​What influenced your decision to become a physiotherapist? 
From my childhood I was more interested in health issues and my back ground also gives me more experiences with natural medicines and traditional martial arts and their use in healing various health related problems. I was also interested in a system where there are fewer side effects. After my college studies I was trying to get into the medical field, from where I ended up in Physiotherapy, which I learned to be non-invasive and with less side effects and it also involves all population from paediatrics to geriatrics. Later when I completed my course I was more clear about my path and how I can utilize my ability for many of the health-related problems which opened up for me a door in to the world of different practice.

What are the top three most common issues you help clients address?
It is very difficult to pin point 3 common issues, because there are a lot of issues that can be made better with physiotherapy. Common issues I come across is shoulder and neck pain/stiffness, low back pain, sports injuries and neurological conditions which include stroke and Parkinson’s. 

What types of conditions/injuries do you enjoy treating?
All sports injuries, neck, shoulder, back and leg pain/ injuries, Post concussion symptoms (mTBI, MVA), stroke, Parkinson’s. 

What types of treatment methods/approaches do you use?
I prefer to use more manual techniques, but I use therapeutic modalities such as IFC, ultrasound to help the initial healing process, followed with more with exercises and postural corrections. I do more hands on work with most of the conditions, which gives long lasting relief and prevention of symptoms. Exercises are one of the major compounds I insist for my patients.

What is your treatment philosophy?
Understanding the condition is the first priority, because I believe that if your diagnosis is right, 90% of your treatment is done. Experience counts- with more than 15 years in this field, I have been exposed to almost all types of clinical conditions and their physiotherapy management. Understanding the root cause and eliminating it rather than beating around the bush is important. I use modalities wisely to help overcome the present situation not solely relying only on them. I rely on active approach rather than to a passive one.

What might a typical appointment with you look like?
I listen to what the client wants to say, asking questions relating to the condition, physical assessment, various orthopaedic and neurological physical testing. I then discuss the findings with the client, explain the condition- from an anatomical perspective, then I use various treatment approaches.

If you could give everyone one piece of advice this winter what would it be?
Winter is the worst time for people with arthritis, those more susceptible to fall injuries and MVAs (Motor Vehicle Accidents). Those with arthritis should not expose their joints to cold, always cover up and keep warm. If you have a fall do not hesitate to see health care provider to check that nothing is wrong, because from a small fall you may later end up with some major issues.

What can someone expect an initial appointment with you to look like?
During an initial appointment we discuss the present situation, history of the complaint, work on finding out the cause, explain the condition- making you understand how and why it happened with anatomical explanation, possible treatments and a small treatment session depending on the available time and of course a home exercises programme for you to continue the exercises at home.

What do you like to do for fun?
I love gardening in summer (grow your own) fishing, biking, GYM, cooking, spend time with my kids, watching movies with my family.

By Norine Khalil, RD
Once again, another year has come and gone faster than the one before it, and the holidays are around the corner. Time to look back at your 2018 New Year’s Resolutions and either spend the remainder of the year either celebrating or self-loathing. But wait – before you shove your health and wellness goals deep into the depths of your closet right down there with your summer wardrobe, hold that thought. Many of my clients have already begun to give up on their goals in anticipation of the Christmas craze, but I’m suggesting a different strategy. No, I’m not saying you have to swap the stuffing out for a quinoa salad necessarily (although that is music to my ears) – I am suggesting a slight shift in mindset for these remaining weeks of December to help transition into the new year on a healthy and happy note.

Ditch the New Year’s Resolutions – The “my diet starts tomorrow” mentality is so 2016, you guys. Beginning this holiday season with the mentality that your wellness goals will be put on hold until the new year is setting you up for failure before you even begin. Start today. Not tomorrow. Choose one goal, as simple as it needs to be, and stick with it starting today. If it’s aiming to get an extra 1,000 steps in each day, grab that FitBit and get to steppin’. Skipping breakfast lately? Set a goal to prepare a simple breakfast each morning until January 1st. There is no reason to hold off on making healthy changes until January 1st 2019 when you have 29 perfect days ahead of you today.

Give the Gift of Health – As much as we say that the holidays are about family and friends…let’s be honest, we all love the gifts. Whether it’s a Secret Santa at work or a family gift exchange, plant the seed of health with friends, family and co-workers by gifting them with something they can use to get their wellness on! New workout gear, a heartrate monitor, or a new cookbook are all great gifts that can help your loved ones stay motivated.

Eat Joyfully (and Mindfully) – instead of focusing on the big feasts, the bottomless bottles of wine, and the endless plates of dessert – focus on the people with whom you’re eating, the meaningful conversations, and the one plate you’ve fixed for yourself at the table. Take a moment to give thanks for the meal you’re about to eat and the people you’re eating it with – and enjoy it. Take notice of the festive flavors and spices, the sweet and the savory, the tender and crunchy textures, and really try to be present with each bite and each sip.

Take time to RELAX – It’s safe to say that we haven’t quite grasped the concept of work-life balance here in North America, so the idea of relaxing is somewhat foreign. The body and the mind need rest, and we tend to find every reason under the sun to not give the body what it needs. Make yourself a promise in the next two weeks and find at least one day to unplug, make no plans, and really rest. Sleep all day, spend the day in your PJ’s reading a book by the fire, or spend an afternoon at a cozy coffee shop with a warm cuppa tea and a journal. Whatever your idea of relaxation is – promise yourself one day of that. Your mind and body will thank you.

Perspective Goes a Long Way – It’s easy to lose sight of what the holidays are all about when you’re trying to navigate the chaos of Christmas shopping during your lunch hour, and getting all caught up at work before you have the in-laws staying over for a week of “fun”. Take a moment and do something nice for someone in need this time around. Get together with friends or family and volunteer at a soup kitchen, or even keep it simple and donate some canned food items, games and toys, or clothing to a shelter. Helping others is always a win. It’s amazing how a little bit of perspective can help give you a sense of clarity for what matters most…and more often than not, that’s not a number on a scale, or how many calories you overate. At the end of the day, what matters most is our health and happiness, and the health and happiness of our loved ones.

Your holidays can be healthy if you choose to make them that way. Start today, stay consistent, and continue to focus on the wins each and every day. I wish you all a very happy holiday, and a wonderful start to 2019!