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For Bonnie Doyle, a career in physiotherapy is more than just a job—it’s a calling. It’s about helping people heal, regain their strength, and return to the activities they love. “I loved the idea of helping people heal from their injuries so they could get back to doing the things they love to do!” says Doyle, who has been a physiotherapist for over 20 years.
Originally drawn to healthcare by childhood admiration for her family physician, Doyle’s journey into physiotherapy began definitively with a personal experience. As a young woman, she sustained a knee injury while playing recreational rugby. The care and guidance she received from her coach, who was also a physiotherapist, sparked her interest in the field. She went on to earn a BSc in Chemistry from St. FX University and a BSc in Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario.
In her current role as a Wellness Facilitator - Physiotherapist for Nova Scotia’s Hants Health and Wellness Team, Bonnie’s days are anything but typical. She specializes in physical activity counselling, a form of behaviour change counselling designed to empower individuals to lead more active lives. Her approach involves deeply engaging with clients, understanding their daily routines, and collaboratively identifying barriers to physical activity, such as pain or lack of motivation. Doyle offers a variety of services from one-on-one physical activity counselling to group programs. “Physical Activity is Physiotherapy and all movement counts,” Doyle emphasizes.
One of the unique aspects of Doyle’s work is Physical Activity Counselling. This involves assessing and educating people on the importance of moving more, sitting less, and sleeping well. Doyle believes that this counselling is woven into all aspects of her role and is the cornerstone of her work. Beyond one-on-one sessions, Bonnie leads group programs like "Building Better Balance," fostering community connections and promoting regular physical activity as a cornerstone of health. Doyle maintains an excellent working relationship with the Physiotherapists on the Community Health Teams in Halifax Regional Municipality and has adopted many of their programs to a more rural setting in Hants. She’s also instrumental in adapting and developing wellness programs tailored to local needs, ensuring accessibility and relevance to diverse community members.
Doyle’s work has a significant impact on the overall health and well-being of Nova Scotians. "Many people share that pain, time, and lack of motivation are their main barriers," Bonnie explains. "I help them explore their values and link these to their behaviours, paving the way for lasting lifestyle changes." She is an advocate for adopting a physically active lifestyle and contributes to the overall health and well-being of the province. “A more active Nova Scotia is a healthier Nova Scotia and I believe in spreading the message of when, where, why and how to take care of your body. Every day, I have the privilege of delivering this message, knowing it contributes directly to the overall health and well-being of our province.” Doyle states.
One of the programs Doyle is particularly proud of is the Hants Mindfulness group. This monthly drop-in session offers participants the opportunity to practice mindfulness exercises and mindful movement exercises. Doyle cherishes the connections made during these sessions and the sense of community they foster. In her patient-centred approach, she tailors physical activity programs to address individual needs, ensuring each client receives personalized care aimed at improving their quality of life. From basic fitness assessments to specialized home visits for those unable to access clinics easily, she ensures every person finds a path to better health. She shares a success story of an 80-year-old woman who, with Doyle’s help, was able to regain her strength and mobility, and most importantly, her independence.
Looking to the future, Doyle aspires to work more at the provincial level, promoting and supporting physical activity counselling across the province. She is excited about the growing recognition of physical activity as a prevention strategy and looks forward to being part of shaping a more active Nova Scotia. In the end, the most fulfilling part of Doyle’s work is seeing her clients grow in knowledge, skill, and confidence. “When clients see value in the education you provide and you see their knowledge skill and confidence grow, that gives me the greatest joy,” Doyle shares. Her story is a testament to the power of physiotherapy and the difference it can make in people’s lives.
Nova Scotia Health offers free physical activity counselling, one-on-one via Zoom, phone, or in-person with a Nova Scotia Health Kinesiologist or Physiotherapist to create a personalized plan that helps you meet your goals. This free service is available to all Nova Scotians 18+ with a Nova Scotia Health card.
In-person appointment:
This program is available in person in the following communities. To register, call the corresponding number for your desired location:
- Truro: 1-902-893-5528,
- Digby, Clare, Annapolis and Yarmouth: 1-902-526-3572,
- West Hants: 1-902-792-2052
Virtual appointment (available Province-wide):
This program is available virtually (via ZOOM) across the province. To register:
Online click here or Call: 1-855-444-5557