Andrea Plitz PT & RYT

Movement is Medicine . . It is not a new medicine, movement is actually a very old medicine. All movement will energize your body , strengthen muscle, support bone health and improve balance & stability. .... . What movement is BEST? For me it's yoga, being outside and chasing little ones, for you it may differ. There is no wrong answer to this question, do the movement that you LOVE. . . Looking for specific movement classes with a health-focus in mind? We have a number of NEWHealth-Focused Yoga & Pilates classes starting in January at Bloom (@bloom_health_ottawa). With a variety of specific classes to meet your goals and needs including classes for; . . Postnatal . . Desk Jockeys & Office Workers . . Mental Health, Body Image & Mindfulness . . Healthy Aging/Bone Health . . Start of 2021 the right way and make your health your priority. Check out https://bloomintegrativehealth.embodiaapp.com/pati/webinars for more information or to register! . . #Movement #MovementIsMedicine #HealthFocus #Yoga #OttawaYogi #Yogi #Pilates #OttawaYoga #OttawaPilates #Postnatal #Menopause #HealthyAging #DeskWorker #MentalHealth #Mindfulness #BodyImage #SelfLove #AndreaPlitzPT See more

Postnatal Exercise-What is BEST? . . I often hear from new mama's that they are not sure what to do for exercise after giving birth. The truth is, there is no wrong exercise, do what you love! However, sometimes assistance for variations that will help manage symptoms while still allowing you to do what you love. This can be guided by your physiotherapist and healthcare team. .... . If you are experiencing symptoms (pressure in the pelvic floor, incontinence, feeling like your core is weak) our team can help be your guide to feeling like your best self and help you build resilience. Through one-on-one care, small group Therapeutic Movement classes and Health-Focused Fitness classes. We can provide care within a model that best suits your individual needs. . . Here, I am being guided by Vanessa Novini, our pilates instructor and physiotherapy assistant with core activation in different static and active movements. Vanessa leads our Postnatal PhysioPilates class and Postnatal Pilates classes. (Note: this picture was taken pre-covid). . . To learn more about our team, what we do or to book an appointment/register for a class, click on #LinkInBio or visit our website. . . I am looking forward to returning in January to lead some of our Therapeutic Movement Classes. . . #Postnatal #PostPartum #Exercise #Fitness #Movement #PhysioYoga #PhysioPilates #GroupClasses #FeelYourBest #DoWhatYouLove #Yoga #OttawaYogi #Physio #OttawaPhysio #OttawaClinic #Resilience #Guidance #AndreaPlitzPT See more

Pregnancy Care . . I was fortunate enough to have a great team of healthcare practitioners to support my body during both of my pregnancies. Women often ask about the benefits of pelvic floor physiotherapy during the prenatal period and below are just a few of the benefits; .... . Pelvic Floor Education and Birth Prep . . Pelvic Floor and Deep Core Connection . . Pain/Symptom Management and Care . . Exercise Review and Variations . . There are a variety of ways for someone to access care in perinatal period including one-on-one care, live group classes & workshops and online (pre-recorded) workshops like our Prenatal Pelvic Floor for Expectant Mamas which is available through https://bloomintegrativehealth.embodiaapp.com//754-prenata. For the Month of December, we are donating 10% of the proceeds from our online course to our Pay It Forward Fund! . . #PrenatalCare #PregnancyCare #Physiotherapy #PelvicFloor #PelvicHealth #HealthyMama #HealthyBaby #OttawaPhysio #OttawaPelvicFloor #HealthCareTeam #Online #Virtual #InPerson #AndreaPlitzPT See more

Diaphragmatic Breathing . . I'll get you to stop for a moment and just notice your breath........ .... . Not changing anything, but noticing where the breath moves easily or maybe not so easily. Does it stay shallow or does it go deep? What is happening to your belly, pelvic floor, back lower ribs? . . Fortunately, there are some excellent yoga postures to support back line expansion and allow your breath to open in a 360 directional pattern. Our focus for all 3 poses will be to enhance your breath from the inside out, towards the back and sides of your rib cage, taking it into new spaces where it may not traditionally go. . . Cat/Cow . . Puppy Pose . . Child's Pose . . Check out my Blog or Youtube Video (check them out under #LinkInBio) and expand your diaphragmatic breath in a multiplanar direction . . #DiaphragmaticBreath #YogaBreath #Breath #JustBreathe #RibCage #Diaphragm #Expand #Postures #Support #Physiotherapy #OttawaPhysio #OttawaPelvicFloor #PelvicFloor #Yoga #Yogi #OttawaYogi #AndreaPlitzPT See more

Home Office Ergonomics . . I know many of you have been working from home over the past 9 months. Recently, I have have been working from home more often and was reminded of simple tips to help make my set-up more comfortable. .... . Below are some simple tips to ensure your home office environment provides comfort and support; . . Use an external keyboard and mouse . . Prop your laptop up on old textbooks or yoga blocks . . Use a foot stool under your desk (especially helpful for if you’re needing to raise the height of your chair to accommodate your desk), a box or textbooks work in this situation as well . . A towel roll behind your back makes a great make-shift lumbar support . . If you have an exercise ball, this can be a great alternative to chair as it means you will be sitting more on your sits bones. . . If you are still finding you are not comfortable in your home office set up, you can book a virtual appointment with one of our physios/chiropractors to assist with your home office ergonomics. . . #OfficeErgonomics #HomeOffice #Comfort #Ergonomics #Desk #Chair #Computer #NewNormal #WorkFromHome #Physiotherapy #OttawaPhysio #ChiropracticCare #OttawaChiro #StayHealthy #Ottawa #OttawaClinic #AndreaPlitzPT See more

Hey all you beautiful Mama's out there! Just a reminder that you are doing great! . . #Mama #Mom #NewMom #Postpartum #PostNatal #NewBaby #GreatChildren #Reminders #BeKindToYourself #AndreaplitzPT

Just a few weeks away from meeting this new little one, I have stepped away from patient care for the time being (looking forward to returning to seeing patients one-on-one in April) . . However, I am still busy around the clinic using some of my "time"to focus on content for both in-person and online offerings. .... . Super excited to have launched our Prenatal Pelvic Floor for Expectant Mamas online (#LinkInBio) and am stoked to be working on some more online offerings. For in-person, both my Postnatal PhysioYoga and Yoga for Lung & Immune Health are coming in January 2021, stay tuned! . . #Offerings #OnlineClasses #InPersonClasses #TherapeuticMovement #PhysioYoga #Physio #OttawaPhysio #Yoga #Yogi #OttawaYoga #Pregnancy #Prenatal #Postnatal #ImmuneHealth #LungHealth #OttawaClinic AndreaPlitzPT See more

Prenatal Yoga Variations . . . Sometimes all you need is a prop to vary you yoga practice, either in pregnancy or as you are working on a new skill (like finding balance in single leg movements)... . . . Warrior 3 is a pose that challenges that balance and with an ever changing centre-of-mass during pregnancy, using a prop like a yoga bolster can be a great variation. If you don't have a bolster, using a chair or a broomstick can be great alternatives. . . . I super pumped to be working on both an online course for prenatal yoga AND looking forward to leading a postnatal PhysioYoga series coming in January . . . . #PhysioYoga #Prenatal #Postnatal #Yoga #YogaVariations #Yogi #OttawaYogi #OttawaPhysio #Physiotherapy #Pregnancy #Variety #Balance #PhysicalHealth #MentalHealth #Movement #TherapeuticMovement #Classes #Online #AndreaPlitzPT See more

Common Postpartum Concerns . . Being recently postpartum myself, I thought it would be a great chance to highlight common postpartum concerns from a blog written by our own Dr. Laura Smith, Naturopathic Doctor. .... . Whoever your primary care provider is during your pregnancy, they will likely warn you about common postpartum concerns. These are symptoms to expect that may happen normally and healthily like hair loss or feeling very tired. However, there is a fine line between what’s an expected reaction and what could be caused by an underlying imbalance or concern that might require intervention sooner rather than later. Here are some symptoms to look out for: . . Fatigue . . Hair loss . . Low mood or nervousness . . Weight Loss . . No matter your postpartum concerns, it’s always good to run your questions by your trusted medical provider. They can help inform you on what’s normal and healthy or what (and when) things should be evaluated further. Although usually most of the focus at this time is on babe’s well-being, make sure to take the time to evaluate how you’re feeling in your own body. Check out more info through: https://bloomintegrativehealth.ca/four-common-postpartum-c/ . . #Postpartum #PostNatal #Fatigue #HairLoss #Mood #NewBaby #HealthyParents #HealthyMama #HealthyBaby #PostpartumConcerns #AndreaPlitzPT See more

Move and Play . . . Movement doesn't have to be a specific exercise, it occurs in all forms. Our bodies love play based movement, from trying a difficult yoga pose, to running around with your kids, to trying a new activity like rock climbing. Adding a variety of movements throughout your day in new and fun ways can be key to help you heal. ... . . . What are your favourite non-exercise ways to move and play? . . . #play #move #movement #physicalactivity #exercise #playbased #yoga #yogi #ottawayogi #physiotherapy #ottawaphysio #andreaplitzpt See more

Pause & Breathe . . . This is a great time of year to pause, breathe and take in the changing of the seasons.... . . . Breathing is an essential task for living, however, many individuals display non-optimal breathing patterns which affect digestion, stress, pelvic floor function, and our overall deep stability system/ core. . . . During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and descends into the abdomen, pulling the lungs downward which in turn, creates negative pressure in the thorax (ribcage) drawing more air into the lungs through the glottis/ throat. This then pushes the visceral organs downward, massaging the digestive system, aiding in digestive activity. As this happens, the pelvic floor lengthens to accommodate changes in pressure from above. . . . During exhalation, the diaphragm recoils up, drawing the organs back up, and the pelvic floor and transverse abdominis (deepest abdominal wall muscles, part of the core) reflexively contract to assist the emptying of the breath and upward direction of depressurization. . . . Your breath is the one thing that is with you from the day your are born until end of life, cherish it. . . . To learn more about breathing, click on link: https://bloomintegrativehealth.ca/breath-and-the-pelvic-fl/ . . . #breathe #breath #breathwork #pause #physiotherapy #womenshealth #menshealth #pelvichealth #pelvicfloor #yoga #ottawayogi #ottawaphysio #ottawapelvicfloor #andreaplitzpt See more

We are so stoked at offer small group hybrid health-focuses yoga and pilates classes starting next week! . Check out our procedures to get the most out of the 6 week series - whether joining in studio @bloom_health_ottawa , from home or accessing the 7 day replay if you missed it! ... . Spaces still available. Registration required. Join us! #linkinbio

See how we are staying resilient & prepared for the upcoming colder weather and 2nd wave of COVID at Bloom Integrative Health. Let's stay healthy and continue towards achieving your health and movement goals together this winter!

Thoracic Opening . . . Opening the thorax is so important for almost every individual, especially office workers and parents. We spend so much time working in front of us, it's necessary to do the opposite from time to time, especially to support breathing.... . . . Here, @andreaplitzpt is using a coregeous (anti-rupture) ball, but there are so many other items around the house that you can use (pillow, foam roller, yoga block or bolster). . . . We have some great classes coming up this fall including Spine Care PhysioYoga and Desk Unwind Yoga. Check out https://bloomintegrativehealth.ca/advanced-care/ for more info or to register. . . . #spinecare #physioyoga #deskwork #officework #restore #thorax #opener #breath #breathe #ottawayoga #ottawayogi #ottawaclinic #holisticclinic #integrativeclinic #bloomhealthottawa #andreaplitzpt See more

Policies & Procedures for our Health Focused Classes . . . Our new series of Health Focused Yoga & Pilates classes start the week of November 9th (next week)! We want to ensure all of our participants feel safe in knowing we are following strict health & safety policies and procedures.... . . . Along with an in-person option, our classes are also available as a virtual option if you are feeling unwell or prefer to practice at home. Regardless of which option you prefer, you will have reply access to the class for 7 days following. . . . Looking forward to seeing you either in-person or virtually next week, register through #LinkInBio . . . #Health #HealthFocused #Yoga #Pilates #MentalHealth #DeStress #Movement #Prenatal #Postnatal #Fertility #OttawaYogi #OttawaYogi #OttawaPhysio #AndreaPlitzPT See more

One quick and easy way to alleviate lower back or sacral pain: legs up the wall or calves on a chair! Want to learn more? Join me for weekly for a 6 week series of therapeutic movement in the form of PhysioYoga to bridge that gap between spine symptoms, recovery, and variable movement/ fitness - all created and taught by me:) May be covered by private health benefits. Physio assessment or referral required.... Only 3 spaces left! Starts next Tuesday Sept 22 at Bloom Integrative Health. Registration now: https://bloomintegrativehealth.ca/advanced-care/

Don't miss out on our upcoming health-focused mindful movement classes: Yoga and Pilates AND workshops. Starting next week, registration required:)

Don’t miss out prenatal mamas!!

Read about our improved infection control protocols since we’ve re-opened. While many of these were already best practice for us, we’ve added a few things (masks and time between patients) to ensure we are following both Public Health and our regulatory guidelines.

1 spot left for a postpartum mama looking to get a bit of Physio & Pilates in the same session! Integrative core/floor & strengthening work in a tailored & safe way:) May be covered under private insurance. Physio referral or assessment required.... https://bloomintegrativehealth.ca/postnatal/

New front desk. Exactly what we wanted and made by local Ottawa company Re4m Design & Fabrications using reclaimed and repurposed materials. We LOVE it!

One year, a wild year, so proud of all we’ve accomplished.

Join me this Fall on Tuesdays evenings for a PhysioYoga class focused on supporting you in your spine health and recovery. May be covered under private health benefits. Registration and referral or assessment required. Register now.

Calling all Yoga Teachers & Pilates Instructors!!

We know how important health is to everyone even more so now with recent world events and the increasing demands of daily life. Even in Canada, health is a privilege. . . We are taking one step at a time, the best and most authentic way we know how by providing access to a variety of low barrier specialized private healthcare options to local perinatal women in need including those who are low income, new immigrant, and young or Indigenous who may not normally have access... to specialized private health care. . . Offerings provided to collaborative community groups include health education and practical handouts, access to subsidized health workshops and one on one private health care such as Pre/Postnatal Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy. . . Stay tuned for our upcoming fundraising event (likely November) that will be a 1-2 day digital conference for maternal health. We aim to include workshops, movement classes, panel discussions and more from local experts including allied health care professionals that focus on pre/postnatal and ongoing maternal health. . . https://bloomintegrativehealth.ca/allyship-collaborations/

Pay It Forward . . . We know how important health is to everyone even more so now with recent world events and the increasing demands of daily life. Even in Canada, health is a privilege.... . . . This shift in social awareness and the recent gift of time has allowed us to start becoming allies and give back to those in need. We are taking one step at a time, the best and most authentic way we know how by providing access to a variety of low barrier specialized private healthcare options for at risk, low income, new immigrant, and young or Indigenous women through the perinatal period. . . . Collaborating with local community groups, we are providing educational and practical handouts, subsidized health workshops, and access to our newly created Pay It Forward Fund which will support access to subsidized private healthcare such as Physiotherapy for expectant and new Moms. . . . We will be accepting donations from this time onwards, both in clinic and through Go Fund Me to reach our goals of providing subsidized private health care to at least 5 women within the next year. 100% of the proceeds go to supporting these women. . . . Thank you in advance for any amount you are able to contribute. . . . https://bloomintegrativehealth.ca/allyship-collaborations/ See more

Our group studio is working fabulous as a space for us to create online content. We also have this space available for rent, including use of filming equipment!

Registration is now open for our fall Therapeutic Movement Classes (created & supervised by Physiotherapist, covered under most extended health benefits). We have our Postnatal PhysioPilates (starting Sept 12; 6 week series), Prenatal PhysioAlignment (starting Sept 14; 4 week series), Hypopressives (starting Sept 22; 6 week series) and Spine Care PhysioYoga (starting Sept 22; 6 week series). Referral from existing Physio or new assessment required to be covered. ... All classes are in person and maxed at 5 people and have ample physical distancing:) Spots are filling, so we encourage sign up sooner rather than later. Check them out here: https://bloomintegrativehealth.ca/classes-and-workshops/

The past few months have been filled with lots of ebbs and flows which have provided a mix of chaos and pseudo-normalcy. Overall I feel grateful for this forced slow down, to reflect, and to truly figure out how I want to be and contribute in the world in an authentic way. . . Me in a nutshell: .... . Mom to a very active and inquisitive 4 year old human and a frisbee-loving Labradoodle. Wife, sister, daughter, friend, and aunt. . . Physiotherapist & Yogi with 10 years of experience in treating all, but especially women, for complex musculoskeletal complaints including those more sensitive areas through pelvic health. . . I love integrating specific pelvic health knowledge and expertise with movement or life complaints that seem to plateau with traditional care. I thrive on challenge, understanding the multiple systems of the person in front of me and how it is creating the current health experience. . . I find it nourishing and rewarding to integrate the wisdom of Yoga into my clinical practice, bridging that connection between body, mind & spirit. . . I love cooking, and am slowly getting better at supporting my veggie garden. . . What’s really lighting my mind & soul on fire: Experiencing my 2nd pregnancy in a new light & applying my experience, to creating more tailored and supportive movement and rehab care. . . Working on my Pain Care Yoga certification to better integrate the current science of pain and the art of assisting those who are experiencing it. . . Moving into Year 2 of Bloom. It has been an amazing, working to create the clinical and movement space of our dreams (with Lisa Flanders). Super stoked to refine our unique therapeutic movement classes, a leap into the online content world, and collaborating with local community groups to support at those whom might not be able to access care. . . Slowing down and enjoying the little things. . . I hope you find new insights, ideas, and inspiration here. See more

Stop and Breathe . . . Recognize that not everything is within your control. This is especially apparent over the last several months. What we can control is what is inside of us, how we react and how we nourish ourselves and our mind and body.... . . . Breath work can be an excellent way to calm nerves, control heart rate and a way to stop and be in the moment. Inhale positive energy and exhale the negative thoughts and emotions. . . . Did you know I created an 8-part Breath Work series, available on IGTV and Youtube. Check it out! . . . #breathe #breath #breathwork #stopandbreathe #yogabreath #yoga #yogi #ottawayogi #movement #calm #nervoussystem #restanddigest #physiotherapy #ottawaphysio #andreaplitzpt See more

Join us in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training . . . We are just over one week away! Join us on Wednesday August 19, 2020 at 6:30pm via Zoom... . . . Grow the diversity, equity and inclusion capacity of your private healthcare team with this two hour workshop, provided by Lunaria Solutions. . . . Together we will explore the Canadian historical development of systemic racism and exclusion of diverse groups and its continuing impacts in our society. Attendees will reflect on ongoing realities of racism and how we, as private healthcare providers and our admin support, can improve our allyship with marginalized populations and people. Methods to challenge unconscious bias and dismantle exclusion in everyday interactions will be introduced. . . . Participants limited to 50, your investment is $15+ HST, registration required through https://bloomintegrativehealth.ca/professionals/ . . . #healthcare #healthcarepros #diversity #inclusion #education #training #allyship #canada #candianhistory #learning #growth #improvedpractice #leadership #phsyiotherapy #naturopathicmedicne #integratedhealthcare #integrativehealth #osteopathy #nutrition #chiropracticcare #massagetherapy #yogatherapy #physioassitant #bloomhealthottawa #andreaplitzpt See more