Concussion Management

Multidisciplinary, comprehensive, evidence-based concussion care.

What Is A Concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury caused by acceleration or deceleration of the brain within the skull following impact to the head or elsewhere on the body. The impact causes a biochemical imbalance within the brain cells, resulting in decreased blood flow and temporary energy deficits within the brain. Symptoms may include loss of consciousness, headache, pressure in the head, neck pain, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, or balance problems, among others.

Check out the 4 characteristics of a good concussion clinic.

Concussion Treatment

Although concussions typically resolve within 10–14 days in adults and 4 weeks in children, proper management during this phase can be helpful to prevent persistent symptoms. Appropriate activity modification and gradual return to sport or activities is key.

A variety of treatments may be required for ongoing or persistent symptoms and impairments. This includes exercise, psychological, cervical and vestibular rehabilitation.

Multimodal Baseline Testing

Multimodal baseline testing is a series of physical and cognitive tests that provides a pre-injury overview of healthy brain function. These tests can provide healthcare practitioners with an objective benchmark on which to compare should a patient sustain a concussion.

Baseline testing is not required to provide post-injury care to those who have sustained a suspected or diagnosed concussion. However, baseline testing is sometimes used in established concussion protocols with high risk athletes, including elite, national team or professional athletes.

 

Team Approach

Pure Lifestyle fully supports and believes in the multidisciplinary approach to concussion management. We are proud to be able to offer many services under one roof as necessary for optimal attention of concussion care. In addition to our highly qualified team, Pure Lifestyle also has an extensive referral network for more complex cases.

Dr. Matthew Katz

Sports Medicine Physician

Dr. Matthew Katz

Sports Medicine Physician

Dr. Katz is a locally trained physician, specializing in sport and exercise medicine. He completed his medical school training at the University of Manitoba in 2015. After completing his family medicine training at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Katz went onto obtain a certificate of added competence in sport and exercise medicine from the University of Manitoba and Legacy Sport Medicine Clinic.

Dr. Katz currently is employed at Pure Lifestyle, Legacy Sport Medicine and Pine Falls Primary Health Clinic where he focuses on patient with common musculoskeletal conditions such as rotator cuff disease and osteoarthritis. He also is one of the consulting physicians for FC Valour of the Canadian Premier League.

Education

Bachelor of Sciences, University of Winnipeg, BSc
Doctor of Medicine, 2016, University of Manitoba, MD
Certificant of the Family of College Physicians, CFPC
Certificate of Added Competence 2019, Sport and Exercise Medicine

Dr. Richard Rusk

Clinical Physician

Dr. Richard Rusk

Clinical Physician

Dr. Rusk started his training in South Africa as a veterinarian at the University of Pretoria.  After graduation, he came to rural Canada for an adventure and has been here ever since.  He lived in rural Alberta and Manitoba for 8 years practicing as a cattle veterinarian before moving to Winnipeg to do his medical degree.

Dr. Rusk trained in Preventative and Family Medicine at the University of Manitoba for medical school and residency.  He completed the Public Health and Preventative Medicine residency, with a focus on primary and secondary prevention of infectious and chronic diseases.

Dr Rusk has worked in Concordia Emergency Department, community family practice and with the Ministry of Health focusing on developing preventative programs and addressing the emergence of infectious diseases.  He has also been instrumental in advancing the One Wellness framework and concept that focuses on the wellness of humans and animals and takes into consideration the health of the environment.

He is very passionate about his career which he demonstrates by sharing his knowledge and expertise by teaching medical students and residents on the benefits of focusing upstream with prevention before disease. He too believes in a multidisciplinary approach and collaborates with physiotherapists, athletic therapists, kinesiologists and teaches continuing education courses in Manitoba and Canada.

Dr. Rusk strives to provide and expand Preventative Medicine in Manitoba. He believes that patients can prevent many conditions through careful consideration to their nutritional and mental diet, through participating in physical and social activities, and thus preventing disease and promoting wellbeing. Through the multi-disciplinary team of Pure Wellness, we have a unique opportunity to improve each and everyone that participates in care from this team.

In his spare time, he has competed for Canada in the Age Group World Triathlon championships, has bicycled to Everest base camp and has run the Hypothermic Half Marathon as only a true Manitoban could.

Education

Community and Family Preventative Medicine Physician
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)
Medical Doctor (MD)
Certificant of the College of Family Physicians (CCFP)
Diploma of American Board of Preventative Medicine (Dip ABPM)
Masters of Public Health (MPH)

Steve Moerman

Manager, Physiotherapy

Steve Moerman

Manager, Physiotherapy

Steve completed his Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba in 2008, and then went on to complete his Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation (PT) in 2013 also from the University of Manitoba. As a student he found his passion in orthopaedics, sports physiotherapy and advanced exercise. With 5 years of personal training experience, Steve thrives in the gym atmosphere that Pure provides.

“I have always had a passions for health, wellness and fitness. I love how at Pure we have bridged the gap between physiotherapy and fitness training. The two go hand in hand and I believe it is the future of our profession.”

In 2018 Steve completed a Master’s of Clinical Science in Advanced Health Care Practice (Manipulative Therapy) from the University of Western Ontario where he also became a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapists. Since then Steve has developed a passion for evidenced based practice and leadership within the physiotherapy profession.

Steve is extremely hard working, and takes pride in all the he puts his hands to. He loves the different opportunities that a career as a physiotherapist offers and is committed to lifelong learning.

Education

MClSc – Masters of Clinical Science in Advanced Health Care Practice
BMR PT – Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy
BSc – Bachelor of Science
Functional Movement Screen Level 1 (FMS)
Licensed in Acupuncture
NCCP Level 2 Olympic Lifting
FCAMPT – Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapists
CCMI Certified Therapist

Interests

Wakeboarding
Snowboarding
Volleyball
Bodybuilding
Camping, fishing, hiking
Carpentry and home renovations

Accomplishments

Board member of the National Orthopaedic Division Executive - 2018-2020
Awarded the Joan K. Edwards award in 2018 through the Manitoba Physiotherapy Association in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the profession within the first five years of his career
Assistant in the advanced postgraduate orthopaedic level system
Guest lecturer for Sport Physiotherapy Canada - MB Section
Co-founder of @strengthphysios who lecture to CrossFit gyms on injury prevention and performance enhancement
Clinical Instructor for University of Manitoba Physiotherapy students
Board member of the MB-Section of Sport Physiotherapy Canada 2010-2017

Sitha Soung

Physiotherapist

Sitha Soung

Physiotherapist

Sitha graduated from the University of Manitoba with his Bachelor of Kinesiology – Athletic Therapy degree in 2015 and continued on to complete his Masters in Physical Therapy in 2017.

During his studies, Sitha developed a keen interest in integrating principles of exercise and sports performance into individualized rehabilitation plans to help his clients return to function with an improved quality of life!

Sitha brings with him extensive experience working with athletes of all ages and skill levels. Over the years, Sitha has worked with the Manitoba Soccer Association Provincial soccer team, Bison’s football and soccer programs, and currently covers many Winnipeg high school football games. In addition, Sitha has covered a variety of international, national and provincial competitions in volleyball, baseball, triathlon, tennis, hockey, taekwondo, rugby, gymnastics, basketball, ultimate and golf.

Sitha’s commitment to quality care and active-based rehabilitation aligns perfectly with the philosophy at Pure Lifestyle. As a lifelong learner, Sitha is continually looking to advance his skills in manual therapy and advanced exercise and enjoys giving back to his profession by volunteering at the CoRS Open House, Siloam Mission, the Department of Physical Therapy’s MMI’s, and the WRHA Mobile Falls Clinics. In addition, Sitha is an active member of the Manitoba Physiotherapy Association’s Professional Development and Sport Physiotherapy committees.

“I am blessed and honoured to be given the opportunity to join the Pure Lifestyle team and to work alongside professionals who I consider to be leaders in our field. I strive to uphold the same quality of client-centered care to help our clients safely return to sport, work and function!”.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Athletic Therapy (BSc)
Master of Physiotherapy (MPT)
Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT(c))
Certified Personal Trainer (CSEP-Cpt)
Licensed in Acupuncture (A & S)
Diane Gregoire-Wood

Diane Grégoire-Wood

Physiotherapist
Diane Gregoire-Wood

Diane Grégoire-Wood

Physiotherapist
Diane graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2007 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. She spent the first 14 years of her career in acute care at the Health Sciences Centre specifically in neurosurgery, trauma and surgical/medical intensive care. Her experience in acute care has allowed her to build strong clinical reasoning and the ability to effectively collaborate with all health care practitioners. In 2021 she completed the competency-based vestibular training to focus her practice on vestibular rehabilitation. Her acute care background allows for a very thorough assessment and understanding of each patient. Timely and thorough vestibular care is very difficult to find in Winnipeg and Diane is excited to provide this service to patients as she believes they should not have to suffer from vertigo and dizziness alone. As a former gymnast, Diane’s passion for physical activity and health is still a huge part of her life. Most weekends are spent at the lake, biking, swimming and hiking with her husband Blake and 2 children: Danica and Nolin.

Education

BMR(PT) - Bachelor of Physiotherapy

Accomplishments

Competency-based Vestibular Training
Mentor to physiotherapy students
Completed a half- ironman
Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro
Dr. Ian Burron

Dr. Ian Burron

Occupational Health Physician
Dr. Ian Burron

Dr. Ian Burron

Occupational Health Physician
Dr. Burron holds a Doctor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation (physiotherapy), both from the University of Manitoba. Dr. Burron is certified in both Family and Emergency Medicine through the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP).   Dr. Burron’s areas of practice interest include emergency medicine, musculoskeletal and rehabilitation medicine, occupational and insurance medicine and, obesity and exercise medicine.

Occupational and insurance medicine, musculoskeletal /rehabilitation medicine

In addition to training and previously practicing as a physiotherapist, Dr. Burron completed Occupational Medicine training through the University of Alberta (Foundation Course Occupational Medicine Part A and B) and completed the examination for Associate status with the Canadian Board of Occupational Medicine (ACBOM). Dr. Burron is a Certified Independent Medical Examiner (CIME) through the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (ABIME). Dr. Burron is a medical consultant for the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba and has provided Non-Treating (independent) medical exams and overseen rehabilitation programing for Manitoba Public Insurance, Manitoba Teachers Society, Health Employee Benefits Branch. Dr. Burron has provided consultation to Industry on Occupational health and workplace injury prevention and management.

Exercise and Obesity medicine

Dr. Burron strongly believes in the importance of lifestyle modification and exercise for the prevention and treatment of all medical conditions. He is Board Certified in Obesity Medicine through the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Dr. Burron performs and interprets Cardiac stress testing and electrocardiograms (EKG) for diagnosis of cardiovascular conditions, exercise assessment and prescription.

Emergency medicine

Dr. Burron is a practicing emergency physician at Selkirk Regional Health Center and was the Director of Emergency Medicine at Selkirk Regional Health Center from 2015-2020. Dr. Burron sits on the Manitoba Emergency Medicine Specialty Privileges Committee.
Burton

Dr. Burton Abbott

Occupational Health Physician
Burton

Dr. Burton Abbott

Occupational Health Physician
Dr. Abbott grew up in rural Manitoba, from a farming background. During university, he held summer jobs in agriculture and agriculture related construction work. Dr. Abbott holds a Doctor of Medicine degree, a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy) degree and a Bachelor of Science degree. Dr. Abbott holds Fellowship status with the College of Family Physicians of Canada and holds certificates in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Care of the Elderly. Dr. Abbott, having completed both University of Alberta Foundation courses in Occupational Medicine and having successfully completed the examination, is an Associate of the Canadian Board of Occupational Medicine. Dr. Abbott has experience in clinic and hospital settings as a physiotherapist, prior to studying medicine. After completing medical studies, Dr. Abbott practiced emergency medicine and provided critical care for patients in remote communities within the Lifeflight Air Ambulance program for 15 years, until the program closed. Dr. Abbott attends and consults in Geriatrics and Rehabilitation and is a hospitalist in the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Orthopaedics Trauma program. Dr. Abbott serves as a medical consultant to the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba and formerly to Manitoba Public Insurance. Dr. Abbott is an assistant professor in the University of Manitoba Department of Emergency Medicine and regularly lectures on a variety of topics, including musculoskeletal medicine, emergency medicine and occupational medicine. Dr. Abbott is a former Chief Medical Officer of a rural Manitoba hospital and is former President of Medical Staff at Seven Oaks Hospital in Winnipeg. Dr. Abbott has participated on a number of medical standards committees and medical advisory committees, whose mandate has been to assure a high standard of patient care. Dr. Abbott currently acts as medical consultant to the Interlake Eastern Regional Authority, consulting on issues related to medical standards and patient safety. When Dr. Abbott is not treating patients, consulting or teaching, he enjoys spending free time with his wife and three adult children, playing football and volleyball, boating and cycling.

Education

BMR(PT), B.Sc., MD, CCFP(EM)(COE), FCFP, ACBOM
Dr. Caelin White

Dr. Caelin White

Clinical and Sport Psychologist
Dr. Caelin White

Dr. Caelin White

Clinical and Sport Psychologist
Dr. Caelin White’s work focuses on helping clients propel themselves forward in their work, sport, and personal life through enhanced self-awareness, self-compassion, and concrete skill development. Dr. White provides individually-tailored, scientifically-informed interventions for a broad range of difficulties, including those related to general psychological functioning (e.g., anxiety, panic, depression, chronic pain, trauma, emotion regulation, self-esteem, life adjustment) as well as those specific to sport and corporate performance (e.g., focus, motivation, perfectionism, dealing with failure and loss, managing performance expectations, navigating challenging team dynamics, distress tolerance, goal-setting, time management). With respect to his therapeutic approach, he relies primarily on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and a variety of evidence-informed principles from sport and performance psychology. He is also trained in prolonged exposure (PE), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and accelerated resolution therapy (ART) techniques. In addition to serving the general public and corporate clientele, he also works with career athletes, first responders, law enforcement, and military personnel.

Education

Doctoral Residency - Calgary Clinical Psychology Consortium
PhD - University of Manitoba
M.A. - University of Manitoba
B.A. (Hons.) - University of British Columbia

Interests

Dr. White enjoys spending time with friends and family, camping, hiking, reading, beekeeping, and running ultramarathons and endurance obstacle course races.

Accomplishments

Zion 100 Ultra – 2018
Bryce Canyon 100 Ultra – 2018
Canadian Death Race – 2013, 2015, 2018
Black Spur Ultra – 2018
Sinister 7 Ultra – 2016, 2017, 2018
Fat Dog 120 Ultra – 2017
Scotiabank 150 Ultra – 2017
X Warrior Ultra – 2017
OCR World Championships – 2016, 2017
World’s Toughest Mudder – 2012, 2014, 2015
Spartan Death Race – 2014