Ask Janette

You have questions, I have answers.

INJURIES/CONDITIONS TREATED

What pregnancy-related pain do you treat?

“Butt pain” - aka “Piriformis Syndrome”
“SI joint pain” - aka Sacroiliac Joint dysfunction
Hip flexor tension/pain
Lower back tension/pain
Groin strain
Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) protection
Pubic symphysis - aka “Pelvic Girdle Pain”
Round ligament pain/ abdominal pain
Foot strain/pain, plantar fascia, “Painful arches”
Pelvic floor pressure

What postpartum-related pain do you treat?

Nursing-related pain - shoulders, neck, arms, wrists
“Nursing Thumb” - aka deQuervain’s Syndrome
“Carpal Tunnel Syndrome”
Caesarian birth incision-related pain
DRA protection & recovery
Abdominal pain
Lower back tension/pain
Tailbone/Coccyx birth injury
leaking/incontinence, Painful sex*
*Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is excellent for internal + external treatment of these conditions

Can you help me with my pelvic floor?

Absolutely. Perinatal therapists treat the pelvic floor through external methods including manual therapy (treating the diaphragm, abdominal/trunk musculature, fascia, hips) and exercise (breathing techniques + movement). Internal pelvic floor structures are best treated by a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist. Click here for a list of Preferred Providers.

I’m not athletic. Are your programs for me?

Yes, my programs are for you. While I have extensive experience with elite athletes, Diastasis recovery and Caesarian birth recovery are applicable to all women, regardless of past or present athletic ability. My Proactivemoms Method of exercise rehabilitation is tailored to YOUR level of physical ability, unique needs and lifestyle -- we'll design a program that works for you.

I work with people of all shapes, sizes, activity levels, physical limitations, ages, genders, ethnicities, races and sexual orientations: mine is a safe, non-discriminatory and judgment-free space.

Is it safe to exercise during or after pregnancy?

Yes, absolutely! A pregnant or postpartum woman is capable of doing plenty. In fact, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada states that "all women without contraindications should be encouraged to participate in aerobic and strength-conditioning exercises as part of a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy." (It also warns against the risks of not being active during this time.)

Having a baby doesn't have to mean feeling weak, being lethargic, saying goodbye to your physical form, or avoiding activity. If we listen to your body and lifestyle, and incorporate your obstetrician/midwife's plan and suggestions, we'll find ways to move and challenge your body at every stage of/after pregnancy -- with baby's and your safety and comfort as the top priority.

PAINT ME A PICTURE (what does working with me look like)

What do you do during an in-person session?

There are three essential offerings to my service:

Manual Therapy is used to treat pain in muscles, joints and surgical scars, and can include trigger point release, fascial work, and various massage and osteopathic techniques.

A comprehensive Exercise Program via the Proactivemoms Method is designed and progressed as your body recovers. It may include stretching, strengthening and repatterning exercises. The Exercise Program will be designed to fit into your lifestyle, and may include your baby, be worked into your daily activities, or be designed for solo execution.

Healing is optimized with Education. Every step of the way, you will learn about your body, your injury/condition, sleeping, nutrition, baby, and anything else that will affect the outcome of the treatment plan. Information is power.

What makes your in-person pre/postnatal sessions unique?

My in-person sessions support one of my biggest beliefs: perinatal therapy should be delivered to maximize the comfort of the birth parent. This means my sessions for 4th trimester Proactivemoms (0-3 months) include “buffer time” for attending to baby’s needs throughout the session. The other Proactivemoms scheduled before and after you know about this and respect that I may run a bit late or early.

I set up and pack up on my own - no need to see me to the door. Just show up for your session and when it’s over, go back to your daily activities! #ItTakesAVillage.

What do I do with my baby?

No babysitter? No worries. Your baby is welcome during your session. Depending on your comfort level, I would be more than happy to wear your baby in their carrier. And don’t forget; take the time you need to tend to your baby during your session. I am here to support you.

What does a virtual session look like?

We can work together - wherever you are in the world! A secure virtual link is provided upon booking. Set up in a space with good lighting, wifi, and enough room for a yoga mat.

How do I know a virtual session will work for me?

Virtual sessions aren’t for everybody. They are most effective if the following describes you:

⮞ I move my body regularly and know when things “are/aren’t right”

⮞ I can follow an exercise video

⮞ I am good at describing how my body feels

⮞ I’m open to new ways of moving

⮞ I’ve had manual therapy before and know what “good pain” feels like

⮞ I’m committed to following a treatment plan/exercise program

How many sessions will I need?

It depends. Every perinatal journey is different -- even with the same mother! -- so it's best that we discuss and evaluate together during your initial assessment. Contact me to start a conversation.

ADMINISTRATIVE

Are your services covered under extended healthcare benefits?

Yes! Virtual sessions and are covered under your Athletic Therapy and Kinesiology benefits. In-person sessions are covered under Athletic Therapy, Massage Therapy, and Kinesiology. Check with your insurance provider first.

What Covid-19 precautions do you take?

Since Covid-19, in-home therapy will include some protocols that are set by the Ministry of Health, as well as the College of Massage Therapy. They are as follows:

⮞ Completing a Covid-19 screening questionnaire 24 hours before treatment. This will be emailed to you via a secure charting software, Jane App.

⮞ A more detailed screening questionnaire to be completed immediately prior to our session, by both you and I.

⮞ Mask wearing for the duration of my visit by you and I.

⮞ Hand washing before and after our session.

⮞ Treatment occurring in the room directly adjacent to the entry point.

⮞ You providing linens and pillows used (1-2 sheets + pillowcase).

⮞ Me disinfecting everything I touch with Covid-19 approved medical-grade cleaners, in your home and my equipment (I will provide this).

⮞ You can at any time cancel/postpone your session at no charge for any Covid-19 related reason.

What are your qualifications?

Over the past 18 years as an Athletic Therapist and Massage Therapist, I have taken dozens of continuing education coursework. I’ve pulled information from each of these courses to build my own focus on perinatal therapy. I am also mother to two thriving little ones, Yasmine and Isaiah. Combining my dedication to mothers with my love of sports and the human body, I will help make sense of your pregnancy and recovery journey.

Check out my LinkedIn profile for details.

Can I buy sessions or coursework with you as a gift for someone else?

Yes, gift certificates are available for my services; contact me to learn more.