Bringing insight to injuries: Active Balance fosters a healthy Kootenay lifestyle

Dr. Tyler Phillipson reflects on his vision for holistic patient care at Active Balance in Nelson

Dr. Phillipson has been bringing his clients health and wellness for more than 15 years. — - Photo courtesy Active Balance

Dr. Tyler Phillipson is the driving force behind Active Balance in Nelson, BC. With more than 15 years in business, Active Balance has been a pivotal part of Nelson's healthcare landscape, adapting and evolving to meet the needs of its diverse clientele.

We spoke with Dr. Phillipson, and he was happy to share the journey of his multimodal clinic, shedding light on its inception and the challenges along the way. From building a multidisciplinary centre to embracing a wholesome team approach, Dr. Phillipson discusses the ever-changing field of healthcare, his commitment to ongoing education, and the vital role played by Active Balance in enhancing the lives of its clients.

- Photo courtesy Active Balance

How did Active Balance get started, and what was your main motivation?

Active Balance has been in Nelson for over 15 years and in that time has had a number of different health care practitioners helping to serve the people and visitors of Nelson.

A main motivator to continue the multidisciplinary clinic at Active Balance, is the desire to teach and help others about their body and injuries, what is occurring and why it is happening, as well as how to prevent and strengthen an old injury spot quickly. The goal is to promote a healthy body and mind connection while supporting a well-balanced active lifestyle.

What has been your biggest challenge as an entrepreneur?

Being relatively new to the Kootenays, it’s taken some time to rebuild the practice and put a face to the name in the community. It’s been a great learning experience working alongside other entrepreneurs in the community.

How has your industry changed in recent years?

I feel like there has been a continuous increase in knowledge within the field as science and literature continues to grow. One noticeable and positive change has been the integration of other disciplines supporting a patient, whether that be massage therapy or osteopath alongside chiropractic care. This wholesome team approach offers an in-depth treatment care plan for patients.

How do you stay up-to-date on the latest in healthcare education?

There are a few resources that I subscribe to that release new studies that are coming out in the chiropractic realm but also looking at some physiotherapy resources to ensure I am aware of new exercises and techniques that can help people.

- Photo courtesy Active Balance

What are some of the ways you and your team can improve the lives of your clients?

We aim to take a wholesome team approach to provide various therapies and practices to clients in one location. Our practitioners work hand-in-hand to collaborate and provide well-versed treatment plans for clients and offer back-to-back appointments in various specialities.

What has been the most important thing you've learned since opening the clinic?

The process of growth does not fully align with the time spent working and establishing concrete protocols is the foundation of movement forward and excelling.

Are there any wellness tips you personally follow to maintain a healthy work-life balance?

Setting boundaries of when to focus on work and when to put it down for tomorrow. The practice and application can be a struggle but I try to prioritize spending time with my family and participating in activities by scheduling ahead of time and boundary setting with my working windows.

What are your plans for the future of the business?

Our goal remains to continue to expand disciplines within the office in order to provide wraparound support to patients. The focus of helping patients reach their optimal health potential, balance positive well being and pain management, and participating fully in the plethora of activities the Kootenays has to offer.