Andrea Plitz
Physio & Yoga

Hi, I'm Andrea :)
Co-Founder & Physiotherapist at Bloom Integrative Health & Movement Centre
As a physiotherapist and yoga teacher I love to blend the science and art of biomechanical diagnosis and holistic therapeutics with movement, energy, and breath. I believe a big part of that is helping people to reconnect with their bodies in a new and individualized way taking into consideration their unique health and movement profile. This allows the body and mind to work together to enhance outcomes, integrating positive change in an easy and holistic manner to improve health, function, and movement, returning to oneness.
I have a passion for working with with men, women, and older children with complex or persistent musculoskeletal conditions that may have plateaued or not responded as expected with traditional care. I also have a clinical focus in women's health including pregnancy and postnatal care, athletic performance and injury recovery in young women and girls, pelvic floor rehabilitation, as well as working with with complex or chronic pain conditions.
I have extensively trained in the Integrated Systems Model (Lee & Lee) which looks at the person as a whole network of their structural components (i.e. articular, myofascial, visceral, and neural), how they align, move and control those movements, as well as how their personal beliefs, story and emotions contribute to their complaints. This allows me to more efficiently and effectively identify and treat the major contributing factors for a holistic recovery (and to refer to an alternative care provider should it be required).
A combination of manual therapy including gentle joint mobilizations, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, exercise rehabilitation including integration of breath, Yoga, Hypopressives - Low Pressure Fitness, and other mindful movement therapies, is used in a protocol-free, individualized and functional approach. More recently, I have been exploring and taking advanced trainings in Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine to understand and support the deeper biochemistry of patients in relation to their complaints.
I LOVE (#physionerd) to continually learn by taking and assisting on courses, creating and teaching workshops and trainings, as well as discussing the latest evidence to inform my practice with leading clinicians. I am also actively involved in peer mentorship and supervision of student and Resident Physiotherapists.
In my spare moments, I enjoy spending time and playing with my 2 kids, energetic Labradoodle, husband, friends and family, as well as trying new forms of movement including Yoga, Pilates, running, skiing, paddle boarding and more.

Clinical Interests
How posture and breath effects the abdomen & pelvic bowl
Distasis recti abdominis & pelvic organ prolapse; it's not just about core or pelvic floor strength!
Looking at & treating the body as an integrated system
More than just muscles and bones. How do organs, entire nervous system including craniosacral system and emotions effect our movement & function?
The pelvic floor & its influence on common orthopedic complaints
Clinical experience with chronic low back/ SIJ pain & patellofemoral syndrome, TMD and more.
Yoga as Therapy
Integrating mind, body and spirit for holistic health and healing.
Education
Multiple Post-Graduate Courses
Continuing to grow my patient care toolbox, I have taken over 40 courses in the past 10 years allowing me to provide the highest quality and most effective care for my patients. Focuses have been in women's health, pelvic health, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy and yoga.
Sacred Movement School
200 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training (2014) enhancing Andrea's already 20 year personal practice
McGill University
Master of Science (Applied) for Physical Therapy with placements in orthopedics, chronic pain, pediatrics, and cardiorespiratory rehabilitation.
Queen's University
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology, Anatomy and Physiology.
How deep core control relates to persistent pain including in post concussion syndrome.
Our deep core stabilizes our entire body, including the nervous system, and is integral with our breath. How are we better able to manage and assist women and girls ?