Shirley Andrusiak - B.P.T., Physiotherapist & Owner

Biography

Shirley Andrusiak is a registered physiotherapist with 30 years of clinical experience. After graduating from the University of Saskatchewan in 1977, Shirley was offered a job at Victoria Union Hospital in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The hospital offered diversified rotations that included paediatrics, acute care, intensive care, cardiopulmonary, burns, neurological rehab, extended care, and outpatient orthopaedics and sports medicine.

One year later, she accepted the position of Director of Physical Therapy at the hospital and remained in that position for the next nine years. In 1979, Shirley completed her degree at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with a Bachelor of Physical Therapy with Distinction. In 1986, she opened Prince Albert's first Private Practice Physiotherapy Clinic, known as South Hill Physiotherapy Clinic. She remained in Prince Albert until 1992 when she joined a partnership at Black Mountain Physiotherapy Clinic in Kelowna, British Columbia. Soon after moving to Kelowna, the business expanded to include both Glenmore Physiotherapy Clinic and Guisachan Physiotherapy Clinic.

Now celebrating a 20 year business Anniversary, Shirley owns and operates Guisachan Physiotherapy Clinic.

Qualifying Experience

Shirley has extensive experience in orthopaedic care. She has completed 22 continuing education courses that strengthen her manual techniques for treating dysfunctions and derangements. She has completed all four courses through the McKenzie Institute for cervical, thoracic and lumbar conditions. Shirley has become a specialist in the treatment of lower back pain, using the McKenzie Approach to treatment, which is now so widely accepted in the Physiotherapy community.

Shirley is a certified physical therapist with Universal Pain Technology and has treated hundreds of patients on the lumbar decompression table, called the Spine Med. This is one of only two clinics in the province of British Columbia that has this decompression table. The Spine Med, unlike traditional lumbar traction, is designed to correct the underlying cause of lower back pain, rather than allowing only temporary relief. The machine is considered to be an alternative to back surgery for some, and has an 86% success rate.

Compassionate Care

At her clinic, patients receive compassionate care and effective results in their physical therapy treatments, providing the "ROYAL TREATMENT" every session. Shirley has successfully helped thousands to relieve pain and return to the joys of actively living.

Shirley believes in integrating all systems to decrease pain and restore movement while achieving optimal function. She strives to educate her patients to promote a total well being and prevent further injury.