Ana Slobodzian opened Rhythm Physio on May 1, with a belief that healing is more than just symptom relief — she empowers people to live a life that feels good in their body.
Businesses and non-profit organizations regularly open and move in Saskatoon. Today, the StarPhoenix spoke with Anastasia Slobodzian who opened Rhythm Physio off 33rd Street East at the start of May.
Personalized Care and Welcoming Environment
Slobodzian says her dance and sport background, combined with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, allow her to provide a wide range of physio services to clients of all ages, for the first time in her very own clinic.
Q: What sets Rhythm Physio apart?
A: I’ve always had an interest in owning my own clinic and having full control of designing the clinic with a certain welcoming environment and level of care in my own space. And I think that’s what’s going to set Rhythm Physio apart from other clinics. For one, the feel of the clinic. It’s a smaller clinic. It’s not overwhelming. The vibe I’m creating is a warm space and welcoming, bright and clean. Genuine care and transformation, positive journey, rediscovering joy.
Another thing that sets our clinic apart is the care that the clients receive. It’s a very personalized assessment and treatment and exercise instruction. I meet clients where they are at in their level of pain, stage of recovery, their history of pain and injury and their history and experience with rehab and exercises. The time, care and attention to detail is taken to genuinely understand and help me meet clients where they are at and meet their goals.
Path to Physiotherapy
Q: Why did you get into physiotherapy?
A: I graduated from Evan Hardy and then I knew I wanted to do something in the health care field. But I knew I didn’t want to be a doctor or a pharmacist or an optometrist or anything like that. So I just entered the sciences (at the U of S) and started taking some classes. And then I injured myself through dance and went to physio. At that time I didn’t know what a physio was. Everything just clicked. So from there I transferred into the College of Kinesiology at the U of S. I finished my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2012 and then was accepted into the master’s program in physical therapy at the U of S as well and graduated in 2014.
I’ve taken several continuing education courses through the orthopedic division — orthopedic, manual and manipulative physiotherapy courses. I have certification in myofascial cupping and dry needling and extra courses and certifications for postpartum and pregnancy exercise and rehab and pelvic floor. I’ve done other courses on arthritis management, hand injuries, foot injuries and other important continuing education courses. I have been working in the orthopedic setting of physiotherapy ever since I graduated, including at CBI and Armstrong Physiotherapy, both for over five years.
Conditions Treated
Q: What conditions do you treat?
A: Rhythm Physio has over 10 years of musculoskeletal and orthopedic physical therapy experience and can treat a wide variety of conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, injuries of the upper and lower extremities, spine, neck, pelvis, and pelvic floor, including joint sprains, strains, tears, inflammatory conditions, fractures, surgical preparation and rehab, and chronic injuries and pain.
I also see lots of WCB (Workers’ Compensation Board) patients and work injuries including return to work planning and SGI and motor vehicle injuries. Also people with pain due to hypermobilities or chronic repetitive strain injuries. I also offer running assessments and help with running training and strength training and strength programming.
