Leslie Richards
Registered Physiotherapist, PT
Leslie Richards is a Physiotherapist and Yoga Teacher who combines her two practices to provide patients with personalized treatment plans. She has been practicing as a Physiotherapist for 15 years in Orthopedics and Sports Injury Clinics, Long Term Care Facilities, and in the community. She has recently focused her practice on Pelvic Health and Orthopedics, with a special interest in Women’s Health and Yoga Physiotherapy.
Leslie has completed her Pelvic Health Levels 1, 2 and 3, Myofascial Release training, Mulligan Concept Manual Therapy training, 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, 200hr Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training, as well as courses in Acupuncture, Yin Yoga, Breathing Mechanics, Rehabilitative Pilates for Pelvic Floor, Pre and Post Partum.
Our Approach to Care
Our patient-centered, holistic approach aims to uncover the root cause of your pain and discomfort, with the goal being a return to optimal health and wellness.
Our specialized approach to physiotherapy is unique, fully-customized and focused on quality one-to-one care. We give you individualized attention and honour you as the resident expert of your own body. We listen with our hearts, and share our knowledge with deep compassion.
Our holistic approach to physiotherapy combines manual therapy with movement, breathing exercises, yoga therapy, education and mindfulness. Coming to a full understanding of the root cause beneath each client’s concerns and challenges requires time and individualized attention.
Each client’s entire visit is spent working one-on-one with our Physiotherapist, whose focus is on actively listening to presenting concerns, and investigating deeper with curiosity, compassion and kindness.
Types of Physiotherapy We Offer
Orthopedic Physiotherapy
Orthopedic Physiotherapy is the foundation from which many other physiotherapy sub-disciplines branch from. Orthopedic physiotherapists assess and treat injuries and conditions that involve the musculoskeletal body, meaning your bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and fascia.
Depending on your condition, your therapist will use a variety of therapeutic modalities, assistive devices, and manual therapies to encourage healing, reduce pain, and restore your physical abilities.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is the assessment and treatment of various conditions that involve the pelvis, the pelvic floor or symptoms that manifest in this area of the body.
The pelvic floor includes muscles, ligaments, nerves and connective tissue in the pelvic region. It plays an important role in the body by supporting organs, stabilizing the pelvis and lower back, encouraging proper bowel and bladder function, and improving sexual health.
Yoga Physiotherapy
Yoga and Physiotherapy naturally complement each other. While rooted in their own origins and philosophies, both are focused on restoring and maintaining balance, mobility and strength of your body, mind and spirit. Yoga Physiotherapy sessions are movement based and include the practice of postures and exercises, breathing techniques and meditation. Yoga Physiotherapy will help to re-establish your body’s baseline. It will benefit your overall physical health, help with pain management, help you ease tension, and aid in developing mental clarity.
Your Treatment Plan
Initial Assessment
In this first visit Leslie will review your medical, lifestyle, and health history and she will allow you the opportunity to discuss your concerns and ask any questions you may have. She will observe your posture and movement, your breathing patterns, strength, range of motion reflexes, sensation, pain patterns and perform any orthopedic tests that are necessary.
For pelvic health physiotherapy an internal assessment may be performed and is only done with consent from the patient. Internal assessment of the Pelvic Floor is not necessary for pelvic health treatment, however it often provides very important information for more effective diagnosis and treatment. During a pelvic health physiotherapy assessment Leslie will be looking at your breathing pattern, posture, movement and how well your pelvic floor muscles are functioning. She will assess pelvic floor and core strength, connective tissue and scar tissue mobility, and will provide an abundance of education on how you can start improving your pelvic health with simple lifestyle changes.
Leslie will also examine any documents, images, and reports that you have provided. From this information and assessment, she will design an individualized treatment program specifically for you to help achieve your goals.
Ongoing Treatments
Leslie will devise a treatment plan that could include movement and breathing exercises, stretches and strengthening exercises, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, as well as recommendations for assistive devices or other therapies. Based on your individualized treatment plan, Leslie will recommend the frequency of visits that will help you best achieve your goals.
Each return visit will involve a combination of manual therapy, education, movement and lifestyle recommendations. For yoga physiotherapy, one-on-one time is spent to ensure the practice is specific to each individual’s needs. A home yoga practice will be built and perfected during each session, until the client is feeling comfortable to continue with an independent home practice.
During Sessions
To assist you with the at-home component of your treatment plan, you will receive online access to Leslie’s recommendations. You can access exercises, videos and helpful advice through your Jane software account. Leslie will teach you how to access these resources when she delivers your treatment plan to you.
Fees
Initial Orthopedic Assessment
60 Minute Session | $130
Initial Pelvic Health Assessment
60 Minute Session | $130
Return Visits
30 Minute Session | $80
45 Minute Session | $100
60 Minute Session | $125
