Julia McDaniels
Julia McDaniels leads our Pelvic Health / Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy practice. She has over 15 years experience as a physiotherapist at River East Physiotherapy.
Unique Service Offerings
Julia offers a wide variety of physiotherapy services relevant to the pelvic floor and pelvic health. She also offers dry needling and assessment and treatment of running injuries. That means she's your person for:
- Pregnant or postpartum runners,
- Incontinence,
- Pelvic pain,
- Pelvic organ prolapse, or
- Anything related to pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Julia is skilled at providing physiotherapy via video call, which can be a very comforting option for clients dealing with sensitive pelvic health issues. She speaks French as well as English.
Julia’s Approach
Julia takes a highly adaptable approach to treatment. “I like to really get to know my patients so I can determine which treatment approach will work best for that individual person,” says Julia. “Then I can tailor their treatment plan to meet their specific needs.
“I find some people need a very active-based approach, some require more hands-on treatment, and some just need high quality education,” says Julia. “I do a lot of work to prepare for my clients, and that helps me adapt quickly.”
Training & Qualifications
Julia is a graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation with a degree in Physical Therapy. On top of her university qualifications, she has completed training in:
- Pelvic Health Physiotherapy (Levels 1, 2 & 3, Pelvic Health Solutions)
- Pregnancy and the Pelvic Girdle (Pelvic Health Solutions)
- The Evil Triplets of Pelvic Pain (Pelvic Health Solutions)
- The Unhappy Bladder (Reframe Rehab)
- Myofascial Management of the Pelvic & Thoracic Outlets (Murray Machutchon)
- Acupuncture (Acupuncture Canada)
- Integrated Dry Needling (Whitmore Physiotherapy)
- New trends in the Prevention of Running Injuries (The Running Clinic)
- Managing the Injured Runner (Kim Senechal, Pan Am Clinic)
- Advanced Exercise and Physical Literacy (Jean-Francois Berard, Pure Physiotherapy)
- Physiologic Yoga Certification (Leslee Watt, Physiologic Yoga)
- Physical Literacy Enhanced Rehabilitation (Dr. Dean Kriellars, University of Manitoba)
- Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy (Level 1, Level 2 Upper Quadrant, Canadian Physiotherapy Association)
- Knee rehabilitation (Foundation Rehabilitation Symposium)
- Hand and wrist rehabilitation (Foundation Rehabilitation Symposium)
- Foot and ankle rehabilitation (Foundation Rehabilitation Symposium)
- Functional reconditioning programs
- TMJ assessment and treatment
- Custom orthotics
More About Julia
Tell us the story of why you became a physiotherapist.
“From a very young age I knew I wanted to work in a medical field. Then when I was 14 years old, I dislocated my hip, and I had to stay at the Children’s Hospital. I worked with a physical therapist while I was there, and I knew it was a good fit for me almost immediately.”
What do you like about being a physiotherapist?
“I love how there’s always a new puzzle to solve or something new to learn. In physiotherapy, you can never know it all - every patient or case will be different then the last. It’s a very broad profession and the opportunity to specialize is endless.
“I also like how physiotherapy improves my life outside of work. For example, it’s helped me understand firsthand just how important it is to stay active.”
What do you like best about working at River East Physiotherapy?
“My physiotherapist colleagues. I appreciate having good people around to discuss challenging cases and to bounce ideas off.”
What are some compliments you’ve received from patients?
“Patients have told me I’m positive and optimistic.”
What’s something you’re proud of?
“With respect to my work, I believe my post-grad education has been well-rounded, and I’m proud of my ability to blend a variety of treatment approaches. Otherwise, I’m proud that I’ve been able to travel to several different countries.”
What’s your favourite thing to do at work?
“Supporting people through all kinds of pelvic health concerns, from stress incontinence to pelvic pain. So many struggle quietly, not realizing how common and treatable these issues can be.
“Helping my patients regain comfort, confidence, and quality of life is incredibly rewarding to me.”
Are there any particular clinical challenges you’re passionate about solving?
“Yes, I’d like to see people place greater importance on their physical health and well-being.”
Is there a clinical area you’re particularly interested in?
“I’m always interested in things the medical community doesn’t have good answers for, such as chronic pain.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
“So many things! I like to get outside to walk my dog, hike, bike, or take my kids to the park. I also like camping and traveling, and in the winter months I go to fitness studios for yoga or spin classes. To relax, I love binging a great Netflix series, playing board games with friends, and taste testing all of what Winnipeg microbreweries have to offer.”
Do you have any strong skills outside of physiotherapy?
“I’ve run several half marathons and I'm good at obstacle course racing. I have a background in martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I’m learning to play the ukulele. Most recently, however, I’ve become really good at chasing around a toddler!
“But seriously, I have a lot of varied interests. This may make me a ‘jack of all trades and master of none,’ but it also helps me find something in common with anybody.”
What’s something that few people know about you?
“I’m actually really shy.”
Someone who knows you well would describe you as…
“Knowledgeable, and unfiltered.”
Where are you local?
“I’m from rural Manitoba – specifically, the Interlake.”
What do you love about Winnipeg?
“I love that Winnipeg feels like a big village but it has all the services and amenities of a big city. I also love the amount of parks and green space our city has to offer, and how close we are to nature.”
Photo credit: David Lipnowski Photography
