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ABOUT MIRELLA

Profile picture of Mirella Vers

Mirella Veras, PT and PhD

Physiotherapist, tai chi instructor for System of Balance, pilates instructor and pregnancy and postpartum exercise specialist

I am a registered physiotherapist with a postdoctoral in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Montreal. I have more than 20 years of experience as a physiotherapist, including as a clinician, consultant, professor, and coordinator of health services. I have taken continuing education courses in concussion, acupuncture, pelvic floor, and manual therapy. I am a certified tai chi instructor for arthritis, diabetes, and fall prevention.  I am also a pilates instructor and pregnancy and postpartum exercise specialist.  I love animals, spending time with my family, going for long walks, and practicing tai chi and pilates. I am also author of the book Evidence-Based Tai Chi for Rehabilitation and Wellness: A System of Balance for Clinical Practice.”

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My journey in tai chi started in the 1990’s when I had contact with the tai chi philosophy through the “I Ching” book.   In the earlies 2000’s, I took an acupuncture program and read several books where I learned more about the philosophy behind tai chi. 

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As a physiotherapist, I have worked with a diverse population, including all age groups and varied diagnoses.  Through my clinical experience and research, I have learned that exercise is one of the most powerful clinical tools available to health professionals who have an interest in working with human movement.   It is also one of the best self-management tools for patients to prevent and treat disease.

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I have a passion for exercise, and I study and practice pilates and yoga in order to include these exercise techniques in my clinical practice.  My passion for exercise guided me to learn tai chi because I realised the potential of this exercise for rehabilitation and wellness.

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My journey began with self-study and practice of tai chi.  I took a course for tai chi instructor (adapted sun style).  I started including some “postures” during the physiotherapy sessions with my patients, as well as working with a tai chi group for people who had pain, chronic diseases or those who wanted to keep themselves mobile and healthy.  Since the beginning of my clinical practice with tai chi, I have been able to observe the amazing results of including tai chi exercises and postures as part of my treatments. Patients felt engaged with the exercises and their outcomes were very positive in terms of pain relief, improved flexibility, coordination and balance.

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As a scientist, I researched the evidence based benefits of tai chi for several health conditions in different areas such as musculoskeletal, neurological, pelvic floor, as well as mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.   This knowledge gave me more confidence to continue my journey with tai chi in my physiotherapy practice.

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I continue my growth and journey with tai chi and I invite you to continue or start your journey with Liveby Tai Chi. I hope I can help you to achieve a life with more happiness and balance!

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