Our modern clinic is well situated on the second level of the Wholefoods building at 4th and Vine and is easily found by foot, bus, car or bicycle. From the outdoor courtyard, or the underground parkade (entrance off Vine, just opposite Safeway), take either the elevator or stairs to the 2nd level.
We are a group of registered physiotherapists with international training and a breadth of varied orthopaedic and sports experience. We are committed to continuing education, which is good for us and great for you. Look to our Team and Services pages to learn more about each therapist and how we practice.
We are a group of registered physiotherapists with international training and a breadth of varied orthopaedic and sports experience. We are committed to continuing education, which is good for us and great for you. Look to our Team and Services pages to learn more about each therapist and how we practice.
Services
We are a full service orthopaedic, sports and spinal physiotherapy clinic. We have private rooms and a well equipped open gym area. You will find amongst our staff expertise in all forms of orthopaedic physiotherapy, manipulation, acupuncture, Intramuscular stimulation, exercise and postural assessment and women's health.
We always conduct a full assessment and are careful to spend the necessary time with our clients. We listen carefully and look in detail at the underlying causes of the injury, not just the injured part. All our therapists have an excellent orthopaedic knowledge base, as reflected by their undergraduate and post graduate university qualifications.
Often called "hands on, " this term captures a lot of gentle to moderate strength techniques. We include massage, joint mobilizations, soft muscle energy and active release techniques. Therapists who use this advanced technique have completed rigorous post graduate training and have successfully completed certifying exams.
If the angles of your body are off in relation to your bike you can painfully strain and aggravate muscles tendons and joints, particularly if you have had previous injury. Matt Powell and Jen Macpherson are experienced sports physiotherapists and active cyclists. Both have done specific training in bike fit method and have helped many cyclists achieve better comfort on their bikes.
Clinical Pilates is the combination of the Pilates exercise method and traditional physiotherapy to produce a safe exercise system with broad applications. Taught by West 4th Physio associate Karen Forsman, your clinical pilates program will be exercise rehabilitation tailored to your injuries and needs.
Reviews (14)
Joanne Lloyd
Jan 06, 2022
Report
Over the past 12 years, Matthew Powell and his team have dealt with the injured knees, ankles, shoulders and hips of our entire family. Although Matt has been our primary physiotherapist, we have benefitted from the excellent care of several of the other members of his team as well. From the delightful front desk staff onwards, you know you are in the hands of caring professionals. They are meticulous about Covid protocols, and I have always felt safe in their office during the pandemic. I would highly recommend West 4th Physio.
Marc B.
Apr 16, 2021
Report
I recently saw Jen for a couple of post-op physio sessions on an arthritic mid-foot joint. After a brief assessment, Jen put together various stretching and strengthening exercises for daily homework, which have been extremely helpful. Towards the end of each session, she also spent time on an ominously cracking shoulder joint of mine, again offering professional advice and exercises for improvement. Jen is an outstanding and very personable physiotherapist who expertly tailored her treatments to suit my needs -- highly recommended.
Kev InYVR
Apr 02, 2021
Report
I've found my physio treatment here to be significantly better than at other physiotherapists in the area. Simple evidence/science-based medicine. I was relieved to find I wasn't pressured into dubious Qi, acupuncture, or alternative therapies not covered by my health plan. These alternative therapies (nonsense) are all too prevalent in Kits.
Relief from an old shoulder injury progressed significantly faster than the last physio I went to.
Appointments start on time and I'm given exercises I can view online and follow in an app.
Relief from an old shoulder injury progressed significantly faster than the last physio I went to.
Appointments start on time and I'm given exercises I can view online and follow in an app.
Dave MacIntosh
Mar 30, 2021
Report
I went to West 4th Physio after a knee replacement. Suzanne is knowledgeable and competent. She knows why something does or does not happen and there's never a question she can't answer. The facility is well equipped, and people are efficient, friendly and professional. You're in good hands here. I recommend them.
David
David
Clare Urquhart
Feb 27, 2021
Report
I had my first bike fit last week with Matt and really enjoyed it. The staff were friendly, Matt was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions in detail. He noticed my concerns almost instantly and provided recommendations to improve while still being conscientious of my pain and rheumatoid factor. I’ve previously found a lot of cycling culture to be judgement towards beginner riders. With Matt, I felt supported and encouraged to continue my journey to become a better cyclist. I’ve adjusted my gear as per his recommendation and have already noticed a significant improvement. I would
David Bartlett
Oct 16, 2020
Report
I've been going to this physio place for years, and I had a great physiotherapist named Gretchen, she is no longer working there. For my most recent injuries I had two different physiotherapists. Both of them after whatever the set number of sessions was told me my issue was chronic, could not be fixed with physio and that I would need surgery. Im a young person, and I was told I'd never regain full motion in my arm, the other told me that I would have wrist pain for the rest of my life if I didn't get surgery. I went to a hand specific physiotherapist, within two months my wrists went back to
AutumnStudiosMusic
Sep 13, 2020
Report
I was introduced to Matthew Powell over a decade ago, and through every physical challenge I found, he showed me a healthy and comfortable pathway back to full strength and health. This time, however, in the midst of a pandemic, working from home, Matt has been even more amazing, offering phone contact if/when needed in-between appointments and taking time - one-on-one to guide me to the latest needed pathway with usual excellence, confidence and care. It's been both helpful and enjoyable working with Matthew and everyone at West 4th Physio. I so very happily recommend everyone seeking an amazing
Liz Van Warmerdam
Jun 05, 2020
Report
I’ve been working with Matt for about 20 years. Through injuries (knee, ankle, wrist from field hockey) and an underlying hip issue that is now creating back, hip and feet challenges, his knowledge of my injury, understanding of who I am and what I need to do combined with his helpful perspective help me realize that I’ll be just fine. Thanks Matt for taking away the fear of being sore. Thanks for always helping me find my way back.
Frank Lim
Aug 21, 2019
Report
I have to say that I had a great experience with my bike fit at West 4th Physiotherapy. Jen was so knowledgeable, professional, and made the experience very fun and informative. I have never had a bike fit before and I can say the results were amazing ! My first bike ride after the bike fit was more comfortable and faster. I cannot recommend Jen and the clinic enough !
Tina Lum
Sep 12, 2018
Report
I took my dad to physio and it was our first visit. We were running 8 mins late and when we arrived the first thing Peter Francis did was gave us a HUGE lecture about being late and how he only has 20 mins for us. Everything will be rushed and he was so impatient. Through the questionnaire, I felt he was giving alot of attitude. I don't know if he… understands customer service and that I have a CHOICE to choose another physiotherapist. My experience of Peter is he has way too much ego. No compassion, customer service, or empathy. My dad and I couldn't even gauge his skills because we were
Liza Lilia Tikhova
Jan 11, 2018
Report
My whole family has been going to this clinic for at least 8 years, they treated us for all kinds of injuries, from broken pinkie for our son who then played violin, to rehab after a broken collar bone, not mentioning the regular back, neck, shoulder pain. We've seen 3 physiotherapists there, Jen Macpherson, Suzanne Foster, Matt Powell. All of… them are amazing specialists, hard to come by these days, professionals who know what they are doing. The front desk is also, very friendly, positive and super helpful. Great service. Thank you, guys for being there to help people in pain.
David Gillam
Jul 14, 2016
Report
Best team of physios in Vancouver!
I mostly appreciate the direct and individualized approach; every time I've gone and every physio I've seen at the clinic has made me feel like the focus of the session from treatment to exercise. As an athlete they have been very functionally based, with the goal of getting me moving, focusing on the exercises that matter and always optimistic (can't stress how valuable this has been for me when injury has me feeling depressed or anxious).
I live in East Vancouver and its always worth the effort to make the trek across town to visit the clinic on west 4th!
I mostly appreciate the direct and individualized approach; every time I've gone and every physio I've seen at the clinic has made me feel like the focus of the session from treatment to exercise. As an athlete they have been very functionally based, with the goal of getting me moving, focusing on the exercises that matter and always optimistic (can't stress how valuable this has been for me when injury has me feeling depressed or anxious).
I live in East Vancouver and its always worth the effort to make the trek across town to visit the clinic on west 4th!
Brent Frew
Apr 29, 2016
Report
Dylan
Nov 13, 2014
Report
I only have experience with the wonderful reception staff and the physiotherapist Marj, but I have nothing but good things to say. Making appointments, rescheduling, and all of those things that can easily turn into a hassle are a breeze here. Their organizational systems are topnotch, and I've always had luck calling at short notice to get an appointment worked in. They are honest and transparent, something I really value.
In regards to the physio itself, you are rarely kept waiting long after your scheduled time. Punctuality is emphasized here. Marj is extremely experienced, but remains humble
In regards to the physio itself, you are rarely kept waiting long after your scheduled time. Punctuality is emphasized here. Marj is extremely experienced, but remains humble
