Rundle Physiotherapy

Profiles

Physiotherapists

Danielle Frere

Danielle Frere graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of Alberta in 2003. Since that time she has been working as a physiotherapist in Canmore. She began Rundle Physiotherapy in 2015. The clinic was designed to offer one on one patient focused treatments, enabling therapists to spend more time with their patients.

Danielle is certified in acupuncture, Gunn IMS and has received her advanced diploma of manual and manipulative therapy making her a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy. Most recently she has become a graduate of the ConnectTherapy program offered by Linda Joy Lee. She has also taken a variety of other post graduate courses including Ktaping, Fit for Golf, Mobilization of the Nervous System and New Advances in Hip Rehabilitation. Danielle has treated a wide variety of patients through her career, from the pediatric to geriatric and the weekend warrior to the Olympic athlete. Her treatment philosophy focuses on educating the patient and discovering the causative factors to treat and prevent future injury.

On a personal note, Danielle is a mother of two and enjoys a multitude of activities, including, but not limited to: mountain biking, road biking, running, hiking, canoeing, camping, snowboarding, downhill skiing, cross country skiing and yoga.

Ryan Wilkinson

Ryan graduated with his M.Sc. in Physiotherapy from McMaster University in 2007. Since this time, he has been actively working with clients here in the Bow Valley. His focus is in musculoskeletal injuries related to sports injuries, work related injuries and motor vehicle injuries. Additionally, Ryan has a strong interest in treatment of injuries using GunnIMS and Acupuncture. Ryan continues to actively expand his knowledge and skills and has completed courses in Manual and Manipulative Therapy, Vestibular and Concussion Rehabilitation, taping, SICI certified Bike Fitting and Orthotics.

As a physiotherapist, Ryan has worked with a range of clients including the Canadian Mountain Bike Team, National and Olympic skiers and biathletes through to recreational athletes. Additionally, Ryan has a great love of athletic pursuits including a background in competitive Nordic skiing and cross country running. Currently, Ryan is an avid mountain biker, cross country skier, and backcountry skier. All of this translates into a desire to see his clients return to the activities that are important to them and to continue to achieve their activity and athletic goals.

Catherine Vipond

Catherine completed her Masters of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of Alberta and has additional post graduate courses in dry needling, manual therapy and concussion management. Originally from Ontario, Catherine moved west after completing her Bachelor of Science specializing in Life Sciences from Queen’s University to pursue her athletic dreams. She competed as a professional cyclist and represented Canada as a member of the Canadian National Mountain Bike Team at several World Championships. Injury cut her cycling career short, but time spent in physiotherapy allowed her to fall in love with the profession. She has a strong interest in musculoskeletal injuries, injury prevention and concussion management. Since moving to the valley in 2011 as a cyclist, Catherine has expanded her activities and can often be found in the mountains on foot, skis or two wheels with her husband Matt.

Samantha Hammond

Sam graduated with a Masters of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of Alberta in 2012. Since then she has taken several courses in manual therapy, dry needling, concussion management and exercise prescription. Her post graduate training also allows her to perform spinal manipulations. Over the years, Sam has enjoyed working with a wide variety of clients with musculoskeletal conditions caused by athletic injuries, work related accidents and motor vehicle collisions. Her treatment approach utilizes a combination of manual therapy, dry needling and neuromuscular stabilization exercises to help her clients decrease pain, improve strength and regain function.

Her interest in physiotherapy developed from a background in playing elite level ringette where she attended multiple Canadian National Championships and won gold with team Alberta. Currently outside of work you can find Sam in the mountains hiking, running, golfing, cross country skiing, downhill skiing and ski touring.

Leah Forrestall

Leah graduated with a Masters of Physiotherapy from Queen’s University and completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology at Dalhousie University. Originally from Nova Scotia, Leah moved to Toronto to begin her physiotherapy career in sports medicine but has now ventured to The Rockies for a new adventure!

Finding ways to work closely with her patients and returning them to what they enjoy in life, is vital to her treatment plan. Leah takes a holistic, hands-on approach to care, considering all components essential to individualized recovery. She feels an evidence-based approach to treatment is fundamental and loves integrating new skills into her practice. Leah has post-graduate training in pelvic health, dry needling, running rehab, functional mat Pilates, and vestibular/concussion rehab.

She has developed a particular interest in and passion for treating pelvic floor dysfunctions and is committed to treating both men and women who suffer from generalized pelvic/low back/hip pain and urogenital/ano-rectal dysfunction. She especially loves to work with women addressing concerns related to pregnancy and post-partum recovery throughout the lifespan. In addition to her pelvic health interest, Leah loves to help athletes and weekend warriors get back to what they love. She has worked closely with runners, cyclists, racquet sport athletes, golfers, and hockey players. She also completed clinical education hours in Melbourne, Australia working with unique high-performance athletes.

In her spare time Leah enjoys running, golfing, hiking, cycling, Pilates, strength training and camping. She is also a skilled baker and loves to provide her friends and family with fresh goodies!

Stéphanie Richard

Stéphanie graduated from the University of Ottawa in 2004, and has worked as a bilingual physiotherapist in Ottawa, Calgary and St. Albert since then. Her career has been dedicated mainly to helping patients recover from orthopedic and sports injuries.

Her passion for helping athletes led her to open a successful home-based practice in Ottawa focused on rock-climbing injuries, a sport she has practiced for over a decade. Over the years Stéphanie has gained valuable experience treating musculoskeletal injuries and continues to update her skillset at every opportunity. She is committed to professional development and continuing education, having taken many courses in Pain Management, Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), Acupuncture, Climbing Medicine, Manual Therapy as well as Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) to name a few.

While rock-climbing injuries are a big part of her practice, Stéphanie thrives on the challenges of treating patients of all ages and abilities. As a physiotherapist, she is devoted to helping her patients engage in a healthy lifestyle and strives to empower her patients to take an active role in their rehabilitation.

In her spare time, you can find Stephanie in the mountains with her husband and two young children, pursuing her passion for rock climbing, hiking, cross country skiing and mountain biking.

Nicole Struthers

Nicole desires to help individuals lead a flourishing life both mentally and physically through a holistic approach to health. Through her education as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP), Certification in Health Coaching (A-CFHC), and Master of Kinesiology (MKin), she has learned how to help those struggling with lack of energy, time, and chronic conditions navigate the health world and figure out the best approach they should take to step into a healthier lifestyle.

She comes with over 10 years of working in the health industry as a personal trainer, exercise physiologist and health coach in a variety of settings including those living with and beyond cancer, individuals simply wanting to lead a healthy life who may suffer from various chronic conditions or lingering injuries and high-performance athletes.

Her approach is to partner with individuals to create a plan that works for their life, provide accountability and support, taking steps towards living a flourishing life. She loves helping individuals realize the huge benefits that come when you move regularly, eat nourishing foods and manage stress.

Outside of work you can find Nicole running and biking the beautiful Canmore trails, hiking and camping with friends & family or skiing both downhill and nordic in the winter months.