Alexandra (Alex) De Vries’s physiotherapy practice focuses on vestibular rehabilitation and concussion rehabilitation. She is one of the most highly trained vestibular physiotherapists in Winnipeg.

Alex graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy from the Industrial University of Santander, Colombia, in 1996. She came to Winnipeg in 1998 and completed a Master of Science in Rehabilitation at the University of Manitoba in 2002.

Alex’s Approach

“I believe there are important social and emotional matters associated with disability from an injury,” says Alex. “Understanding what is most important for a patient is the best way to help them.

“My role as a physiotherapist is to help people take their power back in their lives, by moving better and functioning better. It’s also important for me to advocate for patients – that means I make sure they get the support they need to reach their goals.”

Advanced Training

Alex de Vries has completed extensive post-graduate training.  Most of this training has been in acupuncture and rehabilitation for vestibular, concussion, bone & joint, and respiratory conditions. 

Here’s just a sample of the post-graduate courses Alex has completed:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Competency-Based Course (Emory Conference Center, Atlanta, Georgia, 2017)
• Vestibular Assessment & Management certification (The American Institute of Balance, Florida, May 3-9 2019, with recertification in 2025, 2023 and 2021)
• Concussion management workshop (Concussion Rehab Works, Level 1 2016, Calgary, Level 2, Vancouver 2018)
• Concussion: What about the Neck? (Carol Kennedy, PT, Toronto, 2018)
• Physical Literacy Enhanced Rehabilitation (Dr. Dean Kriellars, 2024)
• Acupuncture certification (Acupuncture Canada, 2008)
• Respiratory Educator certification (Canadian Network for Respiratory Care, 2015). This certification allows her to provide education and treatment for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

In the 21 years Alex has been a physiotherapist in Canada, she has worked in a multitude of physiotherapy environments in both private clinics and public practice. As such, Alex is uniquely positioned to care for patients with complex medical conditions.  

 Read more about Alex here on our website here…

Alexandra (Alex) De Vries’s physiotherapy practice focuses on vestibular rehabilitation and concu... Read More

Ryan Pang holds a Master’s of Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba’s faculty of Medical Rehabilitation.

Ryan’s Approach

“I like to think of every injury as a problem that I need to solve.  And no injury is ever exactly alike,” says Ryan.  “My approach therefore tends to vary, depending on my patient’s injury, the acuteness of the injury and what type of treatment the patient is best responding to.

I’m always modifying my approach to help get my patients better faster.”

Unique Service Offerings

On top of general physiotherapy services, Ryan offers dry needling, acupuncture, and custom orthotics.  He’s also skilled at treating patients by video call.

As a professional mixed martial artist, Ryan has unique insight into preventing and treating injuries associated with martial arts and other high-level sports.  He understands mental, physical, and performance demands facing athletes, and loves to customize his treatment to help them achieve their goals. 

Advanced Training On top of his university qualifications, Ryan has completed post-graduate training in:

• Acupuncture (Acupuncture Canada)

• Dry Needling (Kineticore Functional Dry Needling Level 1)

• Physical Literacy Enhanced Rehabilitation (Dr. Dean Kriellars)

• Functional abilities evaluations and reconditioning programs

• Jaw / Temporomandibular (TMJ) dysfunction treatment

• Custom orthotics (Paris Orthotics Technical training)

• Parkinson’s Disease - Exercise as Primary Treatment (Neurofit BC)

• Ergonomic Assessments

• Low Level Laser

Read more about Ryan Pang on our website here…

Ryan Pang holds a Master’s of Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Science degree from the Universi... Read More

Mouhamed Touré’s approach to physiotherapy is extremely client-oriented. This means that physiotherapy treatment should be tailored to fit each individual patient’s specific goals and needs.

“My goal is to help people get back to doing what they love,” says Mouhamed, “whether that be going for runs, hiking, gardening, returning to sport or simply going for stroll with their loved ones.”

Mouhamed holds a Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation.  He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba. 

About “Exam Candidate” Physiotherapists

An “Exam Candidate” Physiotherapist is the current title for physiotherapists practicing under supervision in Manitoba, registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba.

This title is a misnomer, as these physiotherapists have successfully completed all their academic and licensing exams. They hold at least one university degree in physiotherapy, and have extensive experience in patient care. Upcoming regulatory changes in 2025 are expected change this title to “Physiotherapist Intern.”

Exam Candidates / Intern Physiotherapists practice under the supervision of a senior physiotherapist, to ensure a high quality of patient care.

All physiotherapists entering practice in Canada, be it from a Canadian university or from another country, are required to complete a minimum of six months under a Supervised Practice program in Manitoba.

Mouhamed Touré’s approach to physiotherapy is extremely client-oriented. This means that physioth... Read More

Kris Seo holds a Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University of Manitoba’s faculty of Medical Rehabilitation. He also holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology, with a minor in psychology.

Kris Seo is bilingual and can provide physiotherapy services in both English and Korean. He also has extensive experience prescribing therapeutic exercise, drawing on his graduate-level training, his previous work as a personal trainer and his various roles leading group exercise sessions.

“Clients get the best results when they feel empowered and are active participants in their treatment plan,” says Kris. “I do this by making sure my clients understand their injuries.

“I also like to focus on finding the cause of the injury, not just on treating the symptoms. Knowing the cause is crucial for preventing the injury from happening again, or for resolving long-standing injuries.”

About “Exam Candidate” Physiotherapists

An “Exam Candidate” Physiotherapist is the current title for physiotherapists practicing under supervision in Manitoba, registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba.

This title is a misnomer, as these physiotherapists have successfully completed all their academic and licensing exams. They hold at least one university degree in physiotherapy, and have extensive experience in patient care. Upcoming regulatory changes in 2025 are expected change this title to “Physiotherapist Intern.”

Exam Candidates / Intern Physiotherapists practice under the supervision of a senior physiotherapist, to ensure a high quality of patient care.

All physiotherapists entering practice in Canada, be it from a Canadian university or from another country, are required to complete a minimum of six months under a Supervised Practice program in Manitoba.

Kris Seo holds a Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University of Manitoba’s faculty of Medica... Read More

Don Charbonneau, Physiotherapist, has been treating patients at River East Physiotherapy for nearly three decades. Don graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor’s of Medical Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy from the University of Manitoba. 

Don’s Approach

In the clinic, Don takes a hands-on approach to physiotherapy, customized to each client.  He uses manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and education, so his clients understand how they can best help themselves on their path to recovery.  

Don also uses “modalities,” including acupuncture, dry needling, and low level laser to facilitate healing and restore normal biomechanics.

Don is skilled at providing physiotherapy via video call.  

Advanced Training

On top of his university qualifications, Don has completed the following post-graduate training:

• Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy (Levels 2 & 3, Upper & Lower Quadrant Diplomas, Canadian Physiotherapy Association)

• Acupuncture (Acupuncture Canada)

• Dry Needling (Gokavi Transverse Technique Program)

• Jaw / Temporomandibular (TMJ) dysfunction - Evaluation and Treatment.

• McKenzie Method for Treating Low Back Pain - Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (The Robin McKenzie Institute Canada, Levels A & B)

• Functional abilities program evaluations and reconditioning program

• Custom orthotics

• Low Level Laser

• Parkinson’s Disease - Exercise as Primary Treatment (Neurofit BC)

• Manual Therapy of the Thoracic and Pelvic Outlets Physical Literacy Enhanced Rehabilitation (Dr. Dean Kriellars)

Read more about Don here on our website…

Don Charbonneau, Physiotherapist, has been treating patients at River East Physiotherapy for near... Read More

Lauren Martens holds a Master of Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Manitoba.

As a former varsity-level soccer player, Lauren has a unique understanding of the performance demands facing high-level athletes. She can customize athletes’ rehabilitation plans and training plans to get them back to performance as quickly as possible.

Lauren’s approach to physiotherapy is patient-centered and goal oriented. That means when it comes to patients’ recovery and physical performance, she cares about what her patients care about.

“I focus on helping my patients get back to their day-to-day life,” says Lauren, “and back to the activities they loved doing before they were injured.”

About “Exam Candidate” Physiotherapists

An “Exam Candidate” Physiotherapist is the current title for physiotherapists practicing under supervision in Manitoba, registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba.

This title is a misnomer, as these physiotherapists have successfully completed all their academic and licensing exams. They hold at least one university degree in physiotherapy, and have extensive experience in patient care. Upcoming regulatory changes in 2025 are expected change this title to “Physiotherapist Intern.”

Exam Candidates / Intern Physiotherapists practice under the supervision of a senior physiotherapist, to ensure a high quality of patient care.

All physiotherapists entering practice in Canada, be it from a Canadian university or from another country, are required to complete a minimum of six months under a Supervised Practice program in Manitoba.

Lauren Martens holds a Master of Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the Universi... Read More

Johanna (pronounced “Yohanna”) Nicholson holds a Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University of Manitoba, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Winnipeg. She loves getting clients back to their hobby, sport, job or regular day-to-day activities.

Johanna’s Approach

“I recognize that every injury and each person is very unique,” says Johanna. “So I like to provide a customized approach for each client that will fit with their lifestyle and schedule. I do this by partnering with my clients to meet their rehabilitation goals through a combination of education, hands-on therapy and therapeutic exercises.

“I believe it is important to get to the root of the problem and not only symptom management to help achieve optimal wellness.”

Unique Services

Johanna has a strong interest in relieving pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis, and in getting people back to their active lifestyles after joint replacement surgery. She leads our clinic’s hip & knee classes and our GLA:D classes.

Learn more about our clinic’s Arthritis Relief Program, here.

Advanced Training

On top of her university qualifications, Johanna has completed post-graduate training in:

• The latest evidence-based approaches for managing osteoarthritis (GLA:D Canada)

• Relieving jaw pain & dysfunction 

• Low level laser 

• Physical Literacy Enhanced Rehabilitation (Dr. Dean Kriellars, University of Manitoba)

• Custom orthotics

• Functional reconditioning programs

• Ergonomic Assessments

Read more about Johanna Nicholson on our website, here…

Johanna (pronounced “Yohanna”) Nicholson holds a Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University... Read More

Yulia Agarkov has a keen interest in massage therapy for rehabilitation. She has diverse experience and qualifications as a health care practitioner, including as a nurse and a health care aide.

Yulia graduated from the Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapy in Winnipeg. Her approach focuses on delivering high quality, client-centered care. She is skilled in treating both acute and chronic conditions.

“For me, every client is a challenge,” says Yulia. “I do an assessment to determine what dysfunction my client has, and then find the best way to help them.

“I like to work as a team with other health professionals, including physiotherapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and athletic therapists. I think working as a health care team can help clients achieve their goals faster.”

Yulia is fluent in English, Russian and Hebrew, plus she understands Ukrianian quite well. She’s happy to provide service in these language, to help make clients more comfortable.

Yulia has advanced training in fascial treatment - click here to learn the benefits of fascial treatment.

Given her unique background as a nurse as well as a massage therapist, Yulia is well equipped to treat patients with complex medical conditions.

Read more about Yulia…

Yulia Agarkov has a keen interest in massage therapy for rehabilitation. She has diverse experie... Read More

Karim Nweilati holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba. He has a keen interest in managing chronic back pain, and has completed post-graduate training in treating neck and spine conditions.

Karim’s Approach

“I prioritize understanding my patients’ concerns and needs,” says Karim. “This allows me to develop personalized recovery plans for each patient.

“My goal is to help patients return to their activities, whether it’s walking, sports, or something else. I strive to make physiotherapy enjoyable. And I like to take the time to explain the rationale behind each exercise and treatment technique – patients are often curious about this, and they deserve to know.”

Unique Services

Karim is bilingual and provides physiotherapy services in both English and Arabic.

Advanced Training

On top of his university qualifications, Karim has completed post-graduate training in:

• Relieving neck and upper back pain

• Improving recovery from surgery with Physical Literacy Enhanced Rehabilitation

• Low level laser

• Custom Orthotics

• Relieving jaw pain and dysfunction (TMJ issues)

• Ergonomic Assessments

Click here to read more about Karim on our website…

Karim Nweilati holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Science from the Uni... Read More

Liana Stecky has over 27 years of clinical experience as a Registered Massage Therapist.

Liana’s Approach

Liana is passionate about helping people. She is intuitive and works to create a comfortable and calm environment for her patients. She uses a blend of techniques to treat stress-related concerns, injuries, and acute and chronic pain.

Unique Service Offerings

Liana is a graduate of the Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapy, and has completed extensive post-graduate training. This includes training in relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, cupping, Gua sha Technique, scar tissue massage, and lymphatic massage therapy.

Read more about Liana here, on our website…

Liana Stecky has over 27 years of clinical experience as a Registered Massage Therapist. Liana’s... Read More