The October ALPHA Health Services staff profile features Registered Physiotherapist, Jennifer Harvey. Jennifer completed her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto, and her undergraduate degree at McMaster University. We asked Jennifer a few questions about why she became a physiotherapist, and conditions she likes to treat.
Where did you complete your degrees?
I completed my Master in Science of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto.
Why did you become a Physiotherapist?
For me, working as a physiotherapist is the perfect mix of connecting with people, continually learning about the human body and helping others recovery from injury, illness or pain.
What did you learn while going through school about physiotherapy, that you didn’t know before?
Before I went through physiotherapy school, I thought that a Physiotherapist just rehabilitated sprained ankles, knees or pulled muscles in a private clinic. In school I quickly learned about all the different practice areas for physiotherapy and the specializations including neurological, cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal. In addition, there is a broad scope of practice and physio can do things such as acupuncture, wound care, pelvic floor rehabilitation, vestibular rehabilitation, work in a community health centre, hospital, clinic or even travel to your home.
What are some conditions you like to treat with physiotherapy?
I really like to treat people with concussions and post concussion syndrome. There are a lot of factor that can contribute to concussion symptoms including the musculoskeletal or vestibular-ocular-motor systems which can be improved upon through physiotherapy. I also enjoy treating osteoarthritis, as people who experience pain and stiffness from this condition can benefit from individualized strengthening exercises and regular aerobic activity. Many people think that the only treatment for osteoarthritis are pain medications or joint replacement surgery.