Creston PhysioWorks & More
A Multi-Discipline Clinic offering PhysioTherapy, Occupational Therapy, Acupuncture, Massage, Kinesiology, Deep Tissue Laser
About Us
Why choose us?
Founded in October of 2000, Our goal is to assist patients to recover from pain and injury, and return them to active lifestyles that they enjoy in the beautiful Creston Valley. To enhance overall physical health, fitness and quality of life of adults and children by treating them with high quality, comprehensive and individual rehabilitation services.
How We Can Help You
We all get injured or have daily wear and tear on our bodies. Our professionals are here to get you back on track. We provide Acupuncture, Physiotherapy, Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy, Registered Massage Therapy, and Clinical Counseling and Laser Therapy to assist you (and your body) to get back on track!
See the Difference our practitioners can make.
We can assist you in recovering from injuries as well as those suffering from chronic pain and disease. Our experienced team will help you plan your wellness strategy and get you moving in the right direction!
Our Services
Physiotherapy
Injuries are a part of using our bodies in life, but this should not mean it should impede your return to work, sport or hobby. Book an appointment to get an assessment today!
Registered Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy decreases stress and help control pain. Perhaps less known is the effectiveness of massage therapy in treating deeper structures of the body such as ligaments, bones and joints, fascia, blood vessels, organs and other soft tissue of the body. Massage therapy can provide relief for many common conditions such as migraines, pregnancy, sports injuries and arthritis.
Clinical Counseling
Clinical Counseling helps people as they navigate emotional or mental health difficulties. Every situation is unique, and our counselors can help you work through personal issues like anger management, depression, aging, parenting, relationship problems, stress and addiction.
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese medicine is a system of medicine partly based on the idea that an energy, called qi (say "chee"), flows along pathways in the body called meridians. In this belief, if the flow of qi along these meridians is blocked or unbalanced, illness can occur. In China, doctors have practiced traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and it is gaining in popularity in many Western countries.
Causes of qi imbalance are thought to involve:
- External forces, such as wind, cold, or heat.
- Internal forces, such as emotions of joy, anger, or fear.
- Lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, too little sleep, or too much alcohol.
Another important concept in traditional Chinese medicine is the concept of yin and yang. In this approach, all things, including the body, are composed of opposing forces called yin and yang. Health is said to depend on the balance of these forces. Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on maintaining the yin-yang balance to maintain health and prevent illness.
Traditional Chinese medicine therapies include:
- Acupuncture, which uses thin metal needles placed along the body's meridians.
- Acupressure, which uses the hands or fingers to apply direct pressure to points along the body's meridians.
- Cupping, which uses warm air in glass jars to create suction placed on areas of the body to help stimulate qi.
- Diet. Yin and yang foods can help restore the yin-yang balance in the body.
- Massage (tui na) on specific areas of the body or along the body's meridians.
- Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese healing method in which a Registered Acupuncturist uses a smooth edged tool or various rocks to stroke your skin while they press on it. Gua Sha is used to treat chronic pain in all areas of the body.
- Qi gong, which uses movement, breathing techniques, and meditation.
Laser Therapy
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy uses a process called photobiomodulation. Photons enter the tissue and interact with the cytochrome c complex within mitochondria. This interaction triggers a biological cascade of events that leads to an increase in cellular metabolism and a decrease in both pain and inflammation.
It helps reduce pain, reduce inflammation, and enhance tissue healing— both in hard and soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, or even bones. It utilizes the body’s own healing powers by stimulating cellular activity.
What does it feel like?
Deep Tissue Laser Therapy creates a gentle, soothing warmth. Many patients receiving LightForce Laser Therapy treatments report enjoying the experience, especially when a massage-ball treatment head is used to deliver what is often referred to as a “laser massage.”
Patients receiving treatments with higher-power lasers also frequently report a rapid decrease in pain. For someone suffering from chronic pain, this effect can be particularly pronounced.
How Many Treatments does it take?
Many people experience pain relief in 1 treatment. Recommended dosing is 2-3 times per week for 5-10 treatment sessions. Acute injuries usually require fewer treatments, while chronic conditions may need more. Laser treatments initiate the healing process and can continue to reduce inflammation for 24-72 hours after treatment. Laser Therapy is treatment that accompanies Physiotherapy, a Physiotherapy assessment is required to access Laser Therapy.
Our Team
Graham Hansel, MPT, B.Sc, CSCS
Graham Hansel, MPT, B.Sc, CSCS
Graham Hansel, MPT, B.Sc, CSCS
Graham completed his Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of British Columbia in 2022.
Having grown up in rural communities, Graham has an appreciation and understanding for the challenges rural residents face with accessing services and has a passion for providing rehabilitation to those in under-serviced communities.
During his undergraduate education he achieved specialized certifications in Exercise Physiology (ACSM EP-C) and Strength and Conditioning (NSCA CSCS). As a lifelong athlete, Graham has a fascination for human movement and sport performance.
Graham believes in listening to each patient’s concerns, and working together with them to develop a rehab plan. He takes time to educate patients, and strives to equip and enable them to be active participants in their rehab. He applies foundational skills from strength and conditioning to help patients move better and feel stronger. He has a special interest in pain neuroscience, and incorporates pain education within treatment.
Outside of the clinic Graham and his wife enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, and camping.
Alison Jackes, MSc PT
Graham Hansel, MPT, B.Sc, CSCS
Graham Hansel, MPT, B.Sc, CSCS
Alison completed her Master of Physical Therapy with Distinction in 2022 from Queen Margaret University in Scotland.
Prior to pursuing Physical Therapy, Alison spent several years working with clients in not-for-profit organizations. These experiences developed her communication, problem-solving and client-centred approach to care. Working with clients in this way also highlighted the complexity of an illness or injury experience and the holistic impact it can have on individuals’ lives. This motivated Alison to pursue a career in Health Care.
In addition to being a former long-distance runner and outdoor sports athlete, Alison is a long term yoga practitioner and has recently completed her 200 hour teacher training. Alison aims at combining evidence-based practices with empathy and patience to ensure a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, tailored to clients’ individual needs.
Outside the clinic, Alison and her partner enjoy skiing, biking, hiking, climbing, camping and many other ways to explore the beauty of the Kootenays and the Creston Valley.
Ebony Crocker, RMT
Graham Hansel, MPT, B.Sc, CSCS
Erica Smurthwaite, R.Ac
Ebony graduated in 2010 from the 3-year (3000 hour) massage therapy program at Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy in Vernon BC. Before this she worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse and a Personal Care Aide in both home and hospital settings.
Ebony's modalities of treatment include pre-and post-natal massage, myofascial release therapy, trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, Muscle Energy Techniques, Craniosacral therapy, as well as massage therapy for relaxation.
Ebony is a mother of 2 very energetic young boys and spends her time keeping up!
Erica Smurthwaite, R.Ac
Erica Smurthwaite, R.Ac
Erica Smurthwaite, R.Ac
Erica is a licensed acupuncturist since 2016. I completed a B.Sc in psychology at UVIC and earned my acupuncture diploma at Pacific Rim college.
I am also a certified yoga teacher, I did my training in India and Guatemala.
I developed a thriving practice in Victoria BC until relocating to Nanaimo BC with our new born to purchase a home for our growing family. I started a second successful practice with a focus on women’s reproductive health. I have experience in treating a wide diversity of issues and love that acupuncture helps with all the daily issues that we all experience.
Almost two years ago my family relocated to Creston BC. My husband and our two young children have found our dream property where we have expanded our homesteading lifestyle. We absolutely love it here! I look forward to creating a strong community and building a busy practice here!
Dave Lyons MSW, RCC
Erica Smurthwaite, R.Ac
Alanna Burgess, R.Ac
As a Registered Clinical Counselor for the last 25 years. I have a deep respect for peoples ability to imprve their lives, when they’ve decided a change is needed.
My own life experience as a husband (43 years), father and worker give me an understanding of struggles we all go through as we meet life’s challenges.
I’ve worked over the last 25 years for adult, child and youth and first nations mental health with experience in individual, couple and family work.
I have extensive experience with anger management strategies and have supported clients with developmental disabilities.
Alanna Burgess, R.Ac
Erica Smurthwaite, R.Ac
Alanna Burgess, R.Ac
Lanna is a licensed acupuncturist since 2020. She grew up in the Columbia valley. Lanna has always had an interest in a holistic approach to medicine. Upon travelling I experienced and gained a curiosity in eastern healthcare and became fascinated by the importance of ancient practises of medicine in modern times. I became intrigued by the benefits of acupuncture after initially treating my severe migraines and then down the road my troublesome digestion issues. I treat a wide variety of health concerns and specialize in sound healing, massage, cupping, facial cosmetic acupuncture and gua sha. My hope is to provide every patient with a deeper understanding of their own unique health and vitality goals.