Erika Harder has been working in the physiotherapy world for over a decade! No stranger to receiving treatment, she decided at her own physiotherapy appointment at age 13 to pursue physiotherapy as a career. Erika completed her Bachelor of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University with Distinction and continued into her Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia.
A self professed ‘nerd’, Erika has continued to do postgraduate courses in acupuncture, trigger point needling, vestibular rehabilitation, myofascial release and most recently has become a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapists. Erika loves a dynamic case load ranging from paediatric to geriatric patients, weekend warrior exercisers to sponsored athletes, stroke patients to post oncology. Her passion is to see you return to the type of life you want to live whether that is completing your ultramarathon or being able to finally walk around the block with your grandkids!
BSc Kin, MPT, CAFCI, FCAMPT RPT
Erika Harder
credentials
- Bachelor of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University with Distinction
- Masters of Physical Therapy from University of British Columbia
- Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapists
- Extensive post-graduate work (acupuncture, trigger point needling, tempomandibular (Jaw) joint management, oncology, fascial release)
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Shayne was a long-time student volunteer at Vancouver Island Physiotherapy and is excited to be returning as the newest physiotherapist at VI Physio! Shayne started his learning here back in 2015 and developed a passion for the profession and helping others. Originally pursuing a degree in environmental science, Shayne became more fascinated by human biology and movement and switched his focus towards physiotherapy. Shayne recently graduated from UBC with a Masters of Physical Therapy and is beyond excited to be back on the Island and officially joining the VI Physio team!
Shayne has 10 years of experience working in the service industry and believes that building strong relationships with clients is fundamental to providing quality care. Shayne understands that every person is unique, therefore he likes to work together with clients to develop a specific treatment plan that works for each individual. Shayne’s ultimate goal is to help his clients get back to their favourite activities and empower their confidence in their own abilities and recovery.
When not in the clinic, you can find Shayne out exploring our local trails, down at the beach, or searching for his awful tee shot on the golf course. Stop by for an appointment so we can work together and get you feeling your best!
BSc, MPT
Shayne White
credentials
- Masters of Physical Therapy (2021)
- Orthopaedic Division AIM Level 1 (2021)
- Vancouver Island University, Bachelor of Science in Biology (2016)
- Orthopaedic Division AIM Level 2 upper and lower
- Orthopaedic Division AIM Level 3 upper and lower
- Foundations Health Education AN-IMS Dry Needling
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Sarah has been working as a physiotherapist for over 10 years and has focused her career on “solving the problem.” Her goal is always to get to the root of the issue and develop a long-term plan. Sarah completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of Regina and her Master’s of Physical Therapy at the University of Western Ontario.
In order to best help her patients, Sarah has continued her education by taking courses in various areas to expand her skillset. She is certified in dry needling, acupuncture, and manipulation therapy and has taken multiple courses on various other manual therapy techniques. Sarah loves to work with people of all age ranges, activity levels, and all injuries from head to toe. She believes that a combination of manual therapy and education is the key to success and you can expect a hands-on approach in treatment sessions with her.
Outside of work, you will find Sarah spending time outdoors with her family. She loves to camp, hike, ski, paddleboard, play hockey, softball, or basically any sport she can get involved in.
BSc, MPT
Sarah MacKay
credentials
- Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Regina
- Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario
- Post-graduate work including dry needling/IMS, traditional Chinese acupuncture, spinal manipulation, myofascial release, Mulligan technique
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Jennika (she/her) graduated from the University of British Columbia with her Masters of Physical Therapy and is proud to call Vancouver Island home. She completed her Degree in Kinesiology at the University of Victoria after graduating from Ladysmith Secondary School. Ladysmith was where she first found her love for the physiotherapy profession after a sports injury led her to her first appointment and subsequent recovery. Since then, Jennika has been volunteering and working in the health profession gaining experience with everyone from infants to seniors with varied backgrounds and injuries. She has experience adapting programs to meet your needs. She enjoys looking beyond the appointment to ensure that you are set up for success in all aspects of your life.
In addition, Jennika developed a special interest in pelvic health and provides pelvic health rehabilitation. She is trained to complete internal and external pelvic floor exams and uses a holistic approach to meet individuals where they are at to ensure an individualized plan. Jennika has experience treating pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, and bladder/bowel incontinence. She is committed to taking continuing education courses to ensure you are provided with the most effective and evidence-based treatments. She is motivated to continue improving the lives of her patients by creating an individualized, safe, and supportive environment that meets your needs in and outside the clinic. Using a combination of education, manual therapy and a personalized exercise plan she wants to empower you, so you get back to a lifestyle and the activities you love!
During her free time, Jennika can be found enjoying the outdoors with family and friends through hiking, camping, skiing, canoeing, paddle boarding or trying something new!
BSc, MPT
Jennika Erickson
credentials
- University of British Columbia, Masters of Physical Therapy (2022)
- Pelvic Health Solutions Level 1: The Physical Therapy Approach to Anyone Experiencing Urinary Incontinence (2024)
- Pelvic Health Solutions Level 3: Biopsychosocial Reframed (2024)
- The Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) eLearning Series (2024)
- The Female Athlete Level 1 (2023)
- Orthopaedic Division AIM Level 1 (2022)
- University of Victoria, Bachelor of Science Kinesiology (Co-op) (2019)
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Dr. Ashley Burton is a graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Burton’s main focus is on female care – core rehabilitation in pregnancy, postpartum, and peri/ post-menopausal women. Other areas of focus are athletic rehabilitation and pediatrics. Her treatment styles include chiropractic adjustments/mobilizations, both manual and tool-assisted soft tissue therapy, and performance-focused rehabilitation. With an evidence-based, holistic movement approach to practice, Dr. Burton loves working with individuals to improve their overall fitness, beginning with the foundations of core and pelvic floor strength.
With a history of personal training and her work as a holistic nutritionist, most of her appointments include movement rehab as well as nutritional recommendations related to the neuro-musculoskeletal complaint at hand. Outside of the office, Ashley’s passions include podcasting (The Doctor Ashley Burton Podcast), resistance training, cooking, hiking and trail running, paddleboarding, kickboxing, and reading on the couch with her cat and dog.
BSc DC
Ashley Burton
credentials
- Doctor of Chiropractic Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Bachelor of Science Degree (BSc) from the University of Guelph; majoring in Biomedical Sciences (Honors)
- Registered Holistic Nutritionist (R.H.N) from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; with culinary certificate
- Graston Technique – M1
- Athletic Movement Assessment (Upper & Lower Limb)
- Concussion Prevention, Detection, & Management (MOOC, University of Calgary)
- Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (Exercise I and II)
- Functional Biomechanics Certification (Murray Chiropractic Group)
- Kettlebell Science (Somatic Senses)
- Pediatric Science – Infant Course (Somatic Senses)
- Pre and Post Natal Exercise Specialist (CSEP)
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During her 10 successful years of teaching yoga and Pilates at her Studio, Alison became more and more curious about pain and how it manifests in the body. She added Laser to her repertoire in 2018 and in 2022 Alison graduated from the Pacific Rim College and is now a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncturist. As a Laser Therapist, Alison works with each client and the referring practitioner to create a plan of action around your pain. She brings both compassion and joy to her practice and she loves to treat a wide variety of concerns including sports injuries, arthritis, post-oncology issues, concussions and so much more. Her ultimate goal is to help her clients effectively manage their pain and get back to doing what they love the most!
As a TCM Acupuncturist, Alison helps clients with a wide variety of health concerns, managing internal medicine and physical conditions ranging from emotional well-being and resiliency to digestion and respiratory/post-viral issues. She is particularly passionate about Women’s Health – menstrual attunement, cycle regulation, peri/menopause, and fertility. She believes that TCM can help women manage many conditions they are told are “normal” in a safe and natural way that has been used for thousands of years. If you crave an additional self-care treatment, come experience one of Alison’s coveted Accusculpt Facials. They are the perfect mix of both addressing your general health concerns and leaving your skin glowing and refreshed!
BA, R.Ac
Alison G. Strom
credentials
- R.Ac. Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture Program, Pacific Rim College
- BA -Double Major English Lit/Liberal Arts, Vancouver Island University
- Certified Laser Therapist- THOR Laser
- 500 hr Registered Yoga Teacher
- Registered Mat and Standing Pilates Teacher
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We are a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to helping to empower you to take your recovery into your own hands and get you back to the life you love. We cover all of your bases, including Physiotherapy, Women's Health, Chiropractic, Acupuncture and PBT Laser Therapy.
what we believe in
WE CARE ABOUT YOU, BEYOND YOUR RECOVERY.
I’ve had countless physiotherapy treatments in the past in locations other than Ladysmith. I am now in my late 80’s suffering from osteoporosis as well as fibromyalgia due to my having a chronic medical condition. Shayne’s treatment was almost immediately relieving. It was by far the best treatment I have ever received. He took great care to be not only thorough but careful and gentle too. He also gave me extremely useful advice and tips to help me to avoid future occurrence
- J.S.
"It was by far the best treatment I have ever received."
After years of chronic pain and ongoing appointments with a myriad of chiropractors, massage therapists, and physiotherapists, I was referred to Erika and the Vancouver Island Physiotherapy Clinic. Erika was immediately able to identify the sources of my pain, regardless of the complexity of the presenting issues and I quickly began to feel relief. After a few sessions I am now virtually pain free which is the first time in over ten years. I am extremely thankful to have found her.
- L.S.
"After a few sessions, I am now officially pain free."
Sarah is one of the most comprehensive and knowledgeable physiotherapists I have seen. My needs were clearly heard, the treatment was phenomenal, and I am able to resume all my life’s activities pain-free! Thank you Sarah!
- E.S.
