Online Archives - Ontario Physiotherapy Association

5 Marketing Actions That Matter for Physios

What to focus on, what to ignore, and how to do it in 1 hour per week

Most physiotherapists are told to chase short-term marketing tactics. Ads, hacks, rankings, quick wins. That can work short term. But long term, it creates dependency, low-quality leads, and zero retention.

This free session is about building a foundation so marketing works with your practice, not something you have to keep paying for forever.

It comes down to five simple questions every physio has to answer, and your answers determine whether marketing compounds or keeps costing you.

This session is free and open exclusively to OPA members. Membership will be verified prior to registrants receiving the link to join.

What you will learn:

How to set up and maintain your Google Business Profile so patients find you when they are actively searching
How to use blogging to bring in new patients without relying on ads
How to manage and grow your Google reviews so patients feel confident choosing you
How to show up consistently on social media without it taking over your schedule
How to show up in both Google and AI search results as patient search behaviour shifts

Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Time: 7:00 to 8:00 PM EST
Format: Zoom Webinar
Cost: Free! Only OPA members may attend.

Agenda:
Welcome and overview (5 minutes)
Context setting: priorities and why this matters (5 minutes)
Keynote presentation: 5 marketing actions that matter (35 minutes)
Live Q&A (15 minutes)

Presented by: Tyler Sinden and Natasha Piroutz, Co-Founders of NewFrame Digital. They work with clinic owners and practitioners every day, specifically physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, and massage therapists across North America. Their whole approach is built on one belief: marketing shouldn’t take up all of your time, and it shouldn’t cost you a fortune.

Shift Concussion Management Level 1 and 2 Combined Program (Online)

Concussion management is evolving, and healthcare professionals need comprehensive, evidence-based training to stay ahead. Whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your expertise, Shift Concussion Management’s Full Concussion Program Course (Level 1 & Level 2 Combined) offers everything you need in a single, streamlined program.

This fully online, self-paced course delivers a progressive learning experience—starting with the foundational principles of concussion assessment and management in Level 1, then advancing to the specialized rehabilitation techniques and complex case management strategies in Level 2.

What this Program Covers

Level 1: Best Practices in Concussion Management – Key Components

Fundamental concussion pathophysiology and recovery timelines
Standardized assessment tools and clinical screening techniques
Early management strategies to optimize patient outcomes
Return-to-school, work, and sport protocols based on current guidelines

Level 2: Advanced Case Management – Key Components

Cervical spine considerations in concussion and rehabilitation techniques
Vestibular-ocular dysfunction: assessment and targeted rehabilitation
Autonomic dysregulation and individualized exercise interventions
Management of persistent symptoms, including headache, sleep, mood, and cognitive fatigue
Case discussions and treatment planning for complex concussion presentations

Exclusive Access to Shift’s Membership & Trained Provider Program – Upon completion, gain entry to Shift’s online professional community, featuring:

A rehabilitation exercise and patient education video library
Curated treatment plans and concussion pathways
Webinars, continuing education, and case discussions
Professional listing as a Shift Trained Provider on ShiftConcussion.ca to enhance patient outreach. Visit our Membership Page for more details.

Exclusive for OPA Members: Use discount code OPA2026 for an additional 10% off!

Endometriosis 101: Moving towards better care

Participants who register for this course have the option to attend the course live-online and/or watch the recording later. The recording will be available to all registrants for a 6-week period and access is provided on the next business day following the course. This allows participants who may not be able to attend live-online to still benefit from the course content. To facilitate attendance tracking, please indicate on your registration form if you won’t be attending live.

Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of endometriosis and to develop the knowledge and skills to properly screen, evaluate, treat and review the importance of using a multidisciplinary approach for this diagnosis. An in-depth review of the pathophysiology and etiology of endometriosis, primary clinical manifestations, subsequent screening techniques, and current evidence-based treatment techniques will be discussed. Throughout the course, participants will be provided opportunities to critically think and apply the information presented in order to properly evaluate and treat a patient with this condition. By the end of the course participants will be able to create an accurate assessment and treatment plan utilizing a multidisciplinary approach based on a patient’s clinical history and objective findings.

Course content will be presented in a two-day format, with a pre-recorded module reviewing basic anatomy as it relates to endometriosis in clinical practice and an overview of the current conservative, medical, and surgical diagnostic and treatment techniques available in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the care available to patients with endometriosis.

Course Objectives:

Participants will:

Accurately define endometriosis and be able to summarize the current theories pertaining to its pathophysiology
Correctly identify primary symptoms of endometriosis and overlapping pain syndromes
Be able to correctly examine a vulva to better identify and differentiate symptom etiology in patients with endometriosis
Understand how to correctly perform a pelvic floor examination with considerations of structures affected by endometriosis as they pertain to clinical symptoms
Be able to establish a differential diagnosis and perform a thorough subjective and objective exam to develop a patient-centered treatment plan
Be able to utilize various myofascial treatment techniques and tools discussed in this course to address myofascial findings and improve patient’s symptoms in a moderately complex patient with endometriosis
Recognize the psychological aspects concomitant with endometriosis using a biopsychosocial model
Reliably recall vetted resources that can be used in patient care for patient education
Demonstrate good understanding of the current diagnostic measures and treatment options available along with their associated limitations and benefits

Pre-recorded Module (approximately 1 hour)

Definition of endo
Review of anatomy related to endometriosis (pelvis and abdomen)
Current approaches in medical management
- Diagnostic approaches
- Treatment techniques
  - Ablation vs. Excision
  - Medication overview

Prerequisite: We strongly recommend completion of level 1 which includes internal palpation based on the skills taught during this course. If registering for this course without completion of level 1, the skills taught must only be used within your scope of practice.

Date/Time: May 21 & 28, 2026, from 5:00pm – 9:00pm ET (Toronto). Please convert to your local time zone.

Integrating Pilates for Prenatal and Postpartum Health – A Practical Approach for Rehab Professionals

Course Description:

This 4-hour course introduces current Pilates concepts to physiotherapists and other health and wellness professionals, focusing on prenatal and postpartum care. Participants will learn how to use Pilates principles to complement their clinical practice. Gain practical cues and tips for teaching Pilates successfully and leave with a toolkit of exercises that can be immediately implemented. The course also explores creative applications of small props, such as Pilates balls and resistance bands, that are commonly available in clinic settings. No prior Pilates experience is necessary.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand current Pilates concepts and how they apply to (non-high risk) prenatal and postpartum care.
Identify considerations for Pilates during healthy pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Learn effective cues for teaching Pilates successfully.
Receive a toolkit of Pilates exercises tailored to prenatal and postpartum populations.
Explore practical applications for small props (e.g., Pilates ball, resistance bands) to enhance patient care.

Supplies Recommended:

Pilates ball
Resistance bands
Exercise mat

Audience: This course is open to all healthcare and wellness professionals.

Prerequisite: None – no previous Pilates experience necessary.

Date/Time: May 26, 2026, from 5:30pm-8:30pm ET (Toronto). Please convert to your local time zone.

The Secret to Building Community WITHOUT Social Media

Course Overview:

The Secret to Building Community WITHOUT Social Media

More clients, more impact, more money… faster.

Social media is a tool, not a business strategy. Many entrepreneurs waste hours creating content, chasing engagement, and burning out, without seeing real results. This course will show you how to use social media effectively without letting it consume your time, mental load or energy.

Instead of relying on unpredictable algorithms, you’ll learn the exact steps to build a strong, referral-based community that drives consistent client growth—without the stress of constant posting. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this method will help you build trust, increase word-of-mouth referrals, and create a business that thrives beyond the digital space. And yes, this will work if your business is brand new!

We’ll walk you through:

✅ The top 3 traps entrepreneurs fall into with social media (and how to escape them)
✅ 7 simple 15-minute tasks that will have your community growing immediately
✅ The worksheet to make you irresistible to clients and local businesses
✅ Turning a slow trickle of clients into a steady flood through word-of-mouth marketing
✅ Real-life examples of successful community-building strategies
✅ The ultimate pro tip for leveling up client care using free samples (without costing your business a dime)
✅ Step-by-step guidance to help you implement these strategies with ease

With clear instructions and actionable steps, you’ll be able to watch your community, and your bank account, grow.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, you will:

Learn how to use social media as a tool rather than a time-consuming, low-ROI effort
Identify and break free from the three biggest social media traps that keep entrepreneurs stuck
Implement seven 15-minute community-building tasks that create a ripple effect of growth
Utilize a structured worksheet to attract more clients and business partnerships effortlessly
Discover proven word-of-mouth strategies to turn small client wins into a flood of referrals
Understand how to improve client care and loyalty through small but impactful gestures
Follow a step-by-step system to establish and sustain a thriving community outside of social media

Audience: This course is open to all healthcare and wellness professionals.

Prerequisite: None

Date/Time: April 22, 2026, from 6:00pm-9:00pm ET (Toronto). Please convert to your local time zone.

Pregnancy, Pelvic Girdle Pain & The Pelvic Floor

If you are watching the recording only, please note that the breakout room discussions are not recorded and you’ll only be able to see the discussion after.

Description:

This advanced-level course is designed to deepen the knowledge of physiotherapists and other healthcare providers in optimizing pelvic health throughout the perinatal period and postpartum period, with a specific focus on understanding and managing pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP).

Participants will explore evidence-based strategies to prevent pelvic floor dysfunction during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as best practices for restoring pelvic floor function in the postpartum period. The course will provide a comprehensive overview of appropriate exercise prescription both before and after birth, tailored to support pelvic health.

In addition, advanced assessment and treatment techniques for anorectal dysfunction related to coccydynia in pregnancy and postpartum will be reviewed and demonstrated.

PGP is poorly understood by many clients and clinicians. This course will challenge outdated narratives—such as the overemphasis on relaxin—and equip participants with a clearer understanding of the true drivers of this clinical presentation with particular attention to muscle imbalances that contribute to the clinical presentation. Clinicians will leave with tools necessary to foster a more confident, effective approach to care.

This is a live two-day online lecture course, which includes videos of all assessment and treatment techniques.

Included in this course are the following videos that must be watched prior to the course. You’ll have an opportunity to ask any questions that may arise from watching the videos during the course.

DRA video (2.75 hours) – created by Munira Hudani for Pelvic Health Solutions on practical tools and tips, exercise principles and progressions, and the framework she uses.
Clinical tests and exercises video (18 minutes) – created by Susan Clinton for Pelvic Health Solutions on special tests to assess pelvic girdle pain and treatment strategies.

Upon completion, participants will:

Explore the anatomical, physiological and hormonal changes that occur during the perinatal and postnatal stages.
Discuss and review pelvic floor anatomy, focusing on its role in pelvic girdle pain, incontinence and dyspareunia.
Learn about the phases of labour.
Gain insight into the physiotherapist’s role in both perinatal and postnatal care, including birth plan preparation, perineal massage and birth positions options during labor.
Learn assessment and treatment considerations for episiotomy scars/tears, c-section scars, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, dyspareunia, diastasis recti, coccydynia and other musculoskeletal conditions that occur during pregnancy and postpartum.
Gain knowledge on exercise considerations during pregnancy and postpartum, including return to running guidelines and post c-section recovery treatment guidelines.
Learn to recognize red flags, contraindications to various treatments, including exercise in high-risk pregnant population and become familiar with urgent maternal signs.
Understand obstetric red flags that may require a referral to medical team (OB, midwife, family MD or nurse practitioner)
Investigate the causes of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, along with associated impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities.
Perform a lumbopelvic assessment of pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain using provocation testing and applying a biopsychosocial approach
Establish appropriate patient centered goals and develop an evidence-based treatment plan during pregnancy and postpartum
Develop knowledge in evidence-informed strategies to address and mitigate pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, including exercise and lifestyle interventions.
Integrate these learnt concepts with the use of case studies.

Audience: This course is open to all practitioners who work with women in the perinatal care period: physiotherapists, naturopathic doctors, nurses, midwives, and medical doctors.

Prerequisite: Level 1 (or equivalent to be approved by PHS – please email info@pelvichealthsolutions.ca for approval).

Date/Time: May 30-31, 2026, from 10:30am-4:30pm ET (Toronto). Convert your local time zone.

Taking Back Postpartum Rehab – Leading Group Classes for the Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist

Course Description:

The postpartum period is a critical time for recovery, yet many individuals are guided through this phase by programs and coaches that lack the specialized knowledge required to address their unique needs. The rise of postpartum “rehab” programs has highlighted a gap in quality care—too often, these classes are poorly designed and led by under qualified instructors.

As pelvic floor physiotherapists, we have the ability to fill this gap and set a new standard in postpartum recovery. This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to implement group postpartum rehab classes effectively. You’ll learn about the research and benefits of group physiotherapy and how to apply these benefits to postpartum recovery, how to address common conditions like diastasis recti, prolapse, incontinence, and pain, and how to design effective exercise programs in a group setting.

The course also provides you with valuable resources, including done-for-you class templates and an extensive exercise library, so you can start implementing these programs immediately.

Course Objectives:

Review the benefits and research on group rehabilitation programs and how they can be applied to the postpartum population.
Provide an overview of common postpartum conditions and important considerations for returning to exercise.
Review the benefits of strength training and identify key areas of focus for the postpartum population.
Understand the difference between group physiotherapy and general fitness programs.
Learn how to program exercises based on participants’ current function and how to modify and adapt exercises in a group environment.
Develop the confidence and clinical reasoning needed to structure effective rehab classes.
Walk away with done-for-you class templates and a library of exercises and progressions that can be implemented immediately, both in a group environment and with one-on-one clients.
Implement a new revenue stream for your clinic while improving the access and affordability of care for your postpartum clients.

Audience: This course is open to practitioners who work with people in the post-partum care period: physiotherapists, occupational therapists, naturopathic doctors, nurses, midwives, and medical doctors.

Prerequisite: None

Date/Time: May 24, 2026, from 10:30am-5:30pm ET (Toronto). Convert your local time zone.

Non-Internal Introductory Pelvic Health Course

To Kegel or Not: That is the Question!!

Pelvic floor problems are prevalent in more than 2/3 of women with LBP/PGP, and 1/3 of men with LBP

Is this an important fact affecting your outcomes for chronic LBP?

Course Description

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) can include increased tone and decreased tone muscle problems. It is not all about Kegels! How can you tell if your patient is over-recruiting their pelvic floor if you cannot do an internal exam? Not all clinicians want to perform this type of exam, or it may not be in your scope of practice. Learn what the evidence says about linking pelvic floor dysfunction to chronic low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and hip pain, and learn what you can do about it in your practice. Help your patients to regain control of these important muscles! Sexual function and bladder/bowel function are arguably some of the most important activities of daily living that your patients need to recover. Don’t let your discomfort be the barrier to your patient’s recovery; we will make it fun and non-threatening!

Support resources are included in the cost of this course.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand the relevance of Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) when treating orthopaedic conditions- specifically LBP, SIJ dysfunction, PGP, and hip pain
Learn basic anatomy of the pelvic floor musculature and physiology of the lower urinary tract system (LUTS)
Understand pelvic floor conditions as they relate to a weak pelvic floor and an overactive pelvic floor
Learn how to ask patients important questions about sexual function
Learn non-internal management strategies for pelvic floor retraining
Create an individualized exercise program and progression for clients with increased or decreased pelvic floor tone
Use behavioural techniques to help retrain a variety of dysfunctions of the urinary and bowel system
Practice externally driven techniques for assessing and treating pelvic floor dysfunction
Understand when to refer to a specially trained physiotherapist for incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic pain

Audience: This course is open to all healthcare and wellness professionals.

Prerequisite: None

Date/Time: June 14, 2026, from 10:30am-6:30pm ET (Toronto). Please convert to your local time zone.

Beyond Kegels – Functional Strength Training for the Pelvic Floor: Online (with optional In-Person)

Course Description:

Unlock the missing piece in pelvic floor rehabilitation – functional strength training.

As a pelvic health physiotherapist, you understand the complexities of treating conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and pelvic organ prolapse. But are you leveraging strength training effectively in your treatment plans?

Too often, rehab is limited to isolated pelvic floor strengthening or cookie cutter treatment plans, leaving patients without the strength they need for full recovery. This course challenges that norm, equipping you with the skills to confidently assess, prescribe, teach, modify, and progress essential strength movements – squats, deadlifts, presses, and their variations to improve your clients most common pelvic health concerns.

This online course blends lecture, case studies, and movement practice to ensure you walk away with skills and strategies you can implement immediately in your practice. For those who want to take their learning further, an optional in-person session the following weekend offers hands-on coaching practice, more case study applications, and more opportunity for one-on-one time with the instructors.

Move beyond Kegels – transform your approach to pelvic health with functional strength training.

Course Objectives:

Understand the limitations of traditional pelvic floor rehabilitation – identify the gaps in common treatment approaches and why underloading patients can hinder full symptom resolution.
Integrate strength training into pelvic health treatment plans – learn how functional movements like squats, deadlifts, and presses can enhance recovery and improve patient outcomes.
Assess and teach fundamental strength movements with confidence – develop the skills to assess, cue, demonstrate, and coach essential lifts safely and effectively.
Bridge the gap between pelvic health rehab and strength training – learn how to progress patients from isolated pelvic floor exercises to full-body, functional movement patterns.
Develop evidence-based exercise prescriptions – use current research to guide programming decisions and ensure patients are receiving appropriate load and volume.
Apply strength training principles to specific pelvic health conditions – tailor strength training interventions for urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and pelvic organ prolapse
Enhance clinical reasoning through case studies and hands-on practice – work through real-world scenarios and refine your ability to make patient-centered exercise modifications.

Please note – having access to dumbbells for the online component will be helpful to practice movements.

Objectives for the optional in-person practical component:

Refine coaching and cueing skills – gain valuable hands-on experience providing real-time feedback and expand your ability to improve your client’s form and symptoms with exercise prescription, modifications and better cueing.
Perform and receive live movement assessments of both yourself and others – practice assessing your own movement quality, identifying compensations, and implementing different modifications/cues to improve your exercise prescription for both yourself and clients.
Experiment with equipment and load variations – an opportunity to get comfortable using different resistance tools (e.g., barbells, kettlebells, bands) to adapt strength training for diverse client needs (including common pelvic floor symptoms and conditions)

Audience: This course is open to physiotherapists, physiotherapy students, occupational therapists, occupational therapy students, and any health and wellness practitioner working in an exercise-rehabilitation capacity.

Prerequisite: None

Date/Time:

Online: May 1-2, 2026, from 10:30am-5:30pm ET (Toronto). Convert your local time zone.

Optional in-person practical: May 3, 2026, from 9:30am-5:00pm in Vaughan, ON.

Cesarean Birth & Rehabilitation

Course Description:

Cesarean births make up approximately one third of childbirth deliveries in Canada. However, there remains limited and often conflicting post-operative guidance for patients which can leave them feeling unsure of how to navigate their recovery following a Cesarean section. Insufficient guidance on when and how to return to exercise as well as appropriate exercise progression can be overwhelming and often result in patients (or practitioners!) doing too much too soon OR avoiding exercise unnecessarily. Physiotherapists and rehab professionals have much to offer in supporting individuals through this journey and help bridge the gap in current care practices.

This course will provide the practitioner with a practical overview of the Cesarean birth experience as well as evidence-informed tools & approaches to help patients optimize recovery. We will also explore a wide variety of exercise ideas through all stages of recovery.

Objectives:

learn what a Cesarean birth is (and is not!)
review post-operative restrictions & red flags
review evidence-informed recommendations for enhancing recovery after surgery
learn early post-op pain management techniques & protective strategies
exposure to evidence-informed use of modalities in cesarean recovery
understand differences in post-operative complications & dysfunction between modes of delivery (vaginal & cesarean)
explore a variety of exercise ideas (including for runners and weight lifters) throughout all stages of recovery
- 0-6 weeks postpartum
- 6 week ‘clearance’ and beyond
be exposed to medical considerations for future births (e.g. VBAC)
explore the role physiotherapy can play in preparing patients for Cesarean birth or VBAC
explore prevalent biopsychosocial impacts:
- impact of C-Section on breastfeeding
- emotional & psychological impacts; birth trauma
explore barriers to recovery and advantages of implementing Telehealth in this population

Practical review and demonstration of:

cesarean scar management, mobility and de-sensitization techniques.
breastfeeding positions after a Cesarean birth
protective strategies in the first 6 weeks postpartum
“exercise” ideas for the first 6 weeks after birth
exercise at 6 weeks and beyond
case example for the telehealth platform

Audience: Open to all healthcare and wellness professionals.

Prerequisites: None

Date/Time: June 17, 2026, from 5:00-9:00pm ET (Toronto).

5 Marketing Actions That Matter for Physios

What to focus on, what to ignore, and how to do it in 1 hour per week

Most physiotherapists are told to chase short-term marketing tactics. Ads, hacks, rankings, quick wins. That can work short term. But long term, it creates dependency, low-quality leads, and zero retention.

Shift Concussion Management Level 1 and 2 Combined Program (Online)

What this Program Covers

Endometriosis 101: Moving towards better care

Integrating Pilates for Prenatal and Postpartum Health – A Practical Approach for Rehab Professionals

The Secret to Building Community WITHOUT Social Media

Pregnancy, Pelvic Girdle Pain & The Pelvic Floor

Taking Back Postpartum Rehab – Leading Group Classes for the Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist

Non-Internal Introductory Pelvic Health Course

Beyond Kegels – Functional Strength Training for the Pelvic Floor: Online (with optional In-Person)

Cesarean Birth & Rehabilitation

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What to focus on, what to ignore, and how to do it in 1 hour per weekMost physiotherapists are told to chase short-term marketing tactics. Ads, hacks, rankings, quick wins. That can work short term. But long term, it creates dependency, low-quality leads, and zero retention.

What this Program Covers

What to focus on, what to ignore, and how to do it in 1 hour per week

Most physiotherapists are told to chase short-term marketing tactics. Ads, hacks, rankings, quick wins. That can work short term. But long term, it creates dependency, low-quality leads, and zero retention.