Donald Physiotherapy

Donald Physiotherapy Offers Full Family Care - Family Treating Family

by Elizabeth Ireland

It seems only fitting when a family care-focused business is owned and operated by a family. Donald Physiotherapy, located in Saskatoon’s growing Stonebridge neighbourhood, is just that. Trevor Donald and his wife Michelle are co-owners of the business and they are both physiotherapists. The clinic also employs six other physiotherapists, a massage therapist and four administrative staff.

Trevor is from the small agricultural town of Star City. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, both from the University of Saskatchewan. Michelle was born and raised in the city of Saskatoon. She also graduated from the University of Saskatchewan. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, after completing an undergraduate degree in Physiology.

Image: Saskatoon Chamber

Interestingly, the couple first met playing slo-pitch and outside of the physiotherapy sphere. They now live on an acreage east of the city and have two young children. “We work off of each other’s strengths and put trust in each other to continually move the business forward,” says Michelle.

Both Trevor and Michelle are certified in acupuncture and the Gokavi Transverse Technique of dry needling. They also operate a second physiotherapy clinic in Davidson, Saskatchewan. Their clients are quick to recommend the clinic’s knowledgeable and caring approach to individual treatment.

Growing a Business The business opened its doors in 2014, “quickly grew” and doubled its Stonebridge clinic space two years later. Donald Physiotherapy provides treatment for the clients traditionally associated with physiotherapy. For example, clients who have experienced workplace accidents, motor vehicle accidents or sport injuries. “Our treatment plan is dependent on the individual client and tailored to each client’s needs,” says Michelle.

In Saskatchewan, most insurance plans provide coverage for physiotherapy and massage therapy. A physician’s referral is not required to book an appointment with Donald Physiotherapy; most clients self-refer and hear of the clinic through word of mouth. However, some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage and Trevor and Michelle recommend that clients check their individual plan.

Trevor describes the diversity of the clinic’s clients: “We’ve worked with clients from six days old to 99 years old.” The couple emphasizes that parents are encouraged to “bring their kids with them” for treatment sessions.

Donald Physiotherapy does a lot of work with young mothers, including prenatal and postnatal treatments. Pelvic health is an area of professional focus for Michelle. This includes specialized assessment and treatment of the pelvis and pelvic floor muscle group. For women, common pelvic health concerns can include urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. For men, it’s common for prostate issues to cause urinary incontinence.

We work off of each other’s strengths and put trust in each other to continually move the business forward. “

Michelle Donald, Donald Physiotherapy

Saskatoon. GLA:D is an evidence-based program for treating and managing of osteoarthritic symptoms (the program is licensed to the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation). Rooted in education and exercise, the GLA:D program addresses the symptoms of hip and knee osteoarthritis with the aim of decreasing pain and improving quality of life.

Image: Saskatoon Chamber

“Recently, social media has increased awareness of pelvic health issues. It used to just be viewed as a rite of passage for women who gave birth. Pelvic health treatment can include manual therapy, education and exercises of varying degree. I believe that pelvic health issues can be delayed, if not prevented, through education and exercise,” says Michelle.

Let’s Dance Donald Physiotherapy also works with children and a lot of young dancers. Two of their longstanding commitments are to the River City School of Irish Dance and Dance Elements. In this way, Trevor and Michelle are supporters of Saskatoon’s dance community through sponsorship, medical coverage and seminars on injury prevention specific to dance (particularly foot, ankle and knee injuries).

Despite its reputation as a burgeoning neighbourhood full of young families, Stonebridge is also notable for its seniors’ residences. LutherCare Village at Stonebridge, Stonebridge Crossing Retirement Community and Trinity Manor at Stonebridge are three examples. Donald Physiotherapy gives a free seminar once a month on various wellness topics at LutherCare Village (which is located just around the corner from their clinic).

Donald Physiotherapy works frequently with clients with arthritis. In fact, Donald Physiotherapy is one of only two GLA:D Canada accredited sites in Saskatchewan and the only one located in Workplace Wellness Trevor enjoys working with employers and groups of employees to promote workplace health and wellbeing. He has done numerous injury prevention seminars for employees, including at SaskPower and the provincial Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure.

Trevor’s seminar speaking points include safe work postures, the principles of lifting and moving objects, using lifting/moving equipment, preventing slips, trips and falls, and teaching preventative exercises. “I hope employers and employees can identify injury risks and patterns and, as a result, have the ability to develop an effective preventative approach to workplace wellbeing,” says Trevor.

The clinic’s own employee wellness initiatives include fruit bowls and healthy snacks, seminars and monthly mentorship opportunities. “We believe in creating a positive workplace culture and hiring our employees for cultural fit. We treat families so we operate as a family,” explains Michelle.

The business has been a member of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce since soon after they opened their doors. Their employees receive benefits through the Chamber’s plan. They also appreciate the Chamber’s advocacy efforts on behalf of Saskatoon’s small businesses.

Donald Physiotherapy has been finalists in different SABEX awards categories over the past few years. In 2019, they were SABEX award finalists in the Customer Service category. “We focus on each client’s quality of life – what makes them tick. What is the client’s why? Is it returning to a specific sport or is it achieving a certain quality of life post-injury?” says Trevor.

In addition, Donald Physiotherapy is a certified provider of Sigvaris compression socks (the company is Swiss). The socks are available in varying compression strengths for conditions such as diabetes, as well as for athletics and long-haul travel.

Finally, what’s next for Trevor and Michelle Donald? “Business expansion is not on our near horizon, but you never know,” says Michelle.

Donald Physiotherapy #80-3211 Preston Avenue, Saskatoon www.donaldphysiotherapy.com (306) 933-3372