When Orillia-born Chad Watters took over Lake Country Physiotherapy in 2022, he had worked for the clinic for nearly a decade. He knew both the town and the practice well.
The clinic was started in 1992, under the name “Bryan Physical Therapy.” Chad suspects that it was most likely the first private physiotherapy clinic in Orillia. Since 1992, the business has changed hands twice, and was renamed Lake Country Physiotherapy in 2012.
The clinic is comprehensive, with 7 physiotherapists, a sports medicine doctor, 2 social workers, 2 naturopaths, a massage therapist, and a kinesiologist as professional staff. Beyond traditional physiotherapy they also offer pelvic health physiotherapy, GLA:D arthritis sessions, concussion rehab, and Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), a treatment used to relieve muscle tightness and chronic pain. Physio is offered to all ages, from paediatric to elderly.
Lake Country Physiotherapy also specializes in vestibular rehabilitation. “There are a lot of people who suffer from dizziness symptoms, and sometimes they’re unsure of how to get it treated,” says Chad.
One common type of dizziness is vertigo, which makes the sufferer feel as if the room is spinning. There is essentially an error in the system that tells you where your body is positioned in space. This can sometimes occur after a concussion but often this occurs sporadically.
Chad says that in 80-90% of vertigo cases, vestibular therapists are able to successfully treat the condition in just 1 or 2 appointments. Even after recovering from vertigo, the individual can sometimes continue to feel unsteady and uncomfortable. The physiotherapist can help the patient identify what the problem is, re-train their brain, and recover.
“Dizziness is not just caused by errors from your ear and your eyes. Your feet also give you balance feedback. We can tap into that,” says Chad.
There is increasing evidence that diet, sleep habits, stressors and screen time habits can make a big difference in concussion recovery. Vision therapy through your optometrist can also make a difference if the vision system is at issue.
“If we assess you and we feel it’s something that’s not in our wheelhouse, we’ll let you know and refer you onward at that point,” says Chad.
With the variety of specialties offered by staff at the clinic, it’s a one-stop shop for a myriad of health issues.
Lake Country Physiotherapy has remained involved in the community since it opened over 30 years ago. The clinic has supported Couchiching Conservancy for years, which Chad has continued since he took over the business. He is especially drawn to causes that support physical activity and the outdoors.
“We support Couchiching Conservancy so they can create their programming and maintain these nature areas. Not only to protect them from sprawl, but also to provide some beautiful walking trails for people to enjoy.”
Keeping with the physical activity theme, the clinic has supported the Orillia Rowing Club, the Terry Fox Run, and the Orillia Majors Baseball Club. This August, they are also a name sponsor for Hardwood Hills’ “Timber24,” a 24-hour trail running festival. Lake Country is providing free physiotherapy coverage on-site for all the athletes. More information about the event can be found at timber24.run.
With the healthcare system remaining overburdened, the staff at Lake Country Physiotherapy want to help their patients with preventative care, keeping them independent and healthy so that health issues are less likely to arise. Patients tell Chad that they look forward to coming every week, and that they feel better after their gym exercise.
They are lucky to have many returning patients who come back to see the same therapist because they trust them.
“The patients tell me that the team keeps them going.”
For more information, visit them online.
This article was sponsored by Lake Country Physiotherapy, a 2023 OrilliaMatters Reader Favourite.