As long as she can remember, Gayle has always wanted to be a physiotherapist. Having obtained her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy with Distinction from the University of Saskatchewan in 2000, Gayle has continued to expand her knowledge with extensive post-graduate coursework. Since co-founding Lakeview Physiotherapy & Acupuncture in 2006, Gayle has been focusing her patient care on Women’s Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. Gayle is proud to be a leading physiotherapist in Calgary certified to treat pelvic health disorders such as urinary and fecal incontinence, prolapse, painful intercourse (dyspareunia) and other types of pelvic pain. She loves helping the pre-natal and post-partum patient and is a certified practitioner of Röst Therapy for pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain. She was one of the first few pelvic health physiotherapists in Canada certified to teach patients Hypopressive/Low Pressure Fitness™ designed to assist with recovery of pelvic organ prolapse and stress incontinence.
Gayle is a graduate of the ConnectTherapy™ (LJ Lee) series and is certified to use anatomical acupuncture, Gunn IMS, manual therapy, and to fit pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence. Gayle has participated as organizer and speaker at a number of events including local and provincial pelvic health physiotherapist interest groups and at “Kegels and Cocktails” in Calgary. She enjoys talking about pelvic health and has been asked by her peers to provide expert interviews for a variety of online courses and podcasts. Gayle has been mentioned in a number of written news columns as well as radio/online newscasts – all in the effort to improve access to Pelvic Health Physiotherapy.
In the clinic, Gayle prides herself on empathetic, personalized patient care while really getting to know her patients and understand their goals. She is motivated most by her patients! Applying a deeper level of understanding to her treatments has allowed Gayle to stay at the forefront of her profession and continues to be a sought-out practitioner in her field.
With all that being said, her biggest life achievement has been raising her two amazing sons alongside her wonderful husband. They enjoy trips to the farm, camping, biking, and just playing in the dirt. Occasionally, you may also hear her talk about her two cats!
Interview excerpt with Merrithew™ How this physiotherapy clinic is integrating Pilates into its treatment plan for pelvic health patients
Welcome to our “From Physio to Fitness” model of care, where we strategize and train your body to function at its best using Stott Pilates® principles of practice. With this approach, we have upped the ante on client expectations and satisfaction with Physiotherapy.
So, you’re 35, 45, or 55 – and not anywhere near a nursing home? I caution you that if you don’t deal with fixing the prolapse now, you may find that the prolapse is causing major issues with your life-style, sexual, urinary and bowel function, as well as self-image. It’s never too late to make it right!
Many women have a fear of passing stool (aka pooping) while giving birth. But there can be an equal amount of fear when it comes time to have your first bowel movement after the baby has arrived.
Physiotherapy is a profession of physical medicine – which applies specific exercises and hands-on treatments to help optimize a person’s movement.
We are no longer asking women to just do Kegels (PFMC). But, we do test their ability to perform a PFMC because it lets us know a variety of things.
Like any good debate, there are pros and cons; the good and the bad. The current debate on whether ice should be used to treat injuries is no exception.
As treatment options broaden, some physiotherapists are also advancing their training to include the field of Men’s Pelvic Health Physiotherapy.
A discussion on Pessary supports for management of pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence.