Making it easier for Islanders to join online strength and pre-surgery exercise programs

Islanders from tip to tip are moving better, feeling stronger, and recovering faster thanks to three online programs from Beck Exercise Physiology Inc. 

Backed by the 2024–25 Health Innovation Fund, these inclusive programs are delivered entirely online in supportive group settings, offering accessible care and a sense of community for those preparing for surgery, living with chronic pain, or continuing recovery.

Led by Clinical Exercise Physiologist Katie Beck, the Charlottetown-based clinic offers tailored care and practical guidance to people across the Island – all in the comfort of their own homes.

“It’s incredible to meet people where they are - quite literally,” says Beck. “The goal of this program was to offer a new way to empower Islanders in their health journey. By allowing them to start that journey from their homes and in an online group, we’re building that trust and relationship all together. To me it doesn’t get better than that. That’s truly the community piece.”

One of the three programs funded is a six-week orthopedic exercise prehabilitation program designed for patients preparing for total knee or hip replacement. Currently, it’s being piloted with people referred through orthopedic care.

Once surgery is scheduled, eligible patients are connected with Beck Exercise Physiology to begin virtual health screenings, personalized assessments, and group classes focused on strength, balance, and education. The purpose is simple: enter surgery stronger to recover stronger. 

“Pre-surgery exercise and strengthening reduces recovery time, complications, and mentally it gives people something to focus on,” Beck explains. “There’s no downside to doing this work.”

Nancy MacLean-Eveson is a recent participant who thinks the program is very beneficial.  

“The Orthopedic Exercise Pre-Surgery program was a physical and mental lifeline for me,” she says. “The strength building exercises made all the difference in my recent post-op, the camaraderie of the classes helped rebuild my confidence, and the instructors were both knowledgeable and supportive.”

Alongside the orthopedic prehabilitation program, Beck Exercise Physiology offers two other virtual programs - all free during the pilot phase. The chronic pain program now accepts self-referrals, while the graduate program for individuals with chronic disease has expanded its capacity thanks to Health Innovation Fund support. Previously funded separately, the chronic disease program now benefits from this new support, making all three programs more accessible to Islanders across the province.

These programs are helping Islanders take control of their health, one movement at a time. From building strength to improving confidence, the impact is felt far beyond the screen.

Head to Beck Exercise Physiology Inc. for more information and visit the 2024–25 Health Innovation Fund to learn more about the fund.