YOUR RECOVERY IS IMPORTANT TO OUR TEAM

We currently have limited availability for new clients. Urgent and surgical hand therapy referrals (shoulder to fingertips) are currently being prioritized, followed by hand therapy and physiotherapy for returning clients This means that we have limited availability for general physiotherapy referrals for new clients at the moment. We are working hard to try to increase availability for you this fall. If you are looking for a general physiotherapy assessment, particularly in evening hours, you may add yourself to the waitlist but we do not have much availability so there may be waits of up to 6 weeks. For spinal or lower extremity injuries we encourage you to book Kinesiology or Athletic Therapy which has increased availability in the evenings and on Saturdays.

If you are available on short notice, we encourage you to put yourself on the waitlist or contact our admin team to help find a space for you! Our schedule has quite a bit of movement in it lately. We understand that delays in access to care can be detrimental to your recovery so we will do our best to get you in to the schedule as soon as possible!

Please note that due to increasing occurrences of no shows and same day cancellations, a credit card is now required to reserve your appointment time. All appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be subject to a cancellation fee. Thank you for your understanding while we work to keep our schedule efficient and improve access to care for clients on our lengthy waitlist.

Hand Therapy

Hand Therapy is specialized physiotherapy care for the treatment of injuries from the shoulder to the fingertips. Certified Hand Therapists are experienced Physiotherapists or Occupational Therapists who have at least three years and greater than 4000 hours of experience mentoring with a Certified Hand Therapist in providing care for injuries and conditions of the shoulder girdle, elbow, wrist,... Read More

Hand Therapy is specialized physiotherapy care for the treatment of injuries from the shoulder to the fingertips. Certified Hand Therapists are experienced Physiotherapists or Occupational Therapists who have at least three years and greater than 4000 hours of experience mentoring with a Certified Hand Therapist in providing care for injuries and conditions of the shoulder girdle, elbow, wrist, hand and fingers and who have also passed a rigorous certification examination in advanced clinical skills and theory. Hand Therapy involves using advanced clinical knowledge, experience and skills to provide care for these injuries. Hand Therapists work closely with Hand Surgeons to provide care for their patients after hand surgeries. Using special skills in custom splinting, wound care, edema management, scar care and specific exercise protocols, hand therapists help guide surgical patients from the day of surgery all the way through rehabilitation and back to all activities of daily life and recreation or sport.


Physiotherapy

As our name Active Recovery indicates, our Physiotherapy practice takes an ACTIVE based approach of primarily therapeutic exercise and manual therapy, although we also use modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Nerve Stimulation), and intramuscular stimulation (IMS) depending on our client's assessed needs ... Read More

As our name Active Recovery indicates, our Physiotherapy practice takes an ACTIVE based approach of primarily therapeutic exercise and manual therapy, although we also use modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Nerve Stimulation), and intramuscular stimulation (IMS) depending on our client's assessed needs and their goals of treatment.

Our philosophy of treatment is to assist you to make safe and purposeful progressions in your active exercises to get you back to all activities that are meaningful for you. In the first few sessions we develop a customized treatment plan for each client **including a detailed home exercise program** so you know what your problem is, how to best manage it and how long it's going to take to get it better. We take a lot of pride in helping our clients return to full function after even the most significant of injuries.


Telehealth

Telehealth is physiotherapy from the comfort of your own home or office with zero travel time. All you need is a device with a webcam and microphone such as a tablet, laptop or smartphone. Easily connect to your physiotherapist for information about your condition and how to get it better. Receive an examination, personalized treatment plan, recommendations and exercises without needing to atte... Read More

Telehealth is physiotherapy from the comfort of your own home or office with zero travel time. All you need is a device with a webcam and microphone such as a tablet, laptop or smartphone. Easily connect to your physiotherapist for information about your condition and how to get it better. Receive an examination, personalized treatment plan, recommendations and exercises without needing to attend a clinic in person. This is an excellent option for those who live in a remote area, have limited time to attend appointments, are immuno-compromized or struggle with transportation to attend regular in person appointments.


Kinesiology

Kinesiology employs evidence based scientific research and assessment to assist in the prevention and rehabilitation of injury, lifestyle diseases and other physiological conditions, along with the enhancement of human performance, in environments such as work and sport. Kinesiologists work closely with you to: - prevent and treat illness or injury through appropriate exercise testing, assessm... Read More

Kinesiology employs evidence based scientific research and assessment to assist in the prevention and rehabilitation of injury, lifestyle diseases and other physiological conditions, along with the enhancement of human performance, in environments such as work and sport. Kinesiologists work closely with you to:
- prevent and treat illness or injury through appropriate exercise testing, assessment and prescription;
- improve your physical performance in sport, work and activities of daily living;
- oversee or assist with the implementation of your individual health care plan;
- assess workplace demands and provide workplace design services (ergonomics) to help prevent and/or recovery from injury;
- and provide support in rehabilitation and wellness management.


Athletic Therapy

Athletic Therapists treat individuals of all ages and abilities, from professional athletes to older adults hoping to live more independently. They strive to help people reach their goals, whether that is a return to work, to sport, to prevent future injury, or to make activities of daily living pain-free. They use a blend of hands-on manual therapy and modality application, with a focus on ex... Read More

Athletic Therapists treat individuals of all ages and abilities, from professional athletes to older adults hoping to live more independently. They strive to help people reach their
goals, whether that is a return to work, to sport, to prevent future injury, or to make activities of daily living pain-free. They use a blend of hands-on manual therapy and modality application, with a focus on exercise rehabilitation.


Vestibular Physiotherapy

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a form of physiotherapy prescribed to treat and to improve balance and reduce problems related to dizziness, mostly caused by peripheral vestibular disorders (composed by the inner-ear, eyes and balance receptors throughout the body). The physiotherapist will develop a treatment program tailored to you, composed of a set of exercises designed to red... Read More

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a form of physiotherapy prescribed to treat and to improve balance and reduce problems related to dizziness, mostly caused by peripheral vestibular disorders (composed by the inner-ear, eyes and balance receptors throughout the body).

The physiotherapist will develop a treatment program tailored to you, composed of a set of exercises designed to reduce dizziness, vertigo, visual and balance issues.

As well, it also addresses secondary areas such as general strengthening, balance control, and neck dynamic stability.


Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a type of health care that helps to solve problems that interfere with a person’s ability to do the things that are important to them – everyday things like: Self-care - getting dressed, eating, moving around the house, Being productive - going to work or school, participating in the community, and Leisure activities - sports, gardening, social activities. In a ... Read More

Occupational therapy is a type of health care that helps to solve problems that interfere with a person’s ability to do the things that are important to them – everyday things like:

Self-care - getting dressed, eating, moving around the house,
Being productive - going to work or school, participating in the community, and
Leisure activities - sports, gardening, social activities.

In a hand therapy setting, Occupational Therapists evaluate clients function and help them with splints, equipment and exercises to return to meaningful activities.


Clinical Pilates

Pilates was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, while working with soldiers of WWI at the hospitals in England. Teaching his own technique of exercises with minimal equipment, Joseph helped many soldiers to recover from injuries, which led him to develop the Pilates Method later. Joseph Pilates took his knowledge and experience with him when he emigrated to the USA post-WW1. ... Read More

Pilates was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, while working with soldiers of WWI at the hospitals in England. Teaching his own technique of exercises with minimal equipment, Joseph helped many soldiers to recover from injuries, which led him to develop the Pilates Method later. Joseph Pilates took his knowledge and experience with him when he emigrated to the USA post-WW1. He opened his first studio in New York where he continued to teach and advance the technique and the ‘Contrology’ concept, but at that time, helping Broadway dancers to recover from injuries and to become stronger for their presentations.

The Pilates Method is composed of movements designed to improve postural alignment, improve flexibility and strength, and building resistance and stamina. Through a combination of body weight exercises + breathing pattern + CORE muscles engagement, Pilates challenges an individual’s deep stabilizing muscles of the spine while mobilizing other areas.

Jon is a Certified Athletic Therapist with a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic and Exercise Therapy and Diploma in Exercise and Wellness from Camosun College. Jon has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Athletic Therapists Association of BC since 2018 and currently holds the role as association President. In addition, he has been a Human Anatomy instructor at Victoria’s Pacific Rim College since 2021. Personally, he is an avid indoor rock climber, trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and loves dancing.

Born and raised in Victoria, Jon has been involved with numerous sports and fitness settings as both medical personnel and coach. With a background in long-distance running, he spent 9 years coaching other runners at the youth level where he developed his skill in then being able to coach and motivate his clients through their rehab. Jon has also had a great deal of focus with providing care for athletes in lacrosse, martial arts, rock climbing, and body building. However, Jon retains a passion for working with non-athletic populations as well, especially in regards to returning movement and quality of life to chronic pain clients. A particular area of interest that he works with is chronic and complex pain for patients with persistent symptoms and troublesome diagnoses.

Jon’s philosophy is that any individual has the ability to attain optimal health through education and guided exercise. He sees the inherent ability in every individual to move naturally and healthily and has confidence that every human body can regain the ability to function without pain.

Jon is a Certified Athletic Therapist with a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic and Exercise Therapy a... Read More

Please note that as of Sept 1, 2024 Emily is currently on Maternity Leave. We will put up a schedule and update her date of return in 2025 as we have more details.

Emily grew up in Sooke and returned to the South Island after years of pursuing her interests & furthering her education in the science of human movement and rehabilitation.

Emily graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2013 with a Bachelors Degree in Human Kinetics. While at UBC she played for the UBC Thunderbirds Varsity Ice Hockey team, winning a Canada West Championship in her final year. She then went on to complete a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta, graduating in 2015.

Over the past 9 years Emily has worked in the private practice setting assessing and treating all ages and stages of injuries. Highlights include time spent in Beijing, China working as a physio for the Chinese Women’s Ice Hockey Team, and as a travel physio for Canadian volleyball and rugby teams. Her love of sports and working with athletes inspired her to complete a Sports Physiotherapy Fellowship at UBC in 2017. More recently, Emily’s interest in the complexities and intricacies of hand injuries led her to complete her 4000 hours of advanced certification in the Upper Extremity and she received her certification from the HTCC as a Certified Hand Therapist in 2020.

Emily is a physiotherapist who prides herself in taking the time to really listen to each patient’s unique story to help establish meaningful goals & outcomes. She aspires to empower her patients through detailed diagnosis, evidence-based education, individualized treatment planning, manual therapy, and progressive home exercise programming.

Please note that as of Sept 1, 2024 Emily is currently on Maternity Leave. We will put up a sched... Read More

Nicole Hart (she/her) Registered Physiotherapist and Certified Hand Therapist

Nicole is a Certified Hand Therapist with over 16 years of physiotherapy experience. She obtained her Bachelor of Human Kinetics in Exercise Science from the University of British Columbia in 2001, and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia in 2005. Since 2006, Nicole has worked in private practice in Victoria, specializing in upper extremity rehabilitation. Nicole is a member of the Canadian Society of Hand Therapists, American Society of Hand Therapists and attends the annual BC Hand Society meeting.

Nicole founded Active Recovery in 2017 with the goal of providing exemplary care to all her clients with Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand injuries. Since then, the clinic has expanded to include other physiotherapists with specialization in hand therapy that share her philosophy of providing excellent clinical care with an active approach to rehabilitation. Nicole continues to mentor the entire team at Active Recovery to provide excellence in care and the latest in hand therapy techniques and splinting. She enjoys teaching and mentoring and regularly invites students and physiotherapists keen to learn about hand therapy to shadow and learn at the clinic.

Nicole loves building strong therapeutic relationships with her clients, providing them the education, splints, treatment and home exercises they need after an injury or surgery to return to what they love doing. She believes her clients deserve to be well-informed about their injuries and empowered with treatments they can use to help themselves heal and strengthen. Nicole’s clients appreciate the detailed assessment and treatment planning, informative education, attention to detail in their custom splints, and personalized home exercise programs she provides.

When she’s not in the clinic, Nicole is often reading, weight training, or spending time outdoors with her husband and two children.

Nicole Hart (she/her) Registered Physiotherapist and Certified Hand Therapist Nicole is a Certi... Read More

Maila trained as an Occupational Therapist (OT) at Exeter University while living in England. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in 1996, and working in England for a few months, she moved back to Canada and has continued working as an OT since that time.

She has worked in the areas of: orthopaedics, neurology, general med, geriatrics, burn unit, and has been permanently at the Victoria Arthritis Centre since 2007.

One of her passions in Occupational Therapy has been splinting. With lots of experience in the burn unit and arthritis centre this continues to be an area of interest and joy.

The enjoyment of working as an Occupational Therapist is being able to work individually with each person. Seeing each person as an individual and establishing an understanding of differing needs and goals is important to Maila and is why she’s continued in OT.

When not working as an occupational therapist Maila can be found working on the wheel as a potter, kayaking, being outdoors with family/ friends, watching her kids launch into adulthood, and renovating with her husband on Thetis island.

Maila trained as an Occupational Therapist (OT) at Exeter University while living in England. A... Read More

Marissa graduated from the University of Victoria in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. In 2016, she completed the Massage Therapy program at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy and has since worked as an RMT, treating people with neurological conditions, musculoskeletal injuries, and various other issues. During her undergraduate studies, she volunteered and worked at MOVE Adapted Fitness, helping individuals with disabilities reach their functional goals while having fun.

Marissa aims to help people realize the abilities they still have while rehabilitating or adjusting to life with a chronic condition. She enjoys finding creative solutions to clients’ problems to help them return to their lives as soon as possible. Through her studies and personal experience with injury rehabilitation, she has learned to live by the motto: you do not need to wait until you are fully recovered to start living your life. She has a special interest in helping people make exercise a part of daily life, addressing barriers to success, and making movement enjoyable.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Marissa moved to Victoria in 2013 to begin her studies. Outside of work, you can find her swimming in the ocean, watercolor painting by the seaside, riding her bike, or bouldering at the climbing wall.

Marissa graduated from the University of Victoria in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiolo... Read More

Madeline graduated from the Master of Physical Therapy Program at the University of British Columbia in 2018. Prior to that, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Victoria. While there, Madeline was on the varsity women’s rowing team and was a multiple time medalist at the Canadian University Rowing Championships. She then transitioned into competitive road cycling and cyclocross racing while attending UBC. Madeline has over 6 years experience leading clients through diverse rehabilitation needs including recent fractures, joint replacements, tendon injuries, post-mastectomy, lymphedema, and post-amputation. Madeline is a member of the Canadian Society of Hand Therapists (CSHT) and the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) has completed greater than 4000 hours of advanced practice in the treatment of Upper Extremity Injuries including splinting and post-surgical management. Madeline earned her designation as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) from the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) in 2024. She enjoys seeing her clients regain their strength and mobility following an injury and get back to their usual activities. Madeline’s treatments are guided by evidence-based practice. She supports her clients with the use of self-management strategies, education, splinting and bracing, therapeutic exercise, and manual therapy. Madeline was born and raised in South Surrey. She came to Victoria for her post-secondary education and is happy to be able to call it her home. Outside the clinic, Madeline enjoys staying active by cycling, running, going to the gym, and rock climbing. She likes entertaining friends and cooking plant-based meals with her husband. She also recently discovered the satisfying outcomes of home renovations.

Madeline graduated from the Master of Physical Therapy Program at the University of British Colum... Read More

Mariana was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Being passionate about sports since childhood, she became a semi-professional track & field athlete, competing as a javelin thrower. She fell in love with Physiotherapy at age of 15, when she injured her hip during a national competition and had to receive physio treatments for 6 months. She graduated from the Bandeirante University of Sao Paulo in 2012 and went on to receive a Post-graduation Certification in Human Physiology from the ABC Medicine School in 2015. Since her graduation, Mariana started to work with clinical Pilates techniques and focused her approaches to help adult, mid-age and geriatric patients to achieve their rehab goals, with simple and effective exercises. As a physiotherapist, she likes to teach her patients how to regain control of their own body after an injury, within their capacities and limitations. She believes that the human body is like an engine and exercise is the oil that makes it run smoothly. In 2021, she completed a Business Certificate at Capilano University, and she expanded her Physiotherapy education in vestibular rehab, concussion management, and manual therapies. In 2022, she acquired her specialization in Dry Needling, and a FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine to expand even further her sports rehab repertoire. Based in Vancouver for the last couple years, she became reference in injury prevention and rehab management for pole dancers and aerialists seeking for health care specialized in their sport needs, as she practices calisthenics and pole dance for fun. Currently, she is being mentored by Nicole Hart to acquire the 4000 hours required to become a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) with the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC). In her free time, she enjoys spending her time hiking and camping or playing volleyball, playing boardgames, and discovering new cafes throughout the island. Her Lebanese and Italian family background plays a role when she is cooking and hosting friends at home!

Mariana was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Being passionate about sports since childhood, ... Read More

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Located at: 771 Vernon Avenue, Unit 604, Victoria
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