Mieke Truijen
Physiotherapy Clinic
Mieke Truijen, Registered Physiotherapist (CPTBC #02963), serves her clients' innate capacity to heal themselves, using her background in general, pediatric, and geriatric physiotherapy and her commitment to remaining current in her field.
Providing services on Pender Island since 1996
BOOK APPOINTMENT
Flexible schedule
Please call for an appointment:
250-629-9910
TREATMENTS
In Person in Clinic Physiotherapy Assessment and Treatment
The patient comes to Mieke Truijen Physiotherapy Clinic and Mieke will Assess and Treat the patient..
This could include Hands-On Physiotherapy
.
Online Physiotherapy Assessment and Treatment
Through a secure Online platform (Jane-app), PIPA compliant and encrypted. Mieke will be able to see you and observe all your movements, body mechanics in your own surroundings and home environment.
Receive Physiotherapy in the privacy of your own home, at a convenient time, no travel to Mieke Truijen Physiotherapy clinic.
Mieke will use all her skills to help you reach your goals in your rehabilitation..
This is a No Hands-On Physiotherapy Treatment
.
Phone Physiotherapy Assessment and Treatment
If you do not have a computer or cellphone, a Phone Physiotherapy Appointment is available.
Mieke will take you through the Assessment and Physiotherapy Treatment using education and teaching skills , she has developed over many years of clinical practice.
This is a No Hands-On Physiotherapy Treatment
.
For patients who are unable to come to Mieke Truijen Physiotherapy Clinic.
Mieke will do a home visit where she will Assess and Treat you..
This could include Hands-On Physiotherapy
.
CLASSES
Small groups and private sessions
Fitness, Exercise & Learning
Mieke’s classes have a maximum of 8 people so she can respond to the different needs of each participant. She is currently offering OSTEOFIT, STOTT PILATES, Stretch Therapy and Ins and Outs of Pain sessions. Classes are open to all ages and abilities; please call Mieke at 250-629-9910 for information or to talk about which session best suits you.
Even if you take Osteofit, STOTT PILATES or STRETCH THERAPY classes, it is still important to get aerobic exercise, whether through a brisk walk or another activity that gets your heart rate up. You should be able to say a few words while doing aerobic exercise, as this ensures a good range for your heart rate. Please check with your doctor before starting a new exercise regime. You can do Pilates and aerobic exercise on the same day. Relaxation and a healthy diet are other components for optimal fitness.
OSTEOFIT
Osteofit is a specially designed exercise and education program for those with osteoporosis and osteopenia, and for anyone at risk of falling who requires a safe and gentle strength, balance, and coordination program. For more information see: www.osteofit.org. Benefits from osteofit include improved bone health, posture, strength, endurance, and decreased risk of falls. It will increase your confidence and independence. Osteofit is a good class for people who are deconditioned or have not taken part in a regular exercise program. Mieke is a qualified Osteofit instructor. Another very good website with exercises for different levels of fitness in people with osteopenia or osteoporosis: www.melioguide.com
STOTT PILATES
Pilates is a full mind-body workout without the wear and tear - a functional training program with a progression throughout the exercises and classes. The five basic principles behind the Pilates method are: concentration, control, centering, flow, and breathing. Benefits from this exercise routine include improved flexibility, mobility, core strength, body awareness, balance, spinal lengthening, posture, and mind-body connection. The Pilates method Mieke teaches is STOTT PILATES®, which is a contemporary approach to the original exercise method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates. Co‑founders Moira and Lindsay G. Merrithew, along with a team of physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals, have spent more than two decades refining the STOTT PILATES method of exercise and equipment. This resulted in the inclusion of modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and effective methods available. This clear and detailed approach forms the basis for STOTT PILATES training and certification programs. It’s used by rehab and prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities and everyone in between.” For more information please see: www.stottpilates.com. Mieke is a qualified instructor in Mat and Reformer at the Essential and Intermediate Levels.
Pain Management through education and movement
Increase your understanding of the pain system and improve your well-being. Learning plays an important role in pain management. Research consistently shows that learning – understanding what happens when a person is in pain – greatly increases people’s ability to change the sensation of pain and improve their quality of life. Increase your understanding of pain and improve your well-being. What you don’t know about pain can hurt you!
Posture and Flexibility
STRETCH THERAPY is an approach to improve flexibility in all the muscles in your body, including the hands and feet.
The "contract-relax" method is used to safe and effectively increase flexibility and gain strength in your muscles in the end range of movement. Releasing accumulated stress and tension, improve flexibility, posture, and physical awareness.
ONLINE CLASS SCHEDULE - Spring 2025
Classes from January 7 to June 10, 2025
| Tuesday | |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:30 am | OSTEOFIT |
| 9:45-11:15 am | STRETCH THERAPY |
There will be no classes:
February 18
March 18 and 25
April 22
May 20
Cost for 18 classes ( 1 hour ) is $ 270 ( $ 15 per class )
Cost for 18 classes ( 1 hour 30 minutes ) is $ 405 ( $ 22.50 per class )
Please call Mieke for more information or to reserve your spot.
FAQ
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession which sees human movement as central to the health and well-being of individuals. Physiotherapists identify and maximize movement potential through health promotion, preventative healthcare, treatment, rehabilitation, and education. They have advanced understanding of how the body moves, what keeps it from moving well, and how to restore mobility. They are the movement specialists
What to expect at the initial physiotherapy appointment?
Your physiotherapist will complete an extensive assessment that may include your health history, evaluation of pain and other sensations, movement patterns, strength, joint range of motion, reflexes, and cardiorespiratory status. In addition, your physiotherapist examines relevant x-rays, laboratory tests, medical records, and surgical notes. Based on this assessment your physiotherapist establishes a diagnosis and works in partnership with you to develop individualized goals and treatment programs.
What are the different types of physiotherapy appointments?
In Person in the Physiotherapy Clinic:
The patient comes to Mieke Truijen Physiotherapy Clinic and receives the physiotherapy in person at the clinic.
Online in Your Home
Through Telehealth platform (Jane-app). We will meet Online.You will have Physiotherapy Assessment and Treatment online.You might be asked to do certain movements and exercises while Mieke can see you online through the videoconference platform. You will not receive Physiotherapy Hands-on Treatment.
Consultation by Phone:
If you do not have internet or you do not feel comfortable with Online physiotherapy, we can have a consultation by phone. You might be asked to do certain movements and exercises and report back on the phone.You will not receive physiotherapy Hands-on treatment.
What is Online Physiotherapy?
The availability of secure video technology, high quality cameras in mobile devices and high speed internet allow many physiotherapy services to be privately delivered into your home, at a time convenient to you.
During an Online Physiotherapy Appointment we can:
- Take a complete history to provide an accurate diagnosis.
- Examine range of motion and movements in your environment.
- Evaluate strength.
- Educate the patient on their injury or condition.
- Prescribe rehabilitation exercises and stretches.
- Correct exercise form and provide cues to do self correction checks.
- Provide and refine self joint mobilization techniques.
- Provide instruction on self treatment of soft tissue issues.
- Set up a full rehab plan to follow in your own environment.
- If nessecary, train another person to assist you with exercises and stretches.
What are the Benefits of Telehealth (Online) or Phone Physiotherapy Appointments?
- It prevents your conditioning from worsening. You do not have to wait utill Mieke Truijen Physiotherapy Clinic opens for In Person Physiotherapy.
- Mieke can see you move in your own home and environment and can recommend exercises and other treatment solutions specific to your needs.
- Saves you time and eliminates stress associated with traveling and exposure to COVID-19 and other viruses.
What are physiotherapy treatment areas which are effectively treated through online appointments or by phone?
- Balance issues
- Ergonomics at home and desk
- Individualized Exercise routines for osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, strengths after surgery, sickness.
- Joint Replacement Exercises for Hip, Knee, Shoulder. Before and after
- Joint strains, sprains
- Joint fractures after it has been stabilized
- Shoulder issues, rotator cuff exercise routine
- Back issues, lower middle and upper back
- Neck issues
How can physiotherapy help me heal?
You can have great influence on your autonomic nervous system and your body core simply through movement. When the autonomic nervous system is engaged it presents “space” for your brain and body to create new possibilities and choices. This is part of the innate healing process and generates more balance for your whole body.
Education is part of understanding what is happening and has proven great results in pain management and retraining movement patterns for people in pain after joint replacement, disc herniations, obesity, and long periods of inactivity after disease or illness. Therapeutic exercise helps you start moving at your ability level and keep moving to improve your body’s functionality.
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
Physiotherapists are university trained medical professionals and primary care practitioners. This means that you have direct access to physiotherapy without a doctor's referral.
In some circumstances, such as publicly funded community physiotherapy clinics, or certain extended health plans, a doctor or nurse practitioner referral is required to access funding. Consult your insurance provider to learn whether a referral is needed in your specific case prior to commencing treatment.
Who covers the fee for physiotherapy?
The cost for physiotherapy has been a private fee for the client since 2002, when physiotherapy was delisted from the BC Medical Services Plan, now called Health Insurance BC.
For people who are on Premium Assistance (low income), Health Insurance BC will contribute $ 23 per appointment for up to 10 appointments each calendar year to physiotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture services, chiropractic, naturopathy and non-surgical podiatry. WorkSafeBC and ICBC both cover Physiotherapy appointments.
The private fee may be fully or partly covered by your Extended Health Benefits Plan, so please check your health policy for specific details. Since Covid-19, many Insurances cover Telehealth physiotherapy appointments as well.
How long is a physiotherapy appointment?
The initial appointment is 60 minutes for Assessment and Physiotherapy Treatment. Subsequent appointments vary in time depending on the diagnosis and treatment choice. Appointmens are available for 30, 45 or 60 Minutes.
All appointments are one-on-one with evaluation, education and treatment. Hands-on treatments are only available with In Person appointments in the physiotherapy clinic or Home visits.
What is the cost of the treatments?
Your initial physiotherapy appointment is $ 95.00
Fees for the subsequent physiotherapy appointments vary depending on the amount of time booked.
What about electrotherapy?
Electrotherapy tretments do have a place in physiotherapy, but Mieke prefers to work with her hands and does not use electotherapy in her clinic. Mieke’s hands have developed skills in “listening and “handling” tissues during years of working with people of all ages, including thouse who were unable to communicate verbally.
RESOURCES
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Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) A comprehensive site for information about physiotherapy and the many ways physiotherapy helps improve the health and mobility of Canadians
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Physiotherapy Association of BC (PABC) The Physiotherapy Association of BC provides leadership and direction to the physiotherapy profession, fosters excellence in practice, education and research and promotes high standards of health in British Columbia
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College of Physical Therapists of BC (CPTBC) The CPTBC sets the standards for entry into the profession, registers qualified physical therapists, establishes and enforces rules and regulations that govern all registrants. On this site you can check if a physiotherapist is registered and allowed to practice in BC
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Stott Pilates
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Osteoporosis Canada
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OSTEOFIT BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre program
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Information and exercise schedules for different levels of fitness in people with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis
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Information about posture and flexibility, stretch therapy
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Arthritis Canada
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Canadian Pain Society
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Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association
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Canadian Diabetes Association
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National Library of Medicine A good site for information on health, education (library services) and research. The world's largest Medical Library
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The Upledger Institute A good source of information and training for craniosacral therapy
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WebMD Health A good site for information on health conditions and treatment
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International Association for the study of Pain
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The Neuro Orthopaedic Institute This is an independent international group of physical therapists dedicated to quality education and resource distribution
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Work Safe British Columbia
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Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
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www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp
Medical Services Plan of British Columbia
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Parkinson Canada
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Resources which promote a lifestyle with the end goal of healthy active aging for older Canadians.
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Tools and resources to help you make a difference in how you or someone else is living with pain
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Your prescription for Health in promoting physical activity as a chronic disease prevention and management strategy to improve the health of Canadians
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Knowledge translation network of people who have an interest in the management of conditions affecting bones and joints.
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The GLA:D® program is an education and exercise program which promotes independence in physical activity. Many people can complete the program independently at home with supervision and direction from a qualified therapist. It is for people with symptoms of hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA)
ABOUT
Mieke Truijen Physiotherapy Clinic on Pender Island has been open since 1996. Prior to that for 10 years Mieke has shared her time between private practice and part time in Long Term Care with the geriatric population and training employees in body mechanics, transfers, and back care.
Mieke's clinical experience between 1983 and 1996 is in general private practice (orthopedic and neurology) and pediatric physiotherapy in the Netherlands, Germany, and Canada.
Mieke’s physiotherapy training in the Netherlands included manual therapy, movement therapies, and massage therapy. Mieke learned the many different influences and responses of the body to hands-on treatments and through movement. Working with special needs children trained Mieke to have patience and "listen to the whole body" when assessing output (response and adaptations) and input (movement, hands-on treatment, stress, injuries, trauma).
During her years with both pediatric and geriatric patients, Mieke learned more about the physiotherapist’s role in palliative care. Helping people be as comfortable as possible while they move through the end phases is a powerful way to create more “space” for living at the end of their lives.
Mieke uses a variety of manual therapy techniques, depending on diagnosis and the individual treatment needs of each patient. Different techniques are most beneficial in addressing issues with fascial layers, pain, nerve entrapment, innervation patterns, and restrictions in spinal joints and limbs (shoulder, hip, knee replacements). Mieke’s mechanical input (touching the skin, movement) can guide the body’s own healing potential when it is ready for change.
Mieke Truijen Physiotherapy Clinic has Mieke as sole physiotherapist, working as a general practitioner. Always curious and wanting to learn more, Mieke is interested in current research in pain sciences, neurosciences, the role our brain plays, the always-moving human body, and the human spirit.
Mieke uses a variety of skills which do not use Hands-on Physiotherapy:
- Listening skills
- Educational skills. Topics like Breathing, Explain Pain, Goal setting and Interviewing.
- Observational skills take an experienced eye, which Mieke has build up over 35 years of clinical experience.
- Analytical skills, sorting what is relevant to the issues for the patients Physiotherapy treatment.
- Instruction skills, which Mieke has build up over the many years of teaching exercise classes, including STRETCH THERAPY, STOTT PILATES, OSTEOFIT. Gentle Movement and Breathing exercises for people with persistent pain
QUALIFICATIONS
Mieke Truijen
Registered physiotherapist (CPTBC #02963)
Member
The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (since 1995)
The Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia (since 1992)
The College of Physiotherapists of British Columbia (since 1992)
Education
Diploma of Physiotherapy, Netherlands 1983
Certificate of permission to practice under the professional description of a physiotherapist, Germany 1985
Canadian National Physiotherapy Exam, Canada 1993
Additional Education
Pediatric courses 1985-1990
Courses in sensory awareness, motor and neurodevelopment, Germany 1985-1990
General Practice Courses 1985-1991
Robin McKenzie Method, R. McKenzie, Netherlands 1985
Reiki, second degree in Traditional Usui Shiki Ryoho, B. Scepan, Germany 1989
Advanced training courses in Orthopedic Medicine, Netherlands and Germany 1985-1986
Cranio-Sacral Therapy including Somato- Emotional Release, The Upledger Institute Europe, 1990-1991
Pediatric Courses in Canada 1992-1995
Special Education Technology
Behavioural Management
Lower Extremity Pathomechanics and Orthotics
Seating clinics and the International Seating Symposium
Lifting, Transfers and Body Mechanics
Geriatric Courses in Canada 1997-2007
Falls Prevention
Gait Evaluations
Balance in the Elderly
Dementia Care
Physiotherapy and Palliative Care
Positioning and Seating
Hip Fracture Symposium
Pain management
General Practice Courses 2000 - current
Coaching, Communication, and the Therapeutic Alliance to Help Manage Persistent Pain, 2020
Gentle Movement and Relaxation Program, Pain BC, 2020
The Biopsychosocial Approach in Physiotherapy Practise, 2020
Fibromyalgia, Debbie Patterson, 2019
Orthotics for MSK lower limb pain- what PTs should know, PABC, 2019
Getting an accurate picture- Should PTs let imaging guide their practise?, PABC, 2019
Concussions- An Acute Urgent Health Concern!, PABC, 2019
Pain and the Brain: using language, sensorimotor treatment, and virtual reality to target the brain in chronic pain, PABC, 2018
GLA:D™ Canada, Good Life with OasteoArthritis in Denmark Course (adapted for Canada), 2018
Foot to Core Sequencing I The Foundation to Human Locomotion, Dr E Splichal, 2017
Pain Care Yoga, Neil Pearson, 2017
Pain and Therapeutic Movement: Is a Paradigm Shift Required?, CIRPD, 2017
SRETCH THERAPY, Deeper into the stretch, Olivia Allnutt, 2016
Soft Tissue Release Techniques, Jim Bilotta, 2016
CONNECT THERAPY SERIES, Linda-Joy Lee, 2015
New Advances in Hip Rehabilitation, David Lindsay, 2014
Urban Poling Course for Rehabilitation and Wellness, Sue Colbourne, 2014
Chronic Pain Masterclass, Michael Sangster, 2014
STRETCH THERAPY the Monkey Gym, Kit Laughlin, 2012
Progressive Goal Attainment Program, Micheal Sullivan, 2011
iStretch Teacher Training, Kit Laughlin, 2010
STRETCH THERAPY Training Program, Kit Laughlin, 2010
Osteofit course, Women's Health Centre Vancouver 2009
Stretch Therapy, Kit Laughlin, Vancouver 2009
Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Practical Approach, Bernard Tonks, Parksville 2009
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, Nicole Acerra, Vancouver 2009
Vestibular Rehabilitation: an overview of vestibular pathology and management, Nicole Acerra, Vancouver 2009
Neuropathic Pain, Laurie Urban, 2009
Business Solutions Seminars, Erika Trimble, 2009
What You Don’t Know About Pain Can Hurt You: New Paradigm of Pain Management, Neil Pearson 2008
Virtual Symposium on Pain, Pain Science Division Canadian Physiotherapy Association 2008
Obesity, Chronic Diseases and Exercise Prescription, 2008
Myofascial Mobilization Techniques, J.F.Barnes 2007
Latest updates about joint replacements and rehabilitation 2007
Somatic Experiencing Method of Traumatic Resolution with the Foundation for Human Enrichment, Peter Levine 2007
Spinal Cord Injury Training, Project Walk USA 2007
Osteofit Instructor Training, BC Women's Health Centre 2007
Osteoporosis Training, Canada 2007
Women's Health Symposium, UBC 2006
Diagnosis and treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes, S. Sahrmann 2005
Simple Contact, B. Dorko 2005
Musculoskeletal Integration of Neurodynamics, M. Shacklock 2005
Explain Pain, Neurodynamics, The Sensitive Nervous System, D. Butler 2004-2005
Hospice Palliative Care Training For Volunteers, Victoria Hospice 2002
Physiotherapist Assessment and Management of Rheumatic Diseases, Mary Pack Arthritis Program 2002
STOTT PILATES Instructor Training Mat and Reformer 2002
Health and Fitness Training, Balls, only Balls, JC Santana, UBC 2000
Osteoporosis Training, Canada 2000
CONTACT
| Phone: | 250-629-9910 |
| Address: | Mieke Truijen Physiotherapy Clinic 3720 Rum Road Pender Island, BC V0N 2M0 |
| Email: | mieke@miekephysio.com |
| Directions: | Magic Lake Estates: Turn left at the Fire Hall; take the first right at Privateers Road; Rum Road is the second right. |
| Parking: | Along the roadside or up on the top of the driveway ( 2 spaces ). There is space to turn your car. |
 | Wheelchair accessible |
© Mieke Truijen 2020
Website design and programming by Sergei Petrov