Life Empowered Occupational Therapy

Life Empowered Occupational Therapy Offering private Occupational Therapy services to east central Alberta

05/16/2026

Hip hinging is a foundational movement in my clinic! Deadlifts, kettlebell swings (though we usually use dumbbells!), and single leg deadlifts help build strength, power, and resilient backs and legs 💪

But what if standing for long periods isn’t realistic on a given day?

Here’s one option for those dealing with things like lower limb injuries, dizziness, fatigue, or deconditioning:

- Sit up on a higher surface
- Extend your legs slightly
- Roll your shoulders back
- Lower the weight down and back up with control

You can still train important movement patterns even when modifications are needed.

If you’d like help adapting exercise for your specific situation, send me a message!

I finished the 8-week Level 1 Fitness Athlete course through the Institute for Clinical Excellence! 🙌Always interesting ...
05/06/2026

I finished the 8-week Level 1 Fitness Athlete course through the Institute for Clinical Excellence! 🙌

Always interesting trying to fit these longer courses into a busy life!

A few takeaways to highlight:

1. The number one goal is to keep exercising even while injured, with modifications as needed. It’s way too easy to become sedentary, so maintaining the habit matters. 🗓

2. Imaging doesn’t tell the whole story. Someone with “bone-on-bone” arthritis can have less pain than someone with a “healthier” joint. Pain is complex—but movement is still key. 🏋‍♀️

3.Cardio is a natural painkiller 🚶‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏊‍♂️🏃‍♀️

4. If you’re already exercising regularly (especially strength training), the next big rocks are sleep and protein. If you want help figuring these out, let's chat! 💤

Cheers to always learning 🙌

Last Thursday I had the chance to run a Cracker Barrel on balance at the Flagstaff Community Adult Learning women's conf...
04/22/2026

Last Thursday I had the chance to run a Cracker Barrel on balance at the Flagstaff Community Adult Learning women's conference. I brought my hydroflo tube (a partially water-filled tube) and agility rings for people to try—and we had a discussion about what balance actually is.

Here are a few key takeaways:

1️⃣ Balance incorporates a lot of different factors. Vision, footwear, joint pain, and things like dizziness or vertigo all play a role.

2️⃣ The good news: balance is trainable and we can improve it. “Use it or lose it” definitely applies here.

3️⃣ Progression matters. If something feels easy, it’s probably not driving change anymore.
Add a bit of challenge—speed, weight, movement, or even a thinking task.

Balance is a big topic, but it doesn’t have to be complicated to get started.
Here is an infographic with a simple balance routine to incorporate into your day.

If you’re interested in more structured support, I run a balance program at the Lougheed Fieldhouse—feel free to reach out!

04/07/2026

Looking forward to the Women's Conference this year! I'll be running a cracker barrel on balance, grab a ticket if you'd like to join!

03/25/2026

FAQ: What exercises do you do in your one-on-ones...and do you think I can do them??

Answer: Here is day 1...and YES, we will figure it out!

02/16/2026

When the easy is too easy but the hard is too hard, we MODIFY and ADAPT to find the just right challenge! Bumper plates make perfect height adjustments for step ups 👍

01/26/2026

A morning in the life of this OT!

Assessments are underway this week, hopefully our first class will be next Monday! Lots of room if you'd like to join or...
01/06/2026

Assessments are underway this week, hopefully our first class will be next Monday! Lots of room if you'd like to join or know someone who would benefit!

If you are a new client looking to get going on strength, we will start with Strength Training 101. If you are a previou...
01/03/2026

If you are a new client looking to get going on strength, we will start with Strength Training 101. If you are a previous or current client, you are welcome at Every Day Strength classes, or we can book you in for a refresh! Message me to start!

12/23/2025

Details on Every Day Strength, including potential Saturday classes and a 3 week refresher!

12/23/2025

Details on the new balance program starting up at the Lougheed Fieldhouse!

Address

Lougheed, AB

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