Hand Therapy is a specialized care targeting injuries effecting the upper limbs, such as hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Physiotherapists, or occupational therapists, assess and treat injuries and conditions of the upper limbs using multiple approaches. These approaches include home exercise prescriptions, education, wound and scar tissue care, splinting, and adaptation of activities for daily living and/or work-related postures to help people return to higher levels of function.

Currently, Mariana is enrolled in a Hand Therapy mentorship at Active Recovery Physiotherapy & Hand Clinic in Victoria, BC. She is accumulating 4000 hours of direct hand therapy practice required by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) to be eligible for post-graduate Specialty Certification in Hand Therapy.

Orthopedic physiotherapy is a branch of physiotherapy that deals with musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains, fractures, strains, arthritis, spine disorders, and pre- and post-operative rehabilitation of various joints.

Orthopedic physiotherapy plays a crucial role in every stage of injury recovery. It helps reduce pain and inflammation, manage swelling, support daily activity adaptations, restore mobility and walking ability, enhance range of motion, and rebuild strength, balance, and overall function through personalized exercise programs.

Whether you are a competitive or recreational athlete, sports physiotherapy can help manage common sports-related injuries like sprains and strains while also enhancing performance through injury prevention and tailored exercise programs.

Mariana has a special interest in sports physiotherapy, inspired by her background as a semi-professional javelin thrower, which led her to pursue a career in physiotherapy. In her practice, she frequently treats clients with upper-body injuries caused by repetitive overhead motions in sports such as tennis, volleyball, badminton, javelin, softball, baseball, and more.

Through exercise-based programs, Mariana focuses on correcting muscle imbalances to strengthen weaker muscles and reduce injury risk. She also emphasizes education and posture awareness to prevent injuries caused by repetitive movements.

Physiotherapists play a vital role in injury prevention and rehabilitation by prescribing simple yet effective exercises tailored to each client’s needs. Through a collaborative approach, clients and physiotherapists work together to achieve personalized goals set during assessment. Strengthening the body with professional guidance helps meet physical demands while reducing injury risk.

Many individuals seek physiotherapy to improve strength and form while exercising, especially when experiencing pain during or after workouts. Physiotherapy also addresses muscle imbalances common in various sports, particularly those involving repetitive overhead motions, rapid acceleration/deceleration, quick turns, and explosive movements—activities that place significant strain on ligaments, tendons, and joints.

For example, soccer players frequently suffer hamstring injuries due to the strain of deceleration and powerful kicking motions. Similarly, volleyball players often experience rotator cuff injuries, as these muscles are key stabilizers in overhead movements.

While pole dance and aerial arts are not physiotherapy specialties, dancers place significant stress on their bodies through training, rehearsals, and flexibility work. A healthcare provider who understands the physical demands and movement patterns of these sports can be invaluable in injury management. Among pole athletes, hip and shoulder injuries are common due to repetitive movements at extreme ranges of motion and contortionism.

Mariana, a pole enthusiast since 2020, turned to calisthenics and pole dance after retiring from javelin, seeking a way to maintain her upper body and core strength beyond traditional gym workouts. She quickly became recognized within Vancouver’s pole and performance community, helping athletes recover from injuries and prepare for PSO (Pole Sport Organization) competitions.

Whether you’re training for splits or exploring aerial arts like pole or hammock (silks), Mariana combines her expertise in sports physiotherapy with firsthand pole experience to help you achieve your goals safely and effectively.

Aging is inevitable, but maintaining mobility, strength, and flexibility is key to staying independent and enjoying life. Tailored exercise programs help prevent falls and manage common concerns like pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.

Geriatric physiotherapy addresses conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, pulmonary issues, muscle weakness, balance deficits, and mobility limitations. It also includes home adaptation strategies to enhance safety and support independent living.

Mariana provides expert guidance on home modifications to improve accessibility and reduce injury risks. Simple adjustments—such as securing loose flooring, improving lighting, or installing grab bars in bathrooms and hallways—can significantly enhance safety. For more extensive adaptations, like stairlifts, ramps, or widened doorways, collaboration with an Occupational Therapist ensures a comprehensive approach. Investing in home modifications can be a cost-effective way to maintain independence and reduce long-term healthcare expenses.

Request a home visit to receive physiotherapy in the comfort of your own space. We bring the clinic to you, ensuring care wherever it's needed. Before booking, Mariana will discuss availability, location, and necessary equipment to tailor your session.

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Joseph Pilates began developing his conditioning program in the early 1910s after WWI, inspired by his own childhood health struggles. His method, later called "Contrology," focused on strengthening the spine and core with controlled breathing techniques.

Clinical Pilates, based on his original approach, is led by physiotherapists in one-on-one sessions for injury rehabilitation and prevention. A physical assessment helps set personalized rehab goals and design a tailored exercise program.

Mariana is currently seeing clients at Pilates Carioca in Victoria, BC. Visit our Services page to book!

Vestibular therapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness and vertigo caused by peripheral vestibular disorders affecting the inner ear, eyes, and balance receptors.

Following a comprehensive assessment of vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive systems, a physiotherapist develops a personalized treatment plan. This includes targeted exercises to reduce dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues while also addressing secondary needs such as strength, balance control, and neck stability.

Vestibular rehabilitation exercises are the most effective approach for symptom reduction, but consistent therapy is key. Over time, the brain rewires its communication with the vestibular system, requiring patience and persistence. As a sports physiotherapist, Mariana also treats symptoms related to sports concussions and vestibular conditions requiring gradual exercise exposure.