Johanna Nicholson
Training and Qualifications
Johanna (pronounced "Yohanna") Nicholson holds a Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University of Manitoba and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Winnipeg. On top of her university qualifications, she has completed post-graduate training in relieving jaw pain & dysfunction and using low level laser to treat a wide variety of conditions.
Johanna's Approach
"I recognize that every injury and each person is very unique," says Johanna. "So I like to provide a customized approach for each client that will fit with their lifestyle and schedule. I do this by partnering with my clients to meet their rehabilitation goals through a combination of education, hands-on therapy and therapeutic exercises.
"I believe it is important to get to the root of the problem and not only symptom management to help achieve optimal wellness.”
More About Johanna
Tell us the story of why you became a physiotherapist.
"Growing up I was very active and played a lot of sports, mainly basketball," says Johanna. "During a basketball game I tore an ankle ligament, which meant I had to miss the rest of the season. Working with a physiotherapist to rehabilitate this injury is what put physiotherapy on my radar as a profession I might want to pursue.
"As I grew older, my passion for physical activity also grew and lead me to decide that helping other people get and stay active would be a great career choice for me, which is a big part of what physiotherapists do."
What do you like about being a physiotherapist?
"I love getting to know my clients and helping them accomplish their goals," says Johanna.
"I believe that choosing to be regularly active is one of the most important decisions a person can make for their overall health and wellbeing. So I find the opportunity to help anyone get back to their hobby, sport, job or regular activities rewarding."
What do you like best about working at River East Physiotherapy?
"River East Physiotherapy is the first clinic where I received physiotherapy treatment and learned about the profession. It is also where I had my first clinical placement as a student so getting to work here is pretty special."
What’s your favourite thing to do at work?
"I love chatting with my clients and getting to know them. Learning from them and hearing their suggestions on new books to read, places to travel and restaurants to try is my absolute favourite part."
Is there a clinical area you’re particularly interested in?
"I have a particular interest in several clinical areas where I plan to further advance my practice. These include:
- Neurological conditions, like strokes and Parkinson’s Disease,
- Fall prevention and fall-related injury rehabilitation for older adults, and
- Sports or gym-related injuries, because I know firsthand how frustrating it is to be sidelined from doing what you love due to an injury."
What do you like to do in your spare time?
"In my spare time I enjoy weight training, travelling, hiking, recreational sports and reading. Currently, I am teaching myself how to Olympic lift and looking forward to my recreational basketball league starting up again," says Johanna.
"There are so many places I want to travel, but so far my favourite country is Scotland. I love their history, hikes, culture and castles.
"Some of my favourite hikes include the Cinque Terre in Italy, Healy Pass in Banff and more locally, Hunt Lake.”
What’s something that few people know about you?
"I am obsessed with books and documentaries on history, especially about the United Kingdom."
Where are you local?
"The River East area has been home for my entire life, and am very excited to have the opportunity to work with and meet more of the residents from my neighborhood."
Photo credit: David Lipnowski Photography
