I am an orthopaedic, concussion and vestibular (dizziness/vertigo) physiotherapist.

 

I graduated with an honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree (BSc(H)Kin) from the University of Waterloo in 2007 and followed this with a Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy (MScPT) from McMaster University in 2010. Before entering the field of physiotherapy, I was heavily involved in the field of ergonomics - working as an ergonomic consultant for the Iron Ore Company of Canada in Newfoundland and as a member of the ergonomic consulting team for Humantech in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

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Orthopaedic Specialist (FCAMPT)

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After completing my Masters degree in 2010, I immediately started the long road towards obtaining my Fellowship within the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapy (FCAMPT). FCAMPT certification isn’t mandatory for Canadian physiotherapists – it’s an extensive post-graduate educational path that involves hundreds of hours of additional study, countless exams and mentorship hours under the guidance of some of the most respected physiotherapists in Canada.

 

After 7 years of community-based post-graduate coursework – in the fall of 2018, I completed my final advanced orthopaedic manual therapy exams and was able to successfully attain Fellowship status.

 

The CAMPT organization is an internationally recognized organization, and Fellowship status represents the highest level of manual therapy certification that can be achieved in Canada.  

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Certified Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (Dry-Needling) Practitioner (CG*IMS)

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I became a certified CG*IMS practitioner through the University of British Columbia in 2015. IMS involves using acupuncture needles to dry needle muscular trigger points in order to induce a reflexive relaxation response. It can be an intense experience, but the results for many can be quite substantial. Find out more about what IMS can do for you in my services section.

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Certified Concussion Therapist/Shift + ImPACT Trained Physical Therapist (ITPT)

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I am certified in several concussion management protocols – ITPT and Shift.

 

The ITPT program - a program that serves as an extension of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Sports Medicine Concussion Program – is one of the global leaders and innovators behind the development of concussion assessment and treatment practices currently used today. My ITPT certification allows me to administer and interpret the ImPACT test - a neurocognitive assessment tool that has become a standardized assessment tool in many of North America's top professional sports leagues - including the MLS, MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, CFL and numerous NCAA Division 1 Level programs.

 

The Shift Concussion Management system is a Canadian founded concussion management strategy that initially built off of UPMCs concepts; however over the years has evolved in parallel with the constantly evolving body of concussion research, to allow me to provide you with the most up-to-date concussion rehab approaches available.

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These certifications and continuing education required to maintain these certifications, allows me to be at the forefront of concussion injury management.

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Clinical Focus

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My additional qualifications/certifications provides me with the ability to take on an issue using a full systems approach: dizziness/vertigo issues (Certification in Vestibular Therapy), instrument-assisted soft tissue release (Certified M1 Graston Practitioner), nervous system assessment and treatment (Certified within the Neuro Orthopaedic Institute’s Mobilization of the Nervous System) and bracing/proprioceptive taping (Kinesio Taping Level 1 and 2 certifications, Advanced Physical Therapy Education Institute’s certification in Peripheral and Spinal therapeutic taping).

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My ongoing continuing education also demonstrates my particular interest in shoulder rehabilitation (various certifications/courses under American physiotherapist Mike Reinold and Australian physiotherapist Lyn Watson – two well-known researchers within the field of shoulder rehab) and lower back rehab (coursework under Canadian lower back pain expert Stuart McGill and American Strength and Conditioning Specialist Mike Boyle).

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I'm also an athlete myself, as a former member of the University of Waterloo men’s volleyball team (Academic All-Canadian 2006 – 2007) and as an avid climber and mountain biker. I believe these experiences have helped me understand the focus, discipline, and motivation needed to maintain the health needed to perform at a competitive level.

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A complete list of my additional training/certifications are provided below for further reference.