Jessica DeMars

Registered Physiotherapist

Jessica graduated from the University of Alberta in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy (with distinction).  She continued her education with numerous post-graduate courses in manual therapy, myofascial release, and acupuncture.  In 2006, after attending a physiotherapy symposium, she discovered the missing element in her practice – breathing.  After attending her first course in breathing biofeedback, she began to integrate breathing retraining into her practice.  In 2010, she traveled to New Zealand to become certified in the BradCliff Method® of breathing retraining and is now the Canadian Instructor for the program.  In 2016 she completed a Master of Science in Applied Breathing Sciences from the Graduate School of Behavioural Health Sciences, which allows her to focus on the behavioural aspects of dysfunctional breathing.  She has also engaged in research looking into breathing patterns and kids with asthma, as well as the relationship between the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscle function.  She has been invited to lecture on the topic of breathing pattern disorders across the country, including keynote speeches at the Saskatchewan Lung Association’s Inspired Conference and the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science Conference in Montreal.

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Jessica quickly recognized the implications of Long COVID on the population and endeavored to learn more about the complexities of post-infectious illness.  As a result, she has become an advocate for Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, having roles with both the Long COVID Physio board, and the Interdisciplinary Canadian Collaborative Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.  She has developed several courses and webinars on Long COVID to assist with knowledge translation to allied health professionals.  She is co-author on three publications on the topic.

Jessica’s passion is working with individuals with chronic, complex health issues and finding ways to improve their quality of life and function.  She recently added vestibular (BPPV) training to her toolbox, so she is able to help those individuals’ experiencing debilitating dizziness.

But she is also up for the challenge of sorting out those aches and pains that might keep you from doing the things you love.  As an avid cyclist – and former competitive road and mountain biker (pre-kids!) – she is also able to help you get comfortable on your ride with professional Bike Fitting training from Bike Fit Canada.

Outside of work, you will find Jessica on her bike or hitting the lake in the summer, on her snowboard or on the cross-country trails in the winter, and hiking and running in the shoulder seasons!