James Dean

BSCPT

About James Dean

James was born in Calgary and grew up a Flames fan, but having lived in St. Albert since 2001, is a loyal Oilers fan for the past 20 years. All through sports in elementary school, James continuously sprained his ankles. Finally, in grade 9 football, he broke his ankle and experienced physiotherapy for the first time. Moving around while working, a combination of biomechanics, physics and both motivating and education patients drew James into the career of Physiotherapy at that moment. While pursuing physio, James also used his skills to qualify for multiple national age group teams in Triathlon and is a 7x National and World Champion Adventure racer. James is passionate about healing people, getting back on the road, court, field, track and pool. Understanding why you are broken and how to fix you, using analogies of everyday life are a common way James connects with people. He enjoys pushing the envelope with getting people better and safely back in action. Now, with 25 years experience, a loving wife and 4 very active kids, you can see James not only in the clinic, but around St. Albert running with his husky and labradoodle and coaching or cheering at local sporting events.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of eternity, what would it be?
It has to be Alberta Beef. A medium rare tenderloin off the backyard bbq with a healthy side of asparagus!

What is your favourite sport to play and watch?
James loves cycling, running, swimming and pretty much any sport. He can often be found watching one of his kids in their own sports at anytime of the year.

What is your specialty dish in the kitchen?
The BBQ is the place where James enjoys cooking. Dill and lemon cedar planked salmon.

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?
“If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space.”

If you could instantly learn any skill, what would it be?
Pole vaulting. He would love to compete in the decathlon some day.

Do you have any nicknames (from work, sports, friends)?
His mom still calls him Jim, while some of his old school classmates call him Jimmy.

Skills & Training

  • Physiotherapist
  • BSc Physiotherapy, University of Albert, 1999
  • Acupuncture Foundation of Canada: Foundations of Anatomical Acupuncture, 2001
  • Biomedical Dry Needling, Gokavi Transverse Technique, 2002
  • Complete Concussion Management Practitioner, 2016
  • Diploma of Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy: Level II,
    2001
  • Diagnostic Imaging in Physical Therapy Practice, 2014
  • The Spin on Vestibular Rehabilitation, 2020

Acumen

James graduated from the University of Alberta Physical Therapy program in 1999 and began his career working in home care. In 2000 he started in St. Albert working out of their homecare office and by 2001 he started his first clinic. James slowly and steadily grew opening clinics throughout greater Edmonton. He is looking forward to a new venture with The JOINT physiotherapy!

Professionally, James is a huge believer in supporting the community through sponsorship of local events, volunteering and keeping people active and moving. Also a believer in growing the profession of physiotherapy, James often supervises students. He is an Associate clinical Professor with the U of A Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and has mentored many physical therapy and kinesiology students since 2000.