My goals I had set for my time at the clinic were:
- Take part in orthopedic physical assessments
- Work one on one with clients
- Create/administer my own strength rehabilitation program
- Work on becoming more confident when communicating with other health professionals
I am very pleased to say I was able to complete all of these goals listed. In regards to the orthopedic assessment, I was able to shadow many different types of assessments such as motor vehicle accident injuries, workplace injuries and regular wear/tear injuries. I was also able to work with clients performing exercises, and in some cases prescribing exercises as I saw fit. Furthermore, I have seemingly gotten over my initial fear of expressing my opinion to a doctor.
The most valuable aspects of my placement, were the tasks I was entrusted to perform independently (after being trained). I was able to perform soft-tissue therapy techniques, apply electrical stimulation, utilize thermo/cryotherapy and perform/coach/prescribe exercises. Most of the time I spent there I was fully engaged with clients and my supervisor. I would not say any of the experiences were a waste, but the least valuable activities I took part in would have to be the office administration tasks and coaching resistance exercise. However, I do recognize that the administration work is important and I will likely be doing something of that nature in future. Coaching exercises I only say was not as valuable because it is already something I’m experienced with.
Going back to the skills I gained in soft-tissue therapy and clinical modalities, these were all completely new to me. I have never had exposure to any of this in the pat. However, I was able to develop my exercise prescription skills in regards to rehabilitation and clients with limitations. I have worked with the general public before, but mainly healthy individuals. This setting has exposed me to others with injuries that perhaps could not perform certain movements, or at least needed the movements modified to fit their individual needs.
This was a multi-disciplinary clinic with a Chiropractor, Physiotherapist, Kinesiologist and Reg. Massage Therapist’s. Although all of their treatments differed from one practice to another, they all had little conflict or disagreements with each other. My own personal experiences in these types of clinics has been that everyone had their own opinion and rarely did they agree. It was very different here, most clients saw the Chiropractor and Physiotherapist on the same day, and when they were not available, the Kinesiologist would step in and do what he could with the clients. It really was a team effort when it came to their client’s needs, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I received plenty of training, and was supervised less and less as it came closer to the final week. My supervisor and the other practitioners were always available whenever I had questions and occasionally would sit down with me for up to half an hour out of there day to explain things. The only thing that could have tmade my time there better would be if there were other health-professionals such as an Occupational Therapist or Manual Osteopath. Mainly to get exposure to these other careers.
I never realized how much I really enjoyed the clinical setting. It really has changed my course from stopping my educational journey as an R.Kin, to pursuing something further after completing my degree. I now also realize that I really want that change of direction to go towards Physiotherapy. I”t was incredibly rewarding seeing these patients come in to the clinic when I had first begun my internship and how much they progressed over the weeks. Also, knowing that I took part of the treatments of many of these individuals is a great feeling. To conclude, I am incredibly grateful to Balance Rehab & Wellness for the experience to work with them and can’t wait to be a part of a clinic myself one day!
Strength Made Simple 