When it’s time… Leading Edge part 2

It is hard to believe that Leading Edge Physiotherapy in St. Albert is now almost 3 years old.  We have grown up a lot over these past few years.  So what has changed?  How does it compare to parenthood?  Where are we going?  Are we living up to our name?

What Has Changed – From a seed to a sapling?

From the seed of an idea, an ideal really, we are growing.  We have grown to 6 full time physiotherapists, all of whom were hand picked to deliver care that is not only comprehensive but also unique and fun.  We have increased our space, but maintained the same cozy atmosphere.  We have added new modalities and techniques, but not forgotten the ones that can make powerful differences in people’s lives.  We have added a second location, that has so far proven to align itself with the exact values and atmosphere of the original, but with its own flare.  We have definitely worked hard not to forget where we have come from, all the while keeping our eyes on where we want to be. 

Leading Edge Vs. Parenthood

I find many similarities between the stage of our business and our daughter.  When I first wrote about our opening, the clinic and my daughter were about a year old.  Now with them approaching 3 years, I continue to see similarities.  They are both costing more and more.  They are both doing new and amazing things that make me wonder what will come next.  They both still can keep me up at night, but it happens much less now.  They both are requiring more and more of my time to ensure they remain on the right path and finally, they are both continuing to bring more fulfillment than I could ever have imagined. 

Leading Edge Physiotherapy RGC

It was time for this author to move on professionally and in contemplating the best way to do it, another facility just made sense.  I was spending the majority of my practice time at another (non Leading Edge) facility and my business time on the Leading Edge Practice.  Bringing the two together in a new location also made sense. 

In October, we opened the doors of the Leading Edge Physiotherapy RGC.  The new facility at The Royal Glenora Club has gotten off to a wonderful start.  We are welcoming new patients and have been pleased with the response of the Edmonton community, who have so far enjoyed the unique atmosphere.   The location has proven to be fantastic with ample parking and a bright space at the social entrance of the Club.  The reception from members has been warm and inviting and my past patients seem to love the central location and beautiful surroundings.  YES we are open to the public. 

Along Came Scott Fitzgerald and Kristen Fitzgerald…

We have added two amazing physiotherapists, Kristen and Scott Fitzgerald, who are hitting their stride and fitting in with the team as though they have always been with us.  Originally, from the Morinville area, Kristen and Scott have been practicing in private practice in Kelowna, B.C.  It was not an easy decision for them to leave such a beautiful and weather friendly place like Kelowna.  The idea of being close to family and having the opportunity to partner in Leading Edge ultimately swayed the balance.  (And are we ever happy that it did!!!)  In keeping with the Leading Edge way, they have already attended the Dr. Chan Gunn IMS course and will join our path to adding services by becoming Titleist TPI certified golf fitness instructors.

Where are we going?

I believe that this will prove to be a wonderful and exciting year.  Under the direction of Anita Cassidy, we are launching a charity event in 2011, that will raise money for the Zebra Child Protection Centre.  We have named it RUNWILD, and the event will be a Full and half marathon with 5k and 10 distances to meet the entire running community’s needs.  There will be a walkathon and a kids MARAFUN.  Please stay tuned to my next posts that will go into detail about the creation of the event and will follow the development of the race.  For now, please check us out at runwild.ca.

Thanks for helping us live up to our name

Thanks to all out patients past and present who have been so kind as to put their trust in us for the care of their most important commodity, themselves.  I welcome everyone to help us keep on the path to living up to our name and truly being Leading Edge…  Please remember that it doesn’t have to hurt and pass it on!

Grant Fedoruk

The Inaugural Leading Edge Blog – The Leading Edge Story

What better way for us to begin our blogging than to tell our story.  How and why did Leading Edge Physiotherapy begin?  Where did the name come from?  What makes us Leading Edge?  Can we live up to the name?

How and why did Leading Edge Physiotherapy begin?

After almost two years in operation we realize that this clinic/family has been 10 years in the making.  Heidi Fedoruk began practicing in St. Albert 9 years ago.  Bringing her caring and gifted hands to so many in the community, it was only logical that at some point she would make her way in a setting that she could be proud to call her own.  Heidi has treated many of her dear patients for various injuries since the first days of her own practice.  Two years ago Heidi had decided that it was time to make a long time plan a reality.  Her husband, and author of this story, was prepared to make the transition to clinic owner, although the timing might have been a little better.  After all, Heidi and I were expecting our first child amidst the decision to take on this wonderful challenge.

The Leading Edge facility existed in the Sturgeon Valley Athletic Club under the ownership and management of a local physiotherapist.  Heidi and I decided to approach the owner, in the hopes that she may consider selling the practice.  Fortunately, the present owner was in the midst of her own transition, being an owner of another successful practice in Edmonton, and she agreed to a sale of the practice.    

Where did the name come from?

It already existed.  It had components that both Heidi and I liked and believed in and decided that it was a name that we could be proud to live up to.

It seems so easy, to write this history in just 2 paragraphs, but the reality of starting a ”new practice” and having a ”new born” at the same time has had its challenges.  I must admit that they share some similarities.  Both like to wake us up at night for reasons that we can’t figure out; both need to be cared for and loved; both cost us plenty of money (gotta love those banks!); both are turning out to be better experiences than we could have imagined; and both have become what they are today due to much appreciated support of our families, partners and the St. Albert community that we are proud to be business owners in. 

Along come Lori Shupak and Anita Cassidy

Lori Shupak started her adventure at Leading Edge on April fools day, in 2008.  A belief in her abilities and attitude made it apparent that she would make not just a great physiotherapist, but a great partner as well.  With her own story to tell, and the opportunity to be an owner herself, she left the comfort of her previous position to join the Leading Edge adventure.  She brings with her an athletic background and a drive to take on physio like she has hockey (to the National level). 

Not long after the addition of Lori, 1 month in fact, Anita Cassidy, made the decision to become a partner in our endeavor.  Heidi and I have known Anita since she was a student with Heidi, 7 years ago.  It was at that time that we both knew Anita had a gift.  She has deep routes in Sturgeon County, and as patients learn quickly, a big heart and smile to go with it.  Both Anita and Lori bring different personalities that help to make the Leading Edge atmosphere fun and “original.”   Having three partners who practice at Leading Edge, you can be assured that they all have a vested interest in our patient’s care, and Leading Edge Reputation. 

What makes us Leading Edge? 

Without question, it’s the people. 

To answer my last question…  Can we live up to the name? 

It’s a challenge that we are proud to tackle.  Since our inception, we have added several technologies that can certainly be considered Leading Edge.  These include Radial Shockwave and Graston Technique.  Additionally, all of our Partners have invested in their own skills by taking advanced training in orthotics, acupuncture and now Intramuscular Stimulation.  It will require that we continue to seek out new treatments and ways to make our patients and this community better faster.  Treatment at Leading Edge Physiotherapy ultimately needs to be Leading Edge, or we need to change our name!

Posted by Grant Fedoruk