PhyisoDirect

PhysiotherapistMartin Bull

Martin's passion is physiotherapy and once he discovered this, he has spent his career and 'leisure' time honing his skills, extending his knowledge and ensuring that his practice is always person centred. This means that Martin places the client at the centre of all treatment - he'll assess holistically, ie. the whole person; discusses what their goals are; agrees where they want to be and how. Martin will explain what has occurred, why, ways to rehabilitate or manage and ways to prevent recurrence or worsening. The client will always feel that their questions have been answered and that they have been 'listened to'!

Martin has extensive experience in physiotherapy, incorporating: 8 years of experience working with professional rugby and soccer players, 5 years’ experience working in a hospital setting and in the community, palliative care and 12 years experience working in private practice and within a multidisciplinary team. He has spent several years studying and collaborating with other specialisms to allow him to incorporate other techiques into his practice.

He uses a combination of manual techniques, combining physiotherapy & osteopathic methods to achieve the best results. Martin is able to interpret biomechanical and functional analysis to address musculo-skeletal injuries and disorders, sporting, occupational, ergonomic and traumatic dysfunction and injury. He is able to utilise electrotherapy when required, acupuncture, k-taping and pain reducing modalities when appropriate.

At leisure, Martin loves being in Nova Scotia and can be found hiking, golfing, painting, playing guitar, swimming and kayaking. He and his wife Debbie, love spending time with friends, trying new activities, attending concerts and the theatre and considers himself a proud Nova Scotian! Martin and Debbie have a wonderful family in Europe, particularly, two little Granddaughters, Mollie and Mia.

Debbie BullAdministration

Prior to coming to Canada in 2012 Debbie had had an extensive history primarily as a specialist nurse tutor in the UK. Much of her nursing career had concentrated on working to develop practice and standards in elderly care. To this end, Debbie had had fifteen years working nationally across the UK teaching nurses and care givers in diverse clinical topics, including safer administration of medicines, palliative care, dementia awareness and safeguarding adults. Debbie's experience includes:

Working as a nurse with experience in trauma and cardio-thoracics until she found her love of elderly care
Teaching at a large hospital in London
Medical director for a semi-professional rugby club for 8 years, responsible for trauma management and health promotion
Lead educator for distance learning colleges for nursing studies
Obtaining teaching certification to teach health care, further education and complimentary therapies, including massage

Debbie and Martin opened the first physiotherapy practice in Elmsdale together and developed a fantastic rapport with the clients, their doctors and the amazingly supportive multi-disciplinary team and staff at Elmsdale Medical Centre. Debbie says 'It has been a joy to work in Elmsdale and we will never take for granted the welcoming and generous nature of the people concerned; clients and staff alike! We will always do our very best to recognise the trust that these individuals have placed in us and provide the most supportive and effective service to reciprocate.

For leisure, Debbie and Martin get to have fun with friends and this often means trying new things, 'including the time that we all tried white water rafting in Maine where we scared ourselves silly!' Something that Debbie would not have even considered in the UK......'One of the best things about living in Nova Scotia is going for a walk, or looking out of the window, one of the most beautiful places in the world and all for us to see!' Debbie and Martin also have a wonderful family back in Europe and pride of place are their children and wonderful Granddaughters.

Reception/administrationLaurie Vandal

Laurie Vandal grew up in Dartmouth where she lived until May 2005 when she moved to Wales in the UK, returning in September 2016 for the birth of her grandson. She instantly knew, with his birth, that she didn’t have the heart to return to Wales and wanted to stay home in Canada and watch him grow up.

Laurie worked the previous five years of her life in Wales at the University Hospital of Wales, in the Dental Hospital, working as a receptionist on one of the clinics before progressing to a Medical Secretary working for various specialty dentists, professors, surgeons and students. Her previous work experience included being a receptionist within a Community Mental Health Team, The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia and fifteen years in customer service in retail management.

She currently lives ilocal to the clinic and enjoys spending time with her daughter, grandson, granddaughter and close friends. She enjoys walking, whale watching in the summer and driving to the valley to visit her sister and her family, as well as dining out, watching a movie or a play at Neptune Theatre. She has always enjoyed working in a patient oriented environment and does her best to make everyone feel welcomed at PhysioDirect.

Becky HamarPhysiotherapist

Becky is a passionate Physiotherapist actively practicing since 2009. Becky graduated at the top of her class in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science and Kinesiology from UNB. She went on to study Biomechanics working with children with cerebral palsy before completing her Masters of Physiotherapy from the University of Western Ontario (UWO) in 2009. She received recognition for her work with seniors during her time at UWO.

Becky has spent the majority of her working years practicing orthopedics in clinic settings. She has advanced her practice working with chronic pain rehabilitation as well as pre and post natal care for new mothers. Becky is passionate about person centered care through the creation of therapeutic goals alongside her clients. Her advanced skillset include: manual care techniques, soft tissue release, acupuncture, Pilates, chronic pain management, therapeutic taping, exercise programming, hydrotherapy (pool therapy), and education.

Becky is a mother of two children and loves active weekends with her family. She is a proud maritimer and an avid swimmer who also loves biking/running around the lake near her home.

Becky looks forward to helping you achieve your health goals.

Massage TherapistJennifer Thompson

Jennifer Thompson (she/her) is the newest Massage Therapist to be joining the PhysioDirect team. Jennifer graduated in the top percentile of her class in 2020 from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy. Jennifer is compassionate, dedicated, hardworking and motivated, she thrives on a challenge and is always eager to gain more knowledge.

Jennifer offers services such as: Deep tissue massage, trigger point release, stretching, myofascial release, cupping, and homecare advice (stretching, strengthening, exercises)

Jennifer has treated a variety of conditions such as, but not limited to,: Sports injuries, whiplash, sprains/strains, nerve impingement (carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome), headaches/migraines, fascial restrictions, joint hypomobility, postural imbalances, and tendinopathies.

Jennifer grew up in the Elmsdale area and spent five years living in Calgary, AB shortly after graduating high school. Outside of work, you can typically find Jennifer spending time with her family, reading a good mystery novel, archery, skiing, swimming, or kayaking.

Jennifer is excited to be joining the PhysioDirect team and she hopes to see you in the clinic!

Melanie GoodReception/administration