’s involvement, OPA sent out over 3650 brochures (English & 

French), 275 posters, 1800 pens, 85 water bottles, 100 yoga mats 

and bags, 215 buttons, 25 reusable bags, 30 OPA t-shirts, and 

many, many information sheets! We also lent out our new “Stronger 

in So Many Ways” campaign tabletop and OPA banner to six sites. 

Members displayed and distributed these marketing materials to 

promote physiotherapy at career fairs, open houses, kindergarten 

presentations, various charity/fundraising events, promotional 

nights/lunches, hospitals and long-term care homes, using the 

larger materials as prizes for games and incentive challenges. 

Following are some NPM highlights as reported by our members: 

Bluewater Health Physiotherapy, Sarnia, ON 

Bluewater Health Physiotherapy hosted their very first 

Physiotherapy Week this May, and made it a great success! One 

way the Bluewater team got peoples’ attention was with their clever 

“Minute to Win It” game, in which players were challenged to 

physio-based games, such as keeping a feather up in the air to test 

lung capacity, or running on the spot with a pedometer to measure 

speed and endurance. 

Bluewater Health Physiotherapy ready to celebrate NPM in their team t-shirts 

that read: “Your Mobility is in Good Hands.” 

Front Row L->R: Cathy Jordan, Karen Cecchini, Christina Bielawski, Cindy 

Wilson, Jennifer Verslype, Krista Steeves, Lisa Handy, Chitra Phadnis, Kim 

Soeder; Back Row L->R: Jenny Lobb, Subash Prasad, Karrie Randall, Terri 

Springett, Dana Winegard, Stacey Duffy, Laura Gray, Glen Adam; Absent from 

Photo: Heather Arnold, Pam Sottosanti 

12 

Saint Elizabeth Rehab, Hamilton, ON 

This May, Saint Elizabeth Rehab promoted the physiotherapy 

profession with a skill-testing quiz on physio-based knowledge, 

using OPA marketing materials as incentives to get people involved! 

Saint Elizabeth Rehab’s display 

board, including an OPA water bottle 

and one of OPA’s “Stronger in So 

Many Ways” posters. 

OPA yoga mat and winner! 

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 

Toronto, ON 

National Physiotherapy Month did not go unnoticed at 

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre where 110 Physiotherapists 

and PTAs are employed between the two sites (Bayview campus 

and the Holland Orthopaedic Arthritic Centre). NPM festivities 

included a variety of activities with a particular focus on health 

promotion, with daily walks in Sunnybrook Park for staff and prizes 

for those who chose the stairs over the elevator. Bayview campus 

hosted a physiotherapy information booth where raffle tickets were 

sold for a variety of prizes including OPA merchandise (yoga mats, 

water bottles) with proceeds being donated to the Red Cross Japan 

Earthquake/Asia Tsunami Relief Fund. The Holland site hosted 

past CPA President, Mike Landry, who presented on the rehabilitation 

needs of those who survived the Haiti earthquake. The internal 

hospital website had a dedicated National Physiotherapy Month 

page which allowed staff to learn more about the profession. As 

well, many program directors directly acknowledged NPM and the 

critical role that physiotherapists play along the continuum of care 

at Sunnybrook through hospital wide emails.

A Resounding Success! 

St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON 

During the first week of NPM, physiotherapists and physiotherapist 

assistants at St. Michael’s Hospital engaged in numerous 

activities, aimed at educating the staff and public about physiotherapy’s 

many roles. The hospital’s 35 PTs and seven PTAs, led 

by a PT Week Committee worked tirelessly since January to organize 

this massive celebration. A small sample of the week’s events 

include daily trivia, a lunch & learn featuring an MVA patient’s 

road to recovery, a PT open house encouraging participants to visit 

all areas of the hospital as a way to learn about PTs’ diverse roles, 

and a “Word Scavenger Hunt” to promote the benefits of an active 

lifestyle. St. Michael’s also organized a fundraising bake sale and was 

able to raise $427 for Camp Bucko; a camp for children recovering 

from burn injuries. 

Top row: Kerry Doherty PT, Gina Peixoto PT, Natalia Zapata PT, Lisa Leung 

PT, Jessica Turbak PT, Christine Leger PT, Phillip Genesis PT student, 

Melissa Alves PT, Maria Isabel Aganon PT, Zia Poonjiaji PT, Robyn Quilty PT 

Bottom row: David Hadley PT, Karina Nguyen PT, Wiliador Isip PTA, 

Arnold Ramos PT, Edgardo Baruela PTA, Jessica Rosario PT, Faye Uy PT, 

Lesley Jackson PT 

Physiotherapy Week Poster: 

Left: Jessica Rosario PT Right: Karina Nguyen PT 

13 

Collingwood Sport Medicine, 

Collingwood, ON 

The Collingwood Sport Medicine clinic participated in 

Collingwood’s first “Walk to Fight Arthritis” on May 15, 2011, 

raising $1500.00 for the cause! 

The Collingwood Sport Medicine team takes a quick stretch break during the 

“Walk to Fight Arthritis”. 

Success! 

The Eastern Ontario District is overwhelmed with 

the support for the Ottawa Physio Race. With another 

record-breaking year of 477 registrants, 50 volunteers and 

10 sponsors, the Ottawa Physio Race raised $13,545.94. 

Generous donations will be made to the In Community, the 

Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada and the University of 

Ottawa’s PhD in Rehabilitation Science Program. 

The 2011 Physio Race was able to donate 50% of 

the proceeds to the In Community’s SNEES (Special 

Needs Equipment Exchange Service) program. The money 

donated helps keep the doors of the SNEES program open 

and serve 100 customers in the Ottawa community. 

A big thank you to all of our sponsors, with a special thanks 

to our corporate platinum sponsors KineMedics and Ontario 

Medical Supply. Without the support of local businesses 

and the local physiotherapy community, our race would not 

be possible. 

We look forward to the 2012 race on 

Sunday, April 22 and hope to see you there!

hOspItal COrner 

Physiotherapy Professional Practice Leader Role: 

Dedicated Time vs. Voluntarily Time 

By Michelle Addison, Marjorie Berry, Denise Taylor & Danuta Valleau 

The role and value of a professional practice leader (PPL) has been 

discussed regularly at Hospital Advisory Committee meetings, OPA 

conferences and almost any time hospital physiotherapists (PTs) get 

together and network. This article is a review of the roles, and pros 

and cons of the PPL role from three different hospitals across Ontario: 

St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJCG), Thunder Bay 

by Michelle Addison and Denise Taylor 

St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJCG) in Thunder Bay employs 50 PTs 

working at rehabilitation, psychiatric and acute care hospitals. In 

restructuring to a program management model, SJCG established 

profession specific Quality Practice Councils (QPC) and created 

voluntary PPL positions. Historically, this role has included: 

• Chairing PT QPC monthly meetings and annual retreat 

• Communicating relevant updates with the PT QPC from the 

multi-disciplinary Professional Advisory Council 

The Physiotherapy PPL role was made more manageable with 

the addition of dedicated resources at 0.4 FTE. The PPL role was 

also expanded to include: 

• Acting as a resource for internal and external physiotherapy 

requests, resulting in improved awareness of and advocacy opportunities 

for physiotherapy 

• Acting as a liaison to communicate profession-specific information 

between senior management and the PT QPC 

• Communicating physiotherapy issues externally i.e. to HPRAC 

and the North West LHIN 

• Collaborating with PT QPC to achieve goals identified at the 

annual retreat 

• Staying current on the health care environment on a local and 

provincial level 

• Chairing a PT Advocacy sub-committee monthly 

• Collaborating with PPLs from other professions, resulting in 

enhanced interprofessional practice 

Over time, the role of PT QPC and PPL has evolved. It is anticipated 

that both will continue to change based on emerging needs. 

Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa 

by Marjorie Berry 

Bruyère Continuing Care provides complex continuing care 

(CCC), rehabilitation, palliative care, long term care and family 

medicine services in Ottawa. It is affiliated with the University of 

Ottawa and has a strong partnership with the Elisabeth Bruyère 

Research Institute (EBRI). Services at Bruyère Continuing Care are 

provided at three different sites and include 757 beds. 

At present, Bruyère Continuing Care employs approximately 23 

FTE physiotherapists. The Professional Leader (PL) role was created 

10 years ago when the organization transitioned to a program management 

model. Initially a .3 FTE elected temporary position, the PL 

role is now a .5 FTE permanent position. 

In addition to maintaining a part-time clinical role, the PL: 

• Provides leadership in the development, implementation and 

evaluation of best practice standards for their profession 

14 

• Mentors members to support professional practice excellence 

and provide orientation and support to new staff (including 

physiotherapists and rehabilitation assistants) 

• Promotes the advancement of the profession by bringing the 

clinical perspective to the scientific agenda in EBRI 

• Promotes academic appointments of council members 

• Co-ordinates clinical placements for students 

• Liaises with universities and professional associations 

• Monitors discipline-specific practice indicators and outcomes 

• Analyzes trends for potential impact on practices 

• Participates in staff recruitment for physiotherapist and rehabilitation 

assistant positions 

• Establishes a process for regular review of professional practice 

competencies and annual credentialing 

• Provides input and consultation to clinical managers regarding 

the clinical proficiency aspect of performance appraisals of all 

discipline-specific staff 

PLs also chair discipline specific bi-monthly meetings, are 

expected to represent their discipline on various working groups and 

attend meetings of the interprofessional advisory committee. 

The PL has no budgetary responsibilities and does not manage 

human resource issues. 

Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound, 

Markdale, Tobermory, Meaford and Southampton 

by Danuta Valleau 

Grey Bruce Health Services (GBHS) has five sites spread between 

Markdale, Tobermory, Meaford, Owen Sound and Southampton. 

The main site in Owen Sound employs 7 full-time and 2 part-time 

physiotherapists. The 4 rural sites employ 5 full-time and 1 parttime 

physiotherapist in total; two sites are sole charge positions. 

In 2004/05, the GBHS changed to a program management 

structure. The existing PPL role had previously existed but was not 

well defined. It has remained a voluntary, elected position with no 

dedicated time for a two-year term. 

The role includes participating in monthly Professional Practice 

Council (PPC) meetings with communication to the physiotherapists, 

representing physiotherapy on professional issues and 

communicating with other professions and levels of management. 

Professional advocacy and interprofessional communication are 

seen as important roles. In the current structure, PPL physiotherapists 

now report to different managers, thus the PPL role becomes 

central to represent the profession. Unfortunately, this current 

environment of five separate programs poses challenges regarding 

funding, education, and equipment. 

Recommendations for the role of PPL: 

• Promote understanding of all the professions, their roles 

and scope 

• Clear guidelines regarding duties and responsibilities of the PPL 

• Dedicated PPL resources 

• Clear direction from PPC to enable advocacy and effective communication 

for professional issues

Call for Educational Sessions 

& Poster Presentations - INTERACTION 2012 

March 23-24, 2012/Hyatt Regency/Toronto, ON 

The Ontario Physiotherapy Association invites the submission 

of proposals for educational sessions at our annual conference, 

InterACTION 2012. Educational sessions include: clinical workshops, 

panel discussions, interactive presentations, innovative 

projects and continuing education initiatives and may be up to 3 

hours in length. 

Additionally, OPA invites the submission of abstracts related to 

original academic research, clinical research, systematic reviews, and 

innovative special interest projects in the form of poster presentations. 

Submissions are open for students, educators, clinicians, administrators, 

managers and researchers. Educational sessions and poster presentations 

MUST be related to one of the following conference streams: 

Introduction to Neuro-Proprioceptive Taping 

- presented by OPA Grey-Bruce District and BSN Medical 

Date: September, 24, 2011 

Time: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm 

Location: Grey-Bruce Health Service – Owen Sound Site 

1800 8th Street E. Owen Sound, ON N4K 6M9 

Fee: $200 +HST before August 26, 2011 

$250 +HST after August 26, 2011 

Instructor: Jennifer Howey, B.Sc. (P.T.), B.Sc. (Hons), CAFCI 

Following this training the participants will be able to: 

• Conceptualize the method of neuro-proprioceptive taping 

• Make the connection between neuro-muscular physiology and 

N.P.T. technique 

• Put in practice application techniques and cutting techniques 

• Put in practice the most efficient application for different 

indications 

• Use the varied techniques according to different pathologies 

15 

Clinical/Research 

The focus of this stream is on the clinical aspects of physio 

therapy such as clinical techniques, health promotion, best practices 

and research. 

Business and Physiotherapy 

The focus of this stream is on the business side of physiotherapy, 

such as business planning, buying/selling a practice, marketing, staff 

management, etc. 

Leadership/Mentorship 

Submissions are sought related to the development of leadership/mentorship 

skills at the Association, community and health 

care system levels. 

For more information and to download the submission forms 

please visit the OPA website www.opa.on.ca/conference_2012_ 

paper.shtml. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 pm on Sunday, 

October 9, 2011. 

Note: 

The number of places is limited so please register early to 

avoid disappointment. Registration and full payment must 

be received prior to September 9, 2011. Registration 

includes training manual, tape, certificate, snacks and 

lunch. 

For more information and to register for this course 

please visit the OPA website http://www.opa.on.ca/ 

course_listing.shtml. If you have any questions please 

contact Neil Luders from the OPA Grey-Bruce district at 

nluders@gbhs.on.ca.

hOMe Care COrner 

Community-Based Exercise Programmes for Chronic Neurological Disease 

By Kirsti Reinikka, PT, Coordinator, Community Based-Exercise Programmes 

St. Joseph’s Care Group/reinikkk@tbh.net 

As community physiotherapists, we assess and treat clients in their 

homes because they typically cannot get out to access community services. 

For many of these clients, goals are set and treatment plans 

developed which focus on improving their level of function so that they 

can get out for ongoing rehabilitation. What tends to occur is that there 

are no suitable community services for these clients to attend. 

The Home Care Advisory Committee would like to highlight the 

following innovative programme which aims to better link the community 

care systems into the broader healthcare system. 

The relationship between social integration and support to factors 

of successful ageing is well established. The support obtained 

from participating in group activities is linked to better overall 

mental, physical, and cognitive functioning, as well as lower mortality 

risk. In addition, healthcare providers are being asked to take 

on the challenge of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term 

Care and the Local Health Integration Networks to expand chronic 

disease prevention and management strategies, and patient access, 

through innovative programming. 

The Community-Based Exercise Programmes (Thunder Bay, 

ON) were designed to respond to the need for ongoing exercise 

specially tailored to meet the needs of people living with chronic 

neurological conditions. Partnerships were created between the 

City of Thunder Bay – Recreation and Culture and Inclusion 

Services Divisions, Lakehead University, and St. Joseph’s Care 

Group. Fitness Instructor training modules, and disease-specific 

classes addressing the physical impairments and functional limitations 

common to people living with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s 

Disease, and Stroke were researched, developed, and pilot-tested. 

Classes have now been running for three years post-research 

phase. They are held at community recreation centres, and led by 

community Fitness Instructors. A Physiotherapist (Programme 

Coordinator), Integration Services Facilitator, and local college and 

university students all provide support to the classes. 

Participants register and pay for the classes as with any community 

recreation or fitness class. However, the overall programme 

goal is not revenue generation, but rather to “break-even” with 

registrations covering the cost of the Fitness Instructors. As a result, 

cost to participants remains within reach, and anticipated difficulties 

in ability to pay have not materialized. 

What is novel about this approach is the ongoing partnerships, 

and clearly identified links between the healthcare and community 

systems. These were created with sustainability in mind for all parties, 

and with the overall goal of more adequately addressing the entire 

continuum of care experienced by people living with chronic disease. 

The Physiotherapist role includes ongoing evaluation of the 

programmes, and recruitment and training of staff and volunteers. 

In addition, the PT is responsible for ensuring participant 

safety through the screening and assessment of participants, and 

the sharing of relevant information with the Fitness Instructors 

(exercise modifications, support requirements, etc.). Consultation 

with instructors and participants is ongoing, providing a means of 

system navigation for participants (back to hospital programmes, 

16 

equipment prescription, etc.) and support for the instructors. The 

Integration Facilitator also provides participants with information 

and support to explore other recreation and leisure opportunities 

in the community. 

Challenges continue to exist, particularly with respect to gaps 

in appropriate programming and support for those who require 

one-to-one support or mobilize using a wheelchair. However, both 

Fitness Instructors and participants continue to express satisfaction 

with the programmes as indicated by satisfaction surveys, ongoing 

registrations, and lack of staff turn-over. Since 2008, 35 classes have 

run with 315 registrations, 31 student volunteers, and five fitness 

instructors involved in the community-based exercise programmes 

for chronic neurological disease in Thunder Bay. 

By connecting the healthcare and community sectors, and creating 

sustainable partnerships, class participants experience physical 

benefits as well as social support, and a sense of connectedness. In 

addition, the community role in chronic disease is better realized; 

with appropriate skills and resources used at the right time, in the 

right place, and at the right cost. 

References: 

1. Bassuk, S.S., Glass, T.A., Berkman, LF. 1999. Social disengagement 

and incident cognitive decline in community-dwelling elderly persons. 

Ann. Internal Med. 131; 165-173. 

2. Seeman, TE, LusignoloTM, Albert, M, Berkman, L. 2001. Social 

relationships, social support, and patterns of cognitive aging in 

healthy, high-functioning older adults: MacArthur studies of successful 

aging. Health Psychol. 20; 1-13. 

3. Patterson, DH, et al. 2007. Aging and Physical Activity: Evidence 

to develop exercise recommendations for older adults. Applied 

Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. 32; S69-108. 

4. Lupien, ST, Wan, N. 2004. Successful Aging: From cell to self. 

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 359; 1413-1426.

�� 

1 st Annual APTEI Symposium 

�� …sometimes there are answers to “chronic pain”! 

� 

�� 

�� 

BAHRAM JAM, DScPT 

Therapeutic, Kinesiotaping ® & Neuroproprioceptive ® Taping: 

Advantages of each, indications and the latest evidence with a 

practical component 

LEN KIROPLIS, PT 

Acupuncture & Dry Needling: The myths, the evidence and 

important implications for PT management of neural pain 

…key points identified 

PHIL RANCE, PhD, PT 

Addressing psychosocial issues: PT role as counselors 

and the practical and ethical implications associated with 

the process …clinically applicable ways of doing more than 

just ‘physical’ therapy 

ABBAS VARAMINI, DScPT, DO 

Visceral manipulation: PT role in diagnosis and manual therapy 

management of potential ‘hidden’ visceral issues responsible for 

persistent musculoskeletal pain …with immediate clinical 

application 

17 

Limited Space: Early Registration 

highly recommended. 

First 50 registrants also receive a 

free Therapeutic Taping Book & DVD 

($95 value) and a copy of 

The Pain Truth Booklet!� 

SAM GERSTEIN, MD 

Work & Life Satisfaction: PT role in identifying job dissatisfaction in those with persistent symptoms ranging from 

depression to chronic low back pain …valuable and realistic management options to offer patients 

NELLY FAGHANI, PT 

Pelvic floor muscles and the ‘hidden’ source of persistent lumbo-pelvic pain: PT role in identifying trigger points and 

indications for an internal pelvic floor exam …knowing when a PT with internal exam training is needed! 

NEIL LUDERS, PT 

Magnesium, vitamin D, Omega 3 & other deficiencies and chronic pain: Presenting the evidence and the PT role in 

identifying, discussing and suggesting supplements to patients with persistent musculoskeletal pain 

�� 

1 st APTEI SYMPOSIUM / �� Saturday September 10, 2011 9:00am-5:00pm 

�� 

� 

�� 

� 

�� 

� Symposium Tuition: $195 �� 

� Cheque payable to: APTEI 

� Visa � M/C # __________- __________- __________- __________ exp ____ / ____ 

Authorization Signature: _______________________________ Date: __________________ 

APTEI 44 Sea Island Path, Thornhill, Ontario, CANADA L3T 3A4 

Tel & Fax: 905- 707-0819 or Toll free: 1-866-APTEI-44 

E-mail: info@aptei.com or Visit: www.aptei.com for location details 

��

Health Care Financial Group 

“My friends make less than me and go on a holiday twice a year. How do they do it?” 

By Brian Shumak 

We all know examples of someone who 

has a shiny new sport utility vehicle, goes 

away for a tropical holiday twice a year, has 

a surround sound system to die for and 

claims they have no debts. In reality, they 

are quite likely to have significant amounts 

of debt or very wealthy deceased relatives. 

Over the last few years, there has been a 

number of statistics showing that the average 

consumer is spending as much if not more 

than they earn in a given year. In the United 

States, this was one of the primary causes of 

their worst recession in decades. 

Most car ads no longer list the actual 

price of a vehicle; rather they advertise the 

low monthly payments you will have to 

make. Most retailers offer financing on purchases 

with many allowing the consumer to 

“Don’t pay until …” The concern is that so 

many people forget to factor taxation into 

these lifestyle purchases. For example, the 

42 inch flat panel TV on sale at a box store 

is not necessarily a bargain at $700. Realize 

that if you fall into a 35% tax bracket, the 

actual cost to you is $1076.92 of earned 

income. Or that new sports utility at $700 

per month over four years will cost you 

Specializing in Personal & Corporate 

Financial, Insurance 

and Investment Planning 

For Healthcare Practitioners 

Contact Brian Shumak 

c) 416-577-7505 

e) bshumak@bshumak.com 

HCFinancing_ninth.indd 1 27/06/11 2:24 PM 

$51,692.16 of earnings – likely close to a 

year’s worth of work. Using a credit card to 

finance a purchase is even worse at interest 

rates in excess of 19% for most cards. 

In the same way that “The fish was this 

big that got away”, most people exaggerate 

their debt - just in minimizing it - when 

discussing how they are doing. So the next 

time you covet thy neighbor’s new vehicle, 

think twice. 

Does this mean that one must forego 

such expenses – absolutely not. It is 

important to recognize the ways that one 

can make these purchases intelligently. 

There are two types of debt; good debt and 

bad debt. Good debt supports an asset and 

bad debt supports a luxury. 

So, what do you need to do – Use the 

old Lay-a-way Plan. In the ‘good ole days’, 

if you wanted to purchase something that 

you could not afford right away, you put a 

deposit on the item and then paid a little bit 

each pay cheque until you had put enough 

money in to have paid for the item. So for 

any larger purchases, establish a savings plan 

that you put into regularly until you have 

enough and then you buy the item. This 

Buyers Directory & Newsletter Advertising 

Diane Unção 

Corporate Administrator, CEO Assistant 

416.322.6866 ext.227 

dianeu@opa.on.ca 

Physiotherapy Job Opportunities, Classified 

Ads, Online Physiotherapy Courses and 

Seminar Ads 

Harry Lewington or Bob Majowicz 

905.477.5588 

opa.ads@idbt.com 

18 

will require two things: (a) discipline – to 

put the funds away and not to withdraw 

them for another whim; and (b) a budget 

– this will afford you the knowledge as to 

where the money to save will come from. 

Many financial advisors in today’s world 

will spend a lot of time discussing the latest 

investment vehicle or insurance product or 

tax plan and not even address your cash 

flow management. The first thing that you 

need to do in any solid financial plan is roll 

your sleeves up and go through the budget 

process. 

At Health Care Financial Group, we 

address your cash flow management as the 

first part of our comprehensive financial 

plan. 

For more information or to arrange a consultation 

regarding investment, insurance, 

cash flow or risk management strategies, 

contact Brian Shumak, B.Sc., CLU, CFP, 

TEP directly at bshumak@bshumak.com. 

Healthcare Financial waives our assessment/ 

recommendation meeting fees for members 

of the OPA in good standing. 

ADVERTISING 

OPPORTUNITIES 

CONTACT INFORMATION 

Courses and Seminars via i-Blast Emails 

Sara Pulins 

Marketing and Communications Coordinator 

416.322.6866 ext. 222 

spulins@opa.on.ca 

Exhibit and Sponsorship Opportunities 

Courtney Alexander 

Events and Volunteer Coordinator 

416.322.6866 ext. 236 

calexander@opa.on.ca

Registration = inspiration 

register now for Healthachieve, the industry’s must-attend event, 

and guarantee your place for these and other thrilling keynotes: 

sugar sammy 

MoNday, Nov 7 

Feature BreakFaSt 

One of the hottest comedians 

on the international circuit, 

Sugar Sammy delivers 

hilarious observations on our 

multicultural world. 

Michael J. Fox 

Tuesday, Nov 8 

Feature SeSSion 

Renowned actor, author and 

activist, Mr. Fox uses his 

characteristic wit and charm 

to take you through his 

inspiring journey; and draws 

on his own life experiences to 

make a case that real learning 

actually happens when life 

goes skidding sideways. 

19 

Healthachieve 2011 

Conference: november 7, 8 & 9

Invitation to Participate in a Survey 

Physiotherapy Management of 

Mild to Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis 

By Norma MacIntyre and Brittany Hale 

Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading 

cause of musculoskeletal pain and disability 

in older adults. Physiotherapists provide a 

number of treatment options and assume 

advocacy roles to address the common 

complaints of pain, stiffness and limited 

mobility in mild to moderate (nonsurgical) 

knee OA. Many clinical practice guidelines 

for nonsurgical management of knee 

OA have been published yet the degree 

to which any of these influence physiotherapy 

practice in the direct access setting 

is not known. Few of these clinical practice 

guidelines focus specifically on the role of 

physiotherapists and all lack detail regarding 

treatments which physiotherapists can and 

do provide. For example, two guidelines 1,2 

recommend that therapeutic ultrasound 

not be used for the management of nonsurgical 

knee OA (Figure 1) while others do 

not even consider this modality. However, 

two recent systematic reviews suggest that 

ultrasound may improve pain and physical 

function in people with knee OA and better 

quality evidence is needed before ruling 

this treatment out as an option. 3,4 A better 

understanding of the current practices, 

attitudes and beliefs of physiotherapists at 

the point of care is important in order to 

identify evidence gaps and improve the care 

of the many people with knee OA. 

Norma MacIntyre, a 1985 graduate of 

the University of Toronto BSc(PT) program 

and currently on faculty in the School 

of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster 

University, has invited members of the 

OPA working in direct access physiotherapy 

practice to complete an electronic survey 

which aims to describe practice patterns and 

evidence gaps for management of nonsurgical 

knee OA in Ontario. This information 

is critical for planning research to guide 

clinical decision making where uncertainty 

exists and to further develop the key role 

physiotherapists have in optimal management 

of this growing patient population. 

If sufficient participation is achieved to get 

valid responses, the results of the survey will 

be shared with OPA members. 

Please consider taking the time to complete 

the survey if you have not already 

done so. Your participation is vital to the 

success of this study. 

Figure 1. Therapeutic ultrasound applied to the medial aspect of the right knee. 

Take the survey at: https://iwhca.qualtrics.com/ualtricsSurveyEngine/?SID=SV_7UIZ 

ZiUwH4KuMss&RID=MLRP_29NvoWLDxkqWxSI&_= 

Or refer to the OPA Update i-Blast from June 23, 2011. 

References 

1. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Guideline for the non-surgical management 

of hip and knee osteoarthritis. South Melbourne, Australia, 2009. Available at: 

http://www.racgp.org.au/Content/NavigationMenu/ClinicalResources/RACGPGuidelines/ 

uidelineforthenonsurgicalmanagementofhipandkneeosteoarthritis/RACGP_OA_guideline. 

pdf. [Accessed May 26, 2011] 

2. Williams NH, Amoakwa E, Burton K, et al. The Hip and Knee Book: developing an active 

management booklet for hip and knee osteoarthritis. Br J Gen Pract. 2010;60(571):64-82 

3. Loyola-Sanchez A, Richardson J, MacIntyre NJ. Efficacy of ultrasound therapy for the 

management of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis 

Cartilage. 2010;18(9):1117-1126. 

4. wwRutjes AW, Nuesch E, Sterchi R, Juni P. Therapeutic ultrasound for osteoarthritis of the 

knee or hip. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010(1):003132. 

20

June is Brain Injury Awareness Month 

Clinical use of Bodyweight Supported Treadmill Training 

for Clients with Acquired Brain Injury 

By Jaime MacDonald MSc PT , Physio-Logic/Neurological Rehabilitation 

Physiotherapists have been using 

bodyweight supported treadmill training 

(BWSTT) as a component of neurological 

rehabilitation for a number of years. The 

theory of generating a reciprocal gait pattern 

from the level of the spinal cord 

originated with the study of de-corticated 

cats showing that a rhythmical stepping 

pattern can be elicited through peripheral 

stimulation of neuronal networks within 

the spinal cord, now termed ‘Central 

Pattern Generators’. 

This neurophysiological research evolved 

into the development of BWSTT being 

utilized in the treatment of many neurological 

populations to improve overground 

walking, increasing gait velocity and stride 

length in individuals who have sustained an 

incomplete spinal cord injury, a stroke, or 

Parkinson’s disease. 

Currently there is very little research 

investigating or supporting the use of 

BWSTT as a treatment intervention with 

clients who have acquired brain injuries. 

Considering many of these people have 

adjunctive cognitive, or behavioral impairments, 

they are often less appropriate 

for standardization into a clinical trial. 

Bilateral hypertonicity and lower extremity 

contractures are prevalent in the population, 

and often interfere with the standard 

protocol of a treadmill program which can 

PHYSIOTHERAPIST 

REQUIRED 

For Toronto, Kitchener Waterloo 

and Niagara Area 

Please submit 

your resume to 

416-226-9581 

Or for more information 

contact: Reshawn 

416-226-2402 

Reshawn_ninth.indd 1 27/06/11 3:14 PM 

more easily be applied to individuals who 

have sustained a stroke or spinal cord injury. 

While current literature is very limited 

in the evaluation of BWSTT as an effective 

intervention in the treatment of people 

with acquired brain injuries, clinically the 

benefits are similar to that of other neurological 

populations. The treadmill harness 

and ability to de-weight provides the client 

with a safe environment to begin standing 

and weight bearing. This weight bearing 

position provides sensory stimulation from 

the feet and lower limbs, and assists in 

the treatment of lower extremity contractures. 

The harness frees up the therapist’s 

hands to facilitate alignment, rather than 

supporting the weight of the client. The 

improved alignment and upright posture 

will encourage the development of an 

appropriate body schema in the cortex 

which facilitates core and lower extremity 

muscle activation. 

As the client progresses, the harness and 

de-weighteing system allows the therapist 

to facilitate the client into more advanced 

pre-gait postures such as single leg stance. 

While the initial postural stability is gained 

from the harness, treatment is aimed to 

gradually decrease the supports as the client 

begins to regain postural control on which 

they Antibex_ad:Layout can move the extremities 1 7/2/08 into 3:28 func- PM Pag 

tional positions including initial weight 

ANTIBEX SOFTWARE 

Great Ideas at Work! 

✔ Scheduling 

✔ Claim Forms (MVA, WSIB, EHC) 

✔ Billing (MVA, WSIB, EHC, 

Private, Slip & Fall) 

✔ HCAI Compliant Get it FREE 

Today! 

✔ Reminders and Alerts 

✔ Electronic SOAP Notes 

✔ Multiple Computers 

✔ Multiple Providers 

www.antibex.com 416-663-3777 

Experience the benefits for yourself! 

22 

Jamie working on the treadmill with a client who 

has a brain injury. 

transfer and stepping. These first stages of 

intervention are controlled purely through 

cortical control, and therefore there is no 

activation of the central pattern generator 

networks. According to recent literature 

cortical control of ambulation decreases 

once a consistent speed of 2.5km/hour 

is reached, and it is hypothesized that the 

lower spinal centres generate the walking 

pattern at higher speeds. This high velocity 

subcortical gait provides ascending cortical 

feedback that is then used to modulate 

current and future descending gait control. 

It is this cyclic feedback and feed 

forward locomotive control that the client 

ultimately benefits from, and relates to the 

improved functional outcomes in overground 

walking. 

While research and clinical trials have not 

widely investigated or supported BWSTT 

for use with clients who have acquired 

brain injuries, clinically, the improvements 

have been similar to that of other populations 

including increased overground stride 

length and velocity, increased balance, and 

increased functional independence.

CALA 

Wellness Conference 

1-888-751-9823 

hosted by the 

City of Mississauga 

September 9, 10, 2011 

Clarkson Community Centre 

Release, Realign 

Re-educate, Rebuild - 

A Water and Land Based 

Approach to Healing 

and Prevention of 

Illness and Injury 

CALA 

CanFitPro 

AFLCA 

BCRPA 

NSFLA 

Accredited by 

CPTN 

PTA 

OTA 

OKA 

LSS 

www.calainc.org 

SPRA 

SportPEI 

NLPRA 

YMCA 

YWCA

Want To Attract New Patients? 

OPA has partnered up with HealthAware.ca to help you do that. 

According to Statistics Canada, 6 out of 10 Canadians go online 

to search for medical or health-related information. Pew Research 

shows that 44% of people are specifically looking for information 

about healthcare providers. Consumers are online and that is where 

you should be as well. 

Whether you are looking to attract new patients or share news 

and updates with existing ones, HealthAware.ca can help you reach 

your audience. HealthAware.ca is the online resource Canadians use 

to find the right health practitioners and clinics. List your practice 

and convert these Internet users into your patients. 

Now as part of your OPA membership, you can get free premium 

listing with HealthAware.ca ($495 value). 

Volunteer opportunity 

The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers (September 10 & 11, 

2011, Downsview Park, Toronto) is looking for physiotherapists 

to be a part of their event! A team of physiotherapists is needed 

to provide on-site physiotherapy services to the event participants. 

Interested volunteers would be required to bring their own table 

to the event. OPA will supply t-shirts and promotional materials to 

promote the profession of physiotherapy. However, volunteers are 

www.opa.on.ca 

FREEDOM TO FUNCTION 

55 Eglinton Avenue East 

Suite 210 

Toronto ON M4P 1G8 

24 

Why sign up? 

• HealthAware.ca puts your practice in front of a motivated audience 

– patients who are looking for your services in your area 

right now 

• Your practice will be easier to find in search engines like Google, 

Yahoo and Bing 

• Give your profile competitive edge by positing photos and videos 

• A comparable package from yellow pages directories costs over 

$1000/year 

To claim you HealthAware premium listing at no charge, use 

PROMO CODE: OPA2011. 

Please hurry, this offer is valid until July 31, 2011. 

For more information and to claim your profile 

please visit http://healthaware.ca/opa2011. 

welcome to bring their own business cards to promote their practice 

as well. 

There are not a required number of hours that a volunteer must 

attend; however availability for the entire day is preferred. 

If you are interested in volunteering at this event please contact 

Courtney Alexander, calexander@opa.on.ca at the OPA office for 

more information. 

Publication Mail 

Registration No. 40008853

2011 APTEI Acupuncture & Dry Needling (ADN) Program

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?