Advanced Health + Sports Clinic Now Servicing Nanaimo and Greater Parksville
Pacific Station (North Nanaimo)
Norwell Corner (Central Nanaimo)
Parksville
Our Services
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Our team of Physiotherapists are all trained extensively in their respective scopes of practice and ONLY work with you one-on-one to help you reach you overcome obstacles and attain your health goals.
INTRA MUSCULAR STIMULATION
IMS is a highly effective treatment modality used to treat neuropathic pain caused by irritation and/or pressure on nerves causing specific muscles to become shortened and hypersensitive.
CHIROPRACTIC
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or elite athlete, our chiropractor treats the neuro-musculoskeletal system utilizing thorough functional assessment, diagnosis, manual therapies and rehabilitation toward achieving your goals.
ATHLETIC THERAPY + PREGNANCY REHABILITATION
Whether it is on the field or in the clinic, athletic therapy provides immediate injury assessment and rehabilitation, as well as first aid and a variety of techniques to facilitate a safe return to activity.
COMPLETE CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT
Our physiotherapists are educated on the most current concussion management strategies and practice advanced rehabilitation techniques.
VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION
We can perform vestibular rehabilitation following an infection or concussion, provide exercises to help with motion sensitivity, and also treat neck pain or headaches that may be present with your condition as well.
BUMPS + BRUISES CLINIC
We pride ourselves on being a clinic that takes great care of our community athletes. During the high participation months of team sports in Nanaimo & Parksville we provide urgent care hours to accommodate our community athletes.
CUSTOM ORTHOTICS
Our orthotic’s are insoles fabricated in a laboratory following a comprehensive evaluation/assessment of the client’s lower extremities as well as their gait/walking pattern, and clinically relevant symptom behaviour.
LASER THERAPY
We are thrilled to offer the Nanaimo community a highly effective, safe, and evidence-based form of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to help our patients manage pain, heal faster from injuries, and get back to their sports and activities sooner.
SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
Shockwave therapy delivers high-energy acoustic soundwaves to damaged musculoskeletal tissue which induces biological mechanisms that help assist in the regeneration and repair bones, tendons and soft tissue as well as providing pain relief.
TPI GOLF PHYSIOTHERAPY
Are you having difficulty getting through the full 18 holes when you’re playing golf because of pain or fatigue? Maybe you’ve noticed that you can’t hit the ball as far as you once could, or your swing feels limited or ‘off’?
Telehealth / Virtual Rehabilitation
A Telehealth is a great option when your unable to make it to the clinic for a hands-on session. Telehealth allows the patient to still have a productive and meaningful 1-on-1 session with their physiotherapist or chiropractor without having to leave their home or workplace.
ICBC TREATMENTS
Advanced Health & Sports Clinic’s Nanaimo & Parksville locations are recognized healthcare providers that offer treatment for injuries resulting from ICBC motor vehicle accidents.
DANCE PHYSIOTHERAPY
Our dance physiotherapy is designed to cater to the unique needs of dancers, aiming to empower them to achieve their utmost potential and aiding in both goal attainment and injury recovery.
Offered by Isabelle Poulin at our Nanaimo and Parksville clinics.
NEUROLOGICAL PHYSIOTHERAPY
Our brains are dynamic – they thrive on adaptation, always ready to rewire themselves in the face of challenges. Our skilled Neurological Physiotherapists have a deep understanding of your nervous system and its role in your movement and daily function. Our mission is to empower you to maintain vitality, strength, and the ability to engage in activities that light up your life.
Offered in Parksville only.
ADVANCED PERFORMANCE TESTING
Advanced Performance Testing’ at Advanced Health + Sports Clinic provides objective, science-backed insights to help you train smarter, move better, and perform at your peak.
KINESIOLOGY
Whether you’re looking to enhance athletic performance, recover from an injury, or improve overall movement and fitness, kinesiology can play a vital role in your health and wellness journey.
BIOMECHANICAL BIKE FITTING
Our physiotherapy-led bike fitting is based on your unique biomechanics, flexibility, strength, and injury history.
Our Team
A team of passionate and driven individuals who saw a better approach to whole body health and wellness.
We believe in living a life without limits. Simply put, your life is too wonderful to be held back with aches, pains, and conditions that can easily be treated. Our goal is to get you back to better than before with a body that empowers you to live.
Advanced Health + Sports Clinic was launched by Anika & Jake Lussier, fully certified physiotherapists. Under their guidance, they have built a team of expert clinicians on a continued pursuit of education and excellence. The Advanced Health + Sports Clinic team values the opportunity to learn and grow as much as possible within their professional scopes to maximize the value they can bring to the community.
Jake Lussier
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MPT, IMS, CCM
Jake is a fully certified Physiotherapist who obtained a Master’s of Science Degree from McGill University in 2015. Jake then studied at the Evidence in Motion Institute of Health Professionals in the United States where he completed his diploma of Musculoskeletal Management in 2017.
Anika Lussier
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MPT, BSc, IMS
Anika is a Physiotherapist that graduated with a Masters of Physical Therapy from McGill University. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Therapy and years of experience as a certified massage therapist she offers a well rounded physiotherapy experience.
Sara Kloosterschmuck
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MPT, BHK (HONS), IMS
Sara is a licensed Physiotherapist who empowers her patients overcome their injuries. She is a strong believer in individualizing her treatments, working alongside her patients to attain their personal goals and helping them to lead healthy lives.
Sara utilizes a combination of manual therapy skills, IMS, manipulation, and individualized exercise prescription to enable injury healing and injury prevention.
Brandon Butt
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MPT, BKin, FCAMPT, IMS
Brandon completed a bachelor in Kinesiology in 2000 at Simon Fraser University. In 2003, he graduated from the University of Toronto with a Masters in Physical Therapy. In 2006 Brandon traveled to West Australia for post graduate training in spinal and peripheral joint manipulation, completing a Masters in manipulative Therapy in 2006 at Curtin University.
Over the last four years Brandon has traveled with the Canadian National Alpine Ski team playing the role of Sports Physiotherapist treating Olympic athletes and getting them ready for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics which he attended this season.
Kevin Hayes
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MPT, Phed, IMS, CSCS
Kevin’s treatment philosophy involves incorporating manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, and individualized exercise prescription to meet the specific needs of each client.
Kevin has completed several continuing education courses in his physiotherapy career thus far including: Complete Concussion Management, Vestibular Rehabilitation, IMS/Dry Needling, and Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Golf Rehabilitation.
Cole Hogarth
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MPT, BKin, IMS
Cole is one of the few Certified Sports Physiotherapists on Vancouver Island. He relocated to Nanaimo in 2019 after earning a Master’s in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta. Before pursuing physiotherapy, Cole gained extensive experience as a Personal Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Coach, and Kinesiologist. His background working with high-performance athletes has shaped a dynamic treatment approach that integrates hands-on techniques with individualized rehabilitative exercise.
Cole is committed to meeting people where they are in their physical journey and working with them to achieve their goals. When he’s not in the clinic, Cole can be found exploring the outdoors, lifting weights in the gym, climbing in the mountains, or running the trails. His passion for family, fitness, adventure, and human performance drives both his personal and professional pursuits.
Janine Webber
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MPT, BSc, IMS
Janine graduated with a degree in Physiotherapy from the University of the Witwatersrand Physiotherapy in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is well experienced in treating pain and sports injury.
Janine is passionate about seeing patients fully recovered and reaching their goals!
Isabelle Poulin
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MPT, BSc, IMS
Isabelle is a physiotherapist who obtained a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from Queen’s University. Isabelle understands the importance of a holistic approach, and really works to find a treatment plan that treats the individual as a whole.
Isabelle enjoys being active and spending time outside. She particularly enjoys hiking, yoga, camping, paddle boarding, participating in triathlons and spending quality time with her family, friends, and animals.
Corey Goldberg
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MPT, BCom, IMS
Corey graduated with a Master of Science in Physiotherapy from McMaster University. He combines hands-on techniques with education and therapeutic exercise to help his patients get back to the activities that are important to them. When he’s not in the clinic, you may find Corey hiking, biking, paddling, or running his way across the island.
Marita Deschiffart
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MPT, BKIN
Marita graduated with her Master’s of Physiotherapy Studies from the University of Queensland, Australia in 2022. She has moved back to Vancouver Island to build her career in health rehabilitation and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
Marita grew up running track and competed internationally in 2012 at the World Youth Track and Field Games in Donetsk, Ukraine. As a former professional athlete, Marita is very passionate about sport rehabilitation and understands the impact that injuries can have on everyday life. She welcomes any opportunity to help support patients to overcome adversities and get them back to the activities that are important to them.
Laura Churchill
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MPT, MSc, PhD
Laura is a physiotherapist with clinical and research expertise in the rehabilitation of athletes and active adults. She completed her Master of Physical Therapy and PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences at Western University, followed by a Post-doctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Colorado. She conducts research at the University of British Columbia and is a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Physical Therapy.
Laura combines her expertise, research and experience as an athlete to support patients along their own journey.
Baneesha Gill
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MPT, Bsc
Baneesha is a physiotherapist who is born and raised in Nanaimo and is 2024 graduate from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia’s Masters of Science in Physical Therapy program.
Being active and playing on teams sparked Baneesha’s passion for the field of physiotherapy and she is excited to explore the research on treatment protocols, prioritize preventative treatment as well as continuing to be a student in the physiotherapy field.
In her free time Baneesha enjoys being active, drinking coffee and spending her time exploring the Island.
Brittany Wakely
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MPT, BSc
Brittany completed her masters of Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia.
Brittany takes a combined approach to her treatments with the combination exercise therapy and hands on manual techniques to create a well rounded personalized treatment plan. In her free time Brittany loves to be active and enjoys weight training, running and exploring the beautiful outdoors.
Thalia Pisaric
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MPT, BKIN, IMS
Thalia is a physiotherapist with a Master of Science in Physiotherapy from McGill University, and previously completed a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from McMaster University.
Thalia is passionate with her treatments and wants to help community members participate in the activities that are most important to them, with the goal of providing tools to live a healthy lifestyle.
Bella Starr
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MPT, BSC
Bella graduated from her Master’s in Physiotherapy in Ireland, where she developed special interests in neurological rehabilitation, geriatric care and work related injuries in first responders.
Bella is passionate about helping her clients safely achieve independence and function through patient-centered, evidence-based physiotherapy.
Jannel Flores
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
BScPT, IMS
Jannel has been a physiotherapist since 2017 with her main focus being sports and orthopedic physiotherapy. Her love for sports medicine was sparked by her childhood participation in a variety of sports, including softball and volleyball and has inspired her through her career thusfar.
Dr. Joe Foglia
CHIROPRACTOR
DC, BHK (HONS), CSCS, FR®, ART®
Dr. Joe Foglia specializes in a system that utilizes the best scientific evidence and strategies available to thoroughly assess, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate conditions of the body’s muscular, skeletal and neurological systems.
Dr. Sarah Shepherd
CHIROPRACTOR
DC, BSc
Dr. Shepherd thoroughly assesses her patients before communicating a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. She focuses on uncovering and understanding the root cause of her patients’ injuries and pain. Dr. Shepherd uses a diverse range of treatment techniques which includes chiropractic adjustments, mobilizations, cupping, soft tissue therapy, orthotics, shockwave, laser, rehabilitative exercise and patient education.
Dr. Erica De Schiffart
CHIROPRACTOR
DC, BSc
Dana is excited to help individual’s reach their peak performance level no matter what their occupation, activity, or sport may be through prevention, rehabilitation, and sound return to play (activity) planning. She believes her experience as an athlete herself helps her to be the holistic therapist she is today.
Dana Lainchbury
ATHLETIC THERAPIST
BAET, CAT(C)
Dana is excited to help individual’s reach their peak performance level no matter what their occupation, activity, or sport may be through prevention, rehabilitation, and sound return to play (activity) planning. She believes her experience as an athlete herself helps her to be the holistic therapist she is today.
Travis Michelson
KINESIOLOGIST
Travis Michelson is a dedicated Kinesiologist who made the move from South Africa to beautiful Nanaimo, BC. Growing up, he was always on the move—whether playing sports, exploring the outdoors, or engaging in any activity that kept him active. This lifelong passion for movement led him to pursue a career in kinesiology, where he could help others stay active and achieve their health goals.
Some Words from Our Patients
Kristina Laven
I underwent ACL reconstruction surgery and was referred to Anika from another physio patient of hers. My post-surgery rehabilitation has been so much smoother than I ever anticipated and it is all thanks to Anika. She is cautious, yet knows when it’s safe to push me and I have made huge strides under her care. Not only is she an expert in her field, but she is present, makes you feel at ease, and always gives sound advice. Anika successfully diagnosed an infection in my knee after surgery and I am so grateful her keen eyes helped me catch the problem before things got worse.
Need an Appointment?
Hours of Operation
Mon
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tue
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wed
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thu
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Fri
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat - Sun
CLOSED
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