When her workplace was forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, physiotherapist Melanie Maw knew she wanted to find a way to stay in Muskoka.
Her husband had suggested maybe leaving town to continue her physiotherapy career elsewhere, but Melanie didn’t want to leave the place she has called home for many years.
So after 22 years of working for CBI, a private physio clinic out of Huntsville Hospital, Maw decided to start her own home-based clinic.
Although her workplace closed in March, it wasn’t until June that Maw learned that the hospital was not renewing the clinic’s lease because they needed that space for an expanded ER waiting room due to social distancing protocols.
“CBI was really great with helping me start my own clinic,” said Maw. “Typically they would have opened another location in Huntsville but the pandemic hit them hard as well so they weren’t in the position to open a new clinic so they were super supportive of me staying in Huntsville. They provided me with amazing mentorship, forwarded on my patient list, and even let me keep the clinic’s phone and fax numbers.”
Maw’s new space will be located on the lower level of their raised bungalow home, 10 minutes from downtown Huntsville. It will be wheelchair accessible and will include a walk-out entrance, full gym, treatment room, office, and waiting room. She will open for business on Monday, November 2.
“I didn’t expect to be here at this stage in my career. I started out terrified but now I’m so excited. If there was ever a time to do this, it’s now. I love treating patients in Muskoka because I have developed so many connections and relationships,” she said.
Maw treats an array of outpatient needs including strains, sprains, fractures, and other muscle and bone injuries. She also treats neurological issues including brain injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, and other injuries that are a result of an accident.
“I want to create a fun, upbeat environment for my clients. You can still laugh and receive therapy,” she said. “I’m so excited and thankful for all the support from clients, friends, and family. I am really looking forward to this chapter of my life.”
To contact Maw Physiotherapy, call 705-789-0999 or email [email protected]. To learn more, visit her Facebook business page here.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox three times per week!
Congratulations on your new home clinic Melanie. You will do great. I will pass on the word about your new clinic.
Melanie, you did wonders for my back and hips a number of years ago when no one else had succeeded. I’m so happy for you!