In this short series, learn about how the joints impact mobility as you age. We take you on a tour of a physiotherapy clinic that specializes in preventing wear and tear on the joints for people who use a wheelchair and hear from someone with lived experience on the importance of taking care of your body as you get older.
Features from Episode 3
Kyle’s Studio
Kyle Whaley is the Executive Director at Propel Physiotherapy. He began his professional career at Lyndhurst Centre, working with people who have spinal cord injuries. He chats virtually with Tory, in this segment of Underestimated.
Kyle’s Clinic
Propel Physiotherapy takes an individualized approach to rehabilitation. Oda visits the clinic in Etobicoke to learn some strategies to alleviate wear and tear for people who use a wheelchair.
Al Reeves
43 years ago, Al Reeves sustained a spinal cord injury. He was 24 years old. Since then, Al has learned a lot about taking care of his body and having a positive outlook.
Featured Guests
Al Reeves
Al sustained a C3-4 incomplete spinal cord injury in 1979:
“My independence means everything to me, and every illness/injury/pain can set me back from regular exercise routines, ultimately making it challenging to stay at my highest fitness and health and functioning on my own. That’s why maintaining them is so important to me. Working out on machines, walking in parallel bars and with walker have all been extremely beneficial to help me to keep fit. I have loved to be active and risk-taking over the years but there can be short and long term consequences that I’ve tried to balance out.
Stretching, massaging, ultrasound, taping, Voltaren have been used to address issues and with various successes. For example, after my right shoulder tear regular gentle stretching was of benefit. During my various knee/hip/shoulder issues massaging often was useful, likewise when more problematic the ultrasound and taping gave me relief. A commitment to looking after my health and by eating well, having a positive/optimistic outlook, willing to troubleshoot and adjust to issues, along with utilizing knowledgeable relatable physio’s/trainers/OT’s/physiatrist/PSW’s/family and friends goes a long way to successfully living with SCI.”
Kyle Whaley
BScPT, BSc, BPHE, CAFCI
Executive Director, Physiotherapist
Certificate in Vestibular Rehabilitation
https://propelphysiotherapy.com/
Kyle Whaley graduated from the University of Toronto Physical Therapy Program in 2002 after completing his undergraduate degree in Physical and Health Education at Queen’s university. He began his professional career at the Lyndhurst Centre working with spinal cord injured clients. He is currently the Executive Director at Propel Physiotherapy, overseeing 2 clinics in the GTA and community based treatment in Peterborough. He has spearheaded the use of cutting edge technology at Propel including the Keeogo TM robotic assisted walking device and the PoNS TM, portable neuromodulation stimulator. Kyle is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto in the Department of Physical Therapy. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, running, biking, boating and coaching his 2 boys in sport.
