Jessica DeMars, PT
Jessica graduated from the University of Alberta in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy (with distinction) and is the owner of Breathe Well Physio. 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. In 2016 she completed further certificates with the Graduate School of Behavioural Health Sciences under Peter Litchfield, which allows her to focus on the behavioural aspects of dysfunctional breathing. In 2015 she was awarded a grant through the Clinical Research Innovation Fund and investigated the link between dysfunctional breathing and asthma in children (turns out many children with asthma breathe poorly). Jessica is also the 2016 recipient of the Pinnacle Award of Excellence from Physiotherapy Alberta.
The Canadian Instructor for the New Zealand-based BradCliff Method®, Jessica has also traveled across Canada presenting and lecturing on the impacts of dysfunctional breathing on health, with recent keynote speeches at the Saskatchewan Lung Association Conference and the 2019 International Association for Dance Medicine & Science Conference.
Clinically, her interests lie in working with individuals with chronic disease and complex needs. With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Jessica quickly recognized the implications of Long COVID on the population and has pivoted to creating programming that delivers the best available evidence for both those living with Long COVID and health care professionals working with this population. She has become an ally and and advocate, volunteering with both Long COVID Physio and ICanCME. She has developed several courses and webinars to help with knowledge translation. Jessica strives to ensure that safe rehabilitation is available for all individuals living with Long COVID.
Jessica is licensed to practice in BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Jessica graduated from the University of Alberta in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy (with distinction) and is the owner of Breathe Well Physio. 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. In 2016 she completed further certificates with the Graduate School of Behavioural Health Sciences under Peter Litchfield, which allows her to focus on the behavioural aspects of dysfunctional breathing. In 2015 she was awarded a grant through the Clinical Research Innovation Fund and investigated the link between dysfunctional breathing and asthma in children (turns out many children with asthma breathe poorly). Jessica is also the 2016 recipient of the Pinnacle Award of Excellence from Physiotherapy Alberta.
The Canadian Instructor for the New Zealand-based BradCliff Method®, Jessica has also traveled across Canada presenting and lecturing on the impacts of dysfunctional breathing on health, with recent keynote speeches at the Saskatchewan Lung Association Conference and the 2019 International Association for Dance Medicine & Science Conference.
Clinically, her interests lie in working with individuals with chronic disease and complex needs. With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Jessica quickly recognized the implications of Long COVID on the population and has pivoted to creating programming that delivers the best available evidence for both those living with Long COVID and health care professionals working with this population. She has become an ally and and advocate, volunteering with both Long COVID Physio and ICanCME. She has developed several courses and webinars to help with knowledge translation. Jessica strives to ensure that safe rehabilitation is available for all individuals living with Long COVID.
Jessica is licensed to practice in BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION & LICENSING
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy Degree with Distinction from the University of Alberta, Edmonton (1998)
Master of Science in Applied Breathing Science from the Graduate School of Applied Behavioral Science, Wyoming (2016)
Current Licensing: College of Physical Therapists of Alberta, College of Physical Therapists of BC, Saskatchewan College of Physical Therapists
Member of Canadian Physiotherapy Association
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Extremities/Vertebral Level I 1998
Physiotherapy National Exam 1998
Extremities/Vertebral Level II (Lorrie Maffey) 1999
The Motor Vehicle Accident Patient (Jim Meadows) 1999
Extremities/Vertebral Level III (Lorrie Maffey) 1999
Dynamic Stabilization of the Lumbar Spine & Shoulder (Susan Massitti) 2000
Manual Therapy for Muscles (Charlie Kelly) 2002
Myofascial Release I – (John F. Barnes) 2003
Acupuncture Foundation of Canada- Level I Certificate 2004
Acupuncture In Orthopedic Medicine (Dr. Joseph Wong) 2004
Kinesio Taping (Roger Berton) 2006
Breathing Evaluation and Management (Laurie McLaughlin) 2006
Manual Therapy of the Myofascial System (Laurie McLaughlin) 2007
BradCliff Method (Dinah Bradley, Tania Clifton-Smith), New Zealand 2010
BradCliff Method Recertification 2011, 2012, 2015
Posture and Breathing: An Integrated System (Jiri Cumpelik) 2015
If you can’t breathe, you can’t function (Mary Massery) 2016
Piston Science On-line Series (Julie Weibe) 2016
From the Glottis to the Pelvic Floor (Julie Weibe) 2018
PINC Certification Oncology Rehab (Lou James) 2018
Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy in Private Practice (Functional Lungs) 2021
POTS Provider Course (Emily Rich, OT) 2023
Field Guide to BPPV (Kregg Ochitwa, Embodia) 2024
Integrative Concussion Management Course (Lauren Ziaks, DPT) 2024
PRESENTATIONS
Think Outside the Lung: addressing dysfunctional breathing patterns as a cause of dyspnea.
Asthma/COPD Education Day 2015 (Calgary); Peter Lougheed Centre Respirology Division 2015 (Calgary); Rockyview General Hospital Respirology Division 2014 (Calgary)
Addressing dysfunctional breathing as a contributor to disproportionate or unexplained dyspnea: a case series.
Canadian Respiratory Conference, Poster Presentation. 2015 (Ottawa)
Breathing Better: inspiratory muscle training for IPF
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group 2015 (Calgary
Breathing Matters: Is dysfunctional breathing limiting your patient’s progress?
Ignite Physio launch November 2015 (Calgary)
Vocal Cord Dysfunction: Using breathing retraining for management.
Alberta Children’s Hospital Respirology Division January 2016 (Calgary)
Breathing and Movement: You can’t do one without the other
Calgary Asthma and COPD Education Day 2016 (Calgary)
Breathing Strategies in Acute Care: using breathing as an aide in managing your patients.
Allied Health Team, Rockyview General Hospital Acute Care 2016 (Calgary)
The Role of Dysfunctional Breathing in Chronic Pain.
Chronic Pain Centre 2016 (Calgary)
Why train your breathing?
Running Room ½ Marathon Training Groups 2015 - 2017 (Various locations in Calgary)
When in Doubt, Breathe Out!
2 Minutes, 2 Slides. CPA Congress 2016 (Victoria)
COPD, Asthma & IMT
Peter Lougheed Centre Respirology Division 2016 (Calgary)
Breathing Matters: is breathing limiting your patient’s progress?
Calgary Pain and MSK Conference 2017 (Calgary)
Dysfunctional breathing as a contributing factor in dyspnea.
Rockyview General Hospital Respirology Division 2017 (Calgary)
Think outside the lung: the impact of breathing patterns in respiratory disease.
Workshop at Canadian Network for Respiratory Care Conference 2017 (Calgary)
Unexplained Dyspnea: considering breathing patterns and musculoskeletal dysfunction
Foothills Thoracic Surgeons 2018 (Calgary)
Breathing Matters for Voice Teachers
Presentation for National Association of Teachers of Singing 2018 (Calgary)
Vocal Cord Dysfunction: is it on your radar?
Alberta Children’s Hospital 2018 (Calgary
Clinical Respiratory Rounds, Foothills Medical Centre 2019 (Calgary)
Think Outside the Lung: Non-pathological Contributions to Breathlessness
Saskatchewan Lung Association Conference Key Note Speech 2019 (Saksatoon)
Breathing and The Performance Athlete
International Association of Dance Science and Medicine 2019 (Montreal)
Pelvic Floor Muscle Function Changes after an Inspiratory Muscle Training Intervention In Women With and Without Stress Urinary Incontinence: a Pilot Study
Research results presented at Physiotherapy Alberta Conference 2019 (Kananaskis)
Physiotherapy Management of Long Covid. Physiotherapy Alberta Webinar February 2021.
Treating Long Covid: A Physiotherapy Perspective. Orthopedic Division Canadian Physiotherapy Association February 2021.
Speaker for the Realize Summit featuring Long Covid and Episodic Disability March 23, 2022
Lessons From Long Covid: A Physiotherapists Perspective. Delivered to: Manitoba Physiotherapy Association AGM, Nova Scotia Orthopaedic Division AGM, Inspired Breathing Conference (Saskatchewan Lung Association) 2022
An Introduction to Recognizing and Managing Long Covid. Delivered to: Ottawa Respiratory Network, Calgary COPD and Asthma Program, West Kootenay Respiratory Group, Ontario Asthma and COPD Program, 2022
“Long Covid & Physiotherapy – Canadian Perspectives on Supporting Patient Care” webinar hosted by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Panelist May 2022
Identifying Long COVID in Clinical Practice - Grand Rounds, Rehab Science Network for Long COVID April 2024; Canadian Physiotherapy Congress April 2024; ContinuED May 2024; Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists May 2024;
Spotlight on Long COVID and Rehabilitation: Long COVID Web September 2024
TEACHING
BradCliff Breathing Method Level 1
Instructor, 2017 Surrey, BC; Montreal QC, 2018; Saskatoon, SK, 2018; Calgary, AB, 2018 and 2019; Ottawa, ON 2019, Online since 2020
Treating Long Covid, BradCliff Method
Course development and instruction. April 2021
Addressing Long Covid in the Community
University of Alberta Continuing Competency Course development and instruction. 2022, 2025
Managing Long Covid: Key Strategies for Respiratory Therapists
Course development and instruction (online) for Canadian Society for Respiratory Therapists. Fall 2021 and Spring 2022
RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS
Dysfunctional Breathing in Pediatric Asthma: A case for physiotherapy intervention?
2015 Clinical Innovation Research Grant: Physiotherapy Alberta, University of Alberta, TD Meloche Monnex. Principle Investigator
Pelvic Floor Muscle Function During Inspiratory Loading In Individuals With and Without Stress Urinary Incontinence: a Pilot Study.
2016 Clinical Innovation Research Grant: Physiotherapy Alberta, University of Alberta, TD Meloche Monnex. Physiotherapy consultant on project.
Rosie Twomey, PhD, Jessica DeMars, BScPT, MSc, Kelli Franklin, BScPT, MSc, S Nicole Culos-Reed, PhD, Jason Weatherald, MD, James G Wrightson, PhD, Chronic Fatigue and Postexertional Malaise in People Living with Long COVID: An Observational Study, Physical Therapy, 2022;, pzac005, https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzac005
Wurz, A., Culos-Reed, S.N., Franklin, K., DeMars, J., Wrightson J.G., Twomey, R. "I feel like my body is broken": exploring the experiences of people living with long COVID. Qual Life Res 31, 3339–3354 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-022-03176-1
World Physiotherapy. World Physiotherapy Response to COVID-19 Briefing Paper 9. Safe rehabilitation approaches for people living with Long COVID: physical activity and exercise. London, UK: World Physiotherapy; 2021.
DeMars J, Major A, Graham K, Goulding S, Brown D, Gross D, O’Brien KK; Recommendations for employers, insurers, human resource professionals on return to work for people living with Long COVID. September 23, 2022; Available at: https://www.realizecanada.org/wp-content/uploads/Guidance-for-EmployersInsurers-Human-Resource-Personnel-and-Rehabilitation-Professionals-on-Return-to-Work-for-People-Living-withLong-COVID.pdf
DeMars J, Brown DA, Angelidis I, Jones F, McGuire F, O'Brien KK, Oller D, Pemberton S, Tarrant R, Verduzco-Gutierrez M, Gross DP. What is Safe Long COVID Rehabilitation? J Occup Rehabil. 2023 Jun;33(2):227-230. doi: 10.1007/s10926-022-10075-2. PMID: 36315323; PMCID: PMC9628454.
Peirce, Scott MHSc1; Taylor, Mitchell BAS(Physio.)Hons, MACP2; Pollok, Talia PT, DPT, CCS3; Holtzhausen, Samantha MSc Physiotherapy4; Peirce, Brooke BHSc (Physio)1; DeMars, Jessica BScPT5. A Physiotherapy Framework to Managing Long COVID: A Clinical Approach. Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal 36(1):p 19-29, January 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/CPT.0000000000000277
O'Brien KK (Nominated Principal Applicant), DeMars J (Principal Knowledge User), Cameron J (Co-Principal Applicant), Coleman J, Gross D, Rendely A, Sanchez-Ramirez D, Wasilewski M, Premnazeer M (Co-Applicants), Kaup C, McDuff K, Rutledge M (Knowledge Users), Davenport T, Faghy M, Goulding S, Seguin J. (Collaborators). Addressing Research Priorities in Long COVID and Rehabilitation: Advancing Research, Education and Clinical Practice. Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support (Summer 2024). Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Nov 1, 2024 - Oct 30, 2025; $20,000 CAD.
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy Degree with Distinction from the University of Alberta, Edmonton (1998)
Master of Science in Applied Breathing Science from the Graduate School of Applied Behavioral Science, Wyoming (2016)
Current Licensing: College of Physical Therapists of Alberta, College of Physical Therapists of BC, Saskatchewan College of Physical Therapists
Member of Canadian Physiotherapy Association
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Extremities/Vertebral Level I 1998
Physiotherapy National Exam 1998
Extremities/Vertebral Level II (Lorrie Maffey) 1999
The Motor Vehicle Accident Patient (Jim Meadows) 1999
Extremities/Vertebral Level III (Lorrie Maffey) 1999
Dynamic Stabilization of the Lumbar Spine & Shoulder (Susan Massitti) 2000
Manual Therapy for Muscles (Charlie Kelly) 2002
Myofascial Release I – (John F. Barnes) 2003
Acupuncture Foundation of Canada- Level I Certificate 2004
Acupuncture In Orthopedic Medicine (Dr. Joseph Wong) 2004
Kinesio Taping (Roger Berton) 2006
Breathing Evaluation and Management (Laurie McLaughlin) 2006
Manual Therapy of the Myofascial System (Laurie McLaughlin) 2007
BradCliff Method (Dinah Bradley, Tania Clifton-Smith), New Zealand 2010
BradCliff Method Recertification 2011, 2012, 2015
Posture and Breathing: An Integrated System (Jiri Cumpelik) 2015
If you can’t breathe, you can’t function (Mary Massery) 2016
Piston Science On-line Series (Julie Weibe) 2016
From the Glottis to the Pelvic Floor (Julie Weibe) 2018
PINC Certification Oncology Rehab (Lou James) 2018
Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy in Private Practice (Functional Lungs) 2021
POTS Provider Course (Emily Rich, OT) 2023
Field Guide to BPPV (Kregg Ochitwa, Embodia) 2024
Integrative Concussion Management Course (Lauren Ziaks, DPT) 2024
PRESENTATIONS
Think Outside the Lung: addressing dysfunctional breathing patterns as a cause of dyspnea.
Asthma/COPD Education Day 2015 (Calgary); Peter Lougheed Centre Respirology Division 2015 (Calgary); Rockyview General Hospital Respirology Division 2014 (Calgary)
Addressing dysfunctional breathing as a contributor to disproportionate or unexplained dyspnea: a case series.
Canadian Respiratory Conference, Poster Presentation. 2015 (Ottawa)
Breathing Better: inspiratory muscle training for IPF
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group 2015 (Calgary
Breathing Matters: Is dysfunctional breathing limiting your patient’s progress?
Ignite Physio launch November 2015 (Calgary)
Vocal Cord Dysfunction: Using breathing retraining for management.
Alberta Children’s Hospital Respirology Division January 2016 (Calgary)
Breathing and Movement: You can’t do one without the other
Calgary Asthma and COPD Education Day 2016 (Calgary)
Breathing Strategies in Acute Care: using breathing as an aide in managing your patients.
Allied Health Team, Rockyview General Hospital Acute Care 2016 (Calgary)
The Role of Dysfunctional Breathing in Chronic Pain.
Chronic Pain Centre 2016 (Calgary)
Why train your breathing?
Running Room ½ Marathon Training Groups 2015 - 2017 (Various locations in Calgary)
When in Doubt, Breathe Out!
2 Minutes, 2 Slides. CPA Congress 2016 (Victoria)
COPD, Asthma & IMT
Peter Lougheed Centre Respirology Division 2016 (Calgary)
Breathing Matters: is breathing limiting your patient’s progress?
Calgary Pain and MSK Conference 2017 (Calgary)
Dysfunctional breathing as a contributing factor in dyspnea.
Rockyview General Hospital Respirology Division 2017 (Calgary)
Think outside the lung: the impact of breathing patterns in respiratory disease.
Workshop at Canadian Network for Respiratory Care Conference 2017 (Calgary)
Unexplained Dyspnea: considering breathing patterns and musculoskeletal dysfunction
Foothills Thoracic Surgeons 2018 (Calgary)
Breathing Matters for Voice Teachers
Presentation for National Association of Teachers of Singing 2018 (Calgary)
Vocal Cord Dysfunction: is it on your radar?
Alberta Children’s Hospital 2018 (Calgary
Clinical Respiratory Rounds, Foothills Medical Centre 2019 (Calgary)
Think Outside the Lung: Non-pathological Contributions to Breathlessness
Saskatchewan Lung Association Conference Key Note Speech 2019 (Saksatoon)
Breathing and The Performance Athlete
International Association of Dance Science and Medicine 2019 (Montreal)
Pelvic Floor Muscle Function Changes after an Inspiratory Muscle Training Intervention In Women With and Without Stress Urinary Incontinence: a Pilot Study
Research results presented at Physiotherapy Alberta Conference 2019 (Kananaskis)
Physiotherapy Management of Long Covid. Physiotherapy Alberta Webinar February 2021.
Treating Long Covid: A Physiotherapy Perspective. Orthopedic Division Canadian Physiotherapy Association February 2021.
Speaker for the Realize Summit featuring Long Covid and Episodic Disability March 23, 2022
Lessons From Long Covid: A Physiotherapists Perspective. Delivered to: Manitoba Physiotherapy Association AGM, Nova Scotia Orthopaedic Division AGM, Inspired Breathing Conference (Saskatchewan Lung Association) 2022
An Introduction to Recognizing and Managing Long Covid. Delivered to: Ottawa Respiratory Network, Calgary COPD and Asthma Program, West Kootenay Respiratory Group, Ontario Asthma and COPD Program, 2022
“Long Covid & Physiotherapy – Canadian Perspectives on Supporting Patient Care” webinar hosted by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Panelist May 2022
Identifying Long COVID in Clinical Practice - Grand Rounds, Rehab Science Network for Long COVID April 2024; Canadian Physiotherapy Congress April 2024; ContinuED May 2024; Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists May 2024;
Spotlight on Long COVID and Rehabilitation: Long COVID Web September 2024
TEACHING
BradCliff Breathing Method Level 1
Instructor, 2017 Surrey, BC; Montreal QC, 2018; Saskatoon, SK, 2018; Calgary, AB, 2018 and 2019; Ottawa, ON 2019, Online since 2020
Treating Long Covid, BradCliff Method
Course development and instruction. April 2021
Addressing Long Covid in the Community
University of Alberta Continuing Competency Course development and instruction. 2022, 2025
Managing Long Covid: Key Strategies for Respiratory Therapists
Course development and instruction (online) for Canadian Society for Respiratory Therapists. Fall 2021 and Spring 2022
RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS
Dysfunctional Breathing in Pediatric Asthma: A case for physiotherapy intervention?
2015 Clinical Innovation Research Grant: Physiotherapy Alberta, University of Alberta, TD Meloche Monnex. Principle Investigator
Pelvic Floor Muscle Function During Inspiratory Loading In Individuals With and Without Stress Urinary Incontinence: a Pilot Study.
2016 Clinical Innovation Research Grant: Physiotherapy Alberta, University of Alberta, TD Meloche Monnex. Physiotherapy consultant on project.
Rosie Twomey, PhD, Jessica DeMars, BScPT, MSc, Kelli Franklin, BScPT, MSc, S Nicole Culos-Reed, PhD, Jason Weatherald, MD, James G Wrightson, PhD, Chronic Fatigue and Postexertional Malaise in People Living with Long COVID: An Observational Study, Physical Therapy, 2022;, pzac005, https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzac005
Wurz, A., Culos-Reed, S.N., Franklin, K., DeMars, J., Wrightson J.G., Twomey, R. "I feel like my body is broken": exploring the experiences of people living with long COVID. Qual Life Res 31, 3339–3354 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-022-03176-1
World Physiotherapy. World Physiotherapy Response to COVID-19 Briefing Paper 9. Safe rehabilitation approaches for people living with Long COVID: physical activity and exercise. London, UK: World Physiotherapy; 2021.
DeMars J, Major A, Graham K, Goulding S, Brown D, Gross D, O’Brien KK; Recommendations for employers, insurers, human resource professionals on return to work for people living with Long COVID. September 23, 2022; Available at: https://www.realizecanada.org/wp-content/uploads/Guidance-for-EmployersInsurers-Human-Resource-Personnel-and-Rehabilitation-Professionals-on-Return-to-Work-for-People-Living-withLong-COVID.pdf
DeMars J, Brown DA, Angelidis I, Jones F, McGuire F, O'Brien KK, Oller D, Pemberton S, Tarrant R, Verduzco-Gutierrez M, Gross DP. What is Safe Long COVID Rehabilitation? J Occup Rehabil. 2023 Jun;33(2):227-230. doi: 10.1007/s10926-022-10075-2. PMID: 36315323; PMCID: PMC9628454.
Peirce, Scott MHSc1; Taylor, Mitchell BAS(Physio.)Hons, MACP2; Pollok, Talia PT, DPT, CCS3; Holtzhausen, Samantha MSc Physiotherapy4; Peirce, Brooke BHSc (Physio)1; DeMars, Jessica BScPT5. A Physiotherapy Framework to Managing Long COVID: A Clinical Approach. Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal 36(1):p 19-29, January 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/CPT.0000000000000277
O'Brien KK (Nominated Principal Applicant), DeMars J (Principal Knowledge User), Cameron J (Co-Principal Applicant), Coleman J, Gross D, Rendely A, Sanchez-Ramirez D, Wasilewski M, Premnazeer M (Co-Applicants), Kaup C, McDuff K, Rutledge M (Knowledge Users), Davenport T, Faghy M, Goulding S, Seguin J. (Collaborators). Addressing Research Priorities in Long COVID and Rehabilitation: Advancing Research, Education and Clinical Practice. Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support (Summer 2024). Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Nov 1, 2024 - Oct 30, 2025; $20,000 CAD.