SUPPORTING LIFELONG ATHLETICISM.

Injury Rehab and Performance Care Physical Therapy to help you do the things you love – now AND for the rest of your life.

IS THIS YOU?

Are you looking for guidance after an injury? Do you have aches and pains you would love to get rid of? Or perhaps, you are simply looking for a way to be proactive in taking care of your body so that you can continue to feel great as you do the things you love.

If that is you, then you're in the right place!

OUR PROGRAMS.

Injury rehab physio

INJURY REHAB PHYSIO

For the person feeling frustrated by a new injury or annoying ache who wants to get back to the things they love ASAP and at the same time, address any factors that may have led to their injury.

Girl spiking volleyball

PERFORMANCE CARE

PHYSIO

For the active teen or adult looking for a unique and proactive approach to physio to keep them doing the things they love with full confidence in their body. We will identify dysfunction and work to create real-time changes.

empow(HER) Virtual Physio

empow(HER) VIRTUAL PHYSIO

For the adolescent volleyball athlete who is experiencing discomfort, pain or injury looking for a comprehensive and empowering approach to rehab and sports performance.

CAN YOU RELATE?

You’re an active go-getter who loves to channel your former competitive days on the beach court in the summer, the rink in the winter and the Peloton when you need a comedic sweat with Cody (IYKYK).

Kristin Bignell, physiotherapist, performing muscle testing on an athlete's ankle
Kristin Bignell, Physiotherapist, performing electroacupuncture on an athlete's low back injury
THE ONLY PROBLEM IS...

Each time you step onto the sand, you are reminded of your old ankle sprain

– and when you hop off the rink on Sunday morning, your back tightens and you groan as you bend over to peel your skates off your feet.

If you are like any of the clients we work with —

YOU MAY HAVE BEEN TOLD:

>> That your knee pain is from “wear and tear” <<eye roll>>

>> That you should consider switching to pickleball

>> OR that your back pain is a normal part of getting older

​And that leaves you feeling dismissed and at a loss for what to do...so you've tried:

>> Powering through your Crossfit lifts

>> Inventing beautifully crafted tape jobs (of questionable utility) so you can hit the court with your bestie

>> Spending hours scrolling through your Instagram feed in search of the latest fitness influencer that you can copy in hopes of finding the magical exercise to combat your achy back

Kristin Bignell, Physiotherapist, working with a female athlete in the gym on a custom exercise program

DOES THAT SOUND LIKE YOU?

You are not alone AND I love your resourcefulness!

Kristin Bignell, Physiotherapist

BUT HERE'S THE TRUTH MY FRIEND:

In your younger days as an athlete, you were likely led to believe that working hard is what led you to all of your achievements, and chances are, you were rewarded for your perseverance with praise, medals and ribbons.

But your younger days as an athlete also led you to believe that pain and injury are the price you have to pay for being active and getting older – and so you continue to push through the pain, secretly wondering when the day will come that you will have to stop doing the things that bring you the most joy:

  • beach in the summer

  • women’s league in the winter

  • and peloton rides to fill in the gaps

The truth is, most injuries don’t happen overnight and sports are designed to motivate athletes to keep playing at the expense of listening to their bodies --

But it is 100% possible for you to be pain-free doing the things you love -- now and for the rest of your life, despite your list of injuries and aching body.

By having a professional teammate who knows your body and sport, and can provide you with the comprehensive support you truly need, you can play beach in the summer and your women’s league in the winter with complete ease and trust in your body.

WE CAN BE YOUR TRUSTY TEAMMATE

At EMP -- we are here for you and we can help you go:

from
to

Feeling frustrated that your serve doesn’t quite land (in the court or your body) the same way it used to

Feeling a sense of amazement as you crush match point with seemingly little effort

Hobbling up the stairs after Sunday morning pick-up

Racing up the stairs to grab your gym bag without a thought about your knee

Filling with embarrassment as you message your team looking for a sub (again!) after re-aggravating your back on your mountain bike

Feeling a complete sense of trust in your body and energetic ease as you agree to a co-ed tournament the day after shredding trails on your bike

No matter what your activity of choice, this is 100% possible for you!

WE CAN BE YOUR TRUSTY TEAMMATE

At EMP -- we are here for you and we can help you go:

from

Feeling frustrated that your serve doesn’t quite hit the same way it used to

Hobbling up the stairs after Sunday morning pick-up

Filling with embarrassment as you message your team looking for a sub (again!) after re-aggravating your back on your mountain bike

to

Feeling a sense of amazement as you crush match point with seemingly little effort

Racing up the stairs to grab your gym bag without a thought about your knee

Feeling a complete sense of trust in your body as you agree to a co-ed tournament and shredding trails on your bike

This is 100% possible for you!

AND WE CAN HELP YOU!

Our team uses a unique methodology to empower your inner athlete with the information and support you need to recover from injury, stay healthy and feel your best — now and for the rest of your life.

Our SMART Methodology will help you learn to live and train more intelligently so that you can make a lasting shift from pain to power.

the SMART method by East Mill Physio

get SET in a clear direction that honours what you truly desire out of your life and sport.

learn how to MOVE mindfully and confidently as hop on the court for your first co-ed tournament of the year.

feel powerfully ARMed with the knowledge and communication skills to make aligned decisions.

establish simple habits that will support your RECOVERY and have you hopping out of bed raring to get your game on.

establish TRUST in your body and your ability to do the things you want to do, now and for the rest of your life.

Our smart method has helped people just like you!

AND THE BEST PART?!

These clients are NOT outliers. You can have what they have.

They set their sights on their goals and then found the support that they knew they needed and deserved.

Whether you are looking for support as you navigate an existing injury, want a proactive approach to caring for your body or are ready to dig into old injuries and clean up any lingering dysfunction, we are here to help.

MEET OUR TEAM.

Kristin Bignell, Physiotherapist for East Mill Physio
Kristin Bignell

Founder

Teen whisperer

Volleyball enthusiast

Dog mom

Karina Cranston, Physiotherapist for East Mill Physio
Karina Cranston

'Motion is Lotion' <3

Avid reader

Mom to two teens

Enthusiastic explorer

Michael Humes, Client Care Coordinator for East Mill Physio
Michael Humes

Client Care Coordinator

Tree Lover

Adventure Enthusiast

Dog Dad

HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE TOOLS...

NEUROFUNCTIONAL ACUPUNCTURE

Neurofunctional Acupuncture (aka Electroacupuncture or Contemporary Medical Acupuncture) is a modern twist on traditional acupuncture that uses tiny electrical pulses through the needles to enhance the treatment. Needles are strategically placed along dysfunctional nerves. It helps reduce pain, improve blood flow, and speed up healing—making it especially useful for sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendon issues. Athletes also use it to support muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and improve performance by helping restore optimal function of the nerves that carry the signals required for movement.

DRY NEEDLING

Dry needling is a technique used by physical therapists to help relieve muscle pain and tightness. It involves gently inserting very thin needles into trigger points—tight or knotted areas of muscle—to help relax the muscle, improve movement, and reduce pain. Many people find it helpful for treating sports injuries, chronic pain, and muscle stiffness. The treatment is quick, and most people feel relief soon after.

CUPPING

Dynamic cupping is a hands-on technique that uses soft silicone suction cups with lotion or oil to gently glide over the skin. Unlike traditional cupping, the cups are moved around to help increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and support the body’s natural healing process. It’s especially helpful for clearing out fluid build-up (trophoedema), improving mobility, and speeding up recovery after workouts or injuries. Many athletes find it great for relieving tightness and keeping their muscles feeling fresh.

MANUAL THERAPY

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by physical therapists to help reduce pain, improve movement, and restore function. It includes techniques like joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, and stretching to target specific areas of stiffness or discomfort. This type of treatment can speed up recovery from injuries, ease muscle tension, and improve overall mobility—making it a great tool for both injury rehab and boosting athletic performance.

DEEP CORE AND PELVIC FLOOR TRAINING

Deep core and pelvic floor retraining focuses on reactivating and strengthening the muscles that support your spine, hips, and pelvis—using gentle, guided exercises from the outside of the body (no internal work). This approach helps improve stability, posture, and control, which is especially important for athletes, postpartum recovery, and anyone dealing with low back or hip pain. By reconnecting with these key muscles, you can move more efficiently, prevent injuries, and feel stronger from the inside out.

CUSTOM MOVEMENT PROGRAM

Exercise is a core part of our physical therapy programs, designed specifically around each person's unique body and goals. After a thorough assessment, we create a customized plan that targets the exact muscles, joints, and movement patterns that need support—whether you're recovering from an injury, managing pain, or working toward better performance. This personalized approach helps you move better, feel stronger, and reach your goals safely and effectively.

EMPOWERED EDUCATION

Education is a powerful component of our approach, especially when working with teens, girls going through puberty, and women navigating perimenopause. Understanding how the body changes during these key stages—physically, hormonally, and emotionally—empowers individuals to care for themselves with confidence. We provide clear, age-appropriate information to help clients recognize what’s normal, what’s not, and how to support their health through movement, recovery, and lifestyle choices. With the right knowledge, you can feel empowered to make informed decisions, feel more in control of your body, and stay active and strong through every stage of life.

WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!

Book an appointment and we will get clear on your goals, what is getting in the way and come up with a plan to help you get to where you want to go!

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