Dr. Sara Burtinsky graduated as a Doctor of Chiropractic from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in June 2010 with a clinic honours distinction. Prior to her schooling at chiropractic college she graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor of science degree in health fitness in preventative and rehabilitative programs where she was on a full scholarship for gymnastics. Dr. Burtinsky has furthered her education with certifications in soft tissue treatments such as Active Release Technique® and Graston®. Athletics was a vital part of Sara’s motivation in becoming a chiropractor, as she experienced many injuries and hardships in her 18 year gymnastics career. She has experience in high level athletics as well as involvement with Division I and National level team therapists.

Dr. Sara Burtinsky graduated as a Doctor of Chiropractic from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic Coll... Read More

Jay Huggins graduated from McGill University with his Master of Science in Physical Therapy. Previous to that, Jay completed his Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Environmental Biology from Thompson River University.

Jay was born and raised in Nanaimo and played any sport that he could growing up, with baseball being the one that stuck. He was a member of the Nanaimo Pirates Baseball Club in high school and had the privilege to attend Taft College in California to play baseball while pursuing his post secondary education. Jay continued his active lifestyle after baseball by taking up kickboxing, squash and running.

Jay doesn’t try to “fix” patients, and instead facilitates patients back to recovery. Jay’s approach to physiotherapy is aimed at building a patient’s tools to self-manage their injury or condition and believes that recovery is when they perceive their body as strong, resilient and adaptable. Jay wants patients to understand the contributing factors to pain and injury beyond the structures that are affected.

Jay is always looking for the most effective ways to treat his client’s and will be offering the cutting-edge treatment option of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR), which allows the use of low intensity resistance exercise while getting the strength benefits of high intensity resistance exercise.

Jay Huggins has completed post-graduate certificates in manual therapy, Blood Flow Restriction Training, whiplash injuries and radiography.

Jay Huggins graduated from McGill University with his Master of Science in Physical Therapy. Prev... Read More

The island is in Rich’s blood as a born and raised Islander. He did leave the rock for a short stint for his education before returning back to the place he calls home.

Rich Huggins graduated from University of Alberta with his Masters of Science in Physical Therapy in 2009. Prior to that he completed his Bachelor of Human Kinetics from University of British Columbia in 2004. Post graduate courses help Rich stay professionally current so he can provide the most effective combination of physiotherapy services for each individual patient.

Post graduate certifications include: - Sports Physio Diploma (Registered International Sports Physiotherapist) - Complete Concussion Management Certified Practitioner - G:LAD Certified Therapist - Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) - Manual Therapy Level 3 Upper and Lower - Kinesiotape Levels 1 and 2 - Vestibular Rehabilitation - First Aid Sports Responder / Outdoor Emergency Technician Certificate - Mulligan Mobilizations - Lyn Watson Shoulder Course

Since graduating as a Physiotherapist, he has provided outstanding rehabilitation in private practice settings on Vancouver Island and in Australia. Rich also has a undeniable passion for the local sports community and has worked with the Cowichan Valley Capitals Junior A Hockey Club, Nanaimo Senior Pirates Baseball Club, UBC Thunderbirds Men’s Ice Hockey Club, Alpine Canada Olympic Ski Team, Mid-Island Soccer and Cowichan Piggies Rugby Club. He was also part of the medical teams for the BC Summer Games in 2010, 2014 and 2018 and BC Summer Disability Games in 2004.

Outside of work you’ll find Rich doesn’t sit still well. He’s either surfing, mountain biking, skiing, adventure racing or spending time with his wife, 2 daughters and dog Brewer. Rich also coaches the local “Blue Llamas” U10 / 11 Girls Soccer Team and volunteers with the Mount Washington Ski Patrol.

The island is in Rich’s blood as a born and raised Islander. He did leave the rock for a short st... Read More

Jane graduated from the University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics in 2017. She then completed her Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, where she learned from the world renowned exercise physiologists in helping all populations (healthy or clinical) on how to advance their quality of life using exercise as medicine.

Following the completion of her Master’s in 2019, Jane travelled back to Canada, and has worked as a registered kinesiologist (BCAK) and clinical exercise physiologist (CSEP).

Her specialty is working with clinical populations such as those with cardiopulmonary, neurological, cancer, and metabolic conditions. Jane also has a passion for musculoskeletal injuries, women’s health and healthy aging clients to help increase overall health using exercise prescription and finding enjoyable activities to keep people moving. Jane also uses her kinesiology experience to help those injured at work or in motor vehicle accidents to return to work and continue to increase movement and strength. More recently she has completed extra training for pregnancy and post partum exercise, as well as Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis rehab through GLA:D Canada.

As a Kinesiologist and Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Jane has a strong knowledge of biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, neuroscience and psychology that she can draw on to assess and treat patients. Her wide scope of practice and expertise in human movement makes Jane a great option for athletic/sport performance, injury rehabilitation/prevention, and occupational rehabilitation/fitness. Let Jane help you reach your peak performance, function and personal goals now!

Jane graduated from the University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan with a Bachelor of Human Ki... Read More

Dr. Kaylee Peters graduated from the Doctor of Chiropractic program with Cum Laude distinction at University of Western States in Portland, Oregon . Prior to studying chiropractic, she received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Alberta. Kaylee practices diversified chiropractic and uses tools such as joint manipulation, pin and stretch, cupping, and exercise therapy to help you achieve your wellness goals. Before attending chiropractic school, she worked as a Kinesiologist in several different areas including sports rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, and chronic pain management. She also has experience coaching youth soccer. Kaylee’s athletic history is what pushed her towards chiropractic – she was a competitive swimmer, division 1 soccer player, and participates in dance and aerial arts. As an avid outdoor adventurer, you can find her running, hiking, camping, and combing the beaches of beautiful Vancouver Island when she out of the office.

Dr. Kaylee Peters graduated from the Doctor of Chiropractic program with Cum Laude distinction at... Read More

Jenn relocated from the prairies to Vancouver Island in 2016. She graduated with her Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Manitoba in 2015 and prior to that, completed her Bachelor of Science with distinction from the University of Manitoba in 2013.

Continuing education is important to provide evidence-based treatment. Since graduating, Jenn has completed the following courses:

• Level 1 in The Diploma of Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Therapy
• Level 2 in The Diploma of Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Therapy – Upper
• Level 2 in The Diploma of Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Therapy - Lower
• Bobath Concept: Study of Human Movement, Balance, and Functional Movement
• McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy Part A: Lumbar Spine
• Red Cross Sport First Responder
• Activator Pole Walking Course
• Lyn Watson Shoulder Course
• Dry Needling Canada Level 1: Extremities
• Dry Needling Canada Level 2: Spine
• Pelvic Health Solutions Level 1
• Pelvic Health Solutions Cesarean Birth

Outside of the clinic, Jenn is an active outdoor enthusiast, usually found mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, trail running, or snowboarding. In addition, she enjoys her time practicing yoga, canoeing, playing volleyball, and playing piano. Although most of her time is now spent chasing after her twin boys!

Jenn is dedicated to facilitating your safe and timely recovery so you can return to the activities that you enjoy most!

Jenn relocated from the prairies to Vancouver Island in 2016. She graduated with her Masters of ... Read More

Natalie Sagle graduated with a Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia in 2013. Prior to completing her Master’s Degree, she completed a 4 year Honours Degree in Health Psychology. She is also certified as a Yoga Instructor, Holistic Nutritionist and has trained in and practiced various forms of bodywork such as Deep Tissue, Thai, and Relaxation massage; developing her aptitude for hands on healing. Natalie has been practicing Physiotherapy at Active Solutions since her family re-located to Vancouver Island in 2018. In addition to treating injuries in all areas of the body, she is passionate about working as a pelvic floor physiotherapist. She thrives working with pregnant and postpartum women and has done additional training as a Physio Doula. She supports the birthing person, through a trauma informed lens, with the physical challenges that come with pregnancy, birthing and beyond. Whether a vaginal or cesarian birth, Natalie has tools to support optimal recovery of the pelvic floor, core and/or cesarian scar. In addition, she offers birth preparation sessions focusing on maternal support through comfort measures using a deep understanding of pelvic biomechanics. Pelvic floor physiotherapy techniques have excellent evidence for treating prolapse and bladder and/or bowel incontinence. Such conditions are not only seen postpartum, but are also common during menopausal and post-menopausal years. Natalie addresses these muscular dysfunctions as she recognizes how they greatly affect one’s quality of life. She also has a keen interest in encouraging active lifestyles in the aging population by targeting balance, mobility, strength, and coordination. She has experience developing and running falls prevention programs and enjoys facilitating continued physical confidence and independence in her clients. Natalie also has a deep understanding of injuries and dysfunctions of the cervical spine (neck), Thoracic spine (upper back) and Tempomandibular (jaw) joint. She has strong skills in manual therapy and rehabilitation exercises for these mentioned areas, yet also had the lived experience of persistent neck, back, and jaw pain. Her personal recovery journey after a motor vehicle accident led her to become a Physiotherapist. Given her diverse training and experience, Natalie integrates various healing approaches including a combination of hands on therapies and active rehabilitation. Her practice focusses on discovering and addressing the root of the problem while targeting the client’s individual goals. She enjoys an active lifestyle including playing soccer, hiking, running, yoga and meditation, paddleboarding, snowboarding, and chasing her 2 small children around! She looks forward to guiding your return to the life and activities you love! Additional post graduate courses and training she had completed are listed below:  Pelvic Health Solutions Level 1  Cesarian birth and Rehabilitation  Labour and Delivery: Maternal Support Through Comfort Measures and Pelvic Biomechanics  Prenatal Yoga Instructing  The Tempomandibular (Jaw) Joint: Physical Therapy Approach to Evaluation and Effective Management  The Cervical Spine: Neural Tissue Mechanosensitivity  The Shoulder Complex  The Lumbar Spine: Neural Tissue Mechanosensitivity  The Hip Complex  The Knee Complex: Persistent Patello-femoral Syndromes and Knee OA  The Foot and Ankle Complex  The Elbow, Wrist and Hand Complex  First Aid and CPR

Natalie Sagle graduated with a Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbi... Read More

Caroline graduated with a Bachelor’s of Physiotherapy from Laval University in 2000.

Her curiosity having led her to discover different health care environments in the province of Quebec, she has more than 20 years of combined experience in pain management, adults rehabilitation, palliative care, pediatric, women pelvic floor and vestibular physiotherapy.

Recently arrived in Ladysmith to share precious moments with her family and enjoy the island’s nature, she has joined the team and is pleased to offer her services to the community.

Caroline enjoys working with a variety of clientele, including babies and children, women during pregnancy and in the post partum phase, women experiencing urinary incontinence, adults with acute or persistent pain, patients with postural concerns and those seeking to improve their movements quality.

Her vision of the body’s issues is inspired by holistic approaches. Caroline is extensively trained to analyze posture, gait and any problematic movement, enabling her to understand the biomechanical sequence leading to the difficulties.

The aims of her sessions are to help her clients clarify their own situation through observation, and to guide them finding more efficient and comfortable ways to accomplish their tasks, sports or other activities.

She finds satisfaction discovering simple and effective solutions, working collaboratively and supporting children’s development. Manual therapy, home exercise programs along with teaching and advice are part of her tool box.

Recent post-graduate courses Caroline completed include :

General population

• ConnectTherapyTM - Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4
• Manual Therapy for The Ocular System
• Vestibular Rehabilitation

Women’s health (Pregnancy and Post partum)

• Holistic Treatment of the Postpartum Body
• Pelvic Floor Support Systems in Postpartum Recovery, Pelvic Pain and Prolapse
• Core Confidence for Pelvic Health

Babies and Children

• Pediatric Integrative Manual Therapy (plagiocephaly, torticollis, feet deformity, developmental delays, coordination problems)
• Breastfeeding and suction, deglutition, phonation difficulties

Always striving for the best results, she’ll bring together all her knowledge and experience to help you meet your personal challenges or those your child is facing.

Caroline graduated with a Bachelor’s of Physiotherapy from Laval University in 2000. Her curiosi... Read More