All or Something

We tend to think of things in black or white. All or nothing. You did it or you didn't.

When in reality we live mostly in greys. Varying shades of grey, but grey nonetheless.

Areas where we accomplish a lot, even if it isnt everything. Where we have shifts in priorities and we have to adapt. Adaptation means change and sometimes that means putting things aside temporarily as we adjust to this change.

When it comes to self care and treatment it is okay to allow yourself some greys. It does not have to be all or nothing. Missing one day of home exercises isn't the end of the world. Not completing all of your sets or reps doesn't mean it isn't worth continuing. Missing a workout or more doesn't mean you cannot workout again. When we can sit back and appreciate what we have done we can accept more of the greys. Every day wont be perfect and we know that tomorrow is a new day.

It is far too easy to discount our progress when we " haven't done enough". However, who it to say what is enough? Every step forward is still a step forward. Reaching out can often be the first step, and a very large step at that.

It is common to have setbacks and we know that healing isn't linear. We have ups and we have downs. We have days and weeks we may excel and times when things slide back. When we can live in a world of fewer absolutes and acknowledge when we are doing what we can and when we are doing our best it can take some of the pressure off. Sometimes, that shift in thinking alone can be felt physically as we take a load off of ourselves.

So the next time you miss a workout, or your home exercise program or dont do something you think you "should" do, remember that tomorrow is a new day. Something is better than nothing.

So do something. Take a little step. And when you wake up tomorrow set yourself up for success by doing one more something.

When The Room Starts Spinning: Vertigo

What is Vertigo?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (or BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo, which is a false sensation of spinning.

Benign – it is not life-threatening

Paroxysmal – it comes in sudden, brief spells

Positional – it gets triggered by certain head positions or movements

Vertigo – a false sense of rotational movement

Most often, people feel like things around spinning around them while they are staying still.  This spinning sensation is triggered with head movements. This false sense of movement can be quite scary, especially if you do not know what is happening. Typically, this movement is worse when turning to one side over the other.

What is actually happening?

BPPV is a mechanical problem in the inner ear. It occurs when some of the crystals (otoconia) that are normally embedded in part of the inner ear become dislodged and move into one or more of the 3 fluid-filled semicircular canals, where they are not supposed to be. These crystals then interfere with the normal movement of fluid through the semicircular canals which sense head motion. This causes the inner ear to send false signals to the brain which causes the sensation of spinning.

Vertigo symptoms typically last less than one minute, however, they can last longer. Between the vertigo spells, some people feel symptom free while others feel a sense of imbalance or feeling off.

Assessment and Treatment

Vertigo can be assessed and treated by a Phyiotherapist trained in Vestibular therapy. We conduct a thorough vestibular assessment to determine if it is indeed vertigo or another vestibular dysfunction. Vertigo treatment requires a series of head and body movements done on a treatment table. Most people that experience Vertigo require 2-3 treatments.

It is also important to note that Vertigo can come on spontaneously or it can be caused from a virus or head injury. Vertigo can also re-occur. However, it can be treated and with vestibular therapy you will be provided with information and resources so you will be prepared if it does reoccur down the road.

If you are experiencing vertigo symptoms, such as feeling the room spinning with head movements, or other dizziness. Book in for a full vestibular assessment so we can get you back on track.

Why YYC Physio?

Having a why can make all the difference.


If you dont have a why then why are you even doing this?


My why starts early. Fades. Prevails. Becomes my encompassing passion.


I started Physiotherapy as a 5 year old. I hated it. It was hard. It hurt. It wasnt fun. Then I grew up and was able to run and play sports. I saw physios over the years as the pain came back as I grew up and in the end, I was able to do participate in all the things I wanted to. My body did not fail me. It was a lot of work. Work that was worth it.


I am here because I am passionate about helping people have that same hope that I have had and still have. Creating the possibility of returning to things discarded due to pain or injury. Picking up passions again. Doing something different. Taking control of your pain.


I provide a space where your pain has a voice. Where your pain is real. Where you can be yourself and we can work on your overall well-being.


My why is to help you feel the hope that I feel. To help you manage your pain like I have been able to. Every experience is different. Every person is different. But you don't have to be alone.