Erna Stassen BSc. PT Registered Physiotherapist

I started my mobile physiotherapy practice in Kamloops – Focus on Health Physiotherapy – to take the focus away from disease and instead look at options for improving health. I value an holistic approach to health and believe health is based not only on bio-mechanics but also on nutrition and our mental state. I am using all my skills and experience coaching people to better health by managing pain and stress and improving quality of life.

Focus on Health Physiotherapy was established in 2009. As a mobile physiotherapist, I work at different locations:

• My practice at 719 Seymour Street
• The Centennial Building Wellness Centre pool
• At your home
• The Welcome Back Centre, where I am part of an holistic, multidisciplinary team. Mindfulness based pain and stress management are an important part of the program.

 

Mind/Body Health

An important part of therapy is understanding how our mental and emotional state can affect physiology, and how this can limit movement, posture, optimal daily function and quality of life. Posture and ergonomics are an important part of the functional training and implementing changes in each individual’s life.

I support the integration of a healthy mind and body, and teach techniques to help balance the nervous system and musculo-skeletal system. I encourage people to practice and integrate these newly learned skills into their daily life. The goal is for clients to become independent and self sufficient, continuing a healthy active lifestyle independently, with the option of joining a maintenance program, or helping them find an appropriate activity in the community.

 

Education

After I graduated in 1998 from the University of Utrecht, The Netherlands, I worked as a Physiotherapist in rehabilitation, acute care, home and community care, pediatrics and geriatrics. These different settings allowed me to gain experience in orthopedic therapy as well as therapy for neurological issues in all age groups.

With a background in Physical Education, kinesiology, posture and ergonomics, and exercise therapy I am trained to look closely at all bio-mechanical aspects of moving. As a Physiotherapist, I have a detailed understanding of how the body works and I am trained to assess and improve movement and function.