Fall River Physiotherapy - pt Health

Our Clinic Team

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  Emily Mathisen
  Massage Therapist

  Speaks: English

  Emily graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2019 and is a member in good standing with MTANS. Throughout her time in school, she developed a passion for helping people that are in pain and discomfort. She has continued to expand on her education by taking courses on chronic pain, cupping, gua sha, and pre/post-natal care. 

  Outside of her work, she spends her time renovating her house with her husband, exploring Nova Scotia, and traveling to visit her family in Minnesota.

  
  
  
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  Michael Chiasson
  Physiotherapist

  Speaks: English

  Michael’s physiotherapy career started in 2014 as a kinesiologist for pt Health at the Cole Harbour Integrated Health and Forest Hills locations. Spending three years with the company, Michael grew to love the healthcare field and chose to further his education by becoming a physiotherapist. He graduated from Dalhousie University in 2019 with a MSc. in Physiotherapy and is happy to be working as a pt Health team member again.

  Michael believes in using a client-centered approach, incorporating individualized exercise and education to help patients manage pain and recover while preventing future injuries. He hopes to pursue post-graduate courses in acupuncture and manual therapy to help improve the care he can provide to his clients. Outside of physiotherapy, Michael is an avid sports fan and athlete. He played competitive soccer and competed at a national level in sprint canoe/kayak. He continues to maintain an active lifestyle through sports and fitness.

  In his free time there is nothing he enjoys more than spending time at home with his wife, son and two dogs.

  
  
  
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  Katlynn Westhaver
  Occupational Therapist

  Speaks: English

  Katlynn graduated from Dalhousie University with a Master in Occupational Therapy in 2019 and a Bachelor in Science of Psychology in 2017.

  She has continued her education by completing Shannon McGuire's level 1 & 2 concussion management workshops, cognitive demands and abilities evaluation training, Neil Pearson's practical applications of pain science workshop, WorkWell Functional Capacity Evaluation certification, prolonged exposure therapy training, accelerated resolution therapy(A.R.T) training, cognitive behavioral therapy training, acceptance and commitment therapy workshops, mental health first aid for both adults and youth, and trauma informed care training. 

  Outside of work, Katlynn enjoys spending time with family and reading.

  
  
  
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  Kristen Pothier
  Osteopath

  Speaks: English

  Kristen is a graduate from the 5 year manual osteopathic program at the Collège d’Études Ostéopathiques, Halifax location. She is a professional member in good standing with the Nova Scotia Association of Osteopaths (NSAO). Prior to completing her osteopathic training, she graduated from Dalhousie University in 2016 with a BSc in Kinesiology. Kristen has always been in pursuit of knowledge of the body and healthcare education, and shares that enthusiasm with everyone she meets. Kristen presented her final research project on post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS), which has led her to develop a special interest in gastrointestinal disorders and digestive health.

  Osteopathy is a manual therapy that holistically reviews all body systems, their interrelationships, and treats them as one functional unit. It uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on the individual’s health rather than disease. Osteopathy uses gentle manual palpation to evaluate musculoskeletal, neurological, and visceral structures. It treats with the goal of improving altered function and movement that was impeding health, and assisting in healing and pain relief.

  Osteopathy is for all ages and professions, from newborn to elderly, athletes, manual workers and office professionals. Osteopathy treats a wide variety of conditions, including:

  • Acute and chronic pain
  • Spinal, pelvic, and joint pain
  • Muscle, soft tissue pain
  • Digestive and pelvic health problems
  • Headaches and TMJ dysfunctions
  • Sports injuries
  • Head injuries, concussions
  • Pregnancy and postpartum pain

  Kristen enjoys outdoor exploring, home cooking, and weaving various crafts. She has extensive history training in dance, including ballet, jazz, modern, and hip hop. Her most recent training endeavor is calisthenics.