May is Physiotherapy Month

In Prairie Mountain Health Physiotherapists work with adults and children. They work in a variety of care settings including seeing clients in the community, in a clinic setting, in a hospital, in a personal care home or in schools or day cares.

Carla Furkalo has been a Physiotherapist for 28 years. She is based out of Grandview, Manitoba and has worked in adult services for most of her career.

Terri-Lynn Delaurier has been a physiotherapist for 13 years. She is based out of Swan River, Manitoba and currently works in pediatrics.

What are important qualities of a Physiotherapist?

• We are Life Long Learners – “Education is very important. We must strive to keep learning so we can do the best we can for our patients” says Carla.
• We Offer Client and Family Centered Practice – “I enjoy meeting children and their families and hearing their stories. I try to make it fun for the children I see. Our work looks like play” says Terri-Lynn. In pediatric services, the family unit is supported by the Physiotherapist to try to best meet the client’s needs. In adult services, services are tailored specifically to the client.
• We are Motivators – “Change can be hard. Physiotherapists need to get clients to buy into being a part of the process. One of the greatest skills a clinician can have is being a salesman. Reading your customer to know what support they need – education, motivation, information and empathy are essential” says Carla.
• We are Team Mates – “I spend a lot of time in gym classes” says Terri-Lynn. “Working with teachers to try to set up 1:1 supports for the kids I see. I recognize that things can change at any time compared to what I tried to plan for the day. We are collaborative.”

What would you tell someone considering becoming a Physiotherapist?

Carla says “I take great pride in my job and enjoy the variety and challenge of doing something new every day. To work in a rural environment, at times being the sole therapist makes you sharpen your skills and learn quickly. What you don’t know, you find out. They Physiotherapy community is a close knit one; there are always mentors to draw from. From my learning, I have greater job satisfaction. To be happy at work is key and is contagious. I hope to continue learning and giving back to all that I encounter along the way”.

Terri-Lynn says “I think its important people receive services closer to home so they don’t have to travel. Offering a community based service, makes people appreciative about the work that I do. My favourite part is connecting with the families I work with. I truly get to play and make my work interactive for clients. I definitely get a lot of steps in my day”.

If you are or know of a young person who might be considering Physiotherapy as a career, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions you may have.