STEVESTON PHYSIOTHERAPY

Home Grown Physio Takes the Helm

It is Steveston’s good fortune that physiotherapist Todd Jury recently took ownership of Steveston Village Orthopaedic and Sports Therapy Clinic, which is rebranding as Steveston Physiotherapy. Todd grew up in Steveston where he attended both elementary and high school and he remains actively involved in the community.

Todd Jury

Todd graduated from UBC with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2015. He enjoyed the program’s hands-on approach and came to more fully appreciate the importance of physical activity in promoting and maintaining good health. Inspired and motivated by his kinesiology experience, Todd went on to complete his master’s degree in physical therapy at UBC in 2017.

Physiotherapy has always been a part of Todd’s life. Growing up, he experienced sports injuries and says, “I was either getting treatments or seeing my dad work in the business.”

His father, Don Jury, is a retired physio who opened West Coast Sports Physiotherapy Clinic in 1984; it was one of Richmond’s first physiotherapy clinics. His mother, Vicki Jury, was a P.E. teacher at Killarney Secondary School. Todd mentions that his parents were his mentors; he learned from them and Greg Cassap, the clinic’s former owner.

Todd worked at Steveston Village Orthopaedic and Sports Therapy Clinic for several years, and when opportunity knocked he was excited to purchase the practice.

Many Stevestonites know Greg Cassap. He opened Steveston Village Orthopaedic and Sports Therapy Clinic in 1990, and over the last 31 years earned an excellent reputation as a physiotherapist. One year ago Greg mentioned that he was preparing for retirement and would be selling the business. Todd says, “We slowly talked it through over nine months, and here I am today, a Steveston business owner.”

Greg has tapered back his hours but he is still working with the clinic during the transition. Todd comments, “He has a huge following as a physio. He cares about people and the community. Patients talk very highly about him and I hope I will also bring this as an owner.”

Todd has plans in store to update the website, create a new logo and do a “refresh” of the business. In addition, small renovations will take place including new paint, taking out the carpets, and adding new cabinets.

When talking to Todd it is hard not to feel energized. He projects positivity and it is clear he is an inclusive and humble leader who fully credits all of his colleagues for making Steveston Physiotherapy a success.

It is not a flashy or large clinic. It is the physios and staff that make the clinic what it is and bring people back.

“Receptionist Dinty Evidente does an excellent job—she is the front office star.” Todd adds, “She is always friendly and smiling. She knows the patients well. I am happy to have her,” he says.

The “back office star” is office manager Gita Burns. She has also worked at the clinic for a number of years. Todd says, “She does a great job. She does work that nobody sees.”

Todd is grateful physiotherapist Meenie Grewal joined Steveston Physio in May 2021. She earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy in India as well as a master’s degree in science physiotherapy (neurology) in England.

Physio Jane Schmidt recently retired. Todd says, “She was a valued colleague. She worked at the clinic for eight years and was well-loved by people.”

Steveston Physiotherapy is strongly supported by the community. Many patients live close enough to walk to their appointments.

A healthy and active community drives people to physiotherapy.

People of all ages receive treatments. Todd has seen patients as young as five years old and up. No referral is needed. They handle ICBC, WorkSafeBC, and MSP claims.

The role of a physio is to assess and treat. Common complaints that bring people in include lower back, shoulder, and neck pain. Some pains stem from household chores, others are ergonomic, and some are sports injury-related.

We listen and work on problems with our patients to help them get better.

Todd mentions, “We work on patients through a lot of different avenues. There is not a one size fits all treatment. We give instructions and answer questions. We teach patients to do exercises at home and it filters through if they want to get better. Daily work is required at home—it can’t all be accomplished by coming to an appointment once or twice a week.”

Electrotherapeutic modalities are practiced to help control pain, inflammation and swelling, muscle retraining, and to optimize soft tissue healing. Modalities include laser, ultrasound, TENS, interferential current therapy, and muscle stimulation.

Both Todd and Meenie are trained in vestibular and concussion rehabilitation. Medication doesn’t always work for patients who experience vertigo, however, physios can be successful in treating it. Doctors will refer patients experiencing Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Todd says, “Some hands-on vertigo treatments have been proven very effective, having a 98 per cent success rate with three visits. It’s a great feeling knowing we can give a patient instant relief.”

The rewards of his practice are plentiful. He likes to chat with people about their lives and the world; it’s a job where he gets to meet and mingle with people, which he really enjoys.

Todd remarks, “Living with pain can be a stress on your mental state, and knowing that I can try to make people feel better is fulfilling,” he says.

Having grown up here, Todd knows a few local business owners his own age and he hopes to collaborate with them. He says, “Steveston is a very special place in Richmond. While Richmond has changed in many ways, Steveston has managed to preserve its small-town charm. I am excited about my role as a new owner of a Steveston business.”

Steveston Physiotherapy, 102-3811 Chatham Street, Richmond BC V7E 2Z4 Telephone 604-241-0933

www.stevestonphysiotherapy.ca