NL Balance & Dizziness Centre

06/12/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our very own Dr. Kathie Thoms! 🎉

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Dr. Thoms on being named the CAEP East–Urban Emergency Medicine Physician of the Year by the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians.

This well-deserved recognition highlights her outstanding leadership as Chief Medical Officer for the Canada Games in St. John’s, where she dedicated countless volunteer hours to ensuring exceptional medical care for athletes and participants.

An exceptional Emergency and Sports Medicine Physician, dedicated volunteer, and respected leader, Dr. Thoms continues to make a remarkable impact on our community and healthcare system.

Congratulations, Dr. Thoms—we are proud to have you on the NL Balance & Dizziness Centre team! 👏

06/11/2026

⚠️ Limited appointment slots available!

Tell your family and friends in Grand Falls-Windsor and surrounding communities — we’re coming your way.

NL Balance & Dizziness Centre will be hosting a Pop-Up Physiotherapy Clinic in Grand Falls-Windsor from June 22–24,2026.

📍 Location: 7 Pinsent Drive

Our physiotherapy team will be providing assessment and treatment for:
🌀 Vestibular (dizziness & balance disorders)
🦴 Orthopaedic injuries & pain
🧠 Neurological rehabilitation

Whether you’re dealing with vertigo, joint pain, injury recovery, or balance concerns, we’re here to help you move and feel better.

📅 June 22–24

⚡ Book now!
📧 Email us: [email protected]
📞 Call us: 709-700-1474

Book early to secure your spot!

06/04/2026

We will be celebrating the life of an outstanding colleague and friend today, Dr. Michelle Ploughman. Her contribution to our profession and the lives of those living with neurological conditions locally and internationally has been extraordinary.

Details for attending in-person is in the obituary below.

On April 2, 2026, Dr. Michelle Elizabeth Ploughman passed away following a long and valiant battle with breast cancer, leaving behind a legacy defined by quiet strength, deep humility, and a profound impact on the people and communities she touched. Born in Labrador, Michelle later moved to Deer Lak...

04/24/2026

Today we’re celebrating Renée Hynes as she wraps up her co-op term with us at NL Balance & Dizziness Centre 💙

A kinesiology student and highly resourceful team member, Renée brought curiosity, initiative, and a strong patient-first mindset into everything she did. From supporting clinic operations to engaging thoughtfully with patients, she consistently found ways to add value and keep things moving seamlessly.

Co-op terms may be short, but the impact can be lasting—and Renée is a great example of that.

We’re grateful to have been part of her journey and excited to see what’s ahead for her in healthcare.

Thank you, Renée, for being such an important part of our team—we’ll be cheering you on 👏

04/14/2026

Newfoundland ably represented at the Annual Canadian Dizziness Symposium 🇨🇦

We’re proud to share that our CEO, Kim Furlong, was in Ottawa for an engaging and insightful day at this year’s symposium.

The conference created space to connect with clinicians and researchers across ENT and Neurology, alongside exposure to evolving tools and approaches supporting vestibular education and patient understanding.

Highlights from the day included expert-led sessions on BPPV, vestibular migraine, PPPD, and central vestibular disorders—practical, evidence-based insights that continue to strengthen how we assess and manage dizziness.

At NL Balance & Dizziness Centre, we remain committed to translating these learnings into high-quality, patient-centered care across Newfoundland & Labrador.

04/11/2026

Today is World Parkinson’s Day.

Parkinson’s is more than tremors. It affects movement, balance, coordination, and confidence in everyday life.

At NL Balance & Dizziness Centre, we see firsthand how physiotherapy can make a real difference. Through targeted, evidence-based interventions, physio helps people with Parkinson’s:
• Improve balance and reduce fall risk
• Maintain mobility and independence
• Enhance gait, posture, and coordination
• Manage dizziness and movement-related challenges

Approaches like amplitude-based training (e.g., Parkinson’s Power), gait re-training, and vestibular rehabilitation are powerful tools in helping individuals move better and live better.

The goal isn’t just exercise, it’s preserving quality of life, confidence, and participation in the activities that matter most.

If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s, know that support is available and early physiotherapy can make a meaningful impact.

03/30/2026

Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) can feel like your body plays by a different set of rules — joints that move too much, persistent pain, and a higher risk of injury. The good news? The right physiotherapy approach can make a meaningful difference.

At NL Balance & Dizziness Centre, we understand that with EDS, it’s not about pushing harder — it’s about moving smarter and safer.

Physiotherapy plays a key role in managing EDS by focusing on:

✔️ Joint stability training to support hypermobile joints
✔️ Balance & proprioception work to improve control and coordination
✔️ Pain management through guided, gentle movement
✔️ Activity modification to reduce strain and prevent flare-ups
✔️ Fatigue management strategies to help you stay active without overdoing it

With a personalized plan, many individuals with EDS can:
✨ Reduce pain
✨ Improve daily function
✨ Prevent recurring injuries
✨ Build confidence in movement

You don’t have to navigate EDS alone.

📍 Locations
St. John’s:
60 Elizabeth Ave, St. John’s, NL A1A 1W4

📧 Email us: [email protected]
📞 Call us: 709-700-1474

👉Book your assessment today and take the first step toward better stability and control.

03/24/2026

Clinic Closure Update– Today

Due to severe winter storm conditions and hazardous road conditions, our clinic is closed for the remainder of today, Tuesday, March 24th, to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. If you have an appointment scheduled, our team will be in touch to reschedule.

Thank you for your understanding. Please stay safe and warm ❄️

03/24/2026

Clinic Closure Notice – This Morning

Due to severe winter storm conditions and hazardous road conditions, our clinic is closed for this morning, Tuesday, March 24th.

We will provide an update by 10:30 AM.

If you have an appointment scheduled, our team will be in touch to reschedule.

Thank you for your understanding. Please stay safe and warm ❄️

03/23/2026

❄️ Winter Storm Alert: Shovel Smart. Stay Pain-Free. ❄️

Snow shoveling might seem like a routine winter chore but it’s actually one of the top causes of back injuries, shoulder strains, and flare-ups of existing pain conditions.

At NL Balance & Dizziness Centre (Physiotherapy Clinic), we want you to stay safe, strong, and injury-free this winter. Here’s your physio-approved guide to safe snow shoveling:

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✅ 1. Prepare Your Body First (Warm-Up Matters!)
Cold muscles are more prone to injury. Spend 5–10 minutes warming up:
• March in place
• Gentle squats
• Arm circles and trunk rotations

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✅ 2. Choose the Right Equipment
• Use a lightweight, ergonomic shovel
• A smaller blade = less load per scoop
• Consider a shovel with a curved handle to reduce bending

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✅ 3. Use Proper Body Mechanics
• Keep your back straight and core engaged
• Bend at your knees and hips (not your waist)
• Keep the snow close to your body
• Avoid twisting—turn your whole body instead

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✅ 4. Push Instead of Lift When You Can
Pushing snow reduces strain on your spine and shoulders. If lifting is necessary, keep loads small and controlled.

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✅ 5. Pace Yourself
• Take breaks every 10–15 minutes
• Stay hydrated—even in cold weather
• Don’t try to clear everything at once

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✅ 6. Be Extra Careful If You Have:
• Previous back or shoulder injuries
• Heart conditions or high blood pressure
• Poor balance or dizziness

If this sounds like you, consider asking for help or using a snow blower.

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✅ 7. Know When to Stop
Stop immediately if you feel:
• Sharp or worsening pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Chest discomfort or shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

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💡 Pro Tip: Shovel early and often—fresh snow is lighter and safer to manage than packed snow.

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💙 Feeling sore after shoveling? Don’t ignore it.
Early treatment can prevent minor aches from becoming serious injuries.

Our physiotherapy team is here to help you recover, move better, and stay active all winter long.

📍 NL Balance & Dizziness Centre – St. John’s
📞 Call us to book an assessment
🌐 Visit our website to learn more

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❄️ Stay safe. Stay strong. Move well this winter.