Innovation

Healthcare is often a reactive field - especially in Canada. Synergy Physiotherapy and Pilates is a physiotherapy clinic specializing in pelvic health, orthopedic health, and exercise education.

Synergy is connected to several of the UN Sustainability Development Goals, where they facilitate Good Health and Well-Being (goal 3), Quality Education (goal 4), and Gender Equality (goal 5). They also advocate and educate on trans rights, and ensure a safe and inclusive medical environment for all. They fulfill a much-needed preventative role; with a focus on healthy movement and the prevention of pain and physical disabilities. They assist with rehabilitation and finding safe exercise regimes for individuals of all abilities/levels of activity. This business sees exercise as a tool for treatment and education, using both to manage conditions such as chronic pain and joint hypermobility. The pinnacle of mindfulness and inner well-being, Physio-Pilates in any form, at any level, is something that can heal our self-image and promote a proactive approach to healthcare. Synergy Physio actively advocates for gender, racial, and other equality policies, and seeks to advance social equity. Synergy was one of the first physiotherapy clinics to offer pelvic health strategies for all genders.

This new and innovative approach targets disability, and fills a large gap in quality of life for disabled individuals. Martha's findings conclude that surgery is often used initially to treat issues such as joint problems with connective tissue disorders, where innovative physiotherapy could have solved it proactively. The fusion of rehab Physio and Pilates tries to aid individuals in their experience of disability, physical or mental, by promoting mindfulness and inner well-being. Martha's approach fosters patience, improves self-image, and implements a willingness to learn; all of which have been found to have a profoundly positive impact on a wide variety of symptoms. Synergy Physio's innovation to meet patient's physical and mental goals provides a long-term solution to disability management. Despite the pandemic, Martha continues to provide patient-based care through virtual sessions and promoting community awareness.

Inspiration

Synergy Physio Pilates was developed by Martha Purdy when she recognized a gap in traditional models of physical therapy regarding chronic pain, mobility, and other aspects of disability management. She initially drew inspiration from her experience working with Cirque du Soleil and their performers. The company's performers benefited immensely from a Pilates program to maintain movement and peak athletic ability. Synergy Physio Pilates was built on the combination of Cirque du Soleil's use of Pilates and traditional physiotherapy and rehab exercises.

“This is a profession where we can continue to innovate, grow, and learn as physiotherapists. We have the autonomy to make the best decisions for our clients, contractors, and society - and most importantly, to follow through with those decisions.”

-Martha Purdy

Overall impact

As the number of people with disabilities continues rising, we see a more acute need for this innovative approach to physiotherapy. No matter the severity, Synergy's inclusive and proactive methods see many clients succeed in their treatments. While realizing how vital education and adoption is to prosperity, they manage to incorporate a care-ethics-based approach to understanding individuals and their disabilities.

Synergy's unique approach to reconstruct rehabilitation suggests that this can be an efficient and positive experience for everybody. Martha Purdy's concept presented discussion amongst the Physiotherapy field with their desire to reconstruct their models and attempt to focus on wellness and prevention rather than reaction. The company's preventative methods can quickly be adopted for both rehab and quality of life for patients, and in all fields of medicine where such treatments are used.

Canada has a very reactive healthcare system, so a structure to Synergy's extent has captivated thought, energy, and passion. They have held group sessions where there is a noticeable improvement in chronic pain, mobility issues, mood, and mental health. While the Canadian government became educated, they began considering funding exercise and prevention as early intervention.

Business benefit

Synergy Physio Pilates redesigned the standard models of physiotherapy and continues to do so. While there is a global pandemic happening, clients still require treatment. Additionally, when the pandemic began, the company had to develop a concept to aid their clients, whether pre-recorded sessions, group classes, or weekly exercise videos.

The Synergy Physio team offers pelvic physio regardless of gender as it only used to be available to cis-women. This is an essential service to help develop and change the way gender is perceived in healthcare. The Synergy workplace is a safe space that advocates for diversity, equity, and especially trans rights. Martha’s rehabilitation and Physio-Pilates tactics at any level can help heal self-image and chronic pain as it builds mindfulness. Overall, Synergy is an exemplar of diligence and benefits for the business and its clients.

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Social and environmental benefit

The Physio-Pilates program is a valuable rehabilitation tool for all degrees of disability. Focusing on the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle, there is a constant promotion of physical and mental prosperity for their clients to embrace nature and their surroundings.

As a physiotherapy clinic, they have little to no carbon footprint. Their appreciation for their surroundings establishes environmental benefits. Ultimately, Synergy Studio's strongest contributions are to society. Along with their inclusivity, they established a proactive educational concept of incorporating physiotherapy and exercise into numerous walks of life.

Interview

Martha Purdy, Owner