Kristen (she/her) is the co-founder of Shift Physiotherapy & Wellness and is extremely passionate about pelvic health.
Kristen chose to specialize in pelvic floor physiotherapy while doing her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy at the UofA. One of her graduate placements was with the Urogynecology Clinic at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, and she witnessed first-hand how urogynecological surgeries, pessary fittings, education and pelvic health physiotherapy treatments could improve a patient’s quality of life. Instantly, she knew she’d found her calling.
After graduating from the Masters program in 2012 she immediately dove into the pelvic health world.
Over the thirteen years Kristen has completed a number of professional development courses including:
Treating Urinary Incontinence: Pelvic Floor Muscle Re-education and Behavioural Techniques
Protecting the Pelvic Floor in Pregnancy and Delivery
The Puzzle of Pelvic Pain
The Female Athlete
Physiotherapy for Ano-Rectal Disorders
Mobilization of Visceral Fascia: Urinary System
Spinal Manipulative Therapy
Anatomical Acupuncture (AFCI Certificate)
Functional Dry Needling
AND MORE!
Kristen is all about setting realistic goals that are meaningful to her clients and helping them get to a point where they can manage symptom flare-ups on their own (although she is always available if professional treatment is needed again).
More than anything, Kristen cares about reminding clients that investing in their health is one of the best investments they can make. When it comes to pelvic health, too often we ignore or “live with” symptoms. Although pelvic floor dysfunction is common it is not normal and she is here to help!