I have expanded my existing foundation of knowledge as a manipulative physiotherapist to become an osteopathic manual practitioner. My passion for learning is reflected in the manner in which I assess and treat the WHOLE person in search for the underlying causation of illness and dysfunction in the body.
We were made to move. Movement is paramount to our health and quality of life. My passion for movement, health and physical therapy began with my own personal experiences with injury and movement dysfunction. Having played competitive soccer for most of my life, I experienced a number of different injuries throughout my career. While playing NCAA collegiate level soccer at Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire, I tore a major ligament in my right knee in my senior year that nearly ended my soccer career early. An extremely intensive rehabilitation program and a positive and determined mindset brought me back on to the field in time to play with teammates to win an NCAA National Championship. This experience helped me realize how powerful our bodies can be and the innate capacity they possess to heal. At Franklin Pierce University I was also fortunate to be honoured as the Senior Male Scholar-Athlete of the year and named to the ESPN Academic All-American team. After graduating with a degree in Biology, I returned to Canada to continue playing soccer at a semi-professional level with the Canadian Soccer League. At the same time, I began coaching elite soccer until deciding to return to school to pursue physical therapy education.
In 2013 I graduated from the University of Toronto Clinical Masters in Physical Therapy Program. The deep study of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics was a great complement to the kinesthetic education I had received playing high level soccer. Having a passion for knowledge and desire to help as many people as possible inspired me to pursue further clinical training in Contemporary Medical Acupuncture and Advanced Needling Techniques at McMaster University. I also went on to receive certification in Kinesio-taping, concussion therapy, soft tissue therapy, non-internal pelvic floor physiotherapy and most recently the completion of a five-year advanced manual physiotherapy certification qualifying me as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT).
Now with eight years of clinical experience in both the public and private health-care settings, and a large therapeutic toolbox to pull from, I tend to see a wide variety of clients with varying needs from head to toe. Many have had sports or work-related injuries, both acute and long term repetitive strains. I work with clients that have had motor vehicle accidents and concussions, post-operatively, and with different forms of chronic pain, arthritis and dysfunctional movement. When movement is impaired through traumatic injury or repetitive strains over time, a combination of manual therapy, exercise, collaborative goal setting, and patient education are essential to a successful recovery.
Empowering others to be the experts of their own body is very important to me. And everyone experiences both good and bad times of physical health, so it helps to think of health as a moving target. To keep our bodies in their most healthy state we also need to develop balance, variety, and awareness of our movement patterns. Moving often and moving well is the key to my personal philosophy on physical health and vitality. Find what moves you!
Paul holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree, a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy, a Master of Science degree and a Certificate in a Collaborative Program in Neuroscience, all from the University of Toronto. He has attained CAFCI certification at the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and is certified in the Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) needling technique. Paul has received certification in vestibular rehabilitation through a competency-based course sponsored by Emory University and the American Physical Therapy Association and has a special interest in treating cranial nerve dysfunctions.
He is an instructor within the post-graduate diploma program of manual physiotherapy offered by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and is also registered as a mentor for physiotherapists enrolled in the program.
Paul has experience working with both the weekend warrior and elite athlete alike. He also has a strong interest in helping those with vestibular, post-concussion, and craniofacial (including TMJ) impairments. He uses a variety of techniques including joint mobilization/manipulation, core stabilization and exercise programs, neural tissue mobilization, postural taping, myofascial release, acupuncture and IMS to help his clients reach their full potential
Paul Mazur has over 10 years experience focusing on Orthopedic and Sports related injuries. Paul graduated in 2006 form D’Youville College with a Masters in Physiotherapy. He started his post graduate focus in orthopedics and completed manual therapy courses through University of St. Augustine in 2009, and then focused on the Maitland Australian Physiotherapy approach through Maitland Australian Physiotherapy Seminars completing the course work in 2011. After returning to Canada, Paul completed 5 years of manual and manipulative physiotherapy therapy training through the Orthopedic Division of The Canadian Physiotherapy Association, and in 2016 he received his Diploma of Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy. Paul has also completed acupuncture training through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and provides both anatomical and electro-acupuncture. As a clinician, Paul has extensive experience not only in treating orthopedic and sport specific injuries, but is well versed in post-operative rehabilitation, motor vehicle catastrophic and non-catastrophic injuries. He runs an innovative pain management program and has provided treatment to patients of all ages. Paul believes in a multi modal approach to treatment and his key to success is the combination of manual therapy with exercise.
Tracy graduated from McMaster University’s Physiotherapy Program in 2000. She has extensive training in orthopaedics and has earned her Advanced Manual and Manipulative Therapy Diploma through the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She has experience with patients of all ages and rehabilitative needs and has a passion for seeing the patient as a partner in creating goals and solutions to finding the best possible rehabilitative outcomes for her patients. Tracy has received training in Acupuncture by the AFCI. Tracy was awarded the Gold Award as Top Physiotherapist by Oakville Today. Tracy is also working towards advanced training as a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist.
Mark earned his Honours Bachelor of Kinesioloy from McMaster University. He worked as a Kinesiologist in a Sports Physiotherapy clinic and then went on to complete his Masters Degree in Physiotherapy from D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY. After a few years of working in sunny Florida, Mark returned home and began working exclusively in outpatient Orthopedics / Sports Medicine in the Milton and Oakville area. His keen interest in manual therapy motivated him to pursue and complete an Advanced Diploma in Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy through the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. To learn more about manual and manipulative therapy and the FCAMPT designation please visit manippt.org. Mark has received his certification in Acupuncture from the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute. He is also a Certified Integrated Dry Needling Provider .
Mark loves the challenge of getting people moving again. He especially enjoys the challenge of diagnosing complex cases and implementing appropriate treatment strategies aimed at helping people move better, return to sports, and optimize physical function and mobility. His focus on Manual Therapy motivates him to be a life long learner and challenges him to stay current with research driven best practice methods of treating musculoskeletal conditions. He is an assistant instructor with the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, as well as a Clinical Lab assistant with the McMaster University Physiotherapy program.
Parag received his BSc in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo in 1996. He then went on to complete his degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University in 1999. Parag started his career in 1999 and then became Clinic Director of a clinic in Oakville in 2003. He then opened Align Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic in May of 2013. Parag completed his Masters in Clinical Science in Manipulative Therapy at the University of Western Ontario and is now a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapists. He is also certified with the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada. Parag has a keen interest in treating injuries of the knee, back, and shoulder using advanced manual therapy techniques, especially for soccer and volleyball players, golfers, and paddlers. Parag also treats patients who suffer from dizziness, sport concussions, and vertigo related to vestibular dysfunctions.
After receiving an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from McMaster University, Gwen completed her Master of Physical Therapy at the University of Western Ontario. In 2019, Gwen successfully completed her Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy curriculum and is now a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT). rnrnGwen is also a certified practitioner of acupuncture and completed her training through the McMaster Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program. She has also completed several courses focused on treating neck and back issues through the McKenzie Institute.
Sharon graduated with a degree in physiotherapy from Dalhousie University in Halifax.She has extensive training and experience in orthopaedic manual therapy and has achieved the Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Therapy from the Orthopedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She has practiced for over 20 years in both Canada and the United Kingdom.Sharon opened Pinnacle Physiotherapy in 2003 to reflect her vast experience and create a centre of physiotherapy excellence in Oakville. Her focus is to deliver effective treatment using manual therapy,exercise prescription and education to achieve pain free function and prevent injury recurrence. She treats a wide range of orthopedic conditions and has a special interest in low back and sacro-iliac joint disorders.Sharon now acts as a mentor for other physiotherapists pursuing advanced levels in manual therapy.
Sharon is a Certified Schroth Best Practice therapist providing curve specific exercise prescription for the conservative management of scoliosis for both adolescents and adults.
Rina graduated from McMaster University’s Physiotherapy Programme in 2000. She has received training in acupuncture through AFCI and uses this in practice as one of her choices of modalities. Rina is a certified Pilates instructor. Her treatment approach incorporates advanced manual therapy skills along with core strengthening to help restore function and to help with injury prevention.
Mitchell Baldissarelli graduated from McMaster University with his Masters of Science in Physiotherapy. Prior to his physiotherapy studies, he attended Lakehead University and received an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology degree with a focus in anatomy and exercise physiology. Mitchell continued his post-graduate studies and completed his Diploma of Manipulative Physiotherapy through the Orthopaedic Division. He has also completed courses in concussion management (CCMI), mulligan concepts and acupuncture (Integrated Dry Needling). He is involved in teaching as a clinical mentor for physiotherapists undergoing post-graduate training from the University of Toronto’s Department of Physical Therapy.rnMitchell has a significant background in functional strength and conditioning and enjoys working with athletes of all sports. He has extensive experience working with professional, national and amateur athletes from a variety of sport disciplines, which include a number of MLS, Rugby Canada, OHL, ECHL, AHL, and NHL athletes.
Joanna Nelken is Clinic Owner and Director of Pure Physiotherapy. She graduated with an Honours Bachelors of Science degree in Pathobiology from the University of Toronto, prior to completing her Masters of Physical Therapy degree also from the University of Toronto. Joanna has been working in private practice orthopedics since 2008 and has taken several post-graduate courses to further her skills. Joanna is certified in the McKenzie Method, which is an internationally recognized treatment method for spinal and peripheral disorders. She has also completed the Mulligan Concept courses (Upper and Lower Extremity). Most recently, Joanna has obtained her Advanced Diploma of Manual and Manipulative Therapy and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT). Joanna utilizes a combination of manual therapy treatment techniques, and individualized exercise prescription to allow her clients to quickly return to optimal function.
Barb has 20+ years of experience as a physiotherapist since she graduated from McMaster University. She studied post-graduately at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia, completing a Graduate Diploma in Manipulative Therapy and a Master’s of Science research degree. Barb has worked in Ontario, Canada; California, US; and Perth, Australia. She has diverse experience in private practice, sports medicine clinics, hospitals, and urban and rural settings, including work on First Nations reserves in northern Ontario. She currently works as a Certified Life Care Planner completing Future Care Needs and Costs Analysis for individuals of all ages who have sustained serious neurological, and/or complex musculoskeletal injuries.
Barbara Gorczyca Abel graduated from the University of Toronto in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science: Physical Therapy. She also has an Honours Bachelor of Science: Specialization in Human Kinetics, Minor in Psychology from the University of Guelph (1999). She successfully obtained her Fellowship with the Canadian Association of Manual and Manipulative Therapists in 2010.She has experience in private practice and in a hospital based outpatient physiotherapy clinic where she assesses and treats orthopaedic conditions with an emphasis on manual therapy, exercise and education.She utilizes modalities as needed including acupuncture, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation as part of a treatment plan for management musculoskeletal injuries and is certified to practice Acupuncture with the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute. She is involved with multidisciplinary assessments in the WSIB Regional Evaluation Centre at Trillium Health Centre and works as a Physiotherapist in the Specialty Hip and Knee and Back and Neck Program at the Trillium Health Centre. In addition to treating a variety of orthopaedic condition she has worked as a team therapist for the Toronto Scottish Men’s Rugby Team (2003 – 2005). She holds a status only appointment at the University of Toronto and volunteers in assisting with clinical skills labs at the University of Toronto and serves as a Clinical Instructor for students on placement from the University of Toronto. She is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association member (2000 – Present) and an Executive member of the Ontario Section of the Orthopaedic Division of the CPA. Currently she works at Trillium Health Partners in the Spine Centre.
Vaiva Underys has been practicing outpatient orthopaedic physiotherapy for the greater part of 10 years with a keen interest in sport. She graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 2002 and since then, has worked through her manual therapy levels. In 2011, Vaiva completed her Master’s of Clinical Science (Manipulation) at UWO and currently works at Pivot Sport Medicine and Orthopaedics in the west end of Toronto.
Over the years, she has had the opportunity to do some sports coverage with Tennis Canada, Skate
Canada, The National Ballet, Ontario Provincial Rhythmic Gymnastics and the Toronto Ultimate Club.
My physiotherapy practice is centered around helping people to; feel their best, enjoy the things they love to do and get back to the things they need to do.rnI first set out on this path by obtaining an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology at McMaster University in 2005 and a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta in 2008. A commitment to continuing education and a compelling drive to further understand the complexities of the body inspired me to pursue a Masters in Clinical Science in Manipulative Therapy from the University of Western Ontario. In addition to advanced skills in manual therapy I have also pursued training in acupuncture with the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute earning my CAFCI. rnMy passion for understanding movement of the body and awareness of the mind-body connection lead to a natural interest in and love of Yoga. I completed my Ashtanga Teacher training in 2009 through the Sattva School of Yoga and have since developed a unique approach of integrating yoga postures, breathing and meditation principles within physiotherapy treatment. I enjoy working with both new and experienced Yoga practitioners to help prevent injury and take their practice to the next level. rnOutside of work, I have a love for the outdoors and trying new activities. I am an avid mountain bike enthusiast and enjoy running and yoga. Along with these more vigorous activities I equally enjoy a walk by the lake, or a hike in the woods, and chasing after my nieces and nephews. Whatever the goal, I strive to help people participate in happy active lifestyles.
Dana Clark has been practicing in the area of orthopaedics since 1995. He has received instruction in manual therapy from leading authorities including Jim Meadows, Erl Pettman and Wendy Aspinall. He received his Certificate in Intermediate Manual Therapy with distinction in 2000 and went on to receive his Diploma of Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy in the same year. He has been teaching in Toronto regularly since 2000 to physiotherapists, hospitals and medical groups on various aspects of orthopedic manual therapy.
His clinical interests lies in the treatment of dysfunction of the spine and its co-related problems. He is well versed in the practical application of Ultrasound Biofeedback for core stabilization and treatment of muscular control in the spine.
Dana Clark is trained in spinal manipulation to correct movement impairments and in the use of medical acupuncture.
Dana has had the pleasure of working with Olympic athletes prior to competition and has travelled with professional figure skaters.
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