Physiotherapy services are available to all registered students and current employees at VIU. Session duration is 30 minutes and the cost is $50. Payment is required at the time of the appointment, via debit or credit card, and paid directly to the physiotherapist. Please note that WCB and ICBC claims are not accepted.
Physiotherapy appointments and charting will be managed using Jane App under the VIU Health and Wellness Centre. VIU Counselling Services are also managed using Jane App. However, all counselling sessions and related information are entirely confidential and separate from physiotherapy sessions in our system. Your personal information will remain private and will not be shared without your explicit consent. (see the Jane App for more information)
Currently, appointments are available for Mondays and Fridays from 12pm to 4pm.
Physiotherapy treats injuries, diseases, and deformities, whether congenital or traumatic, through exercise, movement strategies, joint mobilization, and stretching. It also incorporates therapies like massage, ultrasound, and supportive taping to improve and maintain function for daily life, sports, and work.
Physiotherapists diagnose and treat musculoskeletal, neurological, and vestibular disorders, as well as acute and chronic conditions like cardiopulmonary disease, vertigo (BPPV), congenital disorders, and pre/post-surgical recovery.
They work individually or within multidisciplinary teams in hospitals (acute care, palliative, post-surgical, burn clinics, ERs, neurological wards), schools, sports organizations, government agencies, private clinics, and industrial or remote facilities.
Treatment includes education, movement/exercise programs, and manual therapy, where clinicians assist with joint mobilization and stretching. Exercise programs may be tailored for work, sports, home activities, or aquatic therapy.
Casey Ruff
Casey earned a B.Sc. in Kinesiology (Hon) with Distinction from Simon Fraser University in 2012, with research published in the Journal of Neurophysiology and on heart disease in veteran athletes. He also holds a national trades license in welding from SAIT and has fine arts education from the University of Calgary.
After completing an M.Sc. in Physiotherapy at the University of Alberta, Casey began practicing in Nanaimo, specializing in adult and pediatric conditions, including MSK injuries, concussions, cerebral palsy, and neuromuscular disorders.
Previously a cowboy, professional-level athlete, and tradesman, Casey’s own sports injuries shaped his approach to rehabilitation. His experience includes sports therapy and performance training for the Vancouver Whitecaps Pre-Residency Program, the Canadian Professional Rodeo Sports Medicine Team, the World Police and Fire Games, BC Ride to Conquer Cancer, and multiple BC Games and marathons.
He has also volunteered in pediatric outreach clinics at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and served as the school district physiotherapist for the Cowichan Valley from 2019–2022.
Casey treats the full range of concerns but also:
- Adult and Paediatric MSK conditions: acute, chronic, sport, work, and congenitally related
- Cerebral Palsy and neuromuscular conditions
- BPPV (Vertigo)
- Concussions
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Aging populations and risks, i.e. Falls
- Rare conditions
Currently, appointments are available on Mondays and Fridays from 12pm to 4pm.
For initial visits or for therapeutic athletic taping appointments, you will need to book by phone or in person.
- Call to book: 250-740-6416
- In person at the Health and Wellness Centre, Bldg 200, Rm 308
- Online booking available for subsequent visits at: VIU Jane App for Physiotherapy
- Students will require their VIU student number
- Employees will require their VIU employee card
- Form of payment for your session (credit card or debit card)
- Intake form completed (will be emailed at the time of booking)
- Wear loose or comfortable clothing
Your invoice will be emailed to you following your appointment. You can ask for a printed copy at the front desk following your appointment. Please check your benefit plan to ensure you have coverage before submitting your receipt.
- Students who have paid their student fees and have opted in for the VIUSU Extended Health Benefits Plan can get reimbursed through Greenshield.
- Students who have opted out of the VIUSU extended health benefits plan can submit their receipt to their appropriate benefit company.
- Employees who are part of the benefits plan can get reimbursement through Manulife.