Caring for the Whole Person
RACHEL VANDENDOOL ’07 HAS LAUNCHED HER OWN PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE, WHERE SHE TEACHES HEALTHY, SAFE MOVEMENT.
AS AN AVID runner and soccer player, Rachel VandenDool grew up knowing the importance of recovery from injuries and learning to move safely. Participating in every sport she could led to many sports-related injuries. She spent a lot of time in physiotherapists’ and chiropractors’ oces receiving care for her injuries and seeing rst-hand the importance of proper rehabilitation. Intrigued by the rehab process and often excited to share what she’d learned about the body, VandenDool was drawn from a young age to work in physiotherapy.
Today, VandenDool has eight years of experience as a registered physiotherapist at clinics throughout Hamilton and last summer, launched her own physiotherapy practice.
At Redeemer, VandenDool found success both on the soccer pitch and in the classroom. While captaining the women’s soccer team and racking up an impressive list of athletic awards, she worked towards the completion of a Bachelor of Arts in honours kinesiology. During her studies, VandenDool had the opportunity to work as a student trainer, travelling with a few of Redeemer’s varsity teams and taping their injuries for games. She went on to complete two physiotherapy placements while still a student, learning about day-to-day work in the eld. These handson experiences helped to foster the passion that she’s had since childhood and conrm that she was on the right path.
“Redeemer’s liberal arts approach taught me to look at the world holistically, which is a philosophy at the core of my physiotherapy practice today,” said VandenDool. “I believe the best way to identify the origin of a patient’s pain, and ultimately help them to achieve their goals, is to look at each patient as a whole. My liberal arts background helps me to do this.” After graduating from Redeemer in 2007, VandenDool went on to complete a master of science in physical therapy at Queen’s University in 2010. She is now registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and is a member of the Canadian and Ontario physiotherapy associations. Each day at her practice presents VandenDool with new challenges and new opportunities to use her gifts. “No two patients are the same,” she reected, “so I am constantly thinking of what is best for each individual. It keeps my job exciting and ever-changing.”
“I love sharing with patients how God created the body to work.”
Physiotherapy is VandenDool’s calling, a profession where she can partner with God in his work of restoration and healing. “God designed our bodies with so much intricacy and complexity,” she said. “I love sharing with patients how God created the body to work, what happens when dysfunction is present and how to restore it to better function. It is one of my favourite parts of being a physiotherapist.”