Banff Sport Medicine Physiotherapy & Allied Health
Physiotherapists
Our Banff Sport Medicine physiotherapy and allied health team in Canmore provides expert and individualized care using a holistic approach.
Jacob Carter, Registered Physiotherapist
MScPT, BKin, CSCS, IMS, Cert. Manual Therapist ~ Allied Health Manager
Jacob is a manual physiotherapist who works with Olympic, professional and recreational athletes, as well as people of all ages and backgrounds from the general public.
He is passionate about helping his clients not only recover from their injuries, but make strong progression in their sport performance. He does this by blending manual therapy, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), and strength and conditioning strategies.
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Jacob is committed to developing his knowledge and skills within the field of physiotherapy. With six years of university education, over a decade of private practice experience and 25+ post-graduate courses completed to date, he utilizes the latest scientific evidence to diagnose musculoskeletal dysfunctions, and deliver cutting-edge treatment.
Some of Jacob’s advanced areas of training include rehabilitation of tendon pain, foot/ankle pain, as well as concussions. Jacob is also a board member of the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute’s Shoulder Clinical Committee. Through advanced training, Jacob is authorized to order diagnostic imaging. As a result he has the ability to directly refer patients for x-ray, ultrasound and MRI diagnostic services.
Jacob enjoys spending time with his family, rock/ice/alpine climbing, mountain/gravel/road biking, trail running, backcountry skiing and weightlifting.
Ben Lindemulder, Registered Physiotherapist
MScPT, BSc, IMS
Ben is grateful for the opportunity to work with a diverse group of clients in the bow valley. He enjoys helping all levels of athletes rehabilitate from their injuries and perform at their maximum potential. Ben will help to determine the cause of your problem and relieve your pain, whether it is an injury you’ve been suffering with for years or a new annoyance.
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Ben graduated from the U of A with a Masters in Physical Therapy in 2014. Following graduation, Ben has taken multiple manual therapy courses, enabling him to utilize spinal manipulations in his practice. He then continued his learning by taking introductory and advanced intramuscular stimulation courses. One of the most influential courses for Ben’s practice was an integrated course designed to piece together manual therapy, dry needling, and exercise to create lasting results. Ben also has post graduate training in post-concussion management.
During his university education, Ben played NCAA division 1 hockey in Northern Michigan and was a member of the University of Alberta Golden Bears hockey team. His playing highlights include winning a university national championship and playing in the Edmonton Oilers system for the Bakersfield Condors. He also competed in Red Bull Crashed Ice in Quebec City. After his competitive hockey career was over, he pivoted his focus to the mountains. Ben’s current interests include ski touring, cross country skiing, running, hiking, mountain biking, and weight training.
Aly Walford, Registered Physiotherapist
MScPT, BScRehabSc, IMS
A strong believer in teamwork and an active approach, Aly is excited to work with you to help you navigate through your injury, recovery, and return to activity/performance. She recognizes how injury can affect your identity when you are not able to participate in your usual hobbies or activities. She enjoys educating herself and others to minimize the risk of injury/re-injury with prevention strategies.
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Aly completed her Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s of Physical Therapy at McGill University. Since graduating, she has taken courses in manual therapy, biomedical dry needling (IMS), pelvic health (Treating & Training the Female Athlete), and ACL rehab to name a few. Aly is a certified Pelvic Health specialist and treats women 18yrs+ with a number of complaints, such as incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, diastasis, and return to sport post partum.
A passionate runner and member of the Canadian National Ski Mountaineering Team, you can often find Aly out playing or training in the mountains year round.
Nicole Tos, Registered Physiotherapist
MScPT, BKin, IMS
Nicole enjoys working with people of all ages and levels of activity to continue doing what they love throughout their lifetime. She recognizes the role sport and activity plays in a person’s lifestyle and how it shapes their community.
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With a thorough approach, she strives to understand the complexities of every person’s concerns and help them achieve their sport and activity goals. Nicole works collaboratively with patients and other clinicians to develop personalized treatments for the recovery and prevention of injury, and for the improvement of long-term conditions.
Raised in the Bow Valley, Nicole graduated from the University of Calgary and continued onto the University of Alberta to complete her Master’s in Physical Therapy. She enjoys continuing her learning and has completed a number of courses which include: Functional Range Conditioning, Functional Dry Needling, Soft Tissue Release, and is working through her orthopaedic levels. Through continuous learning and several years of private practice experience, Nicole follows an active and evidence-based approach to treatment.
Outside of work, you can find Nicole enjoying and exploring the outdoors while rock climbing, hiking, biking and backcountry skiing.
Heather King, Registered Physiotherapist
DScPT, BHSc, FCAMPT, CAFCI, SPS
Heather started her Physical Therapy career at the University of Toronto after an undergraduate degree at Queen’s University. She earned her diploma in Manual and Manipulative Therapy with Distinction from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
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Heather utilized her advanced Sports Physical Therapy certification to work as part of the host medical team in the Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympics. Heather holds a Menopause Coaching Specialist certification and excels at integrating her clinical, sport and educational experience to partner with you to optimize your performance.
Allied Health
Dietetics & Sport Nutrition, Massage Therapy, Strength & Conditioning, Psychology
Lindsay Haager, Registered Dietitian
BSc, RD, CDE, IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition
Lindsay is a seasoned registered dietitian with over a decade of professional experience. While her expertise spans a broad spectrum of sports nutrition, she holds a special passion for optimizing nutrition in the realms of endurance sports, climbing, injury recovery and skimo racing. She is a firm believer in equipping clients with the tools and knowledge needed to maximize their athletic performance and health through nutrition.
Lindsay happily works with clients 18 years of age and older.
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Possessing a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Lindsay successfully completed her Integrated Dietetic Internship at Acadia University. Lindsay is honored to have been selected and complete the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Sports Nutrition Diploma, instructed by several international leaders of various sports nutrition fields. Her interests and knowledge have been demonstrated by past projects including “iron and the female athlete”, “diabetes management at regular, high-altitude, and extreme high-altitude environments”, “foods available at recreation facilities” and more recently with the IOC course “nutrition for skimo racing”.
In addition to her interest in performance and recovery nutrition, Lindsay has extensive experience in chronic disease nutrition. She has been a certified diabetes educator for over seven years and routinely assists in developing guidelines and educational materials for other chronic disease dietitians. She has worked extensively with diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, chronic kidney disease and cancer.
Her personal history also demonstrates a passion for athletics. Her resume includes varsity soccer, a variety of team sports, weightlifting, long-distance running, rock and ice climbing, skiing of all varieties, and canyoneering.
Michelle Spuzak, Registered Massage Therapist
Michelle is a registered massage therapist specializing in orthopedic massage. Her passion for knowledge has led her to pursue many modalities including holistic health coaching, advanced prenatal massage, TMJ (jaw) dysfunction, concussion & whiplash protocols, myofascial therapy, breast care, and much more.
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Michelle received her diploma from Western College of Remedial Massage Therapy (Regina, SK) in 2006. Michelle and her partner owned a gym and massage practice for several years in rural Saskatchewan before coming to the Bow Valley in 2015.
Michelle’s treatments are deeply therapeutic and use a variety of techniques to achieve patient needs and goals. She has experience in fascial release, joint mobilization, trigger point release, assisted stretching, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and more. She enjoys working with a wide variety of people from all walks of life. Whether you are an athlete, mom to be, or recovering from surgery.
Outside the clinic you’ll find Michelle enjoying the outdoors on a hiking trail or in a kayak, dancing, or with a book dreaming up her next road trip adventure.
Lucas So, Registered Psychologist
M.Ed., R.Psych
Lucas is a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Education, Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Toronto. He has counselling experience in both private and public settings, working with people of all ages, with a specialty in trauma processing. His passion for psychology stems from a deep belief in people’s ability to heal and grow, even through life’s inevitable challenges.
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By using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Lucas helps clients break free from negative thought patterns that often hold them back. He guides them to reshape their beliefs about themselves, others, and the world, empowering them to build a healthier self-image, foster secure relationships, and thrive in both personal and professional aspects of life.
Lucas also incorporates Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to help clients process trauma, allowing them to find meaning and live fully alongside the difficult
experiences they carry.
Having lived in various countries and experienced diverse cultures, Lucas deeply understands that every client’s story is unique. He offers a compassionate, non judgmental space for clients to explore their personal journeys and embrace their differences.
On his private time, Lucas likes to boulder, play basketball, and he regularly lifts weights. Lucas also likes to spend time with his wife and friends.
Neil Fox, Kinesiologist
B.Kin, CPTN-CPT.M
As a Kinesiologist and Certified Personal Trainer, Neil Fox has been profoundly impacting countless individuals’ lives for the past 27 years. Neil’s dedication to his craft extends beyond his journey. Having earned a Bachelor of Kinesiology with a minor in psychology from McMaster University in 1997, he deeply understands the intricate connection between physical and mental well-being.
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After graduating, Neil practiced as a Kinesiologist in an Ontario clinic before moving to the mountains. Neil has worked with athletes of all disciplines competing on the world stage, from cross-country skiing and downhill skiing to snowboarding, swimming, climbing, and running.
In 2002, after a mountain bike accident that rendered him quadriplegic, Neil faced unimaginable challenges. Yet, one year later, fueled by an unyielding determination, he recovered, resumed training for downhill mountain bike racing, and raced at the pro level. However, his journey didn’t come without setbacks. Neil experienced a herniated disc in his lower back, leading to excruciating pain and a significant hurdle in his path to recovery. His commitment to learning from his mistakes, training smart, and growing every day has become the foundation of his philosophy.
His commitment to changing lives as a kinesiologist has not gone unnoticed. Neil recently received the prestigious Canadian Personal Trainers Network Award of Merit for his outstanding contributions to the fitness industry.
Neil enjoys quality time with his 9-year-old son, indulging in their favorite pastimes of shinny, soccer, snowboarding, biking and creating art together.
Jake Watson, Kinesiologist
P.Kin, CSEP-CEP, CESP-HPS
Jake is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist and High Performance Specialist who has experience working with professional, recreational, and youth athletes in exercise rehabilitation and performance.
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His passion lies in returning clients back to, and beyond, previous levels of performance so they can keep pushing the boundaries in their chosen sports and activities. His also has in-depth understanding and additional training in ACL rehabilitation and the journey to a successful return to peak performance.
Originally hailing from Perth, Australia, Jake’s love for mountain life led him to the Canadian Rockies. As an athlete he played soccer at a semi-professional level, but now has an enthusiasm and passion for various sports, including mountain biking, snowboarding, trail running, cross-country skiing (very average), and beer league hockey.
After arriving in Canada, Jake served for several years on the board of directors for the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance until 2018. This experience has enriched his understanding of the field, and allowed him to contribute significantly to the advancement of kinesiology and sports rehabilitation in Canada.
Jake’s dedication to keeping the spirit of mountain pursuits alive is evident in his work.
Chelsea Mackenzie, Kinesiologist
M.Kin, CSEP-CEP, NSCA-CSCS
Chelsea Mackenzie (Deschamps) has over 13 years experience working with people in the strength and conditioning industry. Her education includes a Master’s degree in Kinesiology (MKin) from the University of Calgary and she is a Certified Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP).
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Having worked with folks from Olympic athletes to those recovering from injury, Chelsea is passionate about finding the creative edge in connecting with each individual and has a sharp eye for movement quality.
Chelsea has previously been a luge athlete, rower, and soccer player. These days she enjoys trail running, downhill and nordic skiing, fly fishing, baking, and a good dog walk in the forest.