NIAGARA ORTHOPAEDIC INSTITUTE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant / Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Administrative Assistant / PT and OT Assistant
Alyssa graduated from the OTA & PTA program at Niagara College in 2020, as well as the Fitness & Health Promotion program in 2022.
During her time at Niagara College Alyssa attended several placements including NOI, Shaver Hospital & Millenium Trail manor, where she worked with a variety of populations in rehabilitation.
In her free time Alyssa enjoys staying active, doing her nails and reading. She is very happy to be a part of the NOI team where she is perusing her passions and goals helping others in their recovery through rehabilitation.
Ava Gray is a 16 year-old honor roll student athlete at Sir Winston Churchill secondary school currently playing on Niagara Regional soccer team as well as having played on her high school soccer team. Ava has had an immense passion for sport from a very young age. Ava was born at McMaster Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario and lives in St. Catharines, Ontario. She is honored and thankful to have been nominated by the Niagara Opthopedic Institute as a featured athlete.
These past two winters Ava was involved in the community by supporting and scorekeeping for highs chool basketball games such as Girls Basketball OFSAA held at Sir Winston as well as the Welland Tribune Boys Basketball Tournament.
Ava has attended sports such as travel basketball, competitive gymnastics and regional soccer. Ultimately, soccer was the sport she fell most in love with at the age of three. Ava played house league soccer from the age of three and played on St. Catharines Jets Travel soccer team from ages eight to fourteen. She joined the Pelham Niagara Regional soccer team at age fourteen and is still currently on the team. Ava has faced recurring injuries on her right ankle due to sports throughout her whole life. As a high level athlete she has a big competitive streak and felt this injury interfered with her ability to perform. This repetitive injury became extremely frustrating for Ava however no matter how much or how often soccer hurt her, she believed playing soccer was never a waste and continued to obtain a resilient mindset.
When Ava came to Niagara Orthopedic Institute it was highly recommended that she pushed for medical imaging to determine why the same injury kept happening. Thanks to this wise recommendation it was discovered that in her right ankle one ligament was detached and another one torn, explaining the ongoing injury. In August 2022, Ava received ankle surgery at McMaster Hospital to repair the torn ligament. Ava is so devoted to soccer and was always optimistic throughout recovery. After hard recovery work in February 2023, Ava was able to return to soccer once again on the Niagara Regional team. When her surgeon was assessing her to determine if she could go back to soccer he made her walk on her tippy toes. The surgeon was astonished as he said, "Wow you must have an extremely good physiotherapist because you are showing good ankle strength and your calf muscles look even." Ava smiled and replied, "Yes I do have a very good physiotherapist."
Unfortunately, a couple months back to soccer, Ava re-injured the same ankle in a high school soccer game, preventing her from being able to play the 2023 season and the game she loves most. For Ava soccer was a way to relieve any stress or worries and truly just live in the moment of the game. She has been working hard to recover through physio exercises and therapy. Ava perseveres through each injury and she knows with hard work as well as dedication she will be able to get back to soccer soon. She continues to be optimistic about her future in soccer! Ava is beyond grateful for the immense help talented physiotherapists are able to provide her at Niagara Orthopedic Institute in order to strengthen her ankle.
Job Titles:
- Registered Physiotherapist
Brendan completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at D'youville University in 2020. Prior to this, Brendan completed his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Brock University in 2017. While attending Brock University, Brendan served as captain of the varsity cross country team, and his interest in physiotherapy came from these athletic experiences.
Upon completing his education, Brendan broadened his experience by travelling to Idaho, USA, to work as a physical therapist in a nursing home for veterans. Brendan has taken continuing education classes on spinal manipulation, hip osteoarthritis, chronic pain management, and acupuncture and dry needling. Being born and raised in Niagara Falls, Brendan is very excited to be involved with a clinic in his hometown. In his free time, Brendan is an avid runner, and also enjoys rock climbing, cycling, swimming, and triathlons.
Bryanna graduated from the OTA & PTA program at Niagara College in 2021. Previous to this, graduated from the Bachelor of Kinesiology program with honours at Brock University in 2019.
During her schooling, Bryanna took on various volunteer placements within the field of rehabilitation, including time with the Niagara River Lions Basketball Sports Medicine Team as a Student Athletic Therapist, Senior Fit Program at the Niagara Centre for Health and Wellbeing as a Kinesiology student trainer & the Niagara Regional Girls Soccer Program as a strength and conditioning coach.
Bryanna has always been an athlete and has a strong passion to help others. She enjoys the outdoors, spending time at the barn where she rides competitively and walking her dog. She is eager to continue her education in sports injury rehabilitation techniques, oncology rehabilitation techniques and concussion management.
Job Titles:
- Coach Level 1 & Personal Trainer
Darius Szpilewski, CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 1 and Personal Trainer is a succeeding expert in the fields of well-being and high performance. Since 2008, Darius' unique and holistic approach to treating the body has changed the lives of many men and women where traditional approaches often failed.
Darius' interest in human body and mind has been driving him passionately forward allowing him to do that which he loves. Through marriage of art and science and real-world experience Darius develops practical and effective methods for addressing his client's challenges, which he then applies over and over again, with just the right tweaks, with just the right shove and push, with just the right people, for just the right reasons. He has devoted his career to making wellness and high performance individualized, client-centered, and attainable for every type of a person who is willing to assume responsibility for their own Self.
Darius believes that well-being is a journey of self-management. His mission is to guide those who choose to work with him towards optimal wellness so they can experience their lives without the burdens of disease and limitations.
Job Titles:
- Registered Massage Therapist
Christina is excited to be joining the team at Niagara Orthopedic Institute. Christina initially pursued her education in nursing and from this developed a passion for rehabilitation and specifically sports injuries. Christina furthered her education and obtained a diploma from Trillium college in 2008 and is a registered member of the College of Massage Therapists in Ontario. She has worked in a number of diverse threptic settings focused on preventative health, rehabilitation and maintenance. Christina was also selected to volunteer at the Canada Games where she worked closely with a multidisciplinary medical team with elite level athletes. Her passion for health and wellness began very early on as a competitive soccer and hockey player. Christina later pursued training in martial arts only to discover her love for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Christina not only actively competes in Brazilian Jujitsu but also found a passion in coaching children.
Job Titles:
- Registered Physiotherapist
Christopher Lanni MScPT, BHK (Honours) Registered Physiotherapist Chris completed his Master of Science Degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University in 2018. Prior to this, he graduated from the Bachelor of Human Kinetics program at the University of Windsor. While at the University of Windsor, Chris competed as an athlete on the Men's Varsity Soccer team, on both an academic and athletic scholarship. In 2017, Chris was inducted to the Niagara Falls "Sports Wall of Fame" as part of the team claiming back-to-back Ontario Cup Championships, as well as a silver medal at the BMO Canadian National Championships. Chris' passion for sport helped guide him into the world of physiotherapy, where he plans to give back to people of all ages and abilities. He has a strong professional interest in general orthopaedics, musculoskeletal health, and sport-related injuries. Chris plans to develop his ability working with elite athletes in the community, while focusing on soccer-specific training and rehabilitation. With his athletic background, Chris plans to continue his education with a focus on manual therapy and innovative sports-related rehabilitation. Furthermore, Chris has been involved in running youth soccer development camps through Niagara United, and hopes to incorporate the soccer community into his practice at NOI. Chris believes each and every patient should be actively engaged in their treatment plan in order to see true benefit and results.
Job Titles:
- Manual Osteopathic Practitioner
Job Titles:
- Manual Osteopathic Practitioner
Danielle Montague Manual Osteopathic Practitioner Daniella has completed her Master in Practice Diploma in Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences from the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy. Previous to this, she received her Honours Bachelor Degree in Biological Science with a specialization in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph. Outside of the clinic, she is also working at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy. Osteopathy is a gentle, non - invasive form of manual therapy that aims at finding the root cause of your pain and its associated symptoms. Manual Osteopaths look to reintegrate and realign the bony structure by using osteopathic principles and techniques to address the soft tissues that allow for motion and stability. By doing so, we have a direct impact on the nerves, arteries, veins and lymphatics, improving the overall health of the body and its ability to self - heal and self - regulate. Daniella is passionate about helping her clients meet their health and wellness goals. To book an appointment, use the phone number or link provided below! 905-964-0579 https://osteohealthandvitality.noterro.com
Devin - age 20 - and was born and raised in Niagara Falls, attending Orchard Park School and then Westlane. Devin grew up on skates, eager to play hockey by watching his older brother. He played AA in the Falls for many years. Going into his Grade 12 year, he had an opportunity to try out for the GOJHL Pelham Panthers. He made the team and steadily found his place due to his speed and his penalty-killing abilities. He had a very successful playoff season and was named the team's Most Gentlemanly Player.
Academics are important to Devin, and he began attending Niagara University in Niagara Falls New York in September 2019 in the Bachelor of Social Work program. This coincided with his second year on the Panthers, when he was named team captain. He was named team MVP for that year and continued as captain in the 2020 season. Over this time, Devin was able to apply his quiet leadership style in a way that garnered him respect from the coaching staff and his teammates. Devin's leadership approach is about leading by example, working harder than anyone else, and noticing and encouraging those who need it. He strives to be someone his teammates can count on and look up to, both on and off the ice.
Devin continued with school and hockey during COVID. Leading up to the 2021 season, he decided to take a year off school and play in Sweden for the Viking Hockey Club in Hagfors, for both the J20 and the Senior (over 20) team. Playing on two teams, with almost full-time access to ice time, skating on international ice, and learning from different coaching styles advanced his game tremendously.
Devin has now returned for his third year at Niagara U and is playing on their ACHA D1 team. He credits the training he's received at NOI in preparing him to play in Sweden and to make the NU team. In the future, Devin hopes to join his passion for social work with sport and hopefully contribute to building a positive and healthy hockey culture.
Dr. Melissa Morocco Dr. of Chiropractic Dr. Morocco earned her Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from New York Chiropractic College in 2011. Prior to this, she received a Bachelor of Physical Education (Honours), specializing in Movement Studies from Brock University. She has 12+ years of clinical experience which has allowed her the opportunity to learn from experienced Chiropractors and to treat a variety of patients with different musculoskeletal needs. She has also spent the past 9 years teaching at Niagara College, where she shares her passion for educating students in Human Anatomy and Physiology. Chiropractic care be a beneficial treatment option for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions such as acute and chronic low back pain, neck pain and headaches. It can also help to correct your body's alignment and improve how your body functions physically. Dr. Morocco utilizes a combination of different Chiropractic techniques including Thompson Technique; a Chiropractic treatment approach that utilizes drop tables to deliver a low force adjustment. This provides a more comfortable experience for patients. She also incorporates soft tissue therapy and various therapeutic modalities to ensure that her patients receive the proper individualized care needed. Dr. Morocco enjoys being part of a team that works together to help patients achieve their optimal health care goals. She is currently accepting new patients.
Emily completed her Masters of Science in Physiotherapy from Western University in 2023. Previous to this she graduated with Honors in the Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science program at Nova Southeastern University, in Fort Lauderdale Florida. While at Nova Southeastern, Emily was a member of the women's rowing team.
Jada has experience with scheduling, customer service and various administrative duties. She graduated from the Social Service Worker program at Niagara College in 2020. Jada has worked with various populations, helping support the community and those who are in need.
When Jada is not at the clinic you can find her with her Goldendoodle Winston, who she loves dearly. In her free time Jada enjoys taking Winston on long walks with friends and family.
Jada is very grateful to be apart of Team NOI!
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Registered Physiotherapist & Clinic Owner
Jeff began his education endeavours by completing his Bachelors degree with an Honours and First Class standing in Kinesiology at Brock University in 2003. During that time, Jeff completed his Personal Trainers certification through the Certified Personal Trainers Network (CPTN) which offered him the pleasure to train numerous collegiate athletes. Jeff was awarded the provincial distinction from the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) for excellence in exercise physiology across the province in 2003. He was also awarded an Ontario Graduate student scholarship for his research regarding "the Effects of Salivary Cortisol on Immune Function" which he subsequently published as the first author.
Jeff continued his studies at the University of Western Ontario where he completed his comprehensive Masters Degree in Physical Therapy in 2005. During his graduate studies, Jeff published his research involving "Current Perception Thresholds in Peripheral Neuropathy" in the Journal of Hand Therapy.
Since graduating with his Masters degree, Jeff began working at the Canadian Back Institute as the Manager of Clinical Services. In 2008, Jeff opened the Niagara Orthopaedic Institute and maintains the titles of Registered Physiotherapist, Clinic Owner and Director of Clinical Services. In 2014, Jeff was appointed the position of Educational Representative for the Niagara District of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA). This dynamic position allows Jeff to utilize his educational background and research interests to disseminate Physiotherapy knowledge and evidence-based practice to Physiotherapists within the Niagara Region. Jeff is the former President of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association ( Niagara District), from 2016-2022.
Jeff is an Associate Clinical Professor (Adjunct) in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at McMaster University. Jeff began this role in 2015 and is pleased to be part of a world class education and research institution like McMaster University. His roles include clinical teaching and mentoring of Physiotherapy students, admission interviews into the Masters of Physiotherapy Program, proctoring clinical examinations for students, and participation in various School of Rehabilitation Science initiatives. Jeff also sat on the Deans Advisory Council in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Brock University. A position he has held with honour from 2015 to 2019. In 2016 Jeff was selected to be a member of the Program Advisory Committee at Niagara College in the OTA/PTA program. His roles include reviewing curriculum, reviewing program initiatives, public relations, assisting and providing human resource, and recommending new types of equipment and facilities
In 2015 Jeff won the Canadian Physiotherapy Association National Mentorship Award that recognizes a physiotherapist who provides inspiration to their colleagues by acting as a role model for professionalism and volunteerism. Jeff was the recipient of the 40 Under 40 award that honours business leaders under the age of 40 within the Niagara community for their entrepreneurial contributions.
Jeff has also taken numerous post-graduate courses in spinal rehabilitation, acupuncture, manual therapy, chronic pain management, sport rehabilitation, and post-surgical management which has allowed him to provide the most effective and evidence driven treatments to his clients. Jeff continues to treat a wide array of clientele ranging from the general population to professional athletes.
Kayleigh graduated from the University of Guelph-Humber in 2022 with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Kinesiology and a diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion. While pursuing her degree, Kayleigh ran with the Humber College Varsity Cross-Country team where she led as Women's captain from 2019-2022. She completed placements within personal training and physiotherapy throughout her education. In addition, Kayleigh has volunteered with the Variety Village Organization in Toronto where she worked with disabled children to promote health and fitness. She is eager to continue her education within mental health first aid, K-taping therapy, and running mechanics.
Kirsten Webber MScPT, BKin(Hon) Registered Physiotherapist Kirsten completed her Masters of Science in Physiotherapy from McMaster University in 2017. Previous to this she graduated with Honours in the Bachelor of Kinesiology program at Brock University. While at McMaster University, Kirsten was a lead member in a research team studying the effects of lifestyle changes on patients with chronic low back pain. During her schooling, Kirsten was a lead student athletic therapist for the AAA U21 Toronto Aeros Hockey Team as well as the University of Toronto Football team and Track and Field team. During this time she also had the opportunity to work with Canadian Olympic Athletes in the David L. MacIntosh Sport Medicine Clinic. Kirsten has always had an interest in athletics and plans to continue her education with a focus on manual therapy and sports injury rehabilitation. In 2018, Kirsten pursued one of her passions by completing the Shift Concussion Management course and is now certified in the assessment and management of concussion. She has been excited to share her knowledge of concussion to schools and sports teams in the community and hopes to continue bringing awareness to this very important topic. Kirsten is currently serving as Treasurer and Social Representative of the Niagara Division of the OPA.
Job Titles:
- Registered Physiotherapist
Job Titles:
- Certified Personal Trainer
Matt grew up in Niagara Falls and has been physically active his entire life either through playing sports, weight training, or getting his steps in!
Matt is certified through Can-Fit-Pro, one of Canada's earliest and longest-running certifying bodies for Personal Trainers. Between 2015-2022 Matt worked with his clients at LA Fitness specializing in functional and athletic training, sharing his passion for living a healthy lifestyle, and practicing what he preaches. He had played competitive soccer growing up, which led to playing in the Canadian Soccer League - Canada's only pro league at the time - between 2007-2013 along with playing experience in Germany. His other athletic interests include hockey, tennis, running, biking, and hiking.
Matthew is a 21-year-old athlete born on January 18, 2001. Matthew is a local individual, attending Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School and St. Michael Catholic High School in Chippawa and Niagara Falls, respectfully.
Growing up Matthew knew that he was born to be an athlete playing all kinds of sports, but ultimately fell in love with the game of hockey. He has always played for his local AAA center, Niagara Falls, and then later Southern Tier, as there was an amalgamation in the midst of his minor hockey career.
The success of Matthew's career came when he finished his minor hockey and began playing hockey for his local junior B team the Niagara Falls Canucks. Matthew started his junior career as a 16-year-old rookie and played all the way through for the Canucks until he graduated at the age of 21. He has managed to grow as an individual during these years and was fortunate to earn captaincy in his final 2 years. After his final year playing for the Niagara Falls Canucks, Matthew moved on to play for the Burlington Cougars Junior A club and finished his junior career up there as they went on their playoff run in 2021-2022. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, 3 years of Matthew's junior career were affected and lost because of canceled seasons and postponed/canceled games.
Over the course of his career in Niagara, he has been fortunate enough to have been the recipient of many awards. Over the years he has received the following for the Golden Horseshoe Conference (GHC) and the entire GOJHL:
2018-2019
GOJHL (GHC) Most Improved Player
GOJHL (GHC) Champions
2019-2020
GOJHL (GHC) Second Team All-Star
GOJHL (GHC) Player of the Year
GOJHL Donald Sanderson Memorial Award (Dedication, Discipline, Desire, Deportment)
2021-2022
GOJHL (GHC) First Team All-Star
GOJHL (GHC) Most Gentlemanly Player
At this time, Matthew is studying at Brock University in the Honors Bachelor of Accounting (Co-op) program and is entering his fourth year there. He has spent his co-op terms at Crawford Smith and Swallow Accounting Firm located across the Niagara Region.
Upon graduating from Junior B, he has been proud to announce his commitment to play for the Brock University Men's Hockey team for the 2022-2023 season and is extremely excited for this new opportunity.
Matthew has overcome many obstacles and adversity over the course of his hockey career, but he did not let that phase him. He has a great work ethic and great dedication to the sport wanting to better himself. He is excited to see what his future as a hockey player and as an accountant has for him as he looks forward to next year wanting to hit the ice in full stride.
Job Titles:
- Registered Massage Therapist
Phil graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2009 with a Bachelors of Science in Biology and Chemistry. He then went on to pursue graduate school at Queen's Univerisity before returning to the Niagara region.
Phil is currently finishing his Massage Therapy diploma and looks forward to working as a therapist in the NOI family.
Phil is Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Fitness Level 2 certified and is proficient in assessing golfers of all skill levels and working with them to help both improve their golf game and their health. Phil aims to create a plan unique to each golfer that will optimize their bodies specific movement patterns when swinging a golf club, without changing the swing itself.
Rachel Seguin Physiotherapy Resident Rachel completed her Masters of Science in Physiotherapy Degree at the University of Toronto in 2023. Prior to this, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Degree at Brock University in 2021, where she finished in the top 15% of her faculty. During her time at Brock University, Rachel played on the varsity Softball team as the lead pitcher. Rachel also has a detailed background in personal training and numerous competitive sports. Because of this, she has garnered extensive knowledge in exercise science, biomechanics, and performance. She has a keen interest in working with athletes and sports injury rehabilitation. Rachel enables patients to believe that the human body is resilient and can be trained to overcome obstacles. She believes in treating the person as a whole and encouraging patients to become a stronger, better version of themselves, while also learning how to self-manage. Rachel's goal is to provide a comprehensive treatment plan that integrates pain science, manual therapy, individualized exercise programs, and education to empower her patients. She employs the most up to date evidence-based practices in her therapy. On Rachel's free time, you will find her weightlifting, playing softball, volleyball, badminton, hiking, and travelling as much as she can. Rachel is an avid learner, and plans to continue her education in the near future to evolve as a practitioner and provide the most effective care. She is always keeping up with the most recent physiotherapy literature, podcasts, and courses. She has contributed to the literature of exercise science herself as the primary author of "The Efficacy of Upper-Extremity Elastic Resistance Training on Shoulder Strength and Performance: A Systematic Review. Rachel is excited to be working in her hometown and giving back to her community!
We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Rob Dionne, physiotherapist at the Niagara Orthopaedic Institute. On May 23, 2016, Rob passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones.
Rob was one of the most genuine, charismatic, and charming individuals. He devoted his life to helping others, made it his mission to make sure everyone had a smile on their face - he was the epitome of special. He impacted a lot of people, and whether you knew Rob for 10 minutes ...or for 10 years, you could easily see how wonderful a person he truly was.
There are many ways in which we can remember Rob - whether it be for his love of golf, music, or the cottage; the Montreal Canadians, the Buffalo Bills, or the Toronto Blue Jays; or his work as a physiotherapist - we can all appreciate and will never forget how much enthusiasm he had for life.
We are forever thankful for everything Rob has taught us and everything he has inspired us to do. He is one of the strongest individuals we have ever come to know, and words cannot express how much Rob is loved and will be missed - as a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, and physiotherapist.
We have not lost Rob. Because if you lose someone you don't know where they are - but we know exactly where he is, and he is with each and every one of us.
Sarah graduated from the Health Office Administration program at Conestoga College in 2012. Throughout her career she has greatly enjoyed working in a clinic setting and interacting with patients. Sarah is very focused on maintaining a great team environment at work which is why she is very excited to be a part of the Niagara Orthopaedic Team!
Sarah enjoys being active and trying new things!
Sydney Nicholls is a grade 11 honour student at West Niagara Secondary School in Grimsby. Her plan is to study Health Science in University with the hopes of working in Sports Medicine. She is very thrilled and thankful to have been chosen as a featured athlete by the Niagara Orthopedic Institute.
Sydney started her athletic journey, at a very young age, attending both gymnastics and jump rope classes. She was very passionate and highly competitive in both sports but eventually, after a number of years, decided to put all of her energy and talent into jump rope.
As a Lincoln Leaper Sydney became recognized as a tireless, hardworking and dedicated athlete. Currently, she attends 3 jump rope practices a week for a total of 6 hours. Outside of these practices, Sydney runs 5 kms, works out at the local YMCA and even jumps at home in her kitchen ensuring that she gets the training that she needs to achieve her personal goals.
Sydney has been competing in Jump Rope, with the Lincoln Leapers, at local, provincial, national and international level for the past 10 years. Sydney has been the Canadian Champion in her age division on multiple occasions. In fact, she has never placed below 2nd in any of her 8 national competitions. She is presently the current 2023 Ontario Champion in her age division.
Internationally, Sydney earned a 4th place in Individual Freestyle and 14th overall at the IJRU World Championships in Norway in 2019. Sydney represented Canada internationally at the China Open in 2019, and achieved 3rd place overall. In 2021, Rope Skipping Canada held a virtual competition, where athletes submitted videos of their best speeds and performances. After training exclusively in her kitchen, Sydney achieved first place overall. In the 2022 World Junior Virtual Championship, Sydney placed 11th overall.
Sydney has been featured in local newspapers, magazines and on the radio. Most recently she was interviewed on the CBC Saturday morning show ‘Fresh Air' in January of 2022. She was also showcased in the January /February 2020 edition of NewsNow's Club West Magazine along with her Lincoln Leaper teammates. Finally, during the 2022 Canada Summer Games Sydney was selected to participate as not only a torchbearer representing her hometown of Grimsby but also as a jump rope athlete participating in the opening ceremonies.
As Sydney continues in her 10th year of jumping competitively she not only trains for upcoming competitions but gives back to her sport by being the Head Coach of the Little Leapers Jump Rope Club and the Lincoln Leaper Performance Team. Sydney also works at the local gymnastics club, Aspire Gymnastics, as a coach.
Sydney is so appreciative of her many good fortunes and achievements as an elite level athlete but knows that success does not always come easily. Success, she has learned, is the reward of hard work, sacrifice, dedication and determination. As one final thought she would like to add that much of her personal success has come thanks to the talented guidance and physiotherapy care of her amazing physiotherapist Taskeen Karim of the Niagara Orthopedic Institute.
Sydney always remembers that every successful athlete has to work very hard to achieve their goals and has to have a talented Physiotherapist at their side.
Job Titles:
- Registered Physiotherapist
Taskeen has 30 years of experience as a physiotherapist. She has worked in multiple settings in different countries around the world. She took a role as orthopaedic clinical specialist and lectured overseas. This has made her very accomplished in treating a variety of orthopaedic conditions.
Taskeen has taken many manual therapy courses. She has a hands on approach and incorporates joint mobilization, movement and active release of soft tissues in her practice. She empowers her patients with education about their condition and teaches them about proper posture and ergonomics. She tailors each patients exercise program to best suit their needs.
Taskeen is certified in pulmonary rehabilitation. She is certified to titrate oxygen as per the respirologist's prescription. She is also certified to manage concussions.
Taskeen follows a lifestyle dedicated to meditation, mindfulness and the use of breathing techniques. She incorporates this into her practice as a physiotherapist. Being a supportive and empathetic listener is one of Taskeen's strengths. She is certified to perform acupuncture and practices cupping. These modalities work on meridians and energy flow in the body. These tools can be very valuable in a multimodal approach to healing.
Taskeen completed the vestibular rehabilitation course and is now certified to assess and treat conditions that stem from vestibular disorders, These disorders may present primarily with vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability, imbalance or falls.