The Press Play blog is your source for all things physiotherapy, pilates and being your best self. It's a showcase the people, stories and things that have enhanced my life and hopefully you take something away from your visits! If you have an idea or would like to contribute, connect with me!
Today, I am interviewing Susan Kovacs, a local London, Ontario athletic performance coach! She has been published in Chatelaine magazine and is co-author of the best selling book, Dreaming BIG Being BOLD. She also is host on the “The Athletes’ Game Changer Podcast- which you can listen to here (maybe take a peak at Episode 7!)
Read MoreI can't believe I haven't had one of my absolute best friends and fellow physiotherapist, Heather McNeil on the blog yet! Heather and I became fast friends in PT school and it has been so amazing to watch her career grow and change over the past few years. Heather started off her career in private practice in Toronto but has more recently returned to her west coast roots. Not only was this move perfect for Heather but it worked out pretty well for me too! I love visiting her out in Kelowna and doing ALL the activities with her! Heather hikes, paddle boards, does yoga and is pretty darn good at capturing the beauty of her new hometown (just check out her Instagram account @featherphysio). She practices what she preaches and is a pure lover of movement! Let's get to know her more!
Read MoreFall also brings with it a brand new group of fresh faced physiotherapists who are about to embark on their careers. Finally after at least 6 years (6 years!) of post-secondary education these students are finally making the transition into their professional lives. I remember the feeling like it was yesterday. I was excited, energetic and motivated while simultaneously feeling exhausted, scared, a little bit nauseous and like the biggest imposter on the planet. Truth is, no amount of formal education can truly prepare you for the reality of professional practice and just like any life transition, this transition can be challenging and test what you are made of.
Read MoreAs Here for Her turns a big 1 year old today I am reposting a blog we did back in January discussing Rachel's Here for Her project, why it started, what it's about and how you to can take an idea and make it happen!
Read MoreDianna and I have a lot in common. We both completed our Masters of Physiotherapy at McMaster University, pursued a specialization in sport physiotherapy and completed our Masters of Clinical Science in Manual and Manipulative Therapy at Western University. And disclaimer: we both lost a bit of ourselves while doing it. Today on the blog, Dianna shares her “breakdown and breakthrough,” the importance of finding balance, and how she redefined success.
Read MoreAs I prepare to move from my little corner of downtown London I feel it neccessary to pay homage to the incredible local businesses have kept both my heart and tummy happy over the past year. I am constantly telling my patients to check out these places and know that more than a few of us now have a Haven's Creamery addictions (we talk about the latest flavours during appointments...). Being celiac for most of my life, it has always been a novelty to find yummy treats while eating out but now it is almost too easy to find delicious healthy eats right outside my doorstep (literally all less than 1km from my house)! If you live in London or are making a visit be sure to check out some of these awesome spots!
Read MoreThis week I have a special guest blogger! Brianna Balzer is just finishing up her first year of her Masters in Physiotherapy at Western University and has spent the last 5 weeks stuck with me on her clinical placement. I've tried to show her a few tricks of the trade, help develop her clinical reasoning and soft skills but also thought it would be fun to have her try her hand at blogging! For me, blogging has been a great way to reach a wider audience, promote my profession and help people get to know me as a clinician and person better. So here we go- Brianna is going to be talking mobility today! Take it away girl!
Read MoreAs a physiotherapist, patients often ask me questions such as "what's the difference between physio and chiro?" or "what do you think about osteopathy?" or "would massage therapy help?" From getting to know other health care professionals in the field I know that fundementally most practitioners all want the same thing- they want to help. Everyone goes into these professions with the intentions of helping others achieve a more pain free, active, healthy lifestyle. Though the principles between professions may slightly differ, at the end of the day allied health professions are filled with dedicated, intelligent, empathetic individuals who arrive on the job each day to help you put your best foot forward. Today, I wanted to highlight a few of these professions and some of the wonderful women who are making a difference in their chosen fields. By understanding a little bit about their education, philosophies and what to expect in treatment hopefully it helps you to understand some of their differences but also I think you will find that maybe we aren't all that different either!
Read MoreLast week I attended the book tour for Lori Harder’s A Tribe Called Bliss with my good friend Jess Dalliday (AKA @thehealthysweetpotato). For a long time Jess and I have been low key obsessed with Lori's messages of self-love, transformation and the powerful interviews she shares in her podcast "Earn Your Happy." Naturally we both scooped up her new book immediately and can't wait to start our own mastermind tribe this summer!
Read MoreIt's my birhtday! While there will be cake and presents and friends and family today, I always feel like my birthday is a bit like New Years. It's a time for me to reflect on the year, what I did, how I succeeded (and failed) and how I want to move forward into my next year. THIS YEAR WAS HUGE! I completed another Masters Degree, I started my blog, I went on my first solo adventure and boy did that all come with some big 'ole life lessons. I truly think this year has been one of my biggest growth years and am so proud what I've accomplished. After some reflection here are the big shiny lessons that came at me this year!
Read MoreLast summer I spent a few weeks touring around Scandinavia and had a few magical days in Denmark. Copenhagen, Denmark was by far my favourite stop on the trip and ever since I left the city, I've been plotting my return. Something was just different there. I couldn't put my finger on it but it just felt so good. Yes it was cold (16 degrees on the warmest day) and very rainy but it was also so quiet, cozy and relaxed. I didn't have the word for it but later found out the the Danish do have a word for it and it's 'hygge'.
Read MoreAs an OG gluten-free girl I've been eating quinoa for years. It's light but still keeps me full and offers a bit of protein for the days when I'm on the go. With the additional of some avocado and black beans this salad is packed with healthy fats, protein and fibre. This is one of my go-to recipes now and I usually make it on Sundays so that I have it on hand for lunches during the week. Based off the "Stuffed Avocado Salad" recipe by Angela Liddon in Oh She Glows Everyday, I've played with this recipe over time and it has morphed into this recipe. I hope you enjoy! Bon appetit!
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