Rhona McWilliam Physiotherapy

Merry Christmas everyone!

*Clinic hours during Christmas and New Year.* Hours might change in the New Year again, while my childcare/nurse helps with Covid vaccinating! Rolling into the end of 2020, what a year .. Wednesday Dec 23rd, 10:15am - 4pm... Thursday Dec 24th, 9:30am - 1pm Tuesday Dec 29th 9:30am - 4pm Wednesday Dec 30th 10:15am - 4pm Thursday Dec 31st 10:00am - 1pm And thank you, thank you, thank you for choosing me as your physiotherapist! I really do feel lucky that I get to work from home and can delegate as much time as I feel necessary to each and every one of you. Bring on 2021!!!

New stock arrival, some colourful foam rollers and lots of RockTape!

My clinic Christmas tree ! New #blazepods. Ready to challenge speed, agility and reactionary times, great for some of my post-op patients but many others too. #physio #physiotherapy #rehab #winnipeg #manitoba #sportsinjuries #aclrehab

*Choosing your physiotherapist* Physiotherapists and clinics can vary considerably. Call clinics, ask about the appointments, are they really 1-1? Some clinics will advertise this but have rehab aides supervising exercise programs, applying passive treatments etc. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but you will of course have less time with the professional. Also ask about the education of the therapists, years of experience if this is important to you and any post grad qu...alifications they might have. Don’t just choose the cheapest or the closest, unless convenience is the most important aspect for you. Watching someone do their exercises is a huge part of the appointment, making adaptations, progressions and changes as needed. I can’t make these changes unless I have watched, discussed and involved you, the patient. I need your feedback and input as to how you feel. Ensuring a good connection/rapport with your therapist is also key. If for whatever reason you’re just not feeling it and most importantly, not feeling listened to, keep looking! If you are not seeing any progress, ask about what the plan of action is. A physiotherapist should be using outcome measures to track your progress with the aim of achieving your goals. These goals should be specific and important to you! I will refer on to another physiotheraist for a second opinion, a chiropractor, sports medicine or your family doctor, if I’m not seeing the progress I would have expected. www.rmphysio.ca ** Most of my work is currently virtual, due to the high number of covid cases. Please continue to use the screening tool before coming to clinic. If you are worried about attending clinic, please call/email and we can reschedule or try a virtual appt. Stay safe, stay home as much as you can, wash your hands and wear your mask . Thanks everyone and thank you for continuing to support this little clinic!

Covid-19 Update New restrictions were implemented yesterday, November 12th. This does not affect Physiotherapy clinics, we can remain OPEN at this time. Please continue to be vigilant with monitoring for symptoms, check the regularly updated list of covid symptoms and use the MB Shared Health screening tool (last update November 7th) https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool/.... - There is no charge for cancelling an appointment, however last minute, if you’re not feeling right. Please cancel if you are at all unsure. - Some patients have switched to virtual appointments, this is the safest option right now but may not be suitable for everyone. See www.physiolinkMB.com for more info (co-owned business with Tara Wolchuk). - If you are at all concerned about coming to clinic, please feel free to contact me and we can discuss what’s best for you. - Appointments are completely 1-1, no one else is in clinic. I also maintain the 2m distance during the subjective/history taking. Masks must be worn by the patient and surgical mask and safety glasses for myself. Please ensure hands are washed or sanitized before entering the clinic area. I am currently taking a break and back open on Thursday November 19th (hours maybe be changing a little, will update again when I know more). Hang in there everyone and remember, you’re not alone. I’m here if you have any questions at all. Keep moving and stay safe!

Hi Everyone, - Just an update and info for everyone now that Winnipeg and surrounding areas is Code Red . - Clinics can remains open at this time. Shared Health MB, has encouraged clinics to use virtual care as much as possible.... - I have decided to close for 2 weeks from Wednesday. I will monitor Covid numbers closely and make a decision about re-opening at the end of this 2 week period. Currently, the plan is to re-open, as long as we are not mandated to be closed. - Appointments in clinic will look the same as they did during Code Orange . Screening, PPE and mandatory masks and hand washing will remain the same. - Please cancel if any symptoms at all, or you have travelled out of province, self-isolate for 14 days or get tested if needed. Contact me if any questions at all. Stay safe, keep moving and see some of you soon!

Happy Hallowe’en!! www.rmphysio.ca for bookings from November 19th. Thanks everyone for continuing to support this little clinic, where patient care is the absolute priority!

Clinic closure dates for November. Please call or text if needing an appt before November 3rd. Thanks everyone and hope you’re all staying safe and keeping well. www.rmphysio.ca

Happy Thanksgiving! What a crazy year 2020 has been so far. However, I can definitely say that I have a whole lot to be thankful for. Thank you to all of my patients for choosing RMPhysio! Hope you all enjoy a nice weekend.

Appointment available this Wednesday at 2:30pm! www.rmphysio.ca to book online, or call/text (204)-230-0437.

The colours at this time of year are quite amazing! This is the driveway that you need to come down to get to RMPhysio. I need to put a sign on the bridge, it does cause some confusion for new patients. Masks are now mandatory in clinic. Don’t worry if you forget, I can provide one if needed.... Have a good weekend everyone! www.rmphysio.ca

I’ve had a few people ask why I have my reviews turned off on this page. As much as I would like to have them turned on, we are not allowed, as per the guidelines from The College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba. Reviews must be turned off to prevent testimonials. ‘Testimonials or endorsements imply superiority, and are therefore disallowed’. But you can book online or via email, text or phone! www.rmphysio.ca.... Thanks everyone!

Please see update to the website regarding Covid-19. Any other questions or concerns about attending your physiotherapy appointment, please don't heistate to contact me. Thanks again for supporting RMPhysio. Everyones health and safety is my absolute priority. https://www.rmphysio.ca/covid-19-info

Myth buster! ‘50% of people over the age of 40 have a disc bulge/herniation, but NO PAIN. Your imaging results often do not correlate with your pain or tell you where your pain is coming from. A McKenzie assessment involves looking for aggravating and easing activities, movements (repeated/sometimes sustained). I am looking to see how your pain behaves, does it change, move, centralize (closer to the spine) or peripheralize (move further down the arm/leg, further from the spi...ne). You will be sent home with homework/exercises to do. Note: Slipped disc is not the same as an injured, sensitized disc. This is possible and the aim with physio is to desensitize this disc and surrounding structures, rehab you to your optimal abilities, with the main goal of making sure you’re enjoying doing what you love to do. Book Online or call/text (204)-230-0437 www.rmphysio.ca.

Loading the joints through running, ‘brings nutrients to the joints’. Good read, busting some myths that running is bad for the knees. From one research study they classed elite runners as those running more than 57 miles per week/100km. The sedentary group was still at a much higher risk of OA knees than elite runners! www.rmphysio.ca

New RMPhysio sign going up soon. Fully booked next week, but availability the following week. New hours starting next week. Tuesday’s and Thursday’s 2-7pm (ish, this might increase), Wednesdays and Fridays 9:15am - 3:30pm.... Thanks everyone, for continuing to make RMPhysio a success! It is so nice working from home and having plenty of one-on-one time with each and everyone one of you.

Online booking has been turned back on, sorry for the delay! Initial assessments are booked at 1hr 15minute and subsequent/follow-ups at 1hr. The actual appointment duration is likely 15 minutes less than the blocked time, approximately. The extra time allows me to thoroughly clean between appointments and helps prevent me from having more than one person in clinic at any one time.... If you arrive early, you can text/call and I’ll let you know if I’m ready for you to come in. Please wash your hands on arrival . Sanitizer also available throughout the clinic. Please wear a mask if you have one. I can provide disposable masks if you would like one. Thank you for your understanding! www.rmphysio.ca

**Appointments now booked. Next availability Tuesday 25th! Masks are strongly encouraged while attending your appointment - disposable masks available if needed. Thank you.

New rocktape/rock floss delivery’!

Reality can be a little frustrating! However, with direction, guidance and support I will try and help make the recovery as smooth as possible. Clinic Update: Unable to accept new patients at this time, I will review this again in early September. It is important to me that I keep my caseload at a level that allows me to give 100% to my patients at every appointment. Sorry to anyone looking to book, please check back in early September!

Happy Canada Day! Just in time.. Here is a picture of me on the day I became a Canadian citizen - April 2017. Thanks for having me Manitoba

Love this! Graduated return with possible cross training, but straight to the point.

If heading back to the gym, running, dancing, ensure you increase intensity, distances etc slowly, to help reduce the risk of injury. www.rmphysio.ca

OA (Osteoarthritis) Optimism videos, by Greg Lehman. Great videos available on YouTube, all about OA. Informative, positive, myth busting.

Wow! What a great first 2 weeks back in clinic! Thank you to all of you who have returned to clinic. Wearing a face mask, glasses, extra washing, sanitizing etc hasn’t been as much fun. But, very important to ensure the safest environment possible. It has been great seeing many of you again. Online booking is still turned off for now, but this might change in the next couple of weeks.... www.rmphysio.ca (204)-230-0437

Clinic re-opening! Fully booked for this week but some appointments still available for the week starting May 25th. One patient in clinic at any one time. Everyone will be asked to wash their hands on arrival and there will be a thorough cleaning, with coronavirus approved cleaner, between appointments.... Please check the screening questions posted on the door before coming in. If you have any symptoms, please do not attend clinic, call/text and we will reschedule your appointment. Thanks everyone and looking forward to seeing some of you soon! Disposable masks available for patients if needed. (204)-230-0437

Great visit to City Park Runners today! Well set up to ensure physical distancing with an appointment system. Loads of helpful information provided regarding all the different runners, road/trail, neutral/stability shoes etc. #running #runninginjuries #manitoba #winnipeg #physiotherapy #rehabilitation

Great little video explaining sciatica.

This is what’s important! It’s all very well seeing your physiotherapist for 30 minutes once/week. But, the most important part is knowing what you need to be doing for the other 167.5hrs of the week. Your physiotherapist should guide you, educate you and ensure you know what you need to do yourself, at home. Physitrack provides you with a video based exercise program, outcome measures and the ability to track your pain and contact your therapist between appointments if ne...eded. #physiotherapy #manitoba #winnipeg #exercise #rehab #rehabitiation #physio #eaststpaul #lockportmb See more

Coronavirus approved cleaner. Getting ready!

Re-opening May 19th! Telerehabilitation continues to be the safest option while social distancing is recommended. However, on May 1st, Manitoba’s plan to re-open the province began and physiotherapy clinics are part of phase one. Online booking is temporarily disabled, so that I can adequately space appointments. It is paramount that I ensure the safest environment possible. I will be adhering to Covid-19 Shared Health guidelines and the College of Physiotherapists of Manito...ba. There will be one patient in clinic at any one time. Long appointment blocks of 1-1.25hrs to ensure a thorough cleaning between patients. The therapist will have a surgical face mask, glasses and possibly gloves. The face mask has been deemed essential, the rest has not, but I will likely use during this initial phase. Masks are strongly encouraged for patients when attending clinic. Please use the Screening Tool prior to attending clinic. This will also be placed on the door of the clinic. If you feel at all unwell/symptomatic, please feel free to cancel at any time. Phone, text or email (204)-230-0437 or [email protected] #physiotherapy #physio #winnipeg #manitoba #ywg #mckenziemethod

After 2 months of clinic closure, I plan to re-open on May 18th. New hours, hand washing, PPE requirements etc, coming soon.. Online booking will be temporarily turned off, so that I can adequately space appointments. See some of you soon!

As of May 4th, physiotherapy clinics can open . I am needing to source PPE and get organized to ensure safety for all. I will only be seeing people in clinic, that I feel really need to be seen in clinic right now. Telerehab continues to be a good alternative for many and I will be continuing with these appointments while social distancing is recommended. I am hoping to open on May 18th, with limited hours for those that need clinic care. I will continue to monitor infectio...n rates and make changes accordingly. Hope everyone is doing well!

PhysioLinkMB featuring in today’s Winnipeg Free Press!

Taken from the the movement pts.

Clinic closures have given me so much time to dig into the Physiotherapy research. Ultrasound, first used in the 1940’s.. I graduated 15 years ago and practiced everything I was taught in university. We are meant to be ‘evidence based clinicians’ and yet I have struggled to find any good evidence for ultrasound. I think it became a go-to treatment when going to physiotherapy and yet there really is no good research. Disappointing I know. Ultrasound is not the magic wand peopl...e like to think it is, nor laser, shortwave etc. I will be using very little ultrasound from now on, I will keep the machine for those that might request it. Research for pain management, tendon rehab, post-operative conditions etc, consistently points to exercise, movement, function and education. The placebo effect that ultrasound can provide is positive, but it’s exactly that. I hope the Physiotherapy profession as a whole can move beyond the machines and focus on quality care - movement and exercise. Be the ‘physical’ or physiotherapist that we’re meant to be and focus on quality, evidence based care!

Happy Easter everyone!

Another PhysioLinkMB video, in case anyone is interested to see how this works. Physitrack has had some recent updates, which has made it more user friendly at both ends.

There is no good research to back up the claims that a certain posture is any better than others, when it comes to back pain. Your next posture is your best pos...ture! If we have decided that you have a directional preference, we will advise about sitting in more or less lumbar lordotic (natural curve in your low back) positions. See more

Interesting study by De Jong et al. regarding running related injuries between passionate and harmonious runners (RRI). I think we’ll see a lot more research in this area in the future. Running is a great form of cardio, but passionate runners do have a higher incidence of RRI. We need to listen to our bodies and ensure we allow for good recovery, mentally and physically. Infogram by Tom Goom, the runningphysio.

What does a virtual visit look like?

We will be going live tomorrow at 10:30am. Let us walk you through what a virtual physiotherapy appointment looks like and what you can expect. Please join in and feel free to ask us any questions you may have about Telerehabilitation.

Whether it’s recovery from injury or getting through the covid-19 pandemic, forward is forward. Stay hopeful, stay healthy!

Hello everyone, Hope you are all keeping well. Please feel to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I am here for you (from a distance) during this pandemic. Virtual visits through my PhysioLinkmb company have been going very well, which is great. I have been asked if I am open for urgent care/post-operative physio. Unfortunately, I have decided I will not be at this time. My husband is hospital based for work, so the slight increase in risk cannot be justified to ...continue working for routine or urgent physio, in my home-based clinic. I can certainly recommend some clinics that have decided to remain open for urgent care. I miss the clinic work and seeing all of you! Lucky me, how many people can honestly say they miss work?! My clinic has turned into an obstacle course and early work experience for my kids! Hopefully, open again soon..

CTV news appearance talking about how virtual care can help people continue with rehab/physio during #Covid19

Look out for Rhona and Tara on CTV news at 6pm!

Manitoba proud! We are doing the right thing! Stay home, stay distant. Thank you for being socially responsible!

Re-sharing our promo video for PhysioLinkMB, so that people can see what it’s all about! www.physiolinkmb.com

While I’m closed for in clinic care, don’t forget that my other company PhysioLinkMB is open. ‘Virtual physiotherapy’ from the comfort of your own home, while you self-isolate. Call or email for more details. Hope everyone is keeping well and remember if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Following clinic closure, I have been able to convert some in clinic appointments to telerehabilitation appointments. The logo below is for PhysioLinkMB. This is my other company, along with partner Tara Wolchuk Physiotherapy, that provides the telerehabilitation service. This can be a great alternative to continuing rehab. If you have any questions regarding whether this would be appropriate, feel free to reach out. Currently we can direct bill to GWL and Manitoba BlueCross.... However, I will be calling other insurance companies tomorrow to find out if they can cover telerehabilitation as per an in clinic appointment. www.physiolinkmb.com for more info.

COVID - 19 Update - Clinic Closure I have not taken this decision lightly, but have decided that RMPhysio will be closed next week until further notice. I will contact next weeks patients asap, to ensure that everyone is aware. Physiotherapy, like other healthcare professions, means getting very close to people.... The priority right now needs to be responsible decisions, to ensure we look after those that are vulnerable in our society. I want to do my part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 any further. I do not want this to alarm anyone, but I do want to make sure I am doing whatever I can to help prevent the spread of this virus further. Now, the good news.. I do have an alternative that will be appropriate for some of my patients. I provide a telerehabilitation service, it literally means ‘rehabilitation at a distance’. This service can be appropriate for some of my patients, but not all. Telerehabilitation uses Physitrack as a secure platform to provide video calls. It is particularly useful for those that live in remote and rural settings. However, in our current situation it might also be very useful for others that need to remain at home. A reminder of the key recommendations while we get through this - ensure good hand washing (20 seconds), coughing into your elbow, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and social distancing. Also, seek medical attention promptly if experiencing fever, cough or have difficulty breathing. http://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/ If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

COVID - 19 Just a friendly reminder, that if you are feeling at all unwell, please cancel your appointment. There will be no cancellation fee, however last minute you would like to cancel. Please wash hands before coming into the clinic and after you leave. Extra hand sanitizers will be left out and gloves available to use.... I will continue to monitor the situation and act accordingly. Thanks for your understanding.

Total knee replacements. - Almost all knee replacements are done as a result of osteoarthritis and the associated pain (99%). - A patient’s x-ray does not always correlate with pain levels. Quite often, an x-ray will show severe osteoarthritis, but symptoms can be relatively mild. Or a mildly osteoarthritic knee is shown on x-ray, but the patient is experiencing high pain levels.... - The average age is 69. - On average a knee replacement will last for, is approximately 15-20 years. - Pre-operative and post-operative rehab is important. This includes weight management, gait re-education as needed (use of gait aid), maintaining/improving range of movement and improving muscle strength at the hip and knee. Book in with a physiotherapist to maximize the potential for your knee, whether pre or post-op. At RMPhysio you will be provided a personalized exercise program in video format. You will supported, encouraged and listened to at every appointment. All appointments are 1-1 with the physio.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I will be closed from March 28th - April 9th. I will be on the slopes, in Colorado! Some appointments still available from March 9th, until I leave.

Nice infogram providing examples of exercise progression in the postnatal runner. Running isn’t recommended until 3 months postnatal. However, it can vary considerably. If you have pain when running and postnatal, consider cross training and lower impact exercise with a slower graded return to running. See a physiotherapist for a full assessment to help guide your return to running. Infogram from the @therunningphysio (Tom Goon).

Running season is just around the corner. On March 21st & 22nd, I will be attending a Running Clinic course - ‘New Trends in the Prevention of Running Injuries’. Photo credit: my sister, running in Scotland #runninginjuries #physiowinnipeg #physiotherapy #rehab #recovery

Appointment availability until March 9th.. Monday March 2nd at 2:45pm Friday March 6th at 9amAppointment availability until March 9th.. Monday March 2nd at 2:45pm Friday March 6th at 9am

Good advice for runner’s knee/patellofemoral pain syndrome - pain behind the knee cap. Treatment and exercise guidelines need to be individualized but this is a nice infographic.

I often hear people tell me they have ‘sciatica’. And they do when experiencing back and/or leg pain, numbness/pins and needles, weakness, that is related to the back. This diagnosis is made following assessment. However, sciatica is a symptom and there are a number of conditions that can cause sciatica. These include.. 1 Disc protrusion or herniation - this is the main cause. Commonly know as a slipped disc, although discs don’t slip, another post needed on that one..!... 2 Degenerative disc disease - also known as wear and tear of the disc. Not all doom and gloom. Look at it like wrinkles! 3 Spinal stenosis - narrowing of the spinal canal. 4 Spondylolisthesis - slipping of a vertebra to a small fracture or crack in a thin part of the vertebra. There are a few others but the ones listed are the most common. How your pain behaves in response to certain movements, allows for the provision of a specific exercise or exercises to help alleviate your symptoms and get you on the road to recovery. www.rmphysio.ca - (204)-230-0437

Don’t forget to take a pen or 2 and/or a mug at your next appointment! www.rmphysio.ca

Another good one for the runners out there!

Great facts about your back!

Make yourself a priority. Experienced, professional and dedicated to providing quality care and rehab. Every appointment is one-to-one with the physiotherapist. This ensures ALL appointments are 100% about you. Ph/Txt: (204)-230-0437