About Judith Stanfield

Judith Stanfield, P.T.
Founder and President of OrthoCanada

Judith’s appreciation for the benefits and limitless possibilities of physiotherapy began while earning her degree in Physiotherapy from Queens University, and grew as she trained in post-graduate courses, including those from the Canadian McKenzie Institute. Robin McKenzie is the renowned author and noted expert on neck and back wellness who pioneered the McKenzie method to evaluate and treat mechanical spinal problems.

As a practicing physio, Judith was not impressed with the quality of back rolls she found on the market, so she started making her own rolls, which she made both readily available and inexpensive. When Robin McKenzie learned of Judith’s initiative, he gave her the specifications to manufacture the Original McKenzie® rolls for Canada. Over the years, Judith has taken advantage of new technology, materials, and her own professional knowledge of back and neck wellness to continually evolve her lumbar and neck support products. Marketed under the Bakrol©, Bakrest© and Nekrol© brands, they are the most widely sold postural support rolls in Canada. All twelve products in the line (seven Bakrols, two Bakrests, one Nekrol, and two Night Rolls) have been recently redesigned to feature the most advanced materials and workmanship available, and were officially re-launched at the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) show in June of 2008. The CPA Product Recognition Program has approved all Bakrol and Nekrol products, as well as the NekDoctor® Adjustable orthopedic pillows.

Judith continued to practice as a physiotherapist, as well as opening her own business in 1989, called Better Back Rolls. The business evolved over the next decade to become OrthoCanada in 1998, with Judith as president and co-owner with a new business partner, Alain Veilleux. During those years she had considered opening a physiotherapy clinic, and was once again struck by how difficult it was to find the knowledgeable help, professional solutions, and transparent pricing, so necessary to make equipment purchase decisions. This experience became one of her main motivations with OrthoCanada: to provide exceptional service to help physiotherapists open or expand their clinics. In her experience working with physiotherapists across the country, Judith has developed a unique appreciation for the goals and needs of clinicians. Therapists appreciate the insightful touches that could only come from a fellow physiotherapist’s perspective.

“In large urban areas, sleek-looking machines are often a must – patients and therapists want the latest technology. In smaller rural offices, reliability and longevity are usually the key factors – if they only have one table or one of that device, then it has to be a reliable workhorse functioning every day and be easy to repair. Bells and whistles become less important. Taking the time to ask questions and understand how each clinic works is crucial to helping them select the right equipment.”

Judy’s vision is the driving force behind OrthoCanada, and she has surrounded herself with a talented group of physiotherapists, business leaders, and service-minded individuals who are equally committed to providing the high level of service their customers have come to expect.