After studying kinesiology in university for two years, Leigh decided that pursuing a career in physiotherapy was the path she wanted to follow. She graduated from The University of British Columbia in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.
For the first 10 years after graduating, Leigh worked in private practice primarily with interdisciplinary teams assisting patients with injury, loss of function, and persistent pain conditions to improve their quality of life, function and overall well being. Leigh joined Diane Lee & Associates following her second maternity leave in 2016. Leigh has completed post-graduate training in orthopaedics (Level 3 Manual Therapy through Orthopaedic Division of CPA, Mulligan Concept) and chronic pain (Explain Pain). She obtained her acupuncture certification through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute in 2009, and has completed further training in Trigger Point Dry Needling. She completed her pelvic floor physiotherapy training through Pelvic Health Solutions, and has completed the PINC Cancer Rehabilitation Certification. She completed the Integrated Systems Model Series in 2017, and now assists in teaching this course. Leigh uses a full person biopsychosocial approach and her treatment philosophy is centred on educating and empowering patients to make adjustments that will allow them to care for themselves and participate in activities that are meaningful to them. Leigh enjoys working with patients to address their concerns regarding pelvic health, cancer recovery, persistent pain and orthopaedic injuries and surgeries.
Outside of work, Leigh centres her life around her family, and has two children who keep her busy and active. She enjoys exercising to maintain health and fitness, and has competed in distance running and triathlon.
“What attracted me to this clinic is the team mindset, and the opportunity to learn from and with my colleagues. Over the years working with the team here, I have grown to love the patients that seek us out. Motivated, lovely individuals open to a full person approach who recognize the need to be an active part of their recovery. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the team here at Diane Lee & Associates.” – Leigh Fortuna
Book an Appointment With Leigh
Testimonials
Related Services
Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapy services include the following: The Integrated Systems Model, Ultrasound Imaging, Manual Therapy, Dry Needling, Acupuncture, Cranial Treatment, Movement Training and Exercise Instruction, Prenatal and Postpartum Screening, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Cancer Rehabilitation, Vestibular Therapy and Clinical Pilates.
The Integrated Systems Model
This model allows clinicians to be more effective and efficient with their assessment and treatment in order to help patients develop better movement strategies and habits to help reduce symptoms and improve function and performance.
Ultrasound Imaging
Ultrasound imaging is useful as a biofeedback tool for ‘rewiring the brain’ or re-educating the proper timing of muscle contraction during both individual exercises and meaningful task training.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a term that applies to any technique that involves the therapist’s hands and is often used to restore mobility to a joint, muscle or nerve as well as to relax, or activate, muscles. Many different manual techniques are used, often in combination, to help your body begin to move more efficiently.
Dry Needling
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) was developed by Dr. Chan Gunn to treat chronic pain syndromes that affect the musculoskeletal system. IMS is a dry needling technique (dry in that no drugs are injected) that involves the insertion of acupuncture needles into taut muscle bands.
Cranial Treatment
It is not uncommon to find faulty alignment and biomechanics within the cranium or between the cranium and neck/jaw in conditions such as head and neck pain, jaw and orofacial pain, arm/leg pain and/or low back and pelvic floor pain and impairment.
Movement Training and Exercise Instruction
Recent research has changed the way therapists use exercises for both rehabilitation as well as strength and conditioning. For all areas of the body, the evidence supports correcting problems associated with how you use your muscles in a coordinated manner.
Prenatal and Postpartum Screening
There are many myths around pregnancy. Physiotherapists who specialize in pre/post natal care can help debunk these myths, playing an important role in the management of physical changes that can occur both during and after these nine months.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Pelvic health physiotherapy is an umbrella term for physiotherapy that addresses aspects of anatomy and physiology related to or contained in the pelvis. This includes pelvic floor physiotherapy (the pelvic floor is the area between your legs, including your genitals, muscles, connective tissue and pelvic organs), which is an area of physiotherapy requiring specialized training.
Virtual Care
Telerehabilitation is a subdiscipline of telehealth and involves any rehabilitation delivered using telehealth technologies such as videoconferencing, sensors, chat / text, educational portals and more. The most recognizable form of telerehabilitation is the reproduction of the one on one physiotherapy via videoconferencing, most commonly known now as “Virutal Care”.
Cancer Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy is a largely under-utilized profession within cancer care. Physiotherapists specializing in oncology rehabilitation consider all aspects of a biopsychosocial approach to engage, and empower, patients in their recovery.
Rehab & Surgery
You’ve had your surgery and your mind tells you it’s time to return to your old routines, and maybe some new ones. But your body says, “Not so fast.” The truth is, before you can get back to these activities, you’ll likely need some rehab to regain your mobility and strength.
Pre & Post Orthopaedic Surgery
Our physiotherapists will complete a full assessment both pre and post-op and develop an individual treatment plan to help expedite your recovery and reduce any secondary problems related to the surgery.
Pre & Post Spinal Surgery
Have you recently had or are planning to undergo Spinal Surgery and wondering if Physiotherapy can help?
