Twenty years ago, Petra Lehmann opened Lakeside Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries Clinic with just one other practitioner and a receptionist. Now the clinic has a staff four times that size and was recently recognized with a Nelson Chamber of Commerce award for Professional Service Excellence.
Lehmann said it’s never easy establishing a new practise (especially for somebody raising two kids along the way) and there were certainly bumps in the road, but being named for the award is evidence that she’s created something the community values.
“It’s always been really important to me to provide really good service,” Lehmann said. “It felt really fantastic to be recognized for that.”
The clinic is dedicated to helping its clients get over painful injuries or other circumstances that cause discomfort or restrict a person’s movement. All the physiotherapists that work there have a broad range of specialties and are encouraged to continually upgrade their skills.
“There’s always more to learn, even after you’ve spent six years in university to become a physiotherapist,” Lehmann said. “I believe that every year of your life you should learn something new and take another course…. If you don’t change and learn and evolve, you can’t really provide the best care.”
Lehmann has personally specialized in women’s health, while some of the other physiotherapists have added skills like acupuncture, IMS needling and spinal manipulation. The clinic also offers custom knee bracing and bike fitting.
Amid all the serious work being done at Lakeside Physio, Lehmann said her staff still find time to laugh with each other and their clients.
“Humour goes a long way when you’re dealing with people who are having struggles,” Lehmann said. “We always try to keep people smiling and having fun around here.”
