Vision

Salmo Physio was founded to provide physiotherapy services to the region of the Salmo river valley in a way that best reflects the needs of the community. Salmo Physio is here to keep the members of this community moving without pain or dysfunction.

Whether you’re trying to climb a mountain or walk down the street to get groceries, I want to keep you moving towards those goals.

My Story

While commuting to Nelson daily for work I felt disconnected from my community in Ymir and Salmo. Upon the realization that Salmo does not have physiotherapy services, I saw an opportunity to engage with my community on a deeper level. Passionate about helping people return to what they love, what better way to connect with your community than to share that passion with them? That’s why I’m here, trying to keep Salmo moving.

Meet the Team

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Todd Van der Star

Owner, Physiotherapist

After moving to Ymir in 2015, I fell intensely in love with everything that the Salmo valley has to offer. I came here for the mountains, people and lifestyle. After moving from Ymir to Salmo in 2021, I have found an even deeper connection with this village in laying the roots involved with raising a family. I feel strongly invested in this community and love to hear the stories of my community members. I have found physiotherapy is a great way to have a positive influence in these stories and contribute to the overall well-being of a community.

I have additional training in Vestibular Rehabilitation, Concussion, Manual Therapy, Intra-Muscular Stimulation Myofascial Dry-Needling (IMS) and in the Functional Movement Systems (FMS 1, SFMA and FCS).

I love to brew beer, mountain bike, backcountry ski and climb mountains. Basically, if it involves sliding, riding, climbing or hiking around on mountains… I’m game.

Kimberly Lessard

Physiotherapist

After a winter in Nelson and a summer exploring BC, Kimberly chose Salmo as her permanent home for the community vibe, the mountain sports, and the quality of life in the Kootenays.  To provide her new Salmo community with pelvic floor physiotherapy and also offer orthopedic physiotherapy, she is joining Salmo Physio.

Early in her career, she discovered a passion for women’s health and completed post-graduate courses in this area of physiotherapy.  Kimberly is dedicated to breaking the silence about women’s conditions and empowering her patients with knowledge and exercises. When stepping into her office, you will be respected, listened to, and taken as a whole individual. See the conditions she can treat in another section.

In addition to treating pelvic floor issues, she completed post-graduate course work in Orthopedic rehabilitation and continues to further her knowledge and skills in this area. Kimberly has experience with athletes, in particular with college football and high-level gymnastics and circus athletes. 

In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities, such as downhill skiing, ski touring, canoeing, running, mountain biking, and hiking. She also loves cooking, practicing yoga, traveling, and scuba diving. When an occasion arises to adventure in the backcountry, whether it is on a bike, on skis, or with hiking boots, she wants to be part of it. As she speaks French and English, you can see her in the language of your choice.

Reach her by email at [email protected] or by calling 250-551-9119

Loki

Clinic Pup

You may on occasion run into our resident clinic pup. She’s a Kootenay Mountain Mutt. She’s great.

She has additional training in: sit, stay, down, come and various mountain sports.

Come in for an appointment…

Use our online booking software to see when Todd is available and find a time that works for you. We also book over the phone or email.


Book Online