Leigh Fortuna

Leigh has been active in sport from a young age, and was first exposed to physiotherapy following an ankle injury at age 13. Her interest in health and physical activity continued through high school while she played fast pitch softball, volleyball and basketball. After studying kinesiology for two years she decided that pursuing a career in physiotherapy was the path she wanted to follow. Leigh graduated from The University of British Columbia in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. 

For the first 10 years after graduating, Leigh worked in private practice primarily with interdisciplinary teams assisting patients with injury, loss of function, and persistent pain conditions to improve their quality of life, function and overall well being. Leigh joined Diane Lee & Associates following her second maternity leave in 2016. 

Leigh has completed post-graduate training in orthopaedics (Level 3 Manual Therapy through Orthopaedic Division of CPA, Mulligan Concept) and chronic pain (Explain Pain).  She obtained her acupuncture certification through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute in 2009, and has completed further training in Trigger Point Dry Needling.  Leigh is also a women’s health pelvic floor therapist and has training and experience working with urinary incontinence and pelvic pain conditions.  She completed the Integrated Systems Model Series in 2017.  Most recently, Leigh has completed the PINC Cancer Rehab Certification program, and has a special interest in helping women regain their function and quality of life after cancer treatment.  

Leigh’s treatment philosophy is centred on educating and empowering patients to make adjustments that will allow them to care for themselves and participate in activities that are meaningful to them. While Leigh has experience working with adults of all activity levels, Leigh has an interest in working with women during postpartum recovery, as well as those who have received treatment for breast cancer.

Outside of physiotherapy, Leigh stays active by swimming, biking and running, and recently has started Pilates exercise.   Leigh has competed in all distances of triathlon, half and full marathons, and still enjoys the thrill of a race.  She centres her life around her family, and has two young boys who keep her busy and active.