Physiotherapists “special part of recovery,” member says

“We’re often labelled as the health-care professionals who ‘walk people,’ but in truth, physiotherapists are so much more than that,” she says. “Physiotherapists work across a wide range of specialties, from pain management to mobility improvements, and even help people perform better in their daily lives or sports.

“We can also help with chronic conditions, preventative care and performance optimization, just to name a few examples. Depending on where we work, the physiotherapist will have a different approach, as the patient population won’t be the same.”

Ouellet has worked at Amberwood Health Sciences North, an alternate level of care setting with 47 patients, for 10 years. Some of those patients are waiting for long-term care placements while others are preparing to be transitioned to inpatient rehabilitation.

“My role is to help them regain functional independence, improve their mobility, and transfer and support them in their journey towards the next stage of care.”

Made a difference 

Ouellet says she finds great fulfilment in “being able to help people in their journey to recovery,” which is the reason she wanted to become a physiotherapist in the first place. In fact, she began her career as a physiotherapist assistant (PTA) before attaining an undergraduate degree in Health Promotion and then a Master’s in Physiotherapy.  

“I’m very passionate about education, with a patient-centered approach that is tailored towards the individual,” she notes. “I consider the patient’s preference, their values and unique needs. It’s about collaborating with the patient, making sure they’re part of decision-making and ensuring their goals are guiding the treatment plan.

“Being able to see someone heal through a traumatic injury and knowing that you had a special part in their recovery and made a difference in their lives is very rewarding. Physiotherapy is a crucial and essential part in a patient’s recovery as we provide guidance, education and the tools to help support them through their recovery to be successful.”  

But, Ouellet adds, it doesn’t come without challenges.  

“It’s frustrating when a patient hasn’t progressed as much as they would like or have plateaued and you know there’s nothing more you can do. Sometimes their injuries are too extensive and will forever affect their quality of life, which isn’t ideal.” 

Reminiscing

As May is National Physiotherapy Month, Ouellet relays that she’s “celebrating the fact that I’m a physiotherapist and so proud to be one. I’m reminiscing on all the patients that I’ve helped throughout the years.” 

She also wants to give a shoutout to “all the PTAs out there who continue to support our patients and the profession. Without them we couldn’t do what we do. It’s very much a team dynamic and I’m grateful to work alongside so many wonderful PTAs. To all of you, I say thank you!”