Name and Title(s):
Skylar Bown, MPT, BHK
Registered Physical Therapist
@remoterehabphysio / @yourphysioskylar
Where do you work?
I am so grateful to be able to live and work on the beautiful, traditional, ancestral, and unceded land of the Syilx/Okanagan people who have resided here since time immemorial. I am currently working in 3 settings – 1 virtual and 2 in-person.
Virtually through my co-owned clinic, Remote Rehab Physiotherapy
In Kelowna:
Kare Physiotherapy (Pelvic Health)
Forest Wellness Kelowna (Orthopedics/Pelvic Health/Vestibular)
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Two of the most rewarding aspects of my job are providing care to underserved regions of the province through virtual physiotherapy and helping normalize conversations that might otherwise feel embarrassing—especially when it comes to pelvic health.
Northern and rural BC have a significantly lower percentage of physiotherapists (~7% as of the 2021 Census) compared to their population (~18%). This disparity is even greater in special areas like concussion treatment, vestibular rehabilitation, pelvic health, hand therapy, and neurorehabilitation. Being able to bridge this gap and bring essential physiotherapy services to rural communities keeps me motivated in my work and always feeling highly rewarded.
I’m especially passionate about pelvic floor physiotherapy because it helps people regain confidence in their bodies. Many suffer in silence due to the stigma around issues like pain, incontinence, and postpartum recovery. Through education and treatment, I empower patients with knowledge and strategies that make a real difference. Seeing their relief, confidence, and renewed sense of normalcy is incredibly rewarding and reminds me why I love this work.
Why does physiotherapy matter?
Physiotherapy is so much more than just physical rehabilitation—it’s a whole-body, mind, and social approach to treating a wide range of conditions. In rural settings, its value is even greater due to widespread limitations in access to healthcare. When physiotherapy is present in a community that may only have one nurse practitioner, it plays a crucial role in screening for red flags, maintaining physical independence and mobility, supporting healthy joints and muscles, reducing incontinence, and much more.
As a holistic practice that addresses multiple aspects of health, physiotherapy serves as an essential part of primary care in these underserved areas.
What drew you to physical therapy?
Helping people. Plain and simple. I love connecting with people; I love creating a space where people can feel safe and vulnerable with me; I love empowering people to take control in their rehab. That’s what drew me to physio – it’s a career where I can implement all of these principles in a care setting.
What is one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
If you know me, this might not be surprising, but my favourite pastime is fiber arts (crochet & knitting). I always need to keep my hands moving.