A floor made of gym mats, some hoops, cones and a crawling tunnel combine to make the perfect obstacle course for Carla Peters’ pediatric physiotherapy session. With a few play-based materials, children complete the course, all while working on basic skills like balance, mobility and strength.

“Following a child’s lead means we have to be creative and spontaneous in finding ways that we can somehow fit a little bit of our agenda into the child’s needs while they lead us through play,” described Carla Peters, Pediatric Physiotherapist at Boundary Trails Health Centre.

With twenty-five years’ experience, Peters finds creative ways to provide patient-centered care daily to help her younger patients thrive and reach their full potential.

“You usually have to be one step ahead, or in my case, crawl on the floor or swing in swings,” explained Peters with a smile. “The more playful it is, the more willing they are to try and push themselves and that’s where the rehabilitation happens.”

As a pediatric physiotherapist, Peters assesses and treats young patients who live in Winkler, Morden and surrounding communities, from newborns to as old as twenty-one. Peters sees patients with a wide range of conditions, from developmental delays to neurological and musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. Working with the pediatric population, her role spans more than just the physical aspects of physiotherapy, they include supporting the child’s overall development including social and sensory needs.

“I’m continually inspired by the resilience and boundless potential of the children I work with,” shared Peters. “Being able to play a role in enhancing their quality of life and witnessing their joy as they achieve developmental milestones and participate in activities they love – is incredibly fulfilling.”

Peters adds that she too enjoys the games and obstacle courses she designs for her patients, exercising alongside them at work.

Peters’ passion for the job is fueled by the impact of her work. She has witnessed children’s determination first-hand, helping them achieve milestones like a first step after a lower body amputation or participate in extra-curricular activities.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and active life,” shared Peters. “I have a deeply rooted passion for helping people become the best version of themselves. I’ve always been an encourager and like to be active so this profession is the perfect fit for me.”

Peters works with a team of specialists, including speech language pathologists, audiologists, occupational therapists and rehabilitation assistants. This interdisciplinary team works very closely with families, child development workers, school staff and the rest of the child’s health care team to support them in their journey.

“Working together as a team has made this type of work extra rewarding,” shared Peters. “Especially when it comes to having the stamina and energy to work with kiddos, together we have come up with a library of creative ways to get them to do things they wouldn’t normally do but are beneficial for their progress.”

Peters’ impact extends beyond the walls of Boundary Trails Health Centre, with opportunities to travel and treat kids within their schools, homes and communities, including rural and First Nation communities.

“I’ve learned so much by travelling and meeting new people in different communities. I’ll never be finished learning because there’s always new information and research out there,” explained Peters, who is also part of a clinical best practice group where physiotherapists from across Manitoba meet monthly to exchange ideas and collaborate on innovative care. “You never really arrive. If you can continue to learn both professionally and personally, the rewards are immeasurable.”

Submitted by: Shared Health