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Optimize Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic

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Treatments
Treatment

Physiotherapy

At Optimize Physiotherapy, our experienced therapists treat a wide range of different injuries and conditions so you can move freely and in the ways that you want. Whether it’s supporting you through post-operative care, helping you return to sports training or finally kicking an old nagging injury, we’re here to provide you with the most comprehensive, hands-on, science-backed movement and fun... Read More

At Optimize Physiotherapy, our experienced therapists treat a wide range of different injuries and conditions so you can move freely and in the ways that you want. Whether it’s supporting you through post-operative care, helping you return to sports training or finally kicking an old nagging injury, we’re here to provide you with the most comprehensive, hands-on, science-backed movement and functional rehabilitation available.

Before any type of treatment can begin, a physiotherapist must complete a thorough assessment. Your first session would therefore include a full assessment and some initial treatment.

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

A women’s health physiotherapist is specially trained to rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles. Our physiotherapist can help to increase mobility and strength and reduce pain with manual techniques, gentle stretches, and exercise. This involves an assessment of the muscles, joints and connective tissues of the pelvis, low back, and hips.

Vertigo/Dizziness Physiotherapy

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate symptoms of vertigo and balance disorders. Typically composed of clinical and home exercises, vestibular rehab is primarily designed to reduce vertigo and dizziness, visual disturbance, and/or imbalance and falls. After injury to the vestibular system, the central nervous system can compensate for reduced funct... Read More

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate symptoms of vertigo and balance disorders. Typically composed of clinical and home exercises, vestibular rehab is primarily designed to reduce vertigo and dizziness, visual disturbance, and/or imbalance and falls.

After injury to the vestibular system, the central nervous system can compensate for reduced function of the inner ears. Essentially, the brain copes with the disorientating signals coming from the vestibular system by learning to rely more on alternative signals coming from other systems in the body to maintain balance. This is achieved through various exercises. Although not difficult to learn, vestibular exercises require consistency by the client for success.

Optimize will assess the specific type and cause of the dizziness to determine the most effective treatment plan. Based on the findings of your assessment, your physiotherapist will determine if you are an appropriate candidate for vestibular rehab. The goal of your treatment plan will be to improve any deficits that were identified in the assessment to ultimately improve daily symptoms and the ability to function in activities of daily living. It’s all about restoring communication between your vestibular system and other systems in your brain, such as vision and balance.

Concussion Physiotherapy

Dry Needling/Acupuncture

Dry needling is the insertion of acupuncture needles into specific trigger points within a muscle. These tight regions are targeted to help alleviate both acute and chronic conditions. We call this an intra-muscular technique and it can be used to create a neurophysiological change to help restore function and reduce pain. This technique is suitable for almost anyone, but of course a thorough a... Read More

Dry needling is the insertion of acupuncture needles into specific trigger points within a muscle. These tight regions are targeted to help alleviate both acute and chronic conditions. We call this an intra-muscular technique and it can be used to create a neurophysiological change to help restore function and reduce pain. This technique is suitable for almost anyone, but of course a thorough assessment is always completed to determine if dry needling is appropriate for you.

Chiropractic

At Optimize, our chiropractor uses various chiropractic techniques and a combination of other treatments for the highest level of care. At your initial assessment, we perform a complete history and physical examination. A clinical diagnosis is established to identify the nature of your case. Based on your assessment, we initiate a personalized treatment just for you. This can include soft tissu... Read More

At Optimize, our chiropractor uses various chiropractic techniques and a combination of other treatments for the highest level of care. At your initial assessment, we perform a complete history and physical examination. A clinical diagnosis is established to identify the nature of your case. Based on your assessment, we initiate a personalized treatment just for you. This can include soft tissue mobilization and chiropractic adjustments to alleviate pain and restore movement. Once the specific problem is identified, the joints are adjusted by hands-on or instrument assisted techniques. It's all about optimizing your health by restoring your movement and function, while alleviating pain.

Massage Therapy

At Optimize Physiotherapy and Sports Injury clinic, we are proud to have three Registered Massage Therapists on our team. We offer many massage therapy treatments, and our therapists use a combination of techniques depending on what your body needs: Deep tissue massage, Sports massage, Therapeutic massage, Myofascial massage, Prenatal massage, Hot stone massage Did you know massage therapy c... Read More

At Optimize Physiotherapy and Sports Injury clinic, we are proud to have three Registered Massage Therapists on our team. We offer many massage therapy treatments, and our therapists use a combination of techniques depending on what your body needs: Deep tissue massage, Sports massage, Therapeutic massage, Myofascial massage, Prenatal massage, Hot stone massage

Did you know massage therapy could be an important part of your health plan? There are multiple benefits: Reducing or eliminating pain, Improving joint mobility, Improving circulation, Improving lymphatic drainage, Reducing muscular tension

Even better, Massage Therapy can be part of a preventative health plan—think sports training, injury prevention, or ongoing stress management. Optimize your health, and consider massage therapy with a variety of our specialized techniques to restore your movement, function, and alleviate your pain.

Massage + Stretch Therapy

"Optimize is excited to introduce Massage + Stretch Therapy offered by Briana, one of our Registered Massage Therapists. This treatment is billed under Massage Therapy, and can therefore be submitted to benefit providers. This treatment consists of Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) combined with Massage techniques (e.g. Trigger point therapy, Myofascial release, Joint mobilizations). FST is a f... Read More

"Optimize is excited to introduce Massage + Stretch Therapy offered by Briana, one of our Registered Massage Therapists. This treatment is billed under Massage Therapy, and can therefore be submitted to benefit providers. This treatment consists of Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) combined with Massage techniques (e.g. Trigger point therapy, Myofascial release, Joint mobilizations).

FST is a form of pain-free therapist-assisted stretching that uses gentle oscillating movements of traction and stretch to decompress joints and expand space in the soft tissues (muscles, fascia, etc). The benefits of an FST and Massage Therapy combined treatment can include Reduced: pain, muscle tension, post-exercise muscle soreness, levels of stress, anxiety, and depression; and Improved: joint mobility, circulation, lymphatic drainage, recovery and tissue healing after injury, sleep, mood, mental alertness.
Fascial Stretch Therapy and Massage is not only useful for reducing or eliminating pain. It can be an impactful part of your health optimization and injury prevention plan.

Optimize Group Classes

James Dean PT. BScPT

James graduated from the University of Alberta in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.

He worked for 2 years in home care in Beaver County and in St. Albert, while also working part-time at Callingwood Physical Therapy and Central Rehabilitation Centre.

In 2001, he started a small four-bed clinic in St. Albert and slowly grew that to 6 clinics over 2 decades.

In 2004, James was awarded the Young Entrepreneur Award of Distinction by the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce.

While very busy professionally, James has found the time to serve his profession through volunteer work.

He has served on the Alberta Physiotherapy Association private practice committee, the 2001 IAAF World Championships in Athletics as a physio, the 2004 Racquetball and Squash Nationals as a physio, an examiner since 2001 for the Physiotherapy National Competency Exam, an interviewer for the University of Alberta Physical Therapy MMI interviews, as a Clinical Associate Professor with the Faculty of Rehabilitation, a twenty two-time practicum supervisor for the Faculty of Physical Education, a physio for the St. Albert vs. England Rugby in 2009, a physio for the 2009 Roar of the Rings Canadian Curling Trials, physio for the Alberta 55+ Alberta Winter Games, physio for the Tour of Alberta and physio for the ITU World Cup of Triathlon & World Championship ITU Grand Final.

Outside of the physio world, James volunteers as a Knight of Columbus with the local St. Albert Brother Anthony Council. He is also the Chief Councillor for the Annunciation Squires, a youth group in the West End of Edmonton. He canvases for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, is a donor with the Red Cross and volunteers for local events such as the St. Albert Kids of Steel Triathlon, and was the Race Director for the St. Albert Triathlon and has been the Race Director of the St. Albert Road Race since 2015.

James and his wife, Dr. Celine Gannon, have raised over $50,000; and collectively the group raised over $2 million dollars for the Alberta Division of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. In recent years, along with other physios, collectively raised $34,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation as they competed in the 125km Canadian Death Race in Grande Cache. The Death Race team finished second overall. James has also proudly rode with Team Rehab in the MS Bike Leduc to Camrose. The group has raised over $250,000 for the MS Society of Canada.

James also enjoys competing himself. He is a 4-time Ironman finisher, with a personal best of 10:08 at the Ironman Coeur D’Alene. James is a Provincial Aquathon Champion as well as a Sprint & Olympic Distance National Triathlon Team member and competed in the 2015 World Championships in Edmonton. He is a former Canadian Long Course Triathlon Team member and has completed over 25 marathons with a personal best of 3:03 in Birch Bay, Washington.

He is a CAT 2 cyclist. James adventures around the world and has found success in City Chase, where he was the Urban adventure racing World Champion in 2006 (Chicago), 2007 (Rome, Italy) and runner up in 2008 (Marrakech, Morocco). James is a seven-time National Champion and two time runner up.

James lives in St. Albert along with his wife and 4 children, Samuel (born July 2007), Zachary (born May 2009), Zoë (born May 2011) and Isabelle (born October 2013) along with his husky, Rocket, labradoodle Chewie and kitten Trixie.

James graduated from the University of Alberta in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical The... Read More

Seth Waselenchuk BKin, CSEP-CPT

Seth graduated from the University of Alberta with his Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2019. While there, he spent time with the Golden Bears Varsity football team, followed by beginning working as an assistant, and then a kinesiologist at Optimize. This time with patients is when he found his appreciation for showing others how strong they could be, and opening their eyes toward the benefits of moving their bodies intentionally. He continued down this path and began teaching group fitness classes, working as a personal trainer, and in 2020, was accepted into the Masters of Science in Physical Therapy program at the U of A. He graduated the program at the end of 2022 and knew there was no place like home, immediately accepting a job where it all started, at Optimize!

Seth’s treatment style revolves around putting the patient first. Your goals are his goals. He begins with education, ensuring everyone understands what could be creating their pain. Then, through collaborative discussion a treatment plan is developed, focused on building up strength and confidence through movement. By the end of your rehab journey he hopes you leave at a level better than where you were at prior to the injury. In his mind, there is no greater feeling than reminding someone how much they are truly capable of!

Seth graduated from the University of Alberta with his Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2019. While the... Read More

Briana Wice
(She/Her/Hers) RMT, FST, B. Sc.Kin

Briana received her Honours B.Sc. in Kinesiology from McMaster University in 2021. In her time at McMaster, Briana captained her Field Hockey team while also working in the disciplines of strength & conditioning and exercise rehabilitation. Her desire for constant learning led her to pursue an Honours Diploma in Massage Therapy, and soon after, her Certification in Fascial Stretch Therapy. Briana is also a Kinesiologist and has experience working with various conditions including Spinal Cord Injury and Multiple Sclerosis.

Now a full-time Massage Therapist who draws on her experience as a Kinesiologist and an athlete, Briana’s treatment style combines Fascial Stretch Therapy with Sports Massage and Therapeutic Massage techniques. This treatment style allows the client to remain clothed, therefore maximizing treatment time, and allowing for an easy transition from the table to the gym for mobility and corrective exercises.

Briana uses her skills to help everyone ranging from athletes looking to level up their performance, to the rapidly growing population of “desk dwellers” who are looking to combat the deleterious effects of sitting slouched at a computer screen for 8+ hours a day. Her mission is to empower her clients to gain a greater understanding of their own bodies, so they can get out of pain, and get on with life.

Briana received her Honours B.Sc. in Kinesiology from McMaster University in 2021. In her time at... Read More

Peyton Walker
(She/Her/Hers)

Dr. Gillian Altheim
(She/Her/Hers) DC, BScKin

Gillian is passionate about improving the mobility and overall quality of life for her patients through excellent chiropractic care. She has a special interest in women’s health; in particular postpartum rehabilitation. This passion has led her to pursue additional education and certifications around women’s health during pregnancy and after birth.

Gillian grew up in Alberta playing hockey and enjoying nature. After obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Alberta, Gillian graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Ontario.

Credentials:

  • Doctor of Chiropractic

  • Neurofunctional Acupuncture Certificate from McMaster University

  • Postnatal Rehabilitation Certificate and GrowCo Rehab Ambassador

  • Clinical and Athletic Taping

  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Gillian is passionate about improving the mobility and overall quality of life for her patients t... Read More

Aaron Norris
(He/Him/His) MScPT, BSc

Aaron’s passion for physiotherapy is evident in the positive attitude and energy he brings to the clinic every day. After acquiring his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with Honors from Memorial University in his hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Aaron graduated from the University of Alberta with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. He’s since built extensive experience working with clients of a wide range of ages and backgrounds.

Credentials:

• Voted YEG Fitness Physiotherapist of the Year 2016

• Level 1 and Level 2 components of the Advanced Orthopaedic and Manual Manipulative Physiotherapy program offered through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association

• Certified in Spinal Manipulation (Jim Meadows) with the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta

• Muscle Mobilization and Deep Tissue Massage

• Fascial Movement Taping (RockTape/K-Tape)

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

• Selective Functional Movement Assessment Level 1

• Physiotherapist on the rehab team of the Edmonton Rush Lacrosse Club of the NLL from 2011-2013

Aaron’s passion for physiotherapy is evident in the positive attitude and energy he brings to the... Read More

Steve Canduro BKin, MScPT

Steven wholeheartedly believes in the benefits of exercise and movement when it comes to overcoming injury, and is exactly why he is pursued his career in physical therapy. He graduated with distinction from the University of Alberta in 2019 with a Bachelor of Kinesiology. While working through his Kinesiology degree, Steven chose to major in Sport Performance—sport and physical activity play a major role in his life and overall outlook. Steve completed his Masters of Science in Physical Therapy program at the U of A in 2022. We are so thrilled to have Steve back on the Optimize Team!

Credentials: -Bachelor of Kinesiology, Major in Sport Performance -Master of Physical Therapy

Steven wholeheartedly believes in the benefits of exercise and movement when it comes to overcomi... Read More

Casey MacLeod RMT, CPT, CES

Casey graduated from Grant MacEwan in 2009 with a diploma in Massage Therapy and is currently registered with NHPC. She continues to expand her knowledge in the health and fitness industry and even has her diploma from NAIT in Personal Fitness Training and a certificate in Corrective Exercise. Casey knows that working at Optimize with like-minded people and in a relaxed atmosphere allows her to do her best work!

Credentials:

• Dynamic Cupping

• Orthopedic Massage

• K-taping – Pro Course

• Therapeutic Massage

• Relaxation Massage

• Sports Massage

• Prenatal Massage

• Myofascial Release

Casey graduated from Grant MacEwan in 2009 with a diploma in Massage Therapy and is currently reg... Read More

Arri McWatt MScPT, BSc, CAFCI

After graduating with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2010 from the University of Alberta, Arri began gathering his extensive experience working with clients of all ages (from 5 to 95!) and all levels of mobility and function. Challenging himself to create unique treatment plans to optimize outcomes for each individual truly drives his passion for physiotherapy.

Credentials:

• Voted YEG Fitness Physiotherapist of the Year 2017

• Certificate in Medical Acupuncture by the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute

• Certified in Spinal Manipulation (Jim Meadows) with the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta

• Level 1 and Level 2 components of the Advanced Orthopaedic and Manual Manipulative Physiotherapy program offered through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association

• Muscle Mobilization and Deep Tissue Massage

• Mulligan Mobilization with Movement

• Fascial Movement Taping (RockTape/K-Tape)

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Certified

• Selective Functional Movement Assessment Level 1

• Finalist for YEG Fitness Physiotherapist of the Year 2016 and 2019

• Certified in SIGVARIS compression clothing fitting

• Physiotherapist for CrossFit Armoury athletes at Western Regionals 2014, 2015 and 2017

After graduating with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2010 from the University of Albe... Read More

Anastasia Muchinsky MScPt, BScKin

After completing her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with Distinction at the University of Alberta, Anastasia obtained her Master of Science in Physical Therapy. Her treatment style values longevity and providing individuals with the tools to be successful outside of physiotherapy. Anastasia dedicates herself to performing a comprehensive assessment because she knows everyone has a unique story and body and deserves the time for it to be fully understood.

Credentials:

• Master of Science in Physical Therapy

• Certified Vestibular Therapist – Dizziness and Balance Rehabilitation Clinic

• Level 1 Advanced Orthopedic and Manual Manipulative Physiotherapy program offered through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association

After completing her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with Distinction at the University of Alb... Read More

Courtney von Wackerbarth
(She/Her/Hers) MScPT, BSc

Courtney’s passion for physiotherapy originates from overcoming health issues of her own. After bouncing around the healthcare system without answers, a physiotherapist properly diagnosed her with a rare form of arthritis. This inspired Courtney to pursue physiotherapy so she could help others with that same level of passion and care. Courtney graduated from the University of Alberta with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy in 2018, and now thrives on collaborating with clients to develop effective treatment plans.

Credentials:

• Level 1 Advanced Orthopedic and Manual Manipulative Physiotherapy program offered through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association

• Certified Women’s Internal Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

• On Point Needling: Upper and Lower Quadrant Dry Needling

Courtney’s passion for physiotherapy originates from overcoming health issues of her own. After b... Read More

Taman McWatt MScPT, BCom

Taman graduated from the University of Alberta with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy in 2015. Taman enjoys treating active individuals of all ages. He has a special interest in developing personalized exercise plans aimed at reducing injury and maximizing performance.

Taman’s work week is split with two days a week at Optimize and three days a week at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital where he specializes in working with patients who have had amputation(s), stroke and spinal cord injury.

A former hockey and volleyball player, Taman now stays active doing Olympic Weightlifting, mountain biking, rec hockey and helping to coach his kids’ sports. The rest of his spare time is spent hanging out with his wife, his two young children, his friends and his dog. Taman’s hope is to help people return to the activities they enjoy free of pain and with the tools and knowledge to prevent future injury.

Credentials:

• Masters of Science in Physical Therapy

• 6 years experience in specialized rehabilitation. Experience and expertise managing pain and maximizing balance and functional mobility in patients who have experienced: stroke, spinal cord injury, major limb amputation, brain injury, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis

• Vestibular Rehabilitation

• Biomedical Dry Needling

• Selective Functional Movement Assessment

Taman graduated from the University of Alberta with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy in 2... Read More

Ashley Nawrot MT

Ashley graduated from the ACMT Massage Therapy program in 2020 and is a current member of CMMOTA. She has completed her first level Graston training and is looking forward to expanding into other modalities. Ashley is passionate about helping her clients live a healthier life and enjoys working in a team with the same goal.

Ashley graduated from the ACMT Massage Therapy program in 2020 and is a current member of CMMOTA.... Read More

Yris San Gabriel
(She/Her/Hers) RMT

Yris attended the Massage Therapy College of Manitoba, presently known as the Evolve College of Massage Therapy, in 2012 graduating from the 2200 hour advanced remedial massage therapy program after 2 years of studies at the University of Winnipeg for Athletic Therapy. Having practiced in Winnipeg for 11 years, she has worked with professional teams and centralized her specialty in sports and occupational injuries.

Yris is trained in Swedish techniques, myofascial release, trigger point release, stretch therapy, sports massage, neuromuscular stretching (PNF), hydrotherapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, and dynamic cupping. She is registered with the Massage Therapist Association of Alberta (MTAA).

Yris enjoys cycling both indoor and outdoor, yoga, attending music festivals, and playing recreational tennis and golf. Having recently moved to Edmonton, she hopes to enjoy more of the river valley with her dog, Cece, and will be attending all the Jets vs Oilers games at the arena. Yris is also ambitiously building hours to receive her pilot’s license.

Yris attended the Massage Therapy College of Manitoba, presently known as the Evolve College of M... Read More

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Located at: 18546 104 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton
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Need Help? 780-455-5068 info@optimizephysio.com