About Deanna

About My Practice

I am a Registered Kinesiologist (regulated by the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario) with over 25 years of rehabilitation, ergonomics, and exercise prescription experience. I enjoy assisting and educating my clients to regain function, age well, prevent chronic illness and meet their physical goals for a better quality of life.

I offer in home care and virtual kinesiology services in Muskoka. These services can take place in my clients’ home or workplaces in Muskoka (Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville and surrounding northern area) as well as at select physiotherapy clinics in Huntsville, Ontario. 

Kinesiology sessions include goal centred whole person movement assessments to provide exercise prescriptions and education for people with or concerned by cancer, bone health and fall prevention. Ergonomic services including workplace assessments, functional evaluations, and educational workshops are also provided.  

 

 

About Me

I am a Registered Kinesiologist with the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario and a member of the Ontario Kinesiology Association and Canadian Kinesiology Alliance. I am passionate about motivating, educating and prescribing exercises for people to improve their physical and mental well being. After graduating from the University of Waterloo, with a Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology and an option in Ergonomics, I started my career in Ergonomics. I consulted in a variety of industrial and office workplace settings and then worked full time at automotive assembly plants in southern Ontario before my husband and I received the opportunity to move to Huntsville, Ontario.

Once we moved to Muskoka, I consulted at local manufacturing facilities and then started a career in clinical work at physiotherapy clinics, while raising two active boys. I have also worked with seniors for fall prevention, home safety assessments, mobility and assistive devices. 

In my pursuit of life long learning, I have taken several post graduate courses in exercise prescription for people with cancer, osteoporosis and arthritis. After becoming aware of cancer exercise programs that are offered in larger urban centres and the long list of benefits of exercise for cancer care and bone health, I wanted to use my skills, education and love for life in Muskoka to support people in our smaller community. I have several friends with cancer and have seen the effects of the disease and treatments. The power of exercise and lifestyle approaches is immense and well known to improve quality of life, reduce the effects of treatments, reduce the need for some medication for chronic diseases and assist people to get back to the life they want to lead.

I initiated and became the exercise lead for a local feasibility research project called Rural Exercise for Cancer Patients and Survivors (RECaPS). Our team of physicians and researchers are determining the need, feasibility, and safety of an exercise program for people who have a cancer diagnosis in our rural communities. The program has been a great success so far and has shown the need to continue offering services. It has been so rewarding to see the improvements participants have made such as being able to get up and down off the floor without aid, improved walking endurance from 5 minutes to 40 minutes, and to see the smiles as people connect, persevere, and gain confidence and strength. 

I am a volunteer with Enliven, a centre for self-care for people affected by cancer and for TriMuskoka, our local triathlon club. My husband, Steve and I have recently become “empty nesters” as our sons, Adam and Nick, headed off to University in Ottawa. In my spare time, I love to participate in all outdoor activities and have been known to complete several adventure and endurance races on my bike, in my canoe, in the mud, in the lakes, on the snow, or running the roads and trails, simply because I can. I am often asked what I am training for now. My usual answer is “I am training for life”. 

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Kinesiology For Life

Exercise and Education Programming:

  • Cancer care

  • Osteoporosis and bone health

  • Osteoarthritis and joint health

  • Fall Prevention

Kinesiology For Work

  • Ergonomic assessments and presentations

  • Physical demands descriptions

  • Functional Work Capacity Assessments

  • Job Coaching and return to work consulting

What is Kinesiology?

Registered Kinesiologists are human movement specialists and are recognized experts in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing injury and chronic disease.  Kinesiologists are graduates of a four year university degree, who have passed an entrance exam and application process for the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario.  Kinesiologists are regulated through the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario in order to protect the public’s right to competent, safe and ethical care. Check out www.cko.ca for more information. 

Kinesiologists use the science of human movement and evidence based research to provide a whole person approach when assisting clients to meet their health and wellness goals.  They understand the safety requirements and physical issues their clients deal with.

With exercise and physical activity being recognized as one of the most effective means to both prevent and manage chronic disease, ask me how I can support your bone health and cancer care.