Gary - Orthopaedic / Musculoskeletal Team
Physiotherapist
Joined team: summer 2007
“I wanted to experience unique areas of rehab,” says Gary. “I chose St. John’s Rehab because they work with some of the most unique patient populations in Ontario and across Canada.”
What Gary enjoys most about working as a physiotherapist at St. John’s Rehab is the ability to work with a variety of professionals in an interactive and supportive team environment.
“I work with occupational therapists, nurses, social workers, dietitians and doctors. Together, we help our patients first get back on their feet, then walk, and eventually, when they are ready to be discharged, they are able to function safely in their own environment and regain their independence.”
Gary works with people referred to St. John’s Rehab from acute care or who have recently had an operation and are not yet ready to return home. “We guide their recovery by educating, motivating, and providing appropriate exercises, walking aids and anything else they need to improve their strength.”
“Walking plays a big role in every day life,” says Gary, “Something as simple as being able to walk long enough to reach the bathroom is easily taken for granted.”
For the first weeks they’re here, explains Gary, they may not even be able to get in and out of bed by themselves. But with the right care, “we can help get them to a place in their recovery where they’re not only getting out of bed independently, but also walking down the halls.”
Going through rehab is a life-altering process. “You’re ‘walking’ through a part of their recovery,” says Gary, “which means you see them through the worst of times but you also see victories and you celebrate with them—that’s a really special thing here.”