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Name and Title(s):
Keri Thibodeau
Registered Physical Therapist
Where do you work?
Comox Valley Hospital, Solid Ground Neuro Physio (Courtenay, BC)
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I love getting to know what makes life meaningful for clients and helping them get back to doing what they love. I also really enjoy that I am constantly learning from the clients, colleagues, and students I work with.
Why does physiotherapy matter?
Physiotherapists are in a privileged position to have the time to create meaningful connections with clients to work with them to optimize functional mobility. We play a vital role in helping maximize independence and quality of life. Physiotherapy can have far-reaching impacts on physical, mental, and psychological health.
What is a common misconception with your work?
“Physiotherapists that work in the hospital just mobilize patients.”
The role of physiotherapy in a hospital can vary dramatically. Some of the different things I have done while working in a hospital setting include suctioning, discharge planning, equipment prescription, titrating supplemental oxygen, exercise prescription, manual therapy, IMS, and hands-on facilitation for stroke rehabilitation.
What drew you to physical therapy?
I sustained multiple sports injuries growing up and from these experiences knew I wanted to be involved in healthcare. I was drawn to this profession because I love being able to work with people to maximize function and well-being. Additionally, physiotherapists are often afforded more time to connect with their patients than many other health professionals.
What is unique about what you do?
I have been told I am a “Physio-Counselor”. Working with clients with neurological diagnoses and chronic pain has taught me the importance of taking a holistic approach to care. I have found that taking the extra time to get to dig into the many individual factors that affect well-being can drastically impact outcomes.
What is one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
I am an author. My Mom (a retired teacher) and I co-authored a children’s book, “Helen Hurts”, to teach children about pain and how to manage it.