What is Physiotherapy??

The practice of physiotherapy is the assessment of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and cardio respiratory systems, the diagnosis of diseases or disorders associated with physical dysfunction, injury or pain and the treatment, rehabilitation and prevention or relief of physical dysfunction, injury or pain to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment function and promote mobility.
(http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_91p37_e.htm)

Meet our Physiotherapist…..

Kelly Hopcraft completed her Masters of Physiotherapy at McMaster University in 2002 and also has an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from McMaster University.  She has taken courses in acupuncture and manual therapy and is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.  Over the years Kelly has worked extensively in private practice orthopaedics in Dundas and in Burlington. Kelly brings her kind nature and care for her clients into each appointment.  As a Physiotherapist, Kelly enjoys her career as it allows her to work with a variety of clients and assist each of them on their road to recovery.  She thrives on being there to help her clients improve their quality of life, whether it is by reducing their pain level or increasing their mobility, strength and general function.

When she's not working, Kelly spends her time camping or at the baseball diamond or hockey arena with her three boys and husband.
What is FST??
FST stands for Fascial Stretch Therapy.  With our client on a therapy table our Fascial Stretch Therapist can work on stretching your fascia and mobilizing your joints.  So what is fascia?  Fascia is a dense sheet of irregular connective tissue that lines the body wall and limbs.  It supports and surrounds muscles and organs.  Fascia allows free movement of muscles, carries nerves, blood vessels and lymphatic vessels and fills spaces between muscles.  It protects and strengthens muscles.
Fascial tightness can restrict the body's movement, flexibility and function.  If fascial shortness and tightness occurs you can place too much tension on the muscles and joints which could cause pain.  It can also restrict blood flow, organ and nerve function.  In turn, fascial tightness could cause improper alignment, incorrect biomechanics and increase inflammation.
Fascial Stretch Therapy can help to create more mobile tissue, therefor increasing flexibility and muscular function.  It can improve alignment and biomechanics, flexibility and increase circulation and organ function.  It can also reduce inflammation.

Want to meet our Fascial Stretch Therapist Zhanna?  Zhanna started her time with us as a certified Stott Pilates TM instructor who found Pilates after having her first child.  Hoping to use Pilates to get back into pre baby shape she realized it was so much more than that.  Zhanna practiced Pilates for a number of years, experiencing it as a client before deciding to become an instructor.  She wanted to share her experience and passion for movement with clients.  Since then Zhanna became interested in providing an additonal approach to her teaching with Fascial Stretch Therapy.   While Zhanna no longer teaches Pilates with us, her background in physical fitness complements her career as a Fascial Stretch Therpaist beautifully.  She has the unique outlook of understanding the biomechanics of movement and how creating healthier fascia can improve your biomechanics.  Zhanna's truly caring spirit and vast knowledge are an excellent combination.