Our physiotherapists can help you
We can help you recover from surgery, pain and injury. We can also help you strengthen and prevent injury. And whether you’re already an athlete, or aspire to be one, we can help you excel in your performance.
About physiotherapy
A physiotherapist is a University educated healthcare professional trained to assess and manage your mobility and health. Physiotherapy can help you with a wide range of issues, including:
- acute injury management
- movement evaluation and re-education
- hands on therapy for joint mobilization and soft tissue manipulation
- individualized exercise program planning
- education on core stabilization principles
- athletic and supportive taping and bracing
- orthotic prescription and casting
- postural assessments/workplace and ergonomic assessment
- referrals to massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga and pilates instructors and coaches
Find your physiotherapist in Victoria
Find us at the corner of Oak Bay Ave and Redfern Street, across from Red Barn Market.
Physiotherapy Treatments
Conditions that will resolve with physiotherapy treatment include:
- tendinitis including tennis and golfer’s elbow
- rotator cuff strains and tears
- running injuries, such as patella femoral pain syndrome and ITB friction
- ligament sprains
- plantar fasciitis
- shin splints
- low back pain
- disc injury
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- knee problems, such as meniscus tears and ligament strains
- neck pain/strain
- postural pain
- ankle sprains
- and much more!
Follow up with us
Contact us or book an appointment online.
Stronger than before the injury
Connor is great! he’s extremely knowledgeable with physiotherapy and is a great guy. I went in with a knee injury and he diagnosed it quickly and built a recovery plan that worked great! my knee is now stronger than it was before the injury. His shirt collection is outstanding also. The front desk staff is very friendly, helpful and welcoming too!
Up-to-date on latest evidence based research
I had a physiotherapy appointment with Lena Walther for a longstanding minor shoulder issue. She had great communication skills/rapport and made me feel comfortable while simultaneously taking COVID precautions. Very thorough history ruling out red flags despite it being a minor ailment. Lena asked about how the condition actually played a role in my life and did find out/enquire that I’m a health care worker. She gave me appropriate info with simple explanations but also respectable for my educational level. My range of motion/strength were checked and she explained everything she did and always communicated before she touched or did… anything that could be considered invasive such as a subscapularis release. She also provided other physical therapy and massage in the initial 40 minute session. She gave me lots of exercises/homework to do since that’s what I wanted. She reduced the number of unnecessary follow ups since she was so efficient which saved me both time and money. I feel confident now applying my knowledge from the sessions to incorporate stretches and improve my condition. I would recommend Lena Walther to anyone who is very motivated to want to get better/take ownership of their health and especially to those who are busy or would prefer less unnecessary follow ups unlike other physios I’ve encountered in Vancouver trying to make as much money as possible. She’s a recent UBC MPT grad and is up-to-date on latest evidence based research which was also a huge plus, I booked on random chance since she had the best availability but that may change soon! Read more “Up-to-date on latest evidence based research”
Balance of professional conduct and personal ease
Super pleasant personally, thorough assessment and Connor made helpful suggestions and treatment plan. Nice balance of professional conduct, knowledge and personal ease- Impressed!
More range of motion and less pain
Serious improvement after one visit. More range of motion and less pain and discomfort. Cody upped the ante and tackled some sore spots that will move the whole process along. Excellent work and easy-to-work-with personality. Many thanks.
One of the most medically rewarding journeys I’ve been through
I’ve been to plenty of physiotherapists across Victoria, and none of them have lived up to the standard that Connor Willis delivers! I was referred from Babylon Telus to Dr. Thibodeau (who is also incredibly amazing), who suggested I go to physio. From Dr. Thibodeau’s suggestion, I decided to try their in house physiotherapists, since the location was near enough to be convenient. And I’m incredibly glad I did. If you’re looking for a physiotherapist who is knowledgeable, patient, and good at what they do – Connor’s got your back! (Literally, if you have a back injury, which I… began to work on with him in the last week). For the past 2 months, we’ve been working on my first injury, which has been my ankle, and for the first time ever, I don’t dread coming to physio or doing the exercises. Working together on our progress has been one of the most medically rewarding journeys I’ve been through. Connor tells you what we’re working on, why we’re working on it, and what to expect. In fact, he drafts up a game plan for you from the start, and it gives you a rough estimate of what things are going to look like if you keep up with the appointments/exercises for the set time. Physio is difficult, and it’s not an easy thing to stay on top of. But with the help of an app, with consistent appointments, and great availability of the office, it’s been an easily manageable experience with a cluttered schedule on my end. Also, every time I go into the office I’m warmly greeted, and the front staff do an awesome job of dealing with insurance (they direct bill) and appointment arrangement. Zoë always remembers me and it’s the best feeling. So forgive my novel of a review, but honestly, if you’re on the fence about physio or have had poor experiences in the past, Connor is a great physiotherapist to start your recovery with! 😊 Edit: At this time too, they’re doing all they can with Covid guidelines, especially with their clinic being such a hands on, physical treatment experience. I’ve never once felt uncomfortable or dubious about their efforts to keep their clients safe – so thank you! Read more “One of the most medically rewarding journeys I’ve been through”
A treatment plan to help meet my goals
Lena Walther is an exceptional physiotherapist. She completed a thorough examination, provided me information on the assessment findings, and structured a treatment plan to help meet my goals. I would highly recommend Lena!
I look forward to my appointments
Lena is the best! I had a difficult time finding a physiotherapist I could click with and would listen to my concerns. Now I look forward to my appointments and the positive environment the entire clinic brings. She is extremely talented in what she does, and I can’t recommend her enough. The outcome, and care provided is beyond exceptional. The receptionist team is always there to help and bring a positive attitude and very understanding to my needs and schedule. Thank you Lena, and the entire Arbutus Health Centre team!
The first person I contact to assess and deliver treatment
Whenever I have an injury in need of diagnosis, Sandy Wilson is the first person I contact to assess and deliver treatment. Her advice on returning to training and racing comes from the fact that she is an athlete herself. Her treatment plans always get me back out there running and being active faster than I would have ever thought possible in the initial stages.
14 years
We have been seeing Sandy for last 14 years. She is a fantastic professional know her stuff very well. We strongly recommend her for all your physio needs.
Within weeks she had me back to running!
I have rolled my ankles quit a few times over the past 2 years leading to swollen ankles to the point it hurt to stand for long periods of time and decided to make an appointment with Physiotherapist, Sandy Wilson. After the first visit, I had full confidence in her and within weeks she had me back to running!
Sweet, understanding and actually helped
Amazing people here. Friendly and awesome. My physiotherapist Fawn Whiting was sweet, understanding and actually helped relieve back pain from which i was suffering for a few years. She taught me few excercises which i still do from time to time to relieve back pain. Thanks Arbutus and Fawn 😁
Feels like one big family there
Connor is a wonderful physiotherapist, I highly recommend him! I always feel so much better every time I leave. I am very grateful for him for all the help he has given me since day one! Great asset for your wonderful team at Arbutus! Also the ladies at the front desk, every time I come in they are so nice and always happy. It feels like one big family there.
Dedicated to ensuring you make a full recovery
Connor is the best physiotherapist I have ever worked with. He takes the time to get to know you and your problems. Moreover, he is sincerely dedicated to ensuring you make a full recovery. I would recommend him to anyone in need of an awesome physiotherapist.
My life has seriously been changed!
I wouldn’t be where I am today without Ashley. I was in such acute pain with sciatica all the way down to my foot. I had burning nerve pain and restricted movement for nearly a year – I couldn’t even walk my dogs for 15 minutes without limping home and needing to ice myself for hours, and I couldn’t sit at my desk chair for more than 10 minutes at a given time. Even when I was lying in bed I was in pain as I fell asleep. It had taken a toll on my physically and mentally for so… long I honestly felt like I was running out of options. I looked up IMS in Victoria and found Arbutus Physio and made an appointment with Ashley. I was EXTREMELY skeptical because I had tried everything at this point so I was at my last resort. My life has seriously been changed!!!! I have now gone an entire week without any pain whatsoever. I couldn’t even remember what it felt like to be normal until now. I walked my dogs for 2 hours last night and it felt like the greatest achievement. Thank you so much Ashley for giving me my mobility (and life) back!!!! Read more “My life has seriously been changed!”
Incredible feel for what is going on and how to fix it
Because of Sandy’s own athletic background she brings both a deeper sense of what is going on and the sense of urgency that most people feel when they are injured. When you have something wrong you just want to get on with it. Sandy has an incredible feel for what is going on and how to fix it.
If I could rate it higher I would
Yesterday was my first visit to Arbutus Physiotherapy and if I could rate it higher I would. The location was perfect (lots of free parking all around), upon entering the staff was warm, welcoming and professional, and my appointment with Brandon was the best I’ve ever had with a physiotherapist. After his assessment he took the time to explain in detail, as well as show me, exactly what was going on so that I could understand as well. He told me how long I could expect treatment to last and sent me links to my exercises so that I didn’t… have to remember everything in the appointment (at 50 years old, with a fading memory, that was a benefit all on it’s own!!!) I waited almost a year to take care of my aches and pains…I wish I hadn’t but I’m certainly grateful that I found this place. I’m feeling hopeful and excited about my appointments and the new me! And for anyone interested, I went in for shoulder, neck, hip and knee pain. Thank you Arbutus! See you again soon! Read more “If I could rate it higher I would”
The framework to continue to heal
After being treated by Ashley Fradette at Arbutus, I felt the need to come back and edit my previous review. Ashley is without a doubt, the best physiotherapist I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Ashley’s welcoming and warm demeanour meant that coming to physio was always a highlight of my day. In addition to that, she would take the time to explain her methods of treatment in easily understandable terms. I initially came to Ashley with foot pain that was resistant to all treatment, I could barely walk for years – which meant that I couldn’t continue my… previously active lifestyle. Because of this, I had gained some weight – and then most doctors had told me that my foot pain was due to the weight gain and wrote me off. Ashley listened when I told her that the weight gain was a symptom of my pain – I haven’t been able to do much of anything for a few years. She said, after doing some tests, that she didn’t think the pain was originating in my foot, and was likely connected to the nerves or tendons connecting to my foot. When I told her that my foot pain had gotten better with some stretching of the hips and back, she moved to treating my back, which nobody else had ever done before. Ashley would take the time after she was done work to email me and ask how things were going. It feels like she really cares about her clients, in addition to being very knowledgeable. I’m happy to say that I am now pain-free with regards to my foot and back. Ashley has given me the framework to continue to heal – and hopefully return to my passions of running, squash and lifting weights. I can’t recommend Ashley and the rest of the team at Arbutus enough – and I know if I am in pain in the future, I won’t hesitate to come back. Read more “The framework to continue to heal”
Nice environment and friendly staff members
I had a frozen shoulder for over 3 months. My shoulder had been in constant pain, and the mobility had been getting worse and worse. I found a Physiotherapy clinic close to my home. The Physiotherapist only pushed my arm with a single finger and verified my shoulder pain. She then used the rest of the session to educate me on frozen shoulders. Finally, she told me that my situation was not good and that I might need to find a specialist or get surgery… I decide to try another Physiotherapist. I followed Google reviews and found Arbutus Physiotherapy &… Health Center because it has an abundance of 5 star reviews. I made an appointment with Jessica Cadangan, and I was lucky to meet up with her. She is marvellous. Jessica was very nice and professional. She asked me questions, and carefully checked my shoulder. Jessica treated my shoulder and loosened my tightened muscles. She answered my questions while explaining what was to be expected after the treatment. She also made a plan for me… After the visit, for the first time since last three months, my shoulder felt better. Arbutus also impressed me. It has nice environment and friendly staff members. Their website is easy to access, and I can login to my account with everything there. In addition to that, the appointment is able to added to my phone’s calendar conveniently. I highly recommend Arbutus and Jessica Cadangan. Read more “Nice environment and friendly staff members”
My rehabilitation program was easy to follow
Sandy Wilson is the consummate professional. My running injury was diagnosed efficiently, the treatment was highly effective and my rehabilitation program was easy to follow. What more could one ask for?
In sync with his patients
Connor is wise, professional and in sync with his patients. As a physiotherapist he tries to get to the root of what is causing your discomfort. He offers suggestions to support your healing process and is great at follow up! His care and attention is appreciated.
Everything I could have asked for
My experience at Arbutus Physiotherapy was everything I could have asked for. The receptionists were always so kind and welcoming whenever I came through the door, and they were easy to communicate with. I was never intimidated or unsure when interacting with them. Whenever I would call the reception, I was consistently greeted with a warm hello, and the people I spoke to were respectful and understanding if I needed to change something and were sure to communicate effectively if I needed to know anything. The centre was always clean and they made sure to follow COVID guidelines well. I… came here looking for support for my left shoulder and hip after an accident, and my physiotherapist Connor was an absolute dream! From the beginning I felt comfortable working with him as he is not afraid to be himself, which really helped ease my nerves. Throughout the whole process Connor was so clear about what we were doing and why, as well as how it benefited my body. He was able to give me an estimate on how long our work together would take, but was very flexible in this. I am a student so he also gave me tips on how to care for my body through hours of studying, which I really appreciated. When doing physical stretches and exercises, Connor made sure I was comfortable and consistently made sure they were effective, and adjusted when they were not. Anytime I asked a question he would answer it with no problem at all, being sure to explain everything clearly and he would always make sure that I understood what he was saying even if I didn’t ask (this really helped because I can be anxious about asking to clarify something, and I can just end up not asking at all). On top of this, Connor was SO SO easy to talk to, and he has quite possibly the best collection of patterned short sleeve button ups I have ever seen. TL;DR I would highly recommend coming here :) Read more “Everything I could have asked for”
Gratitude
Lena was amazing! So grateful
The relief is immeasurable!
After a year of at times agonizing pain and repeat misdiagnosis, I feel I finally hit a pot of gold being in Sandy’s highly skillful and very thorough care. The relief from finally knowing the cause of my pain and from receiving effective treatment at last is immeasurable!
If there was another star, I would gladly give it
I normally do not provide reviews, but feel compelled to do so for Sandy and her team. What a fantastic experience. A team of consummate professionals, friendly, helpful and always willing to help. If there was another star, I would gladly give it as Arbutus Physio stands out from any and all other physiotherapy practices I have used. A hands-on approach, combined with the latest in treatments has helped me rehabilitate after a bike accident that I thought would be the end of my athletic endeavours. Big kudos to Arbutus!
Techniques for beginner rock climbers
Learn a little about the basics like maintaining balance, edging, and smearing in this nice video for beginner rock climbers. From counter-force to efficiency, this is a nice overview.
Running, performance, injury, and gait analysis
Since I’ve moved to Victoria I’ve seen a lot of runners, and a lot of running-related injuries. Some injuries are more acute (a rolled ankle, or a sprained ligament), but…
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation got Sabrina back on the trampoline
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction means different things for different people. For Sabrina it meant inconsonance. She couldn’t run, couldn’t go for walks, couldn’t bounce on the trampoline with her kids. It limited her freedom.
Keeping Victoria seniors safe through the winter months and beyond
These past two years have been difficult for all of us but especially for seniors in our community. Due to social isolation and lack of activity many are less active and more at risk for falls.
Common issues with bike fits and how to fix them
I always recommend a thorough bike fit to highlight and correct all problem areas. There are a few common problem areas I see in many of my clients, and today, I want to share a few of those issues.
Balance is a miracle
The vestibular system is the connection between your inner ear and your eyes and brain. It keeps us balanced upright, and gives us spacial awareness.
Taking on, and recovering from, my first SwimRun
Whew! That was a long race (3km of swimming and 18.4km of running to be exact). As I sit here 36 hours post-race nursing my sore muscles, I figured I…
Vestibular (dizziness) assessment and treatment services
Dizziness is assessed using specialized equipment including eye examination by infrared camera. It is quantitative and correlates well with traditional medical measures of dizziness including vestibular function testing.
Considerations for nonsurgical interventions in low back conditions
Managing low back pain through conservative management first eliminates the risk of side affects from surgery, improves mobility, strength and knowledge on the condition itself, provides strategies on how to manage the pain, and tends to produce more active living, longer.