This interview is part of a series chatting with local business owners, artists, organizers and people in our community who are learning to adapt during COVID-19.
Nicola Robertson – Diamond Physiotherapy
Describe your business.
Diamond Physiotherapy is a unique physiotherapy clinic in Belleville, where our focus is one-on-one treatment. Every client has their own goal, from strengthening their pelvic floor for birth to walking with balance. No matter the challenge, you’ll always feel safe and strengthened by our team. Founded by Nicola Robertson in 2017, Diamond Physiotherapy now has a team of three physiotherapists, a registered massage therapist and three amazing support staff.
What does working from home/your workplace look like for you right now?
At Diamond Physiotherapy, it is our means to challenge traditional practice. So when the opportunity to use Telehealth and work from home presented itself, we embraced it. Even though the space looks very different from the clinic, it functions perfectly to demonstrate home exercise programs.
How have you adapted your operations during the pandemic?
We have utilized modern technology with a multitude of computer screens and devices so we can provide confidential calls with full video instruction. As well, we continue to offer direct billing for our clients through most insurance companies.
How have you been supported by the community?
The assistance from our college and association from both the provincial and national levels has been incredible and the community support has been overwhelming.
From people simply reaching out to say, “Hi, how are you doing?” to new clients and referrals from a variety of sources, this has shown us the strength within our community. We are proud to be a part of the Belleville family and are grateful for their ongoing support of this small-but-mighty physiotherapy clinic.
What is something good that has come from this difficult situation?
This has been a positive experience for us, learning to work within a different environment. I am so very proud and grateful for my team having learned to navigate this together. It has also taught us that there are many ways in which we can help our patients, and conventional physiotherapy, such as hands-on manual or machine-based physiotherapy, isn’t always the answer. In fact, this has proven that exercise and education-based practice, can sometimes be even more effective.
What advice do you have for other business owners at this time?
To the other business owners out there, stay strong and look at the options available to you. This is an opportunity not only to look outside of the box that you currently work within, but to look long-term at strategies to provide services within our community.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I would also like to share a favorite quote of mine: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” – Vivian Greene
Stay tuned as we share more local folks who are Makin’ It Work, and check out our weekly interviews (of the same name) on Instagram Live every Friday.
