Deepa is a registered physiotherapist with over 15 years of experience. She is passionate about helping her patients achieve their goals by finding the root cause of their pain.
After noticing a genuine need for therapy and healing in the Sarnia region, Deepa Periasamy and her partner opened up the Lambton Physiotherapy & Rehab Clinic in 2022. She and her partner won the 2023 Platinum Award for best Physiotherapists and Rehab Clinics in Sarnia.
Periasamy has long been interested in learning about pain management, healing, and treating clients using a holistic approach. We sat down with Deepa to discuss her move to Ontario, the challenges she faced while opening her new clinic, and how she believes Canadians can take better care of themselves. After all, as Deepa puts it best, ‘one cannot stop the aging process, but one can prolong it’.
What inspired your move to Canada?
I previously worked in India as a therapist, and at the local college as a lecturer. Then I moved to Malaysia as a practicing physiotherapist. But I learned that Canada was a fantastic place to open a clinic. When I moved here, I began as an assistant in a physiotherapy clinic. After two years, I wrote the registration exams and practicals, and I was able to register as a Canadian physiotherapist. Eventually, I opened up my own clinic in Sarnia, Ontario.
Can you tell me about your clinic?
Postpandemic, I began to witness a genuine need for therapy within the Sarnia region. Along with patient care, it became important to research and implement new unique approaches to aid patients in the community. So my husband and I – having a genuine interest in helping people – decided to open up our clinic to patients in 2022, when the pandemic began to subside. Lambton Physiotherapy & Rehab is our first-owned business in this profession. We enjoy continuously exploring technical knowledge and provide great support to patients who come in with physical discomfort.
What challenges did you face when opening your clinic?
We lacked some formal business and marketing strategies. In time, we learned how to spread the news of our physiotherapy clinic. I met with other health professionals: doctors, therapists, and business owners. We also began attending business and healthcare seminars. Through these events, I met many informed business owners. Luckily, there were no major issues opening the new clinic and we received a lot of positive Google reviews, which helped spread awareness about our new clinic.
What services do you offer at your clinic?
Recently, we purchased a Bioflex Laser Therapy that helps treat patients suffering with chronic pain. It has significantly improved many patients’ symptoms. We also have cupping therapy, acupuncture, dry needling, therapeutic modalities including IFC, ultrasound, shockwave, exercise therapy, and massage therapy. These are some of the main practices in our clinic. We provide a thorough written initiative for patients so they can review what has been done and what needs to be continued for ongoing health benefits. Additionally, our clinic provides a massage therapist for individuals requiring one.
When did your passion for physiotherapy and healing first merge?
As a student, I had been interested in biology and anatomy. As a licensed physiotherapist, my passion comes from the positive results patients receive at our clinic. When people start feeling better and living happier, this confirms that our practice is meeting the needs of our clientele. From a personal standpoint, I feel as though I have a profound impact on patient’s lives, physically and mentally. It is important for me to approach each patient with a multifaceted approach. If something is not working for them, we find a method that does work. Pain management requires consistent study and up-to-date methodologies.
What are some of the health challenges patients face in rehabilitation?
Chronic pain. You must listen closely when investigating causes of injuries or symptoms. Effective communication and implementing proper rehabilitation and treatment on patients, leads to a positive treatment outcome. People come to the clinic for diverse issues. The most common complaint is generalized muscle pain.
Jason Waddle | Contributing Writer
