Park Hotel becomes rehab clinic

"The site of the former Park Hotel is about to get a new lease on life.

Starting in September, what used to be a bar will be open for business as a health clinic, specializing in treating sports injuries and rehabilitation.

Danièle Gervais, who will be running the Optimum Health Center, located at 519 Notre Dame Ave., said she hopes it starts a revitalization of the area.

"It's actually my dad who bought the building. I recently graduated, just in April, and I was looking for a job in Sudbury. I'm from the north and I wanted to stay here, but I couldn't find one, so my dad gave me an opportunity to open up in this space."

Gervais has two degrees, one in kinesiology from Laurentian University and another in athletic therapy from Sheridan College.

For now, it will just be her working in the centre, but she hopes to eventually be able to expand."
...

"Gervais is preparing to open the clinic close to two months after Laurentian University announced the closing of its Voyageur Athletic Therapy Clinic, something she says "reflects badly" on the athletic therapy profession.

"I think (opening the centre) means a great deal, because the university just closed its therapy clinic ... For Sudbury, I feel like I'd like to bring something that's already (being done) down south, because I graduated from Brampton and down there even Oakville high schools have athletic therapists on site. I'm hoping that opening this clinic will bring awareness to Sudbury of how sporting events can be dangerous and how I can help with that.

"I think it's going to be a great opportunity and I'm really looking forward to working with athletes in Sudbury.""

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Finding the root of foot pain

"Facing drastic surgery with no guarantee of success, Fulton was intrigued to learn Nelson is now one of 10 places in Canada — and easily the smallest — with access to a 3D gait analysis system developed by the University of Calgary’s running injury clinic."
...
"One day last month at Nelson’s OPTM Athletic Therapy, Fulton put on the reflectors and went for a jog. Ferber says it doesn’t take long to get a picture of what’s going on."
...
"Therapist Shauna Leduc of OPTM says she heard about the technology while attending Mount Royal College in Calgary and was excited to bring it to Nelson.

“People are coming in and feeling everything’s wrong. But they see the report and [realize] ‘I’m doing some things right!’ That’s a great message,” she says.

Leduc says the system removes a lot of guesswork and helps clients understand why solving a foot ailment may actually require working on a different body part.

Although the unit will be the only one in the Kootenays, she says it isn’t restricted to her own clients.

“We want to create a referral network for the most difficult patients. [Other therapists] can send them to me and I will do the report for them and give it back. We’re lucky to have this tool. Let’s all find a way to use it.”"

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Laurentian wrong to close clinic

Wendy Hampson's Letter to the Editor of The Sudbury Star::

"I feel it necessary to clarify a few facts that have been swirling in the media since the closure of the Voyageur Athletic Therapy Clinic at Laurentian University on June 29.

The university has stated in the media that it was surprised to discover Laurentian was the only university left that fully subsidizes a clinic.

Preliminary research indicates that of 26 responses to date to a survey of 51 universities in Canadian Interuniversity Sport, 26 universities fund an on-campus athletic therapy clinic. Eleven clinics are 100% funded by the university with no expectation to generate revenue.

Thirteen are funded by the university with some expectation to generate revenue."

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Letter from Sudbury Gladiators to LU

"Mr Giroux:

My name is André Paquette and I am a Certified Athletic Therapist working for Lifemark Physiotherapy and the Sudbury Gladiators Football Club. I was recently informed of the closing of the Voyageur Athletic Therapy Clinic and the dismissal of my colleague, Wendy Hampson. 

Being from Sudbury, Ontario, I met with Wendy whom was fewer and far between the only Athletic Therapist within this community. She had an impact on my decision to continue my studies within the highly rewarding Athletic Therapy profession. I decided to attend the University of Winnipeg for my journey to become a Certified Athletic Therapist.

My clinical internship at the University of Winnipeg Athletic Therapy Centre, which is fully funded by the University, has allowed me to apply my knowledge, gain experience and expand my skills while under the direct supervision of Athletic Therapists, whom were my professors and future colleagues. The University of Winnipeg Athletic Therapy Centre is a teaching and treating facility, where the three Athletic Therapists at the time, and recently expanded to five Athletic Therapists, share their wealth of knowledge, thereby educating, demonstrating and allowing athletic therapy students to practice their hands-on application of techniques."

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Former Olympian speaks out against LU job cuts

"Laurentian University's decision to declare 20 jobs "redundant" is making serious waves, from the Laurentian University Staff Union (LUSU) to 1984 Canadian Olympic double gold medalist Alex Baumann.

The job redundancies contributed to a balanced budget for the university, but also meant the closure of the Voyageur Athletic Therapy Clinic.

Baumann sent a letter to Laurentian University president Dominic Giroux expressing his "deep regret" after hearing of the decision to close the clinic.
In the letter, Baumann credits the clinic as being an integral part of his training prior to winning Olympic gold and added: "If there is any way to reverse this position, I would be fully supportive."

Among those found by the university to be redundant was Wendy Hampson, head athletic therapist who worked at the clinic for 33 years, according to LUSU president Tracy Oost.""

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Student reaction to closing of LU athletic therapy clinic

"Myriam Benoit is a student-athlete. She planned to intern at the Voyageur Athletic Therapy Clinic at Laurentian University. She and other students are concerned about the loss of the clinic."

Listen to the Interview...

Laurentian should keep therapy clinic open

"We are writing to express our concern about the closure of the athletic therapy clinic at Laurentian University.

First and foremost, this clinic is an absolutely essential service for all Laurentian athletes, be they physical education majors or members of a varsity team such as the basketball team. They need an onsite facility where they can be treated expertly and immediately in order that they can return as quickly as possible to their studies or to the team.

A student should not have to look off-campus for therapy, since a typical treatment at $55 and up is too costly and it usually takes two to three weeks to get an appointment.

I also fear that visiting teams may be hesitant to bring their athletes to a facility where there is no medical support for them."

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Closing clinic at LU a mistake

"Gymnasts stumble and don't land the dismount. One defensive error and a goal is scored.

Quality athletes will correct these errors and move forward.

Which opens a door to Laurentian University to admitting it was a mistake to close the Athletic Therapy Clinic and find a way to reinstate its therapists.

The cuts came, ironically, in June, which was Athletic Therapy Month in Canada. The emphasis this year was on the prevention and treatment of head injuries.

Therapists Wendy Hampson and Shawn Charron were released, along with 23 other Laurentian employees, many of them long-time.

Charron has since opened up in his space, Athletic Therapy Services North, at 705-690-7512."
...
"This week, the assistant athletic therapist for the Calgary Flames delivered a harsh letter denouncing the "ignorant" decision to close the clinic. Schad Richea asks the university to reconsider and find other ways to fund the clinic to best serve student-athletes.

As he says, "Jarome Iginla doesn't seem me as redundant."

So, mistakes happen. Athletes get back up and they fix things, make it right."

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Schad Richea's Letter to President of Laurentian University

July 14, 2011
Dominic Giroux
President, Laurentian University
Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6
Canada


Mr. Giroux:

My name is Schad Richea. Currently, I am the Assistant Athletic Therapist for the Calgary Flames. Previously to my work here, I was the Head Athletic Therapist at the University of Calgary. I recently have become aware of the terrible situation with Laurentian Athletics and the dismissal of my colleague Wendy Hampson CAT(C). This letter is meant to show the deplorable situation your Athletics Department is now in with this very ignorant decision.

Athletic Therapy services for varsity athletics is redundant at Laurentian? Who is going to coordinate and cover the on-court/field/ice practices and games for your student athletes? Who is going to accept this liability when someone is hurt with nobody there? Who is going to coordinate the pre-season medicals for your student athletes? Do you think you can simply “piece work” this type of care? Who is going to help your coaches decide who is in or out of the line-up? Who is going to mentor Athletic Therapy students with experiential learning? Who is going to provide a very important link between the community and Laurentian University with regards to being a voice for Athletic Therapy expertise for active citizens of Sudbury? Wendy Hampson is world renown and a great leader! This decision seems purely political and budgetary with no prudence as to other models which are best for the student athlete at Laurentian.

Here with the Flames, the NHL athletes have the means to access an array of specialist providers: Sport Medicine Physicians, Orthopedic Surgeons, Dentists, nutritionists, chiropractors, physical therapists, etc. However, these medical professionals do not deal with the day to day activities, treatments, rehab, coordination of care, etc. This is paramount to compete at a maximum level. We handle all of this! Jarome Iginla doesn’t see me as redundant!

There are many ways to fund an Athletic Therapy program for Laurentian University varsity athletics. By simply “gassing it” and patching you have given up and your student athletes will suffer. Also, you have passed the buck for Laurentian Athletics medical coverage to other CIS universities in your conference (it would seem both home and away). I plead you take a look at this situation and tactfully evaluate its impact.


Sincerely:

Schad Richea MEd.,BSc., ATC, CAT(C)
Assistant Athletic Therapist - Calgary Flames Hockey Club

Athletic therapist left reeling from LU job cuts

The recent job cuts at Laurentian University has resulted in the closure of the Voyageur Athletic Therapy clinic and the termination of athletic therapists, Wendy Hampson and Shawn Charron.  Below are Wendy's comments on the situation:

"I have been left reeling from this decision and it has been the most painful experience I have ever had to live through. One moment you are functioning normally and making plans for the week-end, and the next you are tossed out the door and kicked to the curb like you are a criminal. After 33 years of bringing international recognition to the university, doing research, generating significant revenue for the clinic, placements for course credits for the students, all the volunteer hours I have put in over the years, etc., this is how I have been rewarded for my loyalty? It is truly shocking! 

And of course, the student athletes will be lost. The University cannot contract this service out so how are they going to provide pre-practise taping, on field care, post injury assessment, etc.? And rehab is going to be very difficult for them to access. The university is geographically an island so it takes 20 minutes by bus at least to get off campus to any other clinic. So what was once before free and extremely accessible treatment for them, now they will have to pay and travel for it. Faculty and staff who used to access it easily, will now have to take more time away from work to get off campus for their treatment. I don't think the U. factored in these intangibles in their decision. 

Students, faculty and the general public are very angry and are writing the following senior administraors. So if you can post this information, then please do so. Thanks for your help. 

Dominic Giroux, President president@laurentian.ca http://www.facebook.com/dgiroux1
And...
Carol McAulay Vice President, Administration cmcaulay@laurentian.ca
And...
Floyd Laughren Chair, Board of Governors floydlaughren@hotmail.com
And...my union LUSU@laurentian.ca 

It is a sad day for Laurentian athletics that is all I can say."

Click here to listen to the CBC Morning North radio interview with Wendy Hampson

Sign the petition

LU cuts 25 jobs

"Oost said students have been affected by the cuts. A good example is the complete elimination of the Athletic Therapy Clinic, the press release said.

“How can eliminating a service that is necessary for injured athletes, not affect service to students?” Oost said. “I don’t know how Laurentian expects to continue recruiting top athletes when the service won’t be there for them. Are parents going to send promising, young athletes to a school where injuries will not get immediate treatment, and the student will be told to either go to Emergency, or try to get into a local clinic?” 

She said it is also a service that university offers to the community. 

“Paying patients from the community are going to show up for their appointments only to find the door locked and a sign indicating that the service has been discontinued,” Oost said. "

Read More (Northern Life)...

Read More (The Sudbury Star)...

We are all athletes: BATC celebrates National Athletic Therapy Month

"Ever wonder just what they do over there on the second floor of the Investors Group Athletic Centre marked “Bison Athletic Therapy Centre” (BATC)?

Before visiting the centre for whiplash after my car was rear-ended in traffic, I wondered too. After several weeks of treatment, including massage therapy, stretches, strengthening exercises and education about neck and muscle injuries, it became clear to me how athletic therapy rehabilitates not only athletes but also regular people like me after an injury."

...

"(Tracy) Nyczai says that celebrating National Athletic Therapy Month (NATM) is a great way for the centre to “create awareness about athletic therapy as a choice for rehabilitation. It helps individuals safely return to work or play after injury or pain.” 

The BATC will mark this year’s NATM with an obstacle course at the Sneaker Day celebration and members of the centre’s team will be available there to answer questions people may have about athletic therapy or concussions, which is this year’s theme for NATM."

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Job Opportunity: Elite Sports Therapy

Elite Sports Therapy, a multi-disciplinary clinic in Marda Loop, is looking for an Athletic Therapist or Kinesiologist to take over their Rehabilitation clientele. The majority of clientele are looking for rehabilitation for shoulder, spine, hip and knee injuries. Knowledge of sports injury, Functional Movement analysis, and the ability to work with chiropractors and physiotherapists would be an asset. Interested individuals can forward their resume to dr.mheber@elitesportstherapy.com.

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Local Market Teams Up with FortWhyte for Bike Party

"Crampton’s Market is signalling the start of their season by hosting a little party this afternoon after a guided bike tour nearby.

The public is encouraged to bring their bikes to FortWhyte Alive for guided tours at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., and then follow their leader down the new Bishop Grandin greenway bike path to Crampton’s Market.

The market at 1765 Waverley Street will offer a massage therapist to give leg flushes, Pro Care athletic therapy will be teaching all about cycling specific stretches, the Wrench will be on site to give rider’s a spring tune up, and CAA will be testing to make sure riders’ bike tire pressure is up to par."

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Ravens offseason update

"This season, the Ravens are also welcoming back longtime athletic therapist, Nadine Smith, from maternity leave."

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Marcia Franklin explains the holistic approach of athletic therapy

"Athletic Therapist Marcia Franklin, from Quality Care Sports Injury and Rehab, explains the holistic approach to pain assessment"

See the video

Finding a cure

"That’s why Ontario’s athletic therapists need to stay on top of all types of treatment for their players, says Nipissing University’s athletic therapist, Brian “Doc” Duval. “I think that our association, in order to stay vital and stay needed, has to look at those alternative forms of treatment.”

At Ryerson University, head athletic therapist Jerome Camacho says athletes are originally treated using conventional medicine, but there are times when further treatment is sought."

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Heather Callahan, Fernie Athletic Therapy and Rehabilitation

"Mention the town of Fernie in the south-eastern corner of British Columbia, and many people think of skiing, hockey, snowboarding and many other winter activities that attract people to this popular spot. Those who visit and live here, including aspiring and professional athletes and just active-minded people have one thing in common: injuries go with the territory, and access to rehabilitative services is part of the game. Fernie resident Heather Callahan realized the market was perfect for the start of Fernie Athletic Therapy and Rehabilitation in the fall of 2006, as there was little available in the area in the form of treatment services for sports injuries.

Heather, a Certified Athletic Therapist, was looking for a change from the work she did with the local ski patrol which was mostly limited to quick assessments and treatments. Her background included working with recreational and elite athletes involved with hockey, track and field, alpine skiing, snowboarding, gymnastics, rugby, soccer and football, which helped her appreciate the biomechanics and physical demands of each sport. “Starting my own business was also the only way I could gain employment in the field I had invested my training and experience in, without limiting my growth or income-earning potential,” she says."

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Day in the life: Traci Vander Byl

"A day in the life of Traci Vander Byl typically involves manual therapy treatments, a little taping, some blood, and, sometimes, broken bones. Vander Byl is in her fourth year as the head athletic therapist with Vikes Athletics and spends most of her time at work tending to sports injuries in one of two sports injury clinics on campus."

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Ultimate Sports Therapy commercial

Carolyn Zepf releases a commercial for Ultimate Sports Therapy.  See the video...