Want to shape up? Student physiotherapist added to Rainy River Health Centre staff

Ken Johnston

If you are a regular user of the exercise room at Rainy River Health Centre you may have run into Tina Venne, a University of Manitoba student studying physiotherapy.
She is working under the umbrella of Jeff Wright in Fort Frances, a fully licensed physiotherapist. And while she has another year to go before she is fully licensed, she is able to help people with their exercise routines both at the hospital and/or at home.
Venne sits down with anyone who is interested and helps them develop routines talking about things such as heart rates and exercise techniques. Since she is not licensed yet, she does not actually do physiotherapy on injured people. “They would be referred to Jeff in Fort,” she explained.
Venne noted that Dr. Singleton wanted to have someone work with people to work on reducing COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and Nurse Practioner Nicole Therien wants to see more people getting active.
The initial consultation with Venne costs $10 but she is then available for advice at no extra charge every Tuesday and Thursday at the RR Health Centre for the rest of the summer. If a person wants to use the exercise centre there is a $10 per month fee. It features two bikes, an elliptical, a compact gym and a cardio glide. She can help a person optimize the benefits of exercising by going over their techniques and ensuring they are doing it right. People who want to exercise at home can also come in and see her and get advice from her.
Venne is very impressed with the exercise room at the RR Health Centre and encourages the public to come and use it. “It is available to everyone.”
Anyone wishing to make an appointment with Venne can call the RR Clinic at 852-3222.