Pathways Therapy & Pathways Kids

Are you looking for a rewarding and fun volunteer experience? We are still looking for volunteers at Pathways Ponies, our equine-assisted therapy program. If you are available on Tuesdays or Thursdays in the afternoon, we would love to hear from you. Please email [email protected] if you would like to know more.

https://rehabrebels.org/020

Thank you, Tanner, at Rehab Rebels! Tanner learned all about our Pathways Ponies program when he interviewed Nicole and Steph for his Rehab Rebels podcast. This program brings joy and healing to many Pathways Therapy clients. If you are interested in any programs at Pathways Therapy, contact the office (519-885-4211) or email Steph at [email protected]. Have a listen on your favourite podcast app!

RR 020: Using Equine Assisted Therapy as a Holistic Approach to Treating Patients with Stephanie PT and Nicole OT – Rehab Rebels Listen how Equine (Horse) Assisted Therapy as a Holistic Approach to Treating Patients is changing lives!

Registered Dietitian, Jackie Silver, has some great ways for you to incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet! Read below ⬇️

- Add berries to yogurt/oatmeal
- Make berry smoothies
- Make roasted sweet potatoes
- Have oatmeal for breakfast
- Make overnight oats
- Add oats/flax meal to muffins or banana bread
- Add 1-2tbsp chia seeds or flax meal to smoothies, oatmeal, cereal
- Make sweet potato lentil chilli
- Spice dishes with turmeric, cinnamon, or fresh herbs!
- Make a turmeric latte
- Add cinnamon to your coffee!
- Throw canned beans or legumes into salads, pasta, soup or casseroles!
- Make vegetarian chilli!
- Make salad dressings with olive oil
- Add avocado to salad, toast or sandwiches
- Sprinkle nuts and seeds onto cereal, oatmeal, salads
- Enjoy apple slices with peanut butter
- Use onion and garlic to flavour dishes!
- Throw canned tuna or salmon into salads, or make a tuna casserole!

Looking for more info or some great recipes that incorporate anti-inflammatory foods? Call us today to@book your FREE 15 minute consult with Jackie! 🥑🥜

An anti-inflammatory diet can help people who have chronic inflammation (when your immune system releases inflammatory cells when you’re not injured or sick) from a variety of medical conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, Parkinson’s Disease, diabetes or even Alzheimer’s Disease. Although these conditions are medically different, the presence of inflammation causes similar symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, body tenderness, and increased body temperature!

There is exciting research showing anti-inflammatory diets may play a role in reducing symptoms related to inflammation such as improving fatigue. An anti-inflammatory diet is not like other diets on the internet. there are no set amounts of what you can and can’t eat. It is really just a collection of recommended foods that have been shown to reduce inflammation.

Look out for a future post on how to incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet! And if you are interested in learning more, give us a call today to book a free 15 minute phone consult with Registered Dietitian, Jackie!

Source:
Inflammation: What is it, causes, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic (n.d.) Retrieved June 21, 2022 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21660-inflammation

Sleep disturbance can be a frustrating component of concussion injuries or acquired brain injuries. Sleep disturbance can be experienced in many different ways - difficulty falling asleep, irregular sleep patterns, early wake patterns, daytime fatigue, excessive tiredness and more! Sleep disturbance can also further aggravate or exacerbate other symptoms you may already be feeling, like headaches, fogginess, memory, concentration and cognitive fatigue!

Here are some helpful tips to improve your sleep patterns. Please note that these tips are for educational purposes and are not individualized medical advice. If you are concerned about your sleep habits, please speak to your doctor first.

Happy Halloween from Pathways Therapy! We wish everyone a safe, happy and spooky Halloween! 🎃

Want to know more about Occupational Therapy sessions using Equine Activities and Animal-Assisted Therapy?

Pathways Therapy offers a unique experience in our Pathways Ponies program to engage in OT and PT sessions with the assistance of animals 🐴🦮🐈‍⬛

You can learn more about this unique program on our website!

We are very excited to announce that our Occupational Therapist, Nicole Raftis, has been featured on The Uncommon OT Podcast Series where she talks about her amazing contributions to our Pathways Ponies program!

If you are interested in listening to this amazing podcast episode, follow the link below:

https://pathwaystherapy.ca/news/podcast-feature/

Looking for some tips on how to put the 4 P’s of Energy Conservation into action? Here are some great tips to get you started for cooking, cleaning, shopping, washing and dressing!

Also remember that consulting a qualified healthcare professional for targeted exercise programming and equipment recommendations is also beneficial for individuals who would benefit from energy conservation strategies!

* Please note this is not medical advice, only useful tips to get you started. If you are wondering if energy conservation is right for you, or are looking for specific individualized recommendations, consult a qualified healthcare professional*

Energy Conservation is extremely important after being in hospital, when recovering from a complex injury, or when you have a degenerative condition.

Learning how to conserve your energy can help to save your energy for activities that you enjoy doing. It will also reduce the strain on your body. Practicing energy conservation, in addition to engaging in a physiotherapy strengthening program specifically tailored to your needs, can help to set you up for success with your daily routine.

Learning to conserve your energy is all about finding balance, listening to your body, and prioritizing the important things in your life. We want you to be able to do not only the things you need to do in your daily routine, but also the things you WANT to do that make you feel happy!

So, remember the 4 P’s of Energy Conservation: Plan, Pace, Prioritize and Position, to help you conserve your energy!

Did you know that we see babies at Pathways Therapy?

We have many experienced practitioners at Pathways Therapy who work with babies! 🍼

Swipe to meet our team of Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists and a Dietician who can work with you and your baby to help you meet their needs and goals! Whether it’s meeting motor milestones, Torticollis, feeding issues, language or more, we have the experience to help you and your baby! If you are interested in learning more, call our office today! 📞

Antioxidants are various nutrients and vitamins that protect our bodies from Free Radicals. Free radicals are harmful to our bodies in very high amounts, as they are capable of damaging our DNA. Our bodies can generate free radicals from many different sources, including the breakdown of some foods, exposure to pollution or cigarette smoke, and other sources. Luckily, antioxidants are Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Beta-Carotene, but there are many more!

Vitamin A, C, and E are also important after surgeries or for individuals who have a history of wounds, due to their role in wound healing and recovery. These vitamins stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, help rebuild new skin cells and fork scar tissue, strengthen immune system, and are also antioxidants!

If you’d like to learn more, give us a call today to book your FREE 15-minute phone consult with Jackie! 📞

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is meant for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be personalized medical or nutrition advice. For a plan tailored to your needs, please consult with a Registered Dietitian or qualified healthcare professional.

Sources of Information:
https://www.ncbi.mom.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7534941

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/antioxidants/

Smoothies are a quick and easy way to prepare a complete and filling meal, filled with protein, fruit, vegetables, fibre and healthy fats! They are a great way to sneak in extra fruits and veggies!

They are high in calcium which is crucial for individuals with disabilities who have low bone density.

You can pack them with extra protein and calories if you are healing from a pressure wound.

Extra fibre can be added to support digestive health and keep bowels regular (chia seeds, flax meal, oats).

They don’t take a lot of time or energy to make, which makes them a great option for days when you’re in pain or extra fatigued.

Smoothies are versatile - there are endless flavour combos so you can make them everyday and never be bored!

They are made with affordable ingredients (hello frozen fruit!).

Want to learn some great smoothie recipes that are tailored to your specific dietary needs? Give us a call today to book your FREE 15-minute phone consult with our Registered Dietitian Jackie! Please note this post is made for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be personalized medical or nutrition advice. For a plan tailored to your specific needs, please consult with a Registered Dietitian or qualified healthcare professional*

Pathways Therapy would like to welcome Rikki to our team! ⭐️

Rikki is a Physiotherapy Resident who will be working on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Rikki has a special interest in providing care to children who have neurological or musculoskeletal impairments. She is also passionate about providing care to adults with a variety of injuries so they can return to the activities they love. She is accepting new clients!

Last week we talked about Navigating Picky Eaters. This week, we are giving more tips and ideas for picky eating by discussing how Smoothies can be great for Picky Eaters!

Jackie has worked with many neurodivergent children, some of which dislike smoothies, and others who will only consume smoothies! If your kiddo loves them, then these smoothie tips are for you!

Smoothies are a great way to give your child protein, calcium, fruit, vegetables and fibre! If they don’t mind the texture of chia seeds, flax meal or oats then those are also great additions!

*Please note that picky eating in neurodivergent kids is a very complex topic that we cannot fully cover in this post. The above are helpful strategies to get you started*

Let’s Talk About Torticollis. Torticollis is a muscle tightness and directional preference that your baby can develop. It can affect muscle and balance development, spinal development and can cause pain.

Our physiotherapists at Pathways Therapy are experienced in treating Torticollis and have created a great program to help your baby! If you are concerned your baby may have directional preference, or Torticollis, book an assessment with us today!

Have you ever wondered if you are getting enough fluids? 💧

Maintaining a healthy fluid intake is important! However, the right amount for each individual can vary depending on age, medical conditions, and activity levels! It is important to consult health professionals to find out what the right amount is for you!

If you would like to learn more about how to improve your fluid intake, or how to determine what the optimal amount is for you, give us a call to book an appointment with our Registered Dietitian, Jackie!

*please note this is not medical advice nor is it personalized nutrition advice. For a plan tailored to your needs, consult a dietician or other healthcare professional*

Our Registered Dietitian, Jackie, offers Meal Prep Planning services! She can help you to design a plan that fits all of your nutritional needs, while also keeping energy conservation in mind… because you need your energy for other parts of your day too! 🍎💪🏻

If you are interested in learning more, call us today to book your FREE 15-minute phone consult with Jackie! 📞

Back to school is next week! 🤯
If you have any concerns with your child’s school or social skills, occupational therapy can help! We want to help your child be set up for success in their new school year! ✏️

If you would like to learn more, give us a call today! 📞

We provide Music Therapy services for kids! 🎶🥁

Music Therapy can help assist kids with: promoting self-regulation, decreasing interfering behaviours, improving impulse control, improving gait and coordination, improving strength, improving speech and verbal communication, improving memory, decreasing stress and anxiety, increase expression of feelings, and improving interactions with others!

If you are interested in learning more about how Music Therapy can help your child, give us a call today! 📞

Did you know that our clinic offers Body-Weight Supported Treadmill Training using a Lite-Gait System? This system is also designed to transition to ground walking as well!

This system can be used to help with reaching balance and walking goals! Walking can also help with improving muscle strength, range of motion, and much more!

If you are interested in learning more, give us a call today! 📞

The Long Weekend is here! Just a reminder that we are closed on Monday August 1, but are back to regular hours on Tuesday August 2!

We hope everyone has a great long weekend! ☀️

A Registered Dietitian plays an important role in the health of both children and adults with Autism. They understand the neurodivergence lens and unique nutritional needs of individuals with Autism. They tailor their recommendations to the specific needs of each individual person. 🥙

Jackie has the knowledge and experience to help you or your child with nutrition needs and goals. From autism-friendly recipes to info on adaptive feeding equipment, to nutrition and constipation guides, Jackie has it all!

If you are interested in learning more, or would like to book a consultation with Jackie, give us a call today at 528-885-4211 📞

Did you know we offer both Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy treatment in our Equine-Assisted Therapy Program?

This means that both OT and PT are provided while our client is riding the horse! The horse is used as part of our treatment strategy. Participants find this treatment very fun and motivating. In addition, physiotherapy while mounted on the horse can address issues of strength, range, balance, core control, and restoration of walking!

This program is open to both adults and children, with a variety of neurological, orthopaedic, and cognitive diagnoses.

If you would like to learn more, please visit our website or give us a call today! 📞 🐴

We provide MyndMove Treatment at Pathways Therapy!

MyndMove provides functional electrical stimulation to the muscles of the upper extremities to allow clinicians to stimulate purposeful, functional movements in clients. This allows the client to practice and reproduce movements of daily life, under therapist supervision. This can include: reaching, grasping, holding a pen/pencil, and much more!

If you are interested in learning more, or are wondering if MyndMove treatment is right for you, give us a call!

Research, information, and photos taken from: www.myndtec.com

Did you know that. Registered Dietician can play an integral role in the health and wellness of those with ADHD?

Jackie has the knowledge and experience to help you or your child with individualized recommendations that are tailored to your unique strengths and abilities. Because she knows that ADHD impacts everyone differently!

If you are interested in learning more, call to book your free 15-minute consult with Jackie today! 🥑

Have you heard of PoNS treatment? Are you wondering what it is, or if it could help you with your recovery?

Look no further! We provide PoNS treatment at our facility! Call us today to book your FREE 15-minute phone consultation to learn more about this new technology, and if it could help you with your rehabilitation!

Congratulations Brynn!

Brynn recently completed the NDTA certificate course for the management of stroke and brain injury! If you are interested in learning more about how Brynn can help you, or would like to book an appointment with her, call us today!