Physiotherapist opens on Oak Street

Tori Sutton
STAFF REPORTER
Local physiotherapist Anita Dubé doesn’t hesitate when asked what the best part of her job is – helping people who need it.

Knowing she can help a patient who is in pain or distress can literally make her day.

“It’s something that helps people and as a result, in turn, I think it’s a symbiotic relationship because it makes me feel better,” she said, in an interview last week.

Dubé opened her own clinic, Flex Physiotherapy, at 221 Oak St. earlier this month, offering physiotherapy, sports conditioning and acupuncture.

Growing up in Stratford, she attended St. Michael Catholic Secondary School, before heading to the University of Western Ontario.  For a few years after graduation she worked in other cities, before returning to Stratford to work at a private clinic about nine years ago.

Opening her own practice seemed like a natural progression for Dubé, who specializes in manual therapy and offers treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, including work, motor vehicle, sports and performing arts injuries.

“It was both family and professional situations that spurred the decision on,” she said. “The timing was right.”

Everything seemed to fall into place, from the wonderful new space, which is wheelchair accessible and has plenty of parking, to the addition of pedorthist Julie Munday, who offers custom orthotics, footwear and splints.

“There are two things people who are constantly asking me about – pedorthic services and massage.”

The clinic has room to grow and Dubé said the addition of a massage therapist would likely be the next step when she is ready.

Recently, she has also started offering sports conditioning, working with individual athletes. She is also looking at working with some local teams to introduce programs aimed at injury prevention and recovery.

“I’m not going to be able to take someone and tell them I can make them a better basketball player,” she said. “But I can definitely turn them into a better athlete.”

She’s grateful for the massive amount of support she’s received from family, friends, patients and local doctors.

“I can’t believe the response I’ve had, especially from my previous patients,” she said, thanking everyone for their support. “It’s been tremendous and I’m very fortunate.”

For more information about Flex, call 519-273-2225.

PHOTO: Physiotherapist Anita Dubé recently opened Flex Physiotherapy at 221 Oak St. in Stratford. (Tori Sutton Photo)