Physiotherapy is a health discipline that covers a wide spectrum of treatment to improve mobility, reduce pain, and improve physical well-being. On our outpatient team, physiotherapist Carolann is an expert in physical impairments related to the nervous system, and treating people living with HIV. This is important because people living and aging with HIV experience a unique profile of chronic comorbidities and health complications, and/or may require additional considerations for their treatment plans.
As an outpatient service, physiotherapy can address acute issues like injuries, or long-term goals like adapting mobility, managing pain, or responding to life events such as surgeries. Carolann’s physiotherapy specialization means that goals of weight loss or wanting to exercise more are not suitable for physiotherapy treatment, and are instead supported through recreational therapy.
Physiotherapy in action
But before anyone starts moving, the client first describes their issue in their own words to Carolann. Oftentimes, they may have an explanation about the problem from their doctors, but are not able to understand the complex medical jargon. It can be even more challenging for aging clients exhibiting HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) who may be experiencing cognitive difficulties or memory loss. Knowing this, Carolann takes her time to provide comprehensive education with diagrams or 3D models to ensure clients truly understand what is happening with their bodies.
Next, she develops a treatment plan with the client that may include an exercise routine, fitness equipment, stretching, and manual manipulation. Some commonly addressed issues are falls-management and developing balance, building muscle mass, or increasing aerobic capacity.
Another branch of outpatient physiotherapy is mobility device distribution. Carolann works with our inpatient occupational therapist to host a weekly seating and mobility clinic. While other mobility clinics financially supported by the Ministry of Health’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP) typically have waitlists that span years before someone can obtain a device, At Casey House, having a registered authorizer and equipment on-site speeds up the process, In some cases, we also defray expenses not covered by the program. ADP covers 75% of the device cost and usually only people accessing social assistance can get the remaining 25% of the cost covered, Our team also considers individual needs. Mobility devices may be built for anyone, but care at Casey House is not one size fits all. Even quality of life changes like a different cushion for a seated device can make a big impact during daily use. Furthermore, the clinic also assists with basic device maintenance and repairs so they last longer and feel more personalized for our clients.
Carolann also combines forces with the inpatient physiotherapist and occupational therapist for the Making Sense of Pain group program. The multi-week program created by Pain BC helps individuals self-manage chronic pain. As people age with HIV, they are more susceptible to chronic pain and the associated disparaging mental impacts.
Advocating for better care
HIV symptoms can be episodic, so physical ailments may manifest only periodically; nevertheless, Carolann is ready to jump in and help. Even when she isn’t providing treatment, she can assist with client advocacy. Carolann recounts an instance where a client expressed that their surgeon was not taking their concerns seriously following a soft-tissue procedure. Carolann assessed the pain and swelling before writing a letter to the client’s family doctor advising that they receive additional imaging, assessment, treatment, and surgery.
“I advocate for our clients, because sometimes they have issues navigating the health care system and they’re not listened to, or don’t feel like they’re being heard. I also take the time to make sure that they know I hear what they’re saying and I’m going to try and help them get better.”
– Carolann, physiotherapist
Carolann admires the clients she sees and recognizes the importance of trauma-informed care. “The clients that I work with are the best. There’s a huge variety, but they’re very interesting, resilient, and very grateful for any help. […] You have to be genuine with them or they’ll know if you’re not.” Moreover, she appreciates how our physiotherapy services are low-barrier; it’s easy to access them when all our services are in one place and clients can even receive public transportation support to visit Casey House. You can find Carolann at lunch chatting with clients, sharing a meal, inviting them to her group exercise classes, or even attending to a client on the spot if they’ve had a fall.
Outside the house
Beyond Casey House, Carolann also contributes to clinical research relating to HIV and physiotherapy. She uses her clinical knowledge alongside her ongoing practice to advance HIV knowledge. In 2024, her work was celebrated with the Elisse Zack Award for Excellence in HIV and Rehabilitation. We’re honoured to have Carolann leading outpatient physiotherapy at Casey House and providing exemplary holistic care for our clients.
September 30, 2026
Inside outpatient care: Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a health discipline that covers a wide spectrum of treatment to improve mobility, reduce pain, and improve physical well-being. On our outpatient team, physiotherapist Carolann is an expert in physical impairments related to the nervous system, and treating people living with HIV. This is important because people living and aging with HIV experience a unique profile of chronic comorbidities and health complications, and/or may require additional considerations for their treatment plans.
As an outpatient service, physiotherapy can address acute issues like injuries, or long-term goals like adapting mobility, managing pain, or responding to life events such as surgeries. Carolann’s physiotherapy specialization means that goals of weight loss or wanting to exercise more are not suitable for physiotherapy treatment, and are instead supported through recreational therapy.
Physiotherapy in action
But before anyone starts moving, the client first describes their issue in their own words to Carolann. Oftentimes, they may have an explanation about the problem from their doctors, but are not able to understand the complex medical jargon. It can be even more challenging for aging clients exhibiting HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) who may be experiencing cognitive difficulties or memory loss. Knowing this, Carolann takes her time to provide comprehensive education with diagrams or 3D models to ensure clients truly understand what is happening with their bodies.
Next, she develops a treatment plan with the client that may include an exercise routine, fitness equipment, stretching, and manual manipulation. Some commonly addressed issues are falls-management and developing balance, building muscle mass, or increasing aerobic capacity.
Another branch of outpatient physiotherapy is mobility device distribution. Carolann works with our inpatient occupational therapist to host a weekly seating and mobility clinic. While other mobility clinics financially supported by the Ministry of Health’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP) typically have waitlists that span years before someone can obtain a device, At Casey House, having a registered authorizer and equipment on-site speeds up the process, In some cases, we also defray expenses not covered by the program. ADP covers 75% of the device cost and usually only people accessing social assistance can get the remaining 25% of the cost covered, Our team also considers individual needs. Mobility devices may be built for anyone, but care at Casey House is not one size fits all. Even quality of life changes like a different cushion for a seated device can make a big impact during daily use. Furthermore, the clinic also assists with basic device maintenance and repairs so they last longer and feel more personalized for our clients.
Carolann also combines forces with the inpatient physiotherapist and occupational therapist for the Making Sense of Pain group program. The multi-week program created by Pain BC helps individuals self-manage chronic pain. As people age with HIV, they are more susceptible to chronic pain and the associated disparaging mental impacts.
Advocating for better care
HIV symptoms can be episodic, so physical ailments may manifest only periodically; nevertheless, Carolann is ready to jump in and help. Even when she isn’t providing treatment, she can assist with client advocacy. Carolann recounts an instance where a client expressed that their surgeon was not taking their concerns seriously following a soft-tissue procedure. Carolann assessed the pain and swelling before writing a letter to the client’s family doctor advising that they receive additional imaging, assessment, treatment, and surgery.
“I advocate for our clients, because sometimes they have issues navigating the health care system and they’re not listened to, or don’t feel like they’re being heard. I also take the time to make sure that they know I hear what they’re saying and I’m going to try and help them get better.”
– Carolann, physiotherapist
Carolann admires the clients she sees and recognizes the importance of trauma-informed care. “The clients that I work with are the best. There’s a huge variety, but they’re very interesting, resilient, and very grateful for any help. […] You have to be genuine with them or they’ll know if you’re not.” Moreover, she appreciates how our physiotherapy services are low-barrier; it’s easy to access them when all our services are in one place and clients can even receive public transportation support to visit Casey House. You can find Carolann at lunch chatting with clients, sharing a meal, inviting them to her group exercise classes, or even attending to a client on the spot if they’ve had a fall.
Outside the house
Beyond Casey House, Carolann also contributes to clinical research relating to HIV and physiotherapy. She uses her clinical knowledge alongside her ongoing practice to advance HIV knowledge. In 2024, her work was celebrated with the Elisse Zack Award for Excellence in HIV and Rehabilitation. We’re honoured to have Carolann leading outpatient physiotherapy at Casey House and providing exemplary holistic care for our clients.
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