The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality.
~ Albert Einstein
Chris has been a registered physiotherapist since 2006 and has worked in a variety of practice areas. In June 2023, he stopped treating individuals in-person at the clinic, and is now a full-time PhD student at the University of British Columbia. His research investigates pain mechanisms and central nervous system changes in knee osteoarthritis, and his findings will be used to help develop targeted interventions in this population.
Over the years, Chris has developed an increasing interest into how and why symptoms become chronic. This includes, but is not exclusive to, persistent, recurring sports injuries, as well as chronic pain. He has delved into the science of neuroplasticity (how the brain and nervous system change and adapt based on experience) to help understand these phenomena, and uses this understanding to help reverse the maladaptive changes seen in chronic conditions. Even if someone has not been successful with various treatments in the past, there remains hope based on this new understanding of plasticity.
Chris treats a wide variety of individuals and conditions, from competitive athletes, to people who simply want to perform their daily activities without pain or other symptoms. His treatments are individualized, goal-oriented, and focused on being restorative (instead of on “symptom management”) in a lot of cases. This said, when symptoms have reached the chronic stage, it often takes a lot of time and work on the client’s part to reverse these maladaptive changes and reach a stage of restoration. In other words, neuroplasticity takes time.
As a result, individuals working with Chris need to be motivated and willing to do the work required to reach their goals, which often includes regular home exercises, reading up-to-date material about their condition(s), and other “homework” (e.g., mindfulness practices, etc.). This approach is designed to empower individuals to become competent in their own rehabilitation care (with ongoing support and guidance), and to reduce reliance on passive treatments (where relevant).
If you are unsure whether Chris is a good fit, please call reception at 250-590-5840 to inquire.
Education
Western University ► Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)
University of Victoria ► Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology (BScKin)
Conditions Treated [non-exclusive]
- Persistent pain/injury
- Chronic re-injury
- Orthopedic injuries/conditions
- Neurological injuries/conditions (e.g. post-stroke, spinal cord injury, pinched nerves, etc)
- Movement re-education (e.g. persistent limp, compensation patterns due to an old injury, etc)
- Return to work or sport
- Balance training and fall prevention
- Post-surgical recovery
- Pre-surgical conditioning
- Injury prevention
- Postural re-education
- Post-motor vehicle accident
- Persistent concussion symptoms
- Injuries that have not responded to conventional therapy, or are getting worse despite treatment
Client Testimonials
☆☆☆☆☆
I first came to Chris Lamb last summer for recovery from spinal cord surgery. Since that time (about 8 months) we have met regularly and Chris has designed and administered a comprehensive treatment program for my situation. The program is blended physical rehabilitation with imparted theoretical knowledge and directed readings that have helped me physically, and to understand, cope and manage my nerve pain. This includes a custom designed exercise program that is carefully monitored and managed, as well as reference books like “The Brain that Changes Itself” and “Explain Pain” and numerous printed and online articles that describe pain, pain management, and reduction. He uses conventional as well as newer treatment modalities, including hands-on physio, nerve sensation therapy, videography, etc. Since coming to Chris, I have improved significantly in my walking, balance, spatial sense, and confidence. My progress has been gradual, but I have noticed a generally reduced pain level and a surprising increase in the ability to perform finer and more dextrous physical movements involved in walking, goingdoing stairs, etc. Chris Lamb is thoroughly committed to his craft. He is nothing short of a subject matter expert, who has successfully combined his years of study and practice into a very effective rehabilitation program, based on modern methods and knowledge of physiology and mental state pain management. I would thoroughly recommend Chris to anyone needing expert physiotherapy care and treatment.
–Larry Pistell
Tired of limiting my activities, of being in constant pain due to a chronic back injury, and of injuring myself further every time I attempted the simplest of physical tasks – it was time to take action! My physiotherapist referred me to Chris and I knew from my first visit that it would be one of the best decisions I’d ever made. After a thorough health history and evaluation, we developed an “action plan” that would carefully allow me to increase my fitness/activities without aggravating existing painful areas or creating new ones! Chris’ strategy included exercises (physical and mental) to improve coordination, balance, and fitness. He had suggestions to help improve my sleep patterns and I began to explore and practice meditation. There was often “homework” designed to increase my knowledge – books, journal articles, videos – all related to understanding pain. I was videotaped performing exercises and watch these daily – training my brain to identify these movements as non-threatening and pain-free motions. Chris’ passion for his profession is evident – he’s always investigating new research. His gentle and reassuring manner makes you feel at ease, ready to take on any task with confidence. Today, I sit, stand and walk differently; I move with greater ease and confidence, and am significantly more “fit” than I have been for years. I even have days that are virtually pain-free! There is still an occasional “bad” day, but the level of pain on the “bad” days is nowhere near the level it used to be. I feel calmer, more balanced, and the “brain fog” has lifted, allowing for better mental functioning. I no longer fear being active, but actually embrace it! I never dreamed this would be possible!
–SP
I was suffering from a neck injury that had progressed to cause pain from the top of my head down to both arms and right to my fingertips. It was becoming more and more debilitating to the point where I couldn’t brush my teeth from pain. I had tried IMS, myofascial release, stretches, exercises etc and nothing had caused lasting improvement. My physiotherapist suggested I see Chris Lamb, as she knew he had a specialty in treating chronic pain. I remember that at my first appointment with Chris, he was confident that my condition could be treated and improved permanently. I was shocked. No one had offered me this hope with such confidence and I had been starting to resign myself to a life of disability and crippling pain. I was determined to do what Chris instructed in order to escape this condition. Thus began an education in neuroplasticity and pain science, as well as an extremely detailed exercise routine. The reading and learning I did about neuroplasticity empowered me to understand the therapy and really own the progress. I slowly felt myself gaining strength and function back. No journey is ever easy, and I had my fair share of setbacks and flare-ups, but Chris supported me and explained how pain science related to all this to motivate me to keep going. It has taken a lot of commitment to keep up with the exercises, but I can honestly say that it has been completely worth it. I can now go swing dancing and I knit an entire sweater this winter – things I would not have even been able to dream of a year and a half ago. Thank you Chris for your dedication to good science and care!
–Anonymous
I was referred to Chris in 2016, by a physiotherapist whom I was seeing for help to recover from a lumbar fracture. What a gift Chris has been. He did a thorough assessment, developed a personalized rehab program for me which included exercises for home vs the gym (at my request) and for the pool. He also provided easy to read info that was beneficial to my understanding of pain and how my body works. His approach was to start with basics and build on them. I have been to a number of healthcare practitioners over the years and Chris would be my choice, ‘hands down’, for someone who is hugely competent, experienced, and offers an approach that works! I have been able to remain happily mobile i.e. long walks with my dog, caring for my mother, and coping with the strains of traveling thanks to the exercise program I have from Chris. I have just recently returned for some help with a knee giving me grief. He offers hope and practical ways to move from chronic pain and discouragement to a fine life of movement. I am grateful to him for this.
–DP
I have suffered from chronic back pain for nearly 18 years. Before my first visit with Chris Lamb, I had seen over 30 physiotherapist, chiropractors, massage therapist, sports medicine doctors, and other healthcare professionals. Many of these therapies would work for a period of time and then my body would go back to its old ways. When I was in my worst state, I could barely get off the floor. For the times when I wasn’t in complete agony, I found it uncomfortable to sit or stand for long periods of time, was constantly irritable, had troubles focusing, and often had troubles sleeping. Chris Lamb introduced me to the world of pain science. Little by little and through a variety of pain science strategies, I have been retraining and rewiring my brain to do less pain processing. I still do exercises as I did with all the other therapists, but they are focused on retraining my brain – not just strengthening my body. Chris Lamb is the only therapist I have seen that has integrated the latest advancements in pain science into my treatment program I now go long periods of time between episodes of back pain.
–Anonymous
I have known Chris for almost two years. I am in my mid-sixties, and I first came to him with deteriorating posture and significant upper back, shoulder and neck pain. Poor posture, beginning in middle age, is quite common in my family. For years I tried dealing with this problem by lifting weights at the gym to increase my upper body strength, and by receiving massage therapy treatment. While my strength did increase, my posture and the associated pain continued to worsen. I first heard about Chris through my wife, who had been seeing him for similar issues, and was having very positive results. My initial session with Chris was very encouraging. I left with a clearer understanding of what was going on with my body, and most importantly, with confidence that there was a positive way forward. I’ve found Chris to an invaluable partner in improving my quality of life. He is knowledgeable, thoughtful and comprehensive in his approach, and willing to share not only the what, but also the why, of a treatment plan that is tailored to me as an individual. Since working with Chris, my posture (and my breathing) has greatly improved, my pain level has significantly decreased, and I am feeling more confident about my future. I highly recommend Chris.
–Anonymous
I cannot speak highly enough about the treatment and success I have had while working with Chris Lamb. After a back injury in 2015, I had lost strength, mobility, and feeling in my left leg and foot and was in constant pain. I was told it was unlikely it would ever return to normal. I was referred to Chris in 2016 and he has worked with me to regain my mobility while reducing the pain and the loss of feeling I was experiencing. His personalized approach targeted the areas most affected, the ones that had direct impact on my life. When I first saw him I was unable to walk for any length of time without pain and I was losing all sensation in my leg. This has been reversed and I am able to enjoy hiking, walking and running again. I can honestly say that Chris has made a positive impact on my health and improved my quality of life.
–Anonymous
