The first private physiotherapy clinic to open in Southern Manitoba thirty years ago celebrated that multi-decade milestone on Wednesday, along with its move into a new space on Main Street in Winkler.
Cam Schultz opened Pembina Valley Physiotherapy on North Railway Street in Winkler in 1993, followed by the quick addition of offices in Altona, Carman, and Morden.
In 2016, Schultz sold Pembina Valley Physiotherapy to two of his employees, one of which had been with him nearly since the beginning. Physiotherapist, Matthew Giesbrecht is now an owner, along with Leah Klassen, who is also the clinic's Business Manager.
Giesbrecht says Cam Schultz brought him on board the Pembina Valley Physiotherapy team on May 5th, 1997, and "It's been a wonderful venture."
"Back then (1993), there were no private physiotherapy clinics in Southern Manitoba," added Klassen. "So when Cam graduated, he decided this is the area he wanted to put down roots, and where he wanted to serve. So to be able to honor that, and then also bring that forward, is incredibly satisfying. It is an honour to be able to carry on a legacy."
Four months ago, Pembina Valley Physiotherapy made a move into a new, bright space at 583 Main Street. The 2,500-square-foot location needed to be stripped down and refinished. Prior to construction, the unit in the outdated building was made up of many small offices, Klassen noted.
"When we purchased the clinic back in 2016, we thought, you know, we might need to expand services and modernize somewhat," she said. "We really loved the space with the bright lights. It allowed us to add a gym component to our clinic that was missing before and also provided some accessibility for our patients. So now of course we have zero (level) entry to our clinic. "
The new location has also allowed them to increase their treatment area by three cubicles, as well as add two private spaces for other services. Giesbrecht says they're also looking into other ventures to further increase the services they offer.
One of the latest services Pembina Valley Physiotherapy has added to its list, is bracing. The clinic has partnered with Diamond Athletics and Osar, (the brand of bracing).
Klassen says the clinic stocks braces, and they can do the measuring right there. "They (Diamond Athletics and Osar) have trained us to measure patients, so that we can provide a service to our area, then they (patients) don't necessarily have to go to Winnipeg."
Giesbrecht added, they always strive to serve the public the best they can and offer a service that can benefit them (patients), and enhance the quality of their life. "I think that's really what it comes down to what we try to provide."
