Name and Title(s):
Braden Quest
Physiotherapist
Where do you work?
Neurological Intensive Outpatient Neurological Rehabilitation Program at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (Nanaimo, BC)
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Helping people get back to work and back to play! Unfortunately, many people are going through some of the most difficult times in their life when I first meet them, particularly those affected by a neurological condition such as a stroke. I cherish the moments when people get back to the activities they love to do which they thought they would not be able to enjoy again.
Seeing people thrive physically while healing emotionally from suffering, loss and grief is fulfilling. Helping those with the most severe impairments regain function, confidence, optimism and pleasure in life nourishes my spirit. On a daily basis I get to have fun and try to challenge myself as much as I challenge the people I work with.
Why does physiotherapy matter?
I think exercise is the best medicine. We know people experience immense benefits from the guidance physical therapists provide to navigate challenges and chart the course to reach their goals. By taking into account the uniqueness of individuals, we can evoke and empower them to succeed and build self-efficacy.
Treatment plans are ever evolving, purposefully designed and tailored to each person in order to make the desired progress. Active listening is essential and partnership is key. A wise physical therapy professor once told me, “If you listen to someone long enough they will tell you what the problem is and how to fix it!”
What is a common misconception with your work?
We may all have limitations but we are not bound by them. It’s inspiring to see everyone from seniors to para-athletes push their boundaries and achieve heroic feats. What may seem impossible isn’t necessarily. It’s possible to improve beyond expectations or even one’s previous level of ability after an injury or impairment.
It’s also possible to do the things you want to do despite lasting physical challenges. We all have the ability to adapt and grow. As week as setting goals, achieving them and reaching even further. Would you believe that therapy can also be fun and engaging at the same time?
What drew you to physical therapy?
I didn’t know very much about physical therapy until I had an injury. I was impressed by my physical therapist’s knowledge, skill and empathy. Not only that, the treatment was successful and I made a full recovery. The experience made an impact beyond the direct effect on my injury, the experience ignited a spark, and the flame continues to grow and burn strong to this day.
What is unique about what you do?
I’m lucky to be a part of the Neurological Intensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Program in Nanaimo. The goal is to build independence, develop skills and pursue aspirations. Our team consists of a speech, occupational and physical therapist as well as a social worker, registered nurse and rehabilitation assistant.
We’re working hard to help some of the people who need it the most, some are teens and some are over ninety – each and every one is remarkable! The team approach is highly effective and we have truly fantastic outcomes.
What is one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
Working with clients and patients is only part of the work physical therapists do. Behind the scenes, many physical therapists are involved in research, clinical education and quality improvement projects.
Among my endeavours, I have designed and coauthored a research study (The effects of ibuprofen on muscle hypertrophy, strength, and soreness during resistance training), performed assessments on participants in the Walk n’ Watch UBC research study, initiated a patient feedback survey to improve our program. I have been fortunate to have great experiences as a clinical educator for physical therapy and rehabilitation assistant students in both Saskatchewan and British Columbia.