Dana Ranahan

Background and training

Dana graduated “cum laude” with a degree in physiotherapy from the University of Western Ontario in 1993. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Vancouver and began working in private practice orthopaedics. She achieved her Diploma of Manual and Manipulative therapy and became a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual and Manipulative Therapy (FCAMT) in 1999, with distinction. She also completed her certification in Intramuscular Stimulation (GunnIMS) in 2007. Dana earned her Advanced Diploma in Sports Physiotherapy in 2008. In 2009, Dana created Body Works Sports Physiotherapy! This fulfilled her dream of opening a physiotherapy clinic dedicated to whole body assessment and one-on-one treatment times.

Sports Physiotherapy Interest and Training

Dana is passionate about sport. She is an avid cyclist, cross country skier, soccer player, occasional triathlon competitor and former high level competitive fastball player.

During the course of her career Dana has been able to combine her love of sport and her skills as a physiotherapist while treating competitive athletes.

These include:

• Physiotherapist at the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010

• Physiotherapist for the Women’s National Soccer Olympic Qualifying Tournament at BC Place in 2012

• Physiotherapist at the Figure Skating World Championships

• Physiotherapist at the Canada Cup Fast Ball International Tournament

• Physiotherapist for the Canadian National Women’s Soccer Team and youth development teams

• Team physiotherapist and coach for youth girls soccer teams in North Vancouver and West Vancouver for the about 20 years.

To find out more about how Dana combines her experience and knowledge of sport in her practice please visit our Sports Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy Treatment Philosophy

Dana excels in her attention to detail and a whole body integrated assessment for all clients to help solve their body’s “puzzle” and help them get back to sport and activity. She uses manual therapy techniques, coupled with IMS, movement retraining and functional exercise progressions to help her clients return to function. She received specialized concussion management training from Complete Concussion Management (CCMI). Thus, she is very well versed in treating concussion related injuries, including complex concussions. With complex cases, Dana will work with a team of practitioners if needed to help the overall outcome for the patient.

As a teacher and mentor for physiotherapists involved in the post graduate orthopaedic manual therapy courses for many years through the Orthopedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Dana demonstrates her love of helping younger therapists achieve their goals and refine their techniques. Dana also has been involved with other teaching. This includes the Integrated Systems Model. She also provides mentorship with the Sports Physiotherapy Division of the CPA for younger physiotherapists seeking to achieve their sports physiotherapy designation.

Dana Ranahan is passionate about her work helping patients recover and feel better. This passion is evident to all of her clients, staff and colleagues. As a leader, Dana’s passion and dedication creates an atmosphere of excellence in treatment and overall service that you will experience at Body Works.

Outside the Clinic and Active Living

Dana’s passions extend beyond the clinic. After many years honing her mountain biking skills on the North Shore trails she took up road cycling! She completed the Whistler Gran Fondo in 2010 and 2011. When she’s not on her road bike she can be found coaching her daughter’s soccer team or spending time with her husband and two daughters. Dana loves her favourite outdoor activities! These include hiking, playing soccer herself, cross-country skiing, or exploring the beach or paddle boarding.

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