A little bit about me:

My fascination with scoliosis started in the early days of my career as a physiotherapist in the Philippines. I vividly remember a family whose child had scoliosis and was facing surgery. Back then, my knowledge about scoliosis was limited because it wasn’t emphasized in our physiotherapy curriculum. This experience lit a spark in me to delve deeper into scoliosis and seek additional training abroad. Thankfully, our efforts led to a reduced need for surgery. Coming from a third-world country, I’ve always placed a strong emphasis on making therapy plans cost-effective. I’m dedicated to maximizing every visit while ensuring the family’s satisfaction. I deeply value the time and effort they invest in physiotherapy. My ultimate goal is to become an exceptionally skilled physiotherapist capable of guiding individuals and families on their scoliosis and spine health journey through exercise-based treatment and conservative management. I’m committed to learning from my clients and applying my experiences to create a holistic approach to health management.

Certifications that support my work:

• Rigo Method/Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School, L1 – July 2023
• Rigo Method/ Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School, C1– November 2019
• International Schroth 3-dimensional Scoliosis Therapy® According to Asklepios Katharina Schroth Part I – December 2018
• International Schroth 3-dimensional Scoliosis Therapy® According to Asklepios Katharina Schroth Part II – June 2019
• Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) Member – June 2022
• University of the Philippines – Manila, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy – June 2017

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A little about me:

I was born and raised in North Vancouver. At age 13, I was diagnosed with scoliosis. With my curve already quite advanced at the time of diagnosis, I was advised to wait for surgical intervention, with no bracing or other conservative management options offered in the meantime. At age 15, I underwent spinal fusion surgery.

The physiotherapists who guided me through my hospital recovery left a lasting impression on me and sparked my interest in becoming a physiotherapist. However, when I returned home, I found myself struggling with unanswered questions about my changed body, its potential for movement, and what my life would look like going forward.

Years later, I discovered The ScoliClinic, where I experienced first-hand how scoliosis-specific treatment could enhance both my quality of life and my confidence in my own body. Until then, I had believed that fusion surgery marked the end of my scoliosis journey. However, after learning what I did at TSC, I came to realize there was still so much more that I could do to optimize my health and wellbeing. This shift in perspective not only highlighted how I could play an active role in my treatment but also solidified my passion for supporting others with spinal conditions, ultimately inspiring me to join the team!

When not at work, you’ll often find me outside playing sports (volleyball, pickleball, running, swimming, weightlifting), spending time with my dog, going to concerts and movies, or reading a good book. Feel free to ask me how my yearly Goodreads reading challenge is going!

What to expect in a session with me:

Living with scoliosis, hyperkyphosis, and other spinal conditions can impact how we move and feel in our bodies. Although these conditions may share similarities, every person’s experience is unique, which is why I strive to personalize treatment to your specific needs and goals – whether it’s building strength, improving posture and mobility, increasing participation, or reducing pain, we will work together to determine a plan that is best for you.

My goal is to empower you with knowledge and tools needed to better understand and manage your condition, while helping you move with greater confidence. I am committed to creating an inclusive space where clients from all walks of life feel welcome.

I look forward to being a part of your health and wellness journey!

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A bit about me:

Becoming a physio has been a lifelong dream, and supporting people with scoliosis since graduation has been more fulfilling and rewarding than I could have imagined.

Growing up as a third culture kid in the multi-cultural city of Paris France has shaped me to have an insatiable curiosity for human diversity, attuned me to different ways of seeing the world, and has taught me to be highly adaptable. Moving to Canada for a degree in Kinesiology and having the opportunity to work in research satisfied my thirst for knowledge of the human body, but it is only in physio school and later at The ScoliClinic that I saw my passion for science and human connection meld together.

I was diagnosed with scoliosis and hyperkyphosis at the age of 13 and received little support from the medical system. In hindsight, I was disconnected from my body, had little awareness of how my diagnosis was affecting me physically and emotionally, and had no idea what I could do to care for my body.

One of my favourite parts of journeying as a physiotherapist with people of all ages with scoliosis, hyperkyphosis, and other postural deviations is facilitating a path to empowerment and success by providing information, exercising a discerning eye on what key factors may be influencing a pain experience, and creating a highly personalized exercise plan. I feel passionate about creating a safe space where individuals can come wherever they are on their journey and leave feeling heard with one concrete step they can take to move forward.

My practice is supported by a growing list of courses, to better help my clients:

Integrated Systems Model Series – 2021 Integrated Systems Model 3-Day Course: The Thorax and Pelvis – 2019 Schroth-Barcelona Institute – C1 – Sept 2018 Reconciling Biomechanics with Pain Science – 2018 Aquatic Therapy for Pain Management Workshop – 2018 Soft Tissue Release Workshop – 2018 University of Toronto Master of Physical Therapy – 2018 Non-internal Introductory Pelvic Floor Course – 2017

What to expect in a treatment session with me:

One of the things I like to tell my clients is: “you can’t change a posture you are not aware of”. When needed, my approach will often involve having people start by connecting to their body through movement to build a larger brain body map and create awareness of common postural strategies. With some level of awareness, it is much easier to build strength and develop new and more aligned postural habits.

In situations of pain or discomfort, I enjoy playing detective to figure out which body parts may be playing victim vs. perpetrator. The Integrated Systems Model series by Diane Lee has provided me with fantastic tools to expedite this process. At times I will use acupuncture as an adjunct tool to facilitate treatment. Finally, when appropriate, I love having conversations around the emotional impact of scoliosis and the bigger life lessons that can be drawn from the scoliosis/postural journey. How can learning to care for your posture be a springboard to loving yourself better?

I can’t wait to meet you! The ScoliClinic is a beautifully inclusive space and I am confident that you will feel supported by every team member you encounter here.

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I’m a clinical researcher with a passion for advancing scoliosis care through safe and effective imaging techniques. Originally from Iran, I completed my undergraduate studies in radiology and developed a strong interest in non-ionizing imaging methods—particularly ultrasound—after working in a trauma hospital.

In 2016, I moved to Canada to pursue graduate studies, completing my PhD at the University of Alberta with a focus on scoliosis imaging. I joined The ScoliClinic as a post-doctoral fellow, where I now work as a researcher and data scientist.

My current projects aim to support clinicians—like physiotherapists and orthotists—in improving treatment outcomes for people with scoliosis. By analyzing clinical data and collaborating closely with the team, I hope to contribute meaningfully to the field and make a lasting impact on patient care.

My work at The ScoliClinic is supported by the following certifications:

• Post-Doctoral Fellow (PDF), Mitacs Accelerate Program, University of Alberta in Partnerships with The ScoliClinic

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta (Dec 2021)

• Radiology Technician, Shahid Bahonar Trauma Hospital, Iran (Nov 2014)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Radiology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran (July 2012)

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Lourielys “Lou” is an RMT and graduate of Langara College’s Registered Massage Therapy Program, a recognized school in the CMTBC bylaws. Langara is also accredited with the national accrediting body for massage therapy education in Canada, the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA).

Lou was a Trauma Informed U.S. Licensed Massage Therapist for ~2 years before moving to Vancouver and completing the Langara RMT Program. Their approach to massage is provided thorough informed consent to care, collaborating with patients so they feel heard, cared for, and empowered with each visit. Lou aims to create an empathetic, non-judgmental, and safe space within the treatment room tailoring each treatment to each individual seeking to improve their wellness.

They hold a special interest in serving transgender and gender non-conforming clients, as well as, individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, stress, and fatigue among other ailments.

Lou enjoys walking their dogs, hiking, traveling, and reading to stay up to date on the science of massage. Promoting patient education, in efforts to help them understand possible contributing factors to their symptoms, and help patients manage their own symptoms beyond treatments, by encouraging them to participate in active rehabilitation.

Lourielys “Lou” is an RMT and graduate of Langara College’s Registered Massage Therapy Program, a... Read More

A little about me:

I was born in Calgary, AB to a set of caring first-generation Indo-Tanzanian Ismaili immigrant parents. My personal experience managing my mild scoliosis in early adulthood intensified my curiosity in how the body works, and led me to apply to physiotherapy school.

My undergraduate background in psychology makes me particularly interested in the power of specific behaviour change to evolve a person’s self esteem, body awareness, and experience of pain. I enjoy working with people at all life stages, and have also been fortunate to support people from a variety of communities including LGBTQ2S+ folks, Indigenous people, people with different learning needs, and those people preparing for or recovering from surgery.

In my free time I enjoy biking around the city, bouldering, meditation, beach picnics, and watching movies.

What to expect in a session with me:

I hope to encourage an increased sense of body awareness in my clients, and to empower them towards self-improvement using an approach that is holistic, safe, adaptable, and inclusive. In our work together, I will observe your movement strategies and aim to draw your attention to compensatory movement strategies or postures that you may be using.

We can build more supportive patterns by selecting specialized exercises for you to practice, and by using tools such as manual therapy, and/or dry needling to facilitate. According to your personal goals, we will integrate your new learnings using breath work, yoga, weight lifting, or sport-specific training, and perform periodic postural re-assessments to track your progress.

Whether you are looking to decrease your discomfort, improve your postural endurance, or enhance your function in your activities, I look forward to guiding you in rewiring your connection to your body, and achieving your goals!

Certifications:

• PDTR (Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex) -Foundations, 2025
• SEAS Level 1 (Scientific Exercises Approach to Scoliosis), 2025
• Anatomical Neuropathic Intramuscular Stimulation (AN-IMS), by Foundations Health Education – 2023
• Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School, Basic Course – 2020
• Orthopedic Advanced Integrated Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Level 1 – 2020
• University of Western Ontario Master of Physical Therapy – 2020
• University of Calgary Bachelor of Science (Honours) Psychology – 2016

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I was diagnosed with scoliosis at age nine. I wore a brace for 3 years until I was told I would require corrective spinal fusion surgery at age 13. After two years on the surgical waitlist, I finally at received the operation at age 15. While I remained active and healthy throughout the course of my treatment, I wasn’t ever aware of options for me to actively participate in my treatment.

I discovered the work of The ScoliClinic while I was completing my Master of Physical Therapy Program at UBC, which completely changed my understanding of scoliosis treatment. I want to help the next generation of teenagers with scoliosis, so joining the team was a natural next step.

I was diagnosed with scoliosis at age nine. I wore a brace for 3 years until I was told I would r... Read More

Returning from Maternity Leave May 2025

I was diagnosed with scoliosis at age nine, and wore a brace for the following seven years. Throughout this process, my family and I were consistently frustrated with the limited therapy options available and consequently the lack of control over the situation!

I work at The ScoliClinic because I want to provide reassurance to my clients by providing education, and by being an example of how my scoliosis significantly affected my life for the better. After all, my personal experience with scoliosis is what drove me to pursue a career in Physiotherapy.

I do this work to positively impact teens with scoliosis who are experiencing unique, but similar challenges to those I faced. For my adult clients, I love sharing education about their spines, and connecting with others for emotional support.

My Scoliosis-focused practice is strengthened by the following certifications:

• Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School – Schroth Certification (C1 Nov 2016 & C2 March 2020)
• Kinetacore Functional Dry Needling – Level 2 – November 2018
• Kinetacore Functional Dry Needling – Level 1 – August 2016
• UBC Master of Physical Therapy, 2015

Each day, I look forward to the new challenges that encourage me to grow. From unique client circumstances, to mind-bending questions from fellow therapists, I appreciate all aspects of my work and am thankful for the many opportunities for personal and professional development.

Returning from Maternity Leave May 2025 I was diagnosed with scoliosis at age nine, and wore a b... Read More