Training Philosophy:

There is no perfect exercise or routine that you must do, it all depends on your current capabilities and the cues from your body. Staying active must be the top priority.

Having played multiple sports, and being passionate about a healthy lifestyle and nature made Illia pursue the field of Kinesiology. As a kinesiology graduate from UBC and a personal trainer, Illia focuses on correcting imbalances, rehabilitation, and preventing injuries in addition to performance training with his clients. He’s got a great eye for the fine details!

Outside of the clinic/gym, you can find Illia playing basketball, and volleyball, zooming around the seawall or up in the mountains.

Certifications:

Brookbush Institute: Certified Personal Trainer (2021)

Brookbush Insititute: Certified Human Movement Specialist (2021)

American Council of Exercise (ACE): Personal Trainer (2018 - current)

Emergency First Aid CPR & AED (2018 - current)

Postural Assessment and Correction (2019)

Post Rehabilitation of the Shoulder, Wrist, Elbow, Hip, Knee, and Ankle (2019)

CSNA (Certified Sports Nutrition Advisor) (2018)

Cardiac Client, Aging Population, Muscle Testing (2018)

Training Philosophy: There is no perfect exercise or routine that you must do, it all depends on... Read More

Greg completed his Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta, following a Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia. In his time as a physiotherapist, Greg has gone on to complete a number of additional post-graduate courses relating to cervico-thoracic, lumbo-pelvic, and lower limb advanced certifications, as well as level 1 and 2 dry needling (IMS), concussion and running injuries, as well as blood flow restriction rehabilitation. While Greg sees a variety of injuries, he has a particular interest in lower back, hip, knee and ankle injuries.

Greg’s treatment approach incorporates a balance between manual therapy, exercise prescription, dry needling, and focused education to meet patient goals. Greg believes that because everyone is different, treatment programs need to be catered to each person specifically. Drawing upon experience working with runners, elite hockey players, yogis, recreational athletes, desk workers and everyone in between, Greg has learned to pick up on patterns that lead to pain and dysfunction, and collaborate with the patient to find solutions that will work for them.

In his spare time, Greg likes to run, bike, play basketball and volleyball, as well as generally keeping active with resistance training. Please let Greg know if you are working to get back to a specific activity, and he will help get you there!

Greg completed his Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta, followi... Read More

MPT, B.Sc, CAFCI, CGIMS Practitioner

Shirley received her Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia. Since graduation she continued her professional development with taking courses in Orhopaedic manual therapy, Chronic pain, Lumbopelvic dysfunction, Whiplash, and Cervicogenic Headaches.

Through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association she has completed her Level 3 Manual Therapy Orhopaedic course. In addition, to her strong manual therapy skills she is certified in UBC Gunn’s Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) & Acupuncture through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada.

Shirley uses her treatment techniques to develop an individualized treatment plan that incorporates manual therapy,exercise prescription or needling to provide an individualized treatment plan that suites each client that she treats.

She has been working at Kitsilano Physiotherapy Clinic for the past 10 years, which has allowed her to become a well known physiotherapist in the community. As a former competitive track & field athlete she enjoys working with the running community. Unfortunately due to previous injuries of her own she is quite accustomed to the care and attention required to treat neck and back injuries from day to day work and recreational activities.

When not at work she is busy being a mom to her two kids and supporting them in their sporting activities; as well as training for half-marathons with the hope to complete a full marathon in the near future.

MPT, B.Sc, CAFCI, CGIMS Practitioner Shirley received her Masters of Physical Therapy from the U... Read More

Christine Wang, a dedicated and experienced Registered Acupuncturist, who specializes in classical acupuncture—a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine with over 2000 years of rich history and proven effectiveness.

With Christine’s holistic approach and traditional techniques, she focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues. she empowers her patients to experience profound transformations and restore balance and harmony in their body and life. Christine’s personalized care is tailored to each individual, ensuring a unique and gentle treatment experience.

Drawing from her five years of TCM university education from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and extensive experience in diverse medical settings, Christine has successfully treated a wide range of health conditions for numerous clients. Patients frequently praise her gentle touch and expertise in minimizing discomfort during acupuncture sessions, as she skillfully applies fine needles, creating a virtually painless experience that allows for deep relaxation and full engagement in the healing process.

Christine specializes in pain management, internal diseases, insomnia, women’s health, immune disorders, mental health, and cosmetic acupuncture. She is committed to guiding her patients towards comprehensive healing and balance—physically and emotionally.

Take a transformative step towards optimal well-being and entrust your health to Christine Wang. Experience the profound benefits of classical acupuncture as she accompanies you on your journey to restored vitality and harmonious living.

Christine Wang, a dedicated and experienced Registered Acupuncturist, who specializes in classica... Read More

Justin received his Masters of Physical therapy from the University of British Columbia. Promoting active living, helping others, and working with patients to achieve their goals are a few examples of the immense passion that Justin has in his approach to physiotherapy. As a lifelong participant in various sports and outdoor recreation, Justin has combined his dedication for physical activity with his devotion to supporting patients in a profession that allows him to empower individuals towards healthy living and personal improvement.

Justin’s dream of becoming a physiotherapist began at a young age when, like many of his patients, he suffered an injury through sport that introduced him to the tremendous benefits of physiotherapy. This dream became a reality upon his graduation from the University of British Columbia’s Master of Physical Therapy Program following his completion of a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree. During his education he strengthened his passion towards manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education. Justin has continued his post-graduate education by receiving his certification from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association for Level 1 of the Orthopaedic Division Advanced Integrated Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Program.

Justin enjoys working with patients of all ages and backgrounds of physical activity. He is committed to providing his patients with the best evidence-based treatment and care. Justin is a strong believer that patients who are active participants in their rehabilitation achieve the best and quickest results. Whether you are an accomplished athlete or have never stepped into a gym, Justin would love to work with you and to help guide you through your recovery!

In Justin’s downtime he enjoys playing on competitive soccer teams, golfing, deejaying and multi-day backpacking trips such as the Juan de Fuca Trail and the Sunshine Coast Trail.

Justin looks forward to working with you to achieve your goals and cannot wait to meet you!

Justin received his Masters of Physical therapy from the University of British Columbia. Promoti... Read More

DPT

Paul received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Wheeling Jesuit University, U.S.A. He has clinical experience in the U.S. and in Canada working in private clinics and outpatient orthopaedic settings treating clients for a wide variety of conditions.

Paul’s treatment approach is to incorporate manual therapy techniques (including joint and soft tissue mobilization), therapeutic exercise, and education in the treatment of his clients. He strives to identify underlying pain causing factors such as muscle imbalance, postural fault, and movement dysfunction and subsequently creates an individualized treatment plan to restore each client to their normal activity and function. Paul treats clients for a wide range of injuries and pain with particular interest in the treatment of neck pain, headaches, shoulder rehab, hip and knee issues, and back problems.

He has received post-graduate training in manual therapy through the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy. He has been certified by Acupuncture Canada to perform Acupuncture in a physiotherapy setting. He has also taken specialized courses for Myokinesthetic system (MYK), Kinesio Taping, knee pain, and Sahrmann’s exercise for the lower back and hip.

Outside of the clinic, Paul enjoys staying active by playing hockey, tennis, and skiing.

DPT Paul received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Wheeling Jesuit University, U.S.A. ... Read More

B.M.R. (P.T.)

Gail has worked at Kitsilano Physiotherapy Clinic since 1998. She is a graduate of the University of Manitoba where she obtained her Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation (Physical Therapy) in 1984.

She has a background in treating sports injuries, having worked as a trainer for the St. Vital Mustangs Football Club in Winnipeg for four years. Additionally, Gail was the senior therapist on the WCB service at the Health Sciences Center in Winnipeg. Gail has an interest in postural re-education and extensive experience in treating post-MVA spinal injuries.

Gail has extensive experience in postural re-education, shoulder injury rehabilitation, and post-motor vehicle accident (MVA) spinal injuries. Gail is an advocate for yoga as an adjunct to other forms of fitness and incorporates yoga stretches naturally in her exercise prescriptions.

She is an avid runner and enjoys cycling and hiking, she is also married with four children which keeps her very busy.

Her tagline #mixitup she believes is the perfect balance to a healthy lifestyle.

B.M.R. (P.T.) Gail has worked at Kitsilano Physiotherapy Clinic since 1998. She is a graduate of... Read More

Zeinab grew up in Burnaby, and over the years participated in numerous sports which drove her to study and complete her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University in 2020. She then moved to London in 2021 to complete her Master of Science in Physiotherapy at Brunel University, graduating with distinction.

Zeinab takes pride in being an active listener and tailoring exercise plans to each individual, with client goals being at the forefront of each session. She believes in empowering clients to become autonomous and understand the reasoning behind exercises and how they will be beneficial, and tweaking them if needed with encouraged feedback.

Zeinab enjoys playing soccer, volleyball, hiking, and crocheting (when she has the patience for it). She hopes to complete the physiotherapy registration exams to become a qualified physiotherapist in the future.

Zeinab grew up in Burnaby, and over the years participated in numerous sports which drove her to ... Read More

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Parmis completed her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto, and her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia. Parmis’ unwavering passion revolves around implementing unique approaches to foster health and fitness, mitigate injuries, and alleviate pain for individuals across all age spectrums and injury types.

Her interest in this field began early on, driven by her love for activities such as running track, weight-lifting, hiking, dancing, kick-boxing, playing basketball, and playing badminton. These activities sparked her curiosity about approaches to preventing injuries and increasing longevity while living an active lifestyle. Through her athletic background, combined with her clinical skills, she is able to provide efficient treatment techniques to allow athletes to quickly return to sports.

Parmis’ warm and compassionate personality allows her to diagnose injuries while seeking to understand the root causes of her clients’ injuries, in order to implement preventative approaches for the future, while also resolving her clients’ current issues. Her comprehensive sessions encompass physiotherapy assessments, followed by hands-on manual therapy, functional retraining, and targeted therapeutic exercises – all tailored to individual needs and goals. While Parmis is passionate about treating all body parts and injuries, she holds a particular interest in the neck, lower back, hip, knee, and shoulder. She utilizes her preferred technique of patient-centered exercises, which enhances her ability to provide personalized care.

Outside of the clinic, you can find Parmis running along the seawall, going for long hikes, and exploring restaurants all across the city to fulfill her inner foodie.

Parmis completed her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto, and her ... Read More

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MPT

Sarah received both her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) (neuroscience and physiology, minor in kinesiology) and her Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) from the University of British Columbia. She has treated individuals of all age groups with a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, and has the advanced practiced certifications to provide sports taping, orthopaedic manual therapy, and pelvic floor physiotherapy.

Sarah is an evidenced-based practitioner, having worked at the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre as part of Dr. Andrei Krassioukov’s team researching cerebral vascular changes after spinal cord injury. She has developed her communication and education skills working alongside youth with special needs at the Kitsilano Community Centre, in addition to supervising and providing tutoring for varsity athletes at UBC Vancouver. Her experience in neurological physiotherapy includes placement at the GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, providing functional treatment for adults with conditions such as spinal cord injury (SCI) and multiple sclerosis (MS). She has provided physical therapy for sport, motor vehicle accident, post-surgical and postural injuries in both Vancouver and Victoria, using her manual therapy and exercise prescription skills to provide individualized treatment programs.

On her days off, you can find Sarah running (training for her next half-marathon), doing yoga, learning tennis or skiing; tell her what activities you love to do and she will be sure to customize your rehabilitation to include relevant movement and strengthening.

Advanced practice certifications:

1. Level 1 Manual Therapy Orthopaedic qualification from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association

2. BCSportsAid Certification: sports first-aid, CPR-C and athletic taping

3. Pelvic Health Solutions Level I: The Physical Therapy Approach to Female and Male Urinary Incontinence

MPT Sarah received both her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) (neuroscience and physiology, minor in ki... Read More