Get to Know Mitch

What led you to physiotherapy?

My many sporting injuries, including shoulder dislocations and reconstruction surgery which ended up stopping my early career in Rugby Union in my home country of Australia.  These events taught me the importance of proper rehabilitation.

What is your favourite part of being a physiotherapist?

Honestly, as corny as it sounds, connecting and helping people regain their function and reach their goals.

How do you treat injuries?

I treat based on how the client presents, and everyone is different.  Overall, I treat not just the injury but the body as a whole.  Initially, I will be more hands on using manual therapy to help restore range of motion.  After pain is under control we progress into active movements, strength based approach, and patient empowerment.  I like to explain what I am doing and why it is important.  I think education is key to successful recovery and prevention of future injuries.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about physiotherapy?

Probably that physiotherapists just use machines and heat packs to treat you.  Sometimes these are good additions to treatment, but they shouldn't be all of it.  A combination of exercise prescription, manual therapy, and load management is the key to successful rehab and has more evidence backed behind it than passive treatments where the patient is uninvolved.

Why did you move to Canada?

My wife.  This is her hometown, she graduated from Port Moody Seconday.  We moved back because her parents were ill at the time. 

What has been your biggest challenge in Canada?

My Aussie accent! Making people understand me, that's for sure.

Tell us a little about yourself.
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I moved house heaps when I was young (Canadian translation: I moved around a lot when I was young).  My elderly dog child is also from Australia, I got her from the RSPCA when I was a teen.  Her name is Jess and she has been my trusty side kick ever since.  You might see her around in the clinic, she is very friendly.   I'm partial to video games, but I also like to get outdoors and hike a mountain, or get stuck in some snow in the winter.