By Krista Hazlie
Carolyn Pridham, Trendsetter Award, sponsored by BDC
Carolyn Pridham, a physiotherapist and owner of Vitality Wellness, is a true pioneer in the field of pelvic health and wellness. This award celebrates women entrepreneurs who showcase innovation and creative thinking in both their day-to-day operations and marketing strategies. Their businesses set trends and challenge conventional ideas, push boundaries, and redefine traditional concepts.
Carolyn’s journey began with a strong academic foundation: she graduated from Memorial University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, followed by a master’s in physiotherapy from Dalhousie University in 2015. During her academic pursuits, Carolyn was briefly introduced to women’s health physiotherapy, a niche that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and tissues in the pelvis. Recognizing a significant gap in the availability of related services in St. John’s, Carolyn embarked on a journey of discovery and growth. After working in private clinics, she took multiple courses in pelvic health, realizing that this field held vast potential beyond that provided by traditional education.
Carolyn founded her own business: she rented a room in a gynecology office and collaborated with talented OBGYNs who expanded her knowledge of the medical aspects of pelvic health.
As Carolyn’s expertise grew and her reputation for excellence in pelvic health care spread, her waitlist grew to a six-month duration. It became evident that the demand for these specialized services was immense, prompting her to take the next transformative step. In October 2021, Carolyn opened Vitality Wellness in a new, dedicated space.
Vitality Wellness offers pelvic floor physiotherapy, post-operative breast surgery rehabilitation, massage therapy, counselling, fitness classes, rental spaces, and a monthly gentle pap clinic. The approach to wellness is holistic and addresses the diverse needs of its clientele, embodying Carolyn’s commitment to comprehensive care.
What sets Carolyn apart is not only her dedication to expanding her services but also her commitment to education and community outreach. On her own time, she conducts information sessions for various groups in the community, including pregnant or postpartum individuals, pelvic pain support groups, fitness instructors, and other health care professionals. This outreach demystifies pelvic health and empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being.
Carolyn’s journey from academic excellence to entrepreneurial success, all while championing pelvic health and wellness, demonstrates her pioneering nature. Her commitment to filling a vital gap in health care services and her dedication to community education make her a deserving recipient of the Trendsetter Award. Carolyn Pridham is not just a health care provider; she’s a visionary shaping the future of pelvic health and wellness in her community and beyond.
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