Hi! My name is Filipa, and I’m a registered Physiotherapist in Alberta.

I’m a great advocate for treating the person as a whole, which means considering their biology, but also their social and psychological context.

I studied in Portugal and became a Physiotherapist in 2012. I worked for a while in Portugal and England before moving to Canada. After the credentialing process and passing all the examinations, I registered as a Physiotherapist in Alberta in 2016. Since then, I have been working in private practice. I have also worked in the public sector since the beginning of 2023, specifically in the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, in the Urogyne and Chronic Pelvic Pain Clinics.

I absolutely love learning about the human body and mind. I find my job very fulfilling and rewarding. My goal is to support people in reaching their best potential!

Practice Philosophy and Clinical Focus

I’m particularly passionate about Women’s Health and Chronic pain. I wholeheartedly believe that increasing your understanding of the body will empower you to make informed and healthier decisions that align with your goals and values.

As I mature as a physiotherapist, I continually update my knowledge and expand my skills. I’m a lifelong learner with a “do better” mindset. My practice is always evolving to incorporate new research. The way I provide care is based on a biopsychosocial approach, as our body is as important as our mind.

I’m very well versed in treating pain during pregnancy, postpartum rehabilitation and return to exercise, urge and stress incontinence, urinary frequency, pelvic organ prolapse (pre- and post-op), and supporting women in perimenopause and menopause transition.

Chronic Pain is definitely an area of strong interest, where I have dedicated most of my spare time to reading. It is a challenging area. However, it is gratifying to witness people recovering from it.

Fun Facts about Filipa

I’m able to provide physiotherapy services in Portuguese, Spanish, and English! I know how to speak Spanish because I was born in Caracas, Venezuela.

When I was growing up in Portugal, I belonged to a Scouts group, and my totem was Protective Squirl (“Esquila Protectora”). Today, I define myself as a person who cares deeply.

I love the mountains, but what takes my breath away is the sea, the sounds of the waves, the smell of the beach, and the traditional “bolas de Berlin” you can eat in the Portuguese beaches as you let the sun tan your skin. It is so calming and grounding for me!

Some of my Additional Certifications

• Acupuncture Canada Certification

• Biomedical Dry Needling Certification

• Spinning Babies Workshop

• Hypopressives: Level 1 Certification

• Level 2 and 3 Female and Male Pelvic Pain

• Evidence-based Physiotherapy in Chronic Pelvic Pain (included transperineal and transabdominal US for Physiotherapists)

• Key Concepts in Pain Science

• Happy Bladder Course

• Exercises for the Sensitive Nervous System

• Pregnancy, Pelvic Girdle Pain, and the Pelvic Floor 

• Cesarean Birth and Rehabilitation

• Diastasis Rectus Abdominus and the Implications for Low Back

• Hormones Matter: Considerations for Treating Women with Musculoskeletal Problems

• Certification in Pilates Network Level 1

• Mobilization of the Visceral Fascia: Urinary System

• VM1: Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1, The Barral Institute

• CS1: Craniosacral Therapy 1, Upledger Institute 

• NM1: Neural Manipulation: Neuromeningeal Manipulation: an integrative approach to Trauma

• The Pelvic Floor Piston – Foundation for Fitness

• Kinesiotaping (Levels 1, 2, and 3)

• Mulligan – Lower and Upper Limb

• Certificate in Manipulative Therapy

• Gastrointestinal Disorders and The Pelvic Floor

• Intrarectal Balloon Training for Bowel Disorders 

• Linked: Breathing and Postural Control Part 1 and 2, by Mary Massery

• Clinical update: stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse research and management review 

My Practice Values

Patient-Centered Care - I’m focused on your individual needs, preferences, and values. You will feel involved in your care as we work together toward reaching meaningful outcomes.

Compassion - I recognize that every person’s experience of pain and disability, recovery, and healing is very personal. You will feel heard and cared for.

Reliability and Respect - Each session is delivered with care and attention. Consistency and professionalism are present in every aspect of care.

Collaborative care - The best outcomes come from teamwork. I will work closely with you and your healthcare team to ensure the best care, in the most transparent and comfortable way.