Rochenda Howard B.A. (P.E.), B.Sc.P.T., M.Sc.

Have you ever thought about how you move or stand up? I am passionate about muscles, and in how they support us and move us! My ‘life’s work’ to date has focused on trying to understand this connection.

In the 1980s I studied Physical Education at the University of Western Ontario and Physiotherapy at the University of Toronto, graduating with a B.A.(P.E.) and a B.Sc.P.T. After working for several years as a physiotherapist with patients who suffered from either orthopaedic or neurological disorders that invariably affected their movement, I was still curious about how muscle or movement imbalances contributed to their conditions. So, I went back to school! In 2001 I completed a M.Sc. Research degree in Rehabilitation Therapy (Motor Performance) at Queens University, Canada.

Travelling internationally and then working as a physiotherapist in New Zealand and Australia opened my mind to different worlds and perspectives and in 1993 I moved to Hong Kong where I became immersed in ‘Pilates’. In the Pilates method I finally found a way to work with muscle AND movement. I have since focused exclusively on the development of a PILATES–based Physiotherapy treatment system. In Hong Kong I had the privilege to work extensively with Julia Ellis (RBS (TTC), FISTD, ARAD), a gifted ballet teacher, choreographer and Pilates ‘guru’ and together we founded the BET Pilates Centre in 1994. We were the first to introduce Pilates exercise in Hong Kong and the neighbouring regions and the first to offer an exclusively PhysioPilates therapeutic exercise approach.

I worked as clinician and director at the Hong Kong centre until 2011 before returning to Toronto where I have successfully established a similar BET PhysioPilates clinic.

I am a passionate student and a passionate educator. Since 1997, I have been active internationally teaching the BET PhyisoPilates system, co-developed with Julia, to Physiotherapists around the world. Teaching motivates me to keep learning and I appreciate that opportunity.

I am also an advocate of evidence-informed practice and I work to keep up with and share the research. In 2006, my colleagues and I published the first peer-reviewed research study on a Pilates – based treatment (for low back pain).

https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2006.2144 This study has been presented at physiotherapy conferences in Asia, Europe and Canada.

In my spare time, I enjoy travel, outdoor activities, running and cycling, competitive swimming and especially spending time with my two daughters and recently, grandson!.

This blog is an opportunity for me to continue learning and to share what for many will be a different perspective on musculoskeletal pain and injury; how to use the tendency of muscles to work for AND against each other in the recovery or prevention of injury and pain.

It is a matter of balance. Join me in my journey.