An interview with Kristi Barker Reach Rehab Physical Therapy on Advocacy, August 18, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
My name is Kristi Barker and I am a physical therapist from Saskatchewan Canada. I played Division I volleyball in Arkansas while I completed my undergrad. Then I completed my master’s degree in physical therapy at the University of Saskatchewan.
I work in a private practice setting and see anyone between the ages of 5 to 90s. I mostly see musculoskeletal-based injuries. Overall, my goal is to help people move better, accomplish their goals and prevent injuries.
I love being outdoors, and you will often find me either rollerblading, playing football, or paddle boarding. I am truly passionate about helping others find movement & activities they love to help them stay mobile and injury free.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness —
I have a sports physical therapy background, but I had a Neuro placement when I was in school and was exposed to various neurological disorders. I have many amazing memories from that placement and really enjoyed working one on one with patients and their families. I truly believe physical therapy highly benefitted them and made a big difference in their quality of life. When you reached out to me over social media, there was no question that I wanted to help.
Can you tell me more about Reach Rehab?
I went on a trip to Africa to help deliver wheelchairs to people with disabilities and became aware of how difficult it is for people to access healthcare, and in particular Third World countries. I left feeling unsettled and wanted to help solve this issue. When Covid happened, it allowed me more time to do something about it and I started posting educational physical therapy-based content online. That’s why I decided to call it, Reach Rehab, because I wanted to be able to reach underserved communities and provide access to physical therapy resources.
Video Demos
Simple short 1-minute videos to show proper form with my personal cues. Or you can follow along with me in the full workout!
1:1 Coaching
If you want additional support or have questions, I will offer a discounted rate to connect with you individually!
Community
Join the Reach Community to stay on track and accountable! I will also be joining in 🙂
Nerve pain relief: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cvccd1lNuRa/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Neck pain: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cu4aL0Ogc9w/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Sciatica: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpP67s-ga_v/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is to help people get out of pain and get strong and take charge of their own health.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with Reach Rehab?
Some examples of goals of individuals experiencing Parkinson’s have are:
Pain relief tips, improve mobility, improve strength, improve walking ability Etc.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
There is no specific program designed for people experiencing Parkinson’s yet, but I would love to design one in the future. Connecting on all social platforms would benefit anyone experiencing Parkinson’s disease as I provide free weekly tips and educational resources.
What effect can Reach Rehab have on Parkinson’s fighters?
Expect to be motivated to find a movement that you love, some good energy on my stories, and improved mobility and strength if you try some of the exercises I educate on.
What would you like to see as a future goal for Reach Rehab?
A future goal I have for Reach rehab is to continue designing more programs for all joints in the body. I currently have a back program available for those experiencing any type of back pain, and or want to prevent one from happening.
What events do you participate in?
I’m currently participating in the Easter Seals repel drop zone fundraiser in which I repel down a 21-story building at the end of this month to help fundraise money for people with disabilities. You can help donate by clicking on this link and searching the word Stapleford to donate.
For more information see: https://saskabilities.akaraisin.com/ui/FDF490047D9A4D698435E9CE2176D105/pledge/sponsor/start
How can someone get in touch and sign up to help? What is your website?
Or you can email me at Reach rehab ltd@gmail.com if you want to get in touch. Or if you are interested in my back program you can click the link in my bio on social media or go to my website: https://www.reach-rehab.com/
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson community, what would it be?
My final statement would be to find a movement you love. It doesn’t have to be something strenuous; it could be something as simple as a short walk in the park. If you can find an activity that you truly love, it will be easier to keep your mobility and strength, and to stay motivated to keep moving & ultimately help manage pain.