Leigh Fortuna

Physiotherapist

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. She has been working out of Diane Lee & Associates since 2017.

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 in 2017 and treats conditions such as urinary or fecal incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, pelvic cancer side effects, pregnancy/post partum, menopause.

 Leigh also works in with patients who are undergoing or have had treatment for cancer. She has PINC Cancer Rehabilitation Certification and has completed Dr. Vodder MLD/CDT training for treatment of lymphedema and Breast Cancer Rehabilitation courses.  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 changes that will allow them to care for themselves and participate in activities that are meaningful to them.   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 has competed in distance running and triathlon but focuses now on strength training.

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Testimonials

“Thank-you again for your excellent care during my recent appointment. It was truly one of the most helpful, comprehensive appointments I’ve experienced in a very long time. Your compassionate care and attention to my concerns was very much appreciated and I look forward to continuing treatment with you.”

Carolyn 
Carolyn

“Thank you so much for going the extra mile to trail these online sessions. I’ve missed several in person apts with Leigh because of CoVID and decided to try online with her today as I’ve been in some intense pain for a week and not very mobile.  I was kinda nervous getting it set up and couldn’t figure out how to use the Macbook (maybe too old?) but we had a laptop PC that I was able to use. Signed on gave myself 20 mins to play with getting myself in a good spot, rearranging furniture etc.  Our session was thorough and interactive and I have a things to do now. Having a calm, knowledgeable and purposeful team mate to reassure me and get me back on track, especially at this time, means so much. I think I was feeling more alone and afraid than I realized with that nagging pain and no physio to go too.  Feeling very grateful and relieved now; reconnected and stronger again in my commitment for healing and wellness, knowing I’ve got a great team backing me up. Thank you so much!!”

 

“I just wanted to weigh in on my experience with the Telehealth appointments. This week will be my 5th or 6th Telehealth appointment. I must admit I was very skeptical at first as to how this was going to work. But it did! Not only have I made progress with the issues I’ve been seeing Leigh for over a year with, after the birth of our second baby. I was having leakage and heaviness with very slight activity…as a former university cross country runner on scholarship, this was devastating for me. Fast forward to today, and with the Telehealth appointments, my leakage and heaviness have COMPLETELY resolved.  But she’s helped me with a new issue that’s come up. I just want to give a HUGE shout out to Leigh. She’s amazing, brilliant and so talented to be able to problem solve and figure issues out on video conference. I feel so grateful that I’ve been able to continue with the progress we’ve worked so hard together to make over the past year since having my second child. Thank you for all of your efforts and for the Telehealth appointments you’ve offered. They’ve been a saving grace during this time and I just cannot say enough about Leigh, except that I’m totally blessed to have her as my physiotherapist.