Dr. Kathy’s Approach to Lifelong Health and Mobility

February is Preventative Health Awareness Month (PHAM) — a time to focus on proactive steps that support long-term wellness, maintain mobility, and prevent injuries. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how small, consistent habits can make a huge difference in how our bodies move and recover, and I want to share what I’ve learned with you.

How I Discovered the Importance of Movement and Prevention

My interest in movement and health started early. I grew up in an active family, spending countless hours skiing, running, swimming, and water skiing. Watching my father manage back pain with chiropractic care taught me how preventative strategies can support long-term wellness and quality of life.

Later, while studying Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph and competing as a distance runner, I learned even more about the importance of balanced training, recovery, and listening to my body. A personal experience with sacroiliac joint pain reinforced my belief in chiropractic care as a way to maintain mobility, prevent chronic issues, and optimize function, lessons I carry into every patient interaction.

Building a Practice Focused on Prevention and Movement

When I opened my first practice in 1996, my goal was to create a space where patients could not only heal from injuries but also take proactive steps to stay active and prevent future problems. That vision has evolved into Move Activity & Motion Clinic, where we focus on long-term health and functional independence for patients of all ages.

In my practice, I combine:

• Chiropractic adjustments to support spinal alignment and nervous system function
• Mobility coaching to preserve joint range of motion
• Posture guidance to reduce daily strain
• Practical advice for integrating healthy habits into everyday life

I work with athletes, older adults, expecting mothers, and anyone seeking to maintain or improve their movement — because prevention is relevant to everyone, at every stage of life.

Prevention in Practice

Prevention isn’t just a concept I teach, it’s a principle I apply in my own life. From a clinical perspective, understanding how injuries occur and how the body adapts to stress is essential for maintaining long-term mobility and function.

Over the years, I’ve experienced injuries myself, including running-related strains and sacroiliac joint discomfort. Experiencing these challenges firsthand has reinforced the importance of early intervention, gradual progression, and consistent recovery strategies. For example, ignoring minor aches or compensating with poor movement patterns can lead to chronic issues over time.

By contrast, addressing problems early through mobility exercises, strengthening, and targeted recovery reduces the risk of re-injury and supports functional performance.

Preventative strategies I incorporate and recommend to my patients include:

• Listening to your body: recognizing early signs of fatigue or strain and adjusting activity accordingly.
• Structured strength and mobility work: reinforcing joints and muscles to improve stability and movement efficiency.
• Planned recovery: including rest, stretching, and therapeutic modalities to support tissue repair.
• Progressive load management: gradually increasing activity intensity to allow the body to adapt safely.

Even while managing injuries, applying these strategies allows me to maintain an active lifestyle and continue performing at a high level. For example, completing a recent 10 km open water swim highlighted how proactive, evidence-informed prevention strategies help sustain function and resilience throughout life.

How I Support Patients

Education is central to my approach. Each visit begins with a thorough assessment of your movement, health history, and goals. I take time to explain my findings and discuss your treatment plan in detail so you know exactly what to expect and can make informed decisions.

My goal is to empower you to restore mobility, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries. I see myself as a coach on your health journey, combining evidence-based care with practical guidance to help you stay strong, move well, and return to the activities you love.

Taking Charge This Preventative Health Awareness Month

This PHAM, I encourage you to take proactive steps to support your long-term health. Regular movement, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and mindful lifestyle habits can all help maintain your mobility, prevent injuries, and improve overall well-being.

If you’d like to learn more about evaluating your movement patterns, maintaining joint and spinal health, or developing a personalized plan to prevent future issues, I invite you to visit us at Move Activity & Motion Clinic. Together, we can create strategies that help you move better, stay active, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Visit Us In Person:
Move Activity & Motion Clinic
116 Guelph Street, Georgetown, ON L7G 4A3
Call: 905-702-1072