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. In addition, I enjoy learning from the clients, colleagues, and students with whom I work.
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?
“Hospital based physiotherapists just mobilize patients..”
The role of physiotherapy in a hospital can vary dramatically. While working in the hospital, I have engaged in 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?
Due to multiple sports injuries growing up I have had multiple interactions with healthcare providers. From these experiences I knew I wanted to be involved in healthcare. I was drawn to this profession because physiotherapists are often afforded more time to connect with their patients than many other health professionals.
What is unique about what you do?
Some patients have expressed that I practice more like 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 uncover 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.