Thomas Hein, Reg PT, Dip. Manip. PT, FCAMPT, CGIMS, MCPA
Physiotherapist
Thomas is a manual physiotherapist with years of postgraduate experience in orthopaedics, sports medicine, and manipulative therapy. After graduating from Queen’s University in 1995 he has practiced in a variety of clinical settings. He completed a full-time post-graduate program in 1998-99 and received his first diploma from the Canadian Academy in 2000 and he continues as Instructor for the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association in the postgraduate manual and manipulative therapy educational program. Thomas also has an interest in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture.
At the request of physicians in the Thornhill area who were not getting the results with their patients, Thomas opened Physioactive in 1999 with the goal of opening a clinic second to none. Thomas continues to teach and take postgraduate studies on a part-time basis. Completing the five-year Osteopathy Program at the Canadian College of Osteopathy has furthered and increased Thomas’s knowledge base. It has allowed Thomas to improve results by incorporating craniosacral, visceral, and other osteopathic techniques into his physiotherapy practice. He has had great success in combining a variety of techniques to achieve maximal results with even the most difficult or complex clientele. He incorporates a wide range of techniques including spinal manipulation, myofascial release, spinal stabilization exercises, neural tissue mobilization, and medical acupuncture. Recently, Thomas has also completed his training for intermuscular stimulation (IMS). Having many “tools in his toolbox” allows Thomas to enjoy success in treating a variety of ages and conditions. With a growing interest in pediatrics and pre- and post- natal care. Thomas has found great reward in successfully treating newborns and young children with varied conditions.
Effects of Osteopathy on Balance in Those with Parkinson’s
Function and Mobility in Parkinson’s Patients
Robyn Cornofsky, Reg. PT, BSc.P.T., MCPA
Physiotherapist
Robyn holds an Honours Bachelor of Science (Biology) from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Science (Physical Therapy) from the University of Toronto. Robyn is a Registered Physiotherapist with years of clinical experience in outpatient orthopaedic and sports medicine.
Robyn thrives on empowering others by giving them a greater understanding of their body and their injury. She believes the best therapeutic results are obtained with patient compliance – by teaching ways to avoid aggravating a condition, building strength and endurance, and preventing re-injury in the future.
Passionate about postural education and core stability programs, Robyn also uses manual therapy to help clients progress. She has a keen interest in continuing education and furthering her skills as a clinician.
Robyn’s professional style involves gaining a person’s confidence and trust, to make a difference quickly and have them tell others about their positive experience with a Registered Physiotherapist. She believes the biggest compliments come by way of referrals.
Nicholas Biasini, Reg. PT, BSc.Kin, MSc. PT., MCPA
Physiotherapist
Nicholas Biasini is a graduate of the Physical Therapy program at the University of Toronto. Prior to that, he completed his Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at York University. Nicholas’ pursuit of becoming a registered physiotherapist is a result of his long-time passion for discovering how the human body functions, combined with his genuine desire to help others. Nicholas is devoted to expanding his expertise and skill set through post-graduate courses, in order to best serve his clients. At this time, Nicholas is certified in acupuncture, and soft tissue release, and is working towards an advanced manual therapy certification from the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
Nicholas believes that patient education is an invaluable and essential tool in empowering his patients to take on an active role in their rehabilitation. Nicholas combines injury-relevant education with hands-on manual therapy techniques, and therapeutic exercise prescriptions, to best help his patients return to their optimal physical functioning. With these tools, Nicholas aims to pinpoint the root cause of his patient’s pathologies, rather than just treating their symptoms. His interest and success with high-level athletes and weekend warriors, combined with his extensive skill set makes him a valued member of our Physioactive team.
Outside of work, some of Nicholas’s hobbies include hockey, tennis, weight lifting, and spending as much time outdoors as possible! During the summer months, Nicholas also enjoys travelling and spending time on the lake at the cottage.
Andrew Conroy, Reg. PT. Grad.Dip.Phys.
Physiotherapist
Andrew graduated in the U.K. in 1987 and since 1989 has had extensive experience specializing in Orthopaedic and Sports Injury Rehabilitation here in Canada.
Working closely with the North York General Orthopaedic surgeons Andrew has an up-to-date and thorough knowledge of the latest surgical approaches to both upper and lower extremities and their post-operative rehabilitation. In addition, he has treated a wide range of non-surgical conditions successfully. A passionate teacher, Andrew has been an instructor in numerous community settings covering such topics as ‘Backcare and Lifting’ for Healthcare workers and the ‘Benefits of exercise’ for the Diabetic and Coronary health population. He has been a Clinical Instructor for many PT students and is a credentialed clinical instructor with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). He brings this ability to educate in the clinical setting to ensure the client/patient has a thorough understanding of their condition and the approach to treatment. His constant pursuit of knowledge through the completion of numerous post-graduate courses allows the delivery of precisely targeted treatment to achieve successful outcomes for patients and the attainment of their functional goals. It is this individually tailored treatment approach, combining care with clinical experience, in a comfortable, professional manner, that enthuses Andrew in his work as a Physiotherapist.
Aparna Brahma, Reg. PT, MSc. PT. Medical Acupuncture Provider, MCPA
Physiotherapist
Aparna Brahma is a Registered PT practicing in Canada since 2008. She is a certified Acupuncture provider and Pelvic health physiotherapist licensed with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. She is a dedicated member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
Aparna graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from India in 2004. With the intent of having a better understanding of age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system of the human body, she decided to pursue post-graduation from Western University, London ON. Her research involved studying age-related changes with exercise in residents of Long Term Care facilities. She graduated with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2007 upon which she set foot into the private healthcare system.
In her several years of clinical experience, Aparna places patient education to be of paramount importance. She notices a positive prognosis in her patient’s health condition and steady compliance with treatments with a “patient-invested” approach. She stands by the quote “It’s never too late to start” and always encourages her patients for taking their first step towards improved quality of life no matter where the starting point is.
Aparna believes that “Learning stops when intent stops”. In her quest to continue her education, she has recently completed Level 2 certification in Pelvic Health and has been providing treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction such as incontinence and prolapse. She has adopted a multi-factorial treatment protocol to bring a global change in her client’s health condition.
Due to the continued demand for our pelvic health program. Addressing all the concerns of pain, incontinence, and dysfunction. Aparna continues to develop her post-graduate skills in this regard. Aparna works with other practitioners to maximize the health of our clients.
Sheetal Parwani, Reg. PT, MPTh, MCPA
Physiotherapist
Sheetal was attracted to the field of physiotherapy in Grade 12 when she saw the wonders of how physiotherapy can help heal clients, not only physically but emotionally too. Being compassionate in nature and a good listener, it seemed like a natural choice to turn to the profession of Physiotherapy. There has been no turning back since then. Sheetal received her Master’s in Physical Therapy in 2002 from the University of Mumbai and worked in Mumbai in an orthopedic setting for two years. She relocated to Canada and became a registered Physiotherapist in Canada in 2005. She is an active member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
Over the years, Sheetal enhanced her career with continuing education with various post-graduate courses including manual therapy advancement from the Orthopedic Division of the CPA, nerve mobilization, chronic pain management from APTEI, functional capacity evaluation, and ART (Active Release Therapy) to name a few. Recently, she has been certified in Vestibular Rehabilitation which includes the assessment and treatment of vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders. She is also a Connect Therapy Series graduate with Dr. LJ Lee International.
She treats all age groups and uses education, soft tissue techniques, manual therapy, and exercise to help her clients achieve their treatment goals. She believes in treating clients with a holistic approach and uses various tools from her skill sets to help them return to their functional activities.
In her free time, Sheetal enjoys reading, cooking and traveling with family. She likes to stay fit and practice yoga, and pilates, and enjoys walking, swimming, and fitness classes. She believes in practicing Fitness herself as she preaches it to her clients!
Winnie Valencia, Reg. PT
Physiotherapist
Winnie’s introduction to Physiotherapy began with her many injuries as a child and teenager. She suffered sprained ankles, dislocated elbows, and shoulders just to name a few. So her journey to become a physiotherapist began. After graduating from Curtin University of Technology in Western Australia she returned home to work with children with special needs. Thoroughly loving working with children life brought her to work with adults in private practice. Winnie threw herself into taking manual therapy courses through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopedic Division levels 1 to 3 until life brought her two beautiful boys, twins! Recovering from having twins led her to dive into learning about the rest of her body, her nervous system, and her organs. This has opened up a whole new world of healing which she would like to share with you.
Sina Akbarzadeh, Reg. PT
Physiotherapist
Sina became immersed in the world of physiotherapy after sustaining a serious knee injury while playing competitive soccer. Through his own injury and rehab, he developed an appreciation of the science of movement, the complexity of the human body and its incredible ability to adapt in response to injuries.
Sina utilizes a variety of manual techniques, such as soft tissue release and joint mobilizations, exercise prescription and education to assist clients in achieving their goals. He also has completed his Level 1 certification under the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopedic division along with courses in acupuncture and dry-needling. Sina has experience working with a variety of conditions including, but not limited to, shoulder pain, low back pain, ankle/foot pain, patellofemoral pain syndrome, lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow) and post-operative hip and knee replacements.
Outside of work, some of Sina’s hobbies include playing soccer, weight training and backpacking
Eunice Noh, Reg. PT
Physiotherapist
Eunice holds a Master’s in Physiotherapy from the University of Toronto, complemented by a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from McMaster University. Inspired by her personal journey of overcoming a knee injury sustained while playing volleyball, Eunice embarked on her mission to guide others toward regaining mobility and enhancing their quality of life through a holistic approach.
Driven by a passion for lifelong learning, she is committed to empowering clients on their journey to recovery and wellness. Eunice approaches each patient with dedication, empathy, and respect, recognizing the importance of understanding their unique story and individual needs.
With experience spanning all age groups, from children to older adults, Eunice has had success treating a diverse range of conditions including, but not limited to, low back pain, ankle sprains, shoulder pain, muscle strains, plantar fasciitis, headaches, and spinal cord injuries.
Outside the clinic, Eunice maintains an active lifestyle through weight training and participating in various outdoor activities.
Kanako Nishihara, Reg. PT
Physiotherapist
Kanako is a registered physiotherapist who graduated with her Master of Science Degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Toronto in 2016, and with her Honours degree in Kinesiology from McMaster University in 2014.
Kanako specializes in identifying the root cause of pain through a comprehensive movement analysis. Her treatment approach is individualized and holistic, incorporating manual therapy, fascial stretching, various modalities, and functional exercises tailored to each patient’s needs.
Kanako’s passion for physiotherapy is evident in her extensive experience across various clinical settings. She has worked in orthopedic and neurological private clinics, as well as rehabilitation hospitals, treating a wide spectrum of injuries. Her expertise covers simple to complex orthopedic conditions such as muscle strains, post-surgical rehabilitation, arthritis, and fractures. She also has a special passion for treating neurological conditions like stroke and Parkinson’s Disease.
As a lifelong learner, Kanako continually expands her knowledge through post-graduate courses. She now offers specialized treatments for vestibular conditions (e.g., BPPV, neuritis), concussion management, and pelvic health issues (e.g., urinary incontinence, pain during intercourse).
During her free time, Kanako enjoys learning and playing many sports such as badminton, beach volleyball, and snowboarding. In addition, her adventurous spirit led her to successfully summit Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in January 2023!
Zachary Starr, D.C
Chiropractor
Dr. Zachary Starr is a graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Before studying to become a chiropractor, Dr. Starr completed a specialized honours bachelor of science in kinesiology from York University. Dr. Starr realized that he wanted to work in the neuromusculoskeletal field since volunteering at the fracture clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital and taking an interest in the pathophysiology of various orthopaedic conditions, especially related to the spine.
Dr. Starr is passionate about helping his patients to achieve their goals and make steps toward attaining their best health. His clinical interests include postsurgical rehabilitation, chronic pain disorders, and discogenic referral. Other areas of focus include postural/ergonomic assessment, prophylactic care, and education.
Dr. Starr achieves his results through joint manipulation and mobilization, myofascial release, exercise prescription, and use of various modalities such as laser, IFC, and shockwave.
In his free time, Dr. Starr enjoys Brazilian jiu-jitsu and playing guitar. During the winter time, he also enjoys playing ice hockey and snowboarding.
Mina Kalil, MOst DOMP
Osteopathic Manual Practitioner
After being introduced to osteopathy in 2011, Mina grew a keen interest in the profession as his desire was always to help people feel better and be pain-free. Mina is a British-trained osteopath who went on to complete his Masters in Osteopathic Medicine in London, England at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mina appreciates the holistic approach that osteopathy takes as his job is to seek the underlying physiological cause of the issue, following the bio-psycho-social model of health. He also aims in providing support to educate, engage and influence patients in decisions pertaining to achieving and maintaining optimal health.
In his years of clinical training in the UK and Canada, Mina has dealt with all patients ranging from young athletes, office workers, elderly patients, factory/industrial workers as well as pregnant women. Mina uses osteopathy as a way of detecting and treating injuries in the muscles, ligaments, fascia, nerves, and joints of the body. Having a highly developed sense of touch known as palpation, he will gently and specifically evaluate and treat injuries. As an osteopathic practitioner, Mina believes that the body has the ability to heal itself and the skilled application of osteopathic techniques (massage, visceral, mobilization/manipulation, and soft tissue) in addition to exercise prescription can improve this process and help patients reach their optimal goal.
Mina is a member of the Ontario Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners and is covered by insurance.
Shirley Fung, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Shirley is a Registered Massage Therapist with years of health & wellness experience, from hospital to hotel spas, doing hands-on work, management, and education training in between the two extremes. After graduating with honour from the 2200-hour Ontario massage program, she has practiced in a variety of settings, including the spa, sports club, and physiotherapy clinic. She also achieved both hospital & sports outreach certificates in addition to the required school clinic training.
After registering with CMTO as RMT, Shirley attended massage conferences on a regular basis and furthered her training in pregnancy massage, Soft Tissue Release for treating tight muscles, ultrasound treatment, TMJ/jaw treatment, and chair massage and has a basic knowledge of Matrix Repatterning, NISA, Chakra, Reflexology, Acupressure, and Zen Shiatsu.
True to her desire to always learn new skills and treatments in holistic wellness, Shirley’s current focus is on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. She will be sharing knowledge of Qigong and Tuina with her clients soon.
Man (Monica) Guo, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Monica is an empathetic and skilled Registered Massage Therapist, a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, as well as a Registered Acupuncturist .
She is focused on therapeutic massage to aid in pain management and approaches every patient with a tailored treatment plan to resolve their unique journeys with pain and discomfort. Her skills coupled with her own stories of chronic pain motivate her to help others achieve optimal results at any stage.
Monica has worked in the medical field for over 20 years. She began her career as a Medical Laboratory Technologist and then pursued a career change after suffering from chronic fatigue, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, myocardial pain syndrome, cancer, 3 car accidents, and 7 surgeries. After a workplace injury, she received the diagnosis that her hands were functioning at 2% of the standard and lost a job that she loved.
For over 10 years her condition was difficult to treat so she began to self-study Traditional Chinese Medicine where she began to successfully treat herself. With focus and determination, she went back to school and became a Registered Massage Therapist. She fully empathizes with the feelings of pain, and wants to help others experience pain free living. Her hands are referred to as ‘Golden and Magic’.
Monica is skilled at Therapeutic Massage, Swedish Massage, Pre/Post-natal Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Massage, and Myofascial Release. She also has experience using acupuncture to treat soft tissue pain syndromes, infertility, induction, lactation, insomnia, dizziness and many other issues.
Monica is a committed and hard working member of the Physioactive team.
Gabriel Beer, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Gabriel is our senior Massage Therapist with over twenty years of experience. A high level of understanding of the human body combined with extended practice in his field make Gabriel not only an exceptional therapist but also a healer. Gabriel holds a University Degree with a Bachelor in Health and Physical Education and Sport. He is trained to improve the athlete’s ability to increase endurance, resistance, and speed in order to reach peak performance. He also has completed a Massage Therapy Program and he is licensed by the CMTO and he is member RMTAO.
As a massage therapist, he put all of his knowledge into his practice in order to create the best treatment for his patients. Helping the body to heal itself it’s the foundation of his treatment.
He is performing a large spectrum of massages including Therapeutic Massage, Swedish Massage, Sport Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Breast Massage, Infants Massage, and Deep Tissue Massage. He also provide Trigger-Point Therapy, Active Release Technique (ART), Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial Release Technique, Hydrotherapy, Joint Mobilization and Remedial Exercises. Being a holistic practitioner, he also offer to our patients CranioSacral Therapy, SomatoEmotional Release, Reiki, and Reflexology.
Gabriel have been practicing Karate for nine years and he has a black belt with first degree in that discipline. When he doesn’t have his hands on the body he has his mind on the soul. Gabriel’s passion for music, sports, and writing complements the balance between his work and his leisure time. As a husband and father he has a very deep connection with his family. As an author, Gabriel is very proud of his accomplishment, publishing his first book titled: ”Pieces of Heaven”.
He would describe himself: ” I’m my own philosophy in searching for its truth”.
Vincent Ku, DPodM
Registered Chiropodist
Vincent completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Waterloo in Engineering with a specialty in Biomechanics, and graduate studies in Podiatric Medicine at the Michener Institute in Toronto. His previous experiences include rotations at St. Michael’s Wound Clinic, Toronto General Hyperbarics Unit, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and Erin Mills Podiatry. He is registered in good standing with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario with prescribing rights and surgical training. He has been in practice for over 10 years and has served as a medical advisor to several Ontario prescription orthotic laboratories. He is a caring and compassionate practitioner that has a deep interest in his patients’ well-being and strives to help them function at their highest potential.
Our Support Team
- Ashley Henriques
- Karen Custoreri
- Rebecca Robinson
- Armine Samvelyan
- Negin Haghighi
- Lavena Hanoman
- Sydney Levy