(Tallon is pictured on the left along with his wife and dog)
Name and Title(s):
Tallon Milne
Registered Physiotherapist
Clinical Supervisor
Where do you work?
Lakeshore Physiotherapy Clinic in Salmon Arm
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I enjoy working in a smaller community with people who need to travel long distances for care. I get to help individuals maintain the independence that is critical to living in remote locations surrounding my community. Rural residents can have significantly different goals compared to urban counterparts and helping people achieve them is extremely fulfilling.
Why does physiotherapy matter?
We have the ability to advocate for individuals when they may need it most. As experts in mobility and functional movement, we can educate and empower individuals to manage their injuries and pain. Physiotherapy exists at a unique crossroads in our medical system; we can advocate for our patients with physicians and other medical specialists, while still employing direct treatments for continuous improvement. Our profession also allows us to specialize or generalize as needed by our patients. I believe that as society focuses more on health and wellness, physiotherapy will only grow to be a larger part of people’s lives.
What is a common misconception with your work?
Physiotherapists in smaller communities provide second-rate care. The physiotherapists at my clinic take continuing education courses constantly; we are up to date on the literature and best practices of care, we provide clinical supervision/mentorship and we all are trying to grow the profession. I believe that by living and working in a smaller community, I am easily able to relate to and understand my patients’ daily lives.
What drew you to physical therapy?
Initially, I went into Physiotherapy after rupturing my ACL playing university basketball, then re-rupturing it a second time trying to return to sport. I wanted to work with athletes trying to reach the pinnacle of their chosen sport and help them through injuries like I experienced. Somewhere along the way this changed after having to visit multiple friends and family and go through rehab at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre for neurological injuries. I learnt of the variety of fields a Physiotherapist can work in and found out that working in sports is just one small area of practice. Now, I appreciate the variety in my daily caseload – especially the problem solving required. Every person is unique and every problem requires a different approach. No day is ever the same.
What is unique about what you do?
I doubt that this is unique in our profession, but I try to teach every individual I see how to be an active participant in their recovery. I believe that education is oftentimes more impactful on a patient’s success than anything else. I also try to slow down when I’m with my patients; I have found that taking the time to really listen and hear their personal journey is helpful to get to the root of the problem.
What is one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
Although I grew up playing basketball throughout my educational career, I have found that I truly love backcountry skiing. Living near Shuswap Lake in the Northern Okanagan has allowed me to explore the mountains and ski places virtually untouched by society.