Alex de Vries
Training, Qualifications & Unique Services
Alexandra (Alex) De Vries's physiotherapy practice focuses on orthopedic, vestibular and concussion rehabilitation. She has nearly 40 years experience, and is one of the most highly trained vestibular physiotherapists in Winnipeg.
She provides physiotherapy in both English and Spanish.
Alex graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy from the Industrial University of Santander, Colombia, in 1996. She came to Winnipeg in 1998 and completed a Master of Science in Rehabilitation at the University of Manitoba in 2002.
Alex has completed extensive post-graduate training. Most of this training has been in acupuncture and in rehabilitation for vestibular, concussion, bone & joint, and respiratory conditions.
Here's just a sample of the post-graduate courses Alex has completed:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Competency-Based Course (Emory Conference Center, Atlanta, Georgia, 2017)
- Vestibular Assessment & Management certification (The American Institute of Balance, Florida, May 3-9 2019, with recertification in 2025, 2023 and 2021)
- Concussion management workshop (Concussion Rehab Works, Level 1 2016, Calgary, Level 2, Vancouver 2018)
- Concussion: What about the Neck? (Carol Kennedy, PT, Toronto, 2018)
- Physical Literacy Enhanced Rehabilitation (Dr. Dean Kriellars, 2024)
- Acupuncture certification (Acupuncture Canada, 2008)
- Respiratory Educator certification (Canadian Network for Respiratory Care, 2015). This certification allows her to provide education and treatment for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
- Alex is trained and experienced in custom orthotics assessment and casting for patients who have foot pain due to malalignment.
In the 21 years Alex has been a physiotherapist in Canada, she has worked in a multitude of physiotherapy environments in both private clinics and public practice. As such, Alex is uniquely positioned to care for patients with complex medical conditions.
For her public practice work, Alex worked at the St. Boniface Hospital, Concordia Hospital, and Deer Lodge Centre. She especially enjoyed her time working in intensive care units, where she found it so rewarding to see the day-to-day changes in such a vulnerable population.
Alex's Approach to Physiotherapy
“I believe there are important social and emotional matters associated with disability from an injury,” says Alex. “Understanding what is most important for a patient is the best way to help them.
“My role as a physiotherapist is to help people take their power back in their lives, by moving better and functioning better. It’s also important for me to advocate for patients – that means I make sure they get the support they need to reach their goals.”
More about Alex
Tell us about why you became a physiotherapist
“When I was 18 years old, I injured my right ACL," says Alex. "The ACL is a ligament in the knee, and I had to have an operation to fix it.
“After surgery, my father was my best helper. But no matter what he did, I couldn’t get back to full function – meaning walking, running, and climbing stairs. I particularly liked dancing and running, and I really wanted to do those again, with confidence.
“But it wasn’t until I went to physiotherapy that I could get all my function back. I admired the role my physiotherapist played in helping me get back to my normal self. I decided I wanted to help others the way my physiotherapist had helped me.”
What are some compliments you’ve received from patients?
“One patient said I had saved his life.
“This patient had an ejection fraction of 10% in his heart. That means his heart was pumping blood very poorly – only 10% of what a normal heart can pump.
“That weekend I was working at a hospital, and a fellow physio asked me to see this gentleman. When I met him and assessed him, I learned he was interested in getting out of bed and doing more for himself. But he had lost hope. I treated him that weekend with that perspective in mind.
“The next weekend when I came to work, my coworker told me the patient had said I had saved his life.
“I think education is a powerful tool, understanding what is important for the patient in each intervention. We are dealing with people – we need to address their fears and concerns so they can perform the best they can, within their physical abilities.”
What are some things you’re proud of?
“I am proud of being different. It’s difficult to be yourself when everything is pushing you to be the same as everyone else.
“I am also proud of being caring, empathetic, and looking at the whole picture, not just at a patient’s knee or a particular joint.
“I am proud of being driven to learn and adapt as needed.”
What is your favourite thing to do at work?
“My favourite thing is figuring out the best treatment option for a patient, once I understand what they expect from physiotherapy.
“I also love establishing a rapport with patients.”
Are there any clinical challenges you’re passionate about solving?
“Sometimes patients and their symptoms don’t fit a pattern. I like puzzles and I enjoy the challenge of discovering different possible causes for their symptoms.
“I want to understand why patients are presenting the way they are, instead of just treating their symptoms.”
Is there a clinical area you’re particularly interested in?
“Yes, I feel drawn to vestibular and concussion patients. Often these patients face the challenge of proving they actually have symptoms, since their conditions are invisible.
“I like to help this population. I like to point them in the right direction to make sure they get the support they need. Otherwise, these patients can become very affected by the lack of support and treatment available to them.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
“I like to volunteer. For instance, in 2010 I had the opportunity to help in Haiti after the earthquake.
“I also love animals, and I advocate for their protection.
“Other than that, I love jazz and salsa dancing, spending time with my pets, and drawing portraits of children and pets.
“I am a tinkerer - I like to fix things at home too.”
What do you love about Winnipeg and North Kildonan?
“I met my husband in Winnipeg, and it’s home for our fur babies and us.
“North Kildonan is a nice and quiet neighbourhood. It has parks to walk our dogs and local coffee shops for listening to live music or having something different to eat.”
Video: Vestibular Assessment Overview with Alex de Vries
In this video, Alex talks us through what you can expect for a vestibular assessment with her, including how to prepare for your appointment.
If you are suffering from post-concussion syndrome, or if you have vertigo, or another vestibular condition, contact us. Book an initial assessment with Alex de Vries, at either of our two locations. Book online or call us to book.
