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Michael Poling – Physiotherapist / Kinesiologist / Ergonomist / Acupuncture Certified / Partner Michael Poling obtained his Degree in Physical Education followed by a Masters Degree in Sports Science (Sports Medicine) at Lakehead University in 1995. He obtained a Masters Degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University in 2004 after practicing as a Kinesiologist for 13 years across Canada. Michael is an active faculty member of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine since its inception, the University of Toronto and a Professional Associate of McMaster University. Although capable of treating all areas of the body, Michael has special interest in spinal (neck and back) cases as well as lower extremity injuries of any sort. Michael is fully certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), also known as the McKenzie Method. He brings this to his treatment of spinal problems and treatment of the extremities. He is certified in acupuncture and has completed courses in the Mulligan, Sahrmann, Myofascial Release and Core Stabilization techniques. He also has training in Manual Therapy, Myofascial and Soft Tissue Release. He has completed many courses on taping, including Kinesiotaping, and uses this in his practice regularly. Michael studied gait analysis and orthotics fabrication in California and Spinal Rehabilitation with several internationally prominent spinal surgeons in Toronto and Calgary. He has worked with professional athletes, professional musicians and patients of all ages and backgrounds. His work with Chronic Pain and coursework in Advanced Pain Medicine through the University of Toronto has enhanced his treatment of this complex problem. Michael is also a Certified Ergonomist, Supreme Court recognized expert at Functional Capacity Evaluation and a Kinesiologist. |
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Jason Taddeo – Physiotherapist (FCAMPT / Part B) / Acupuncture & GunnIMS Certified / Partner Jason is a lifelong resident of Northwestern Ontario. He completed his Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology and Interdisciplinary Minor in Gerontology in 2003 at Lakehead University. Following this, he completed his Masters of Science in Physiotherapy at McMaster University. Jason has been working in a variety of private, public and long-term care settings since returning home; currently he co-owns Fairway Physiotherapy, where he practices full-time. Jason is Certified (CAFCI) with the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and holds a Fellowship with the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapists (FCAMPT) in orthopaedic manual physiotherapy. He is certified in Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), an evidence based form of medical acupuncture which yields very good results for many chronic pain conditions. His primary areas of interest are in shoulder-neck pain, temperomandibular pain and lumbo-pelvic dysfunction. In his spare time, he enjoys being active outdoors, golf, fishing and quiet family time with his wife and son. His was Past-President for the NWO District of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) and currently sits on the OPA Private Practice Committee, being very active within his profession. Jason is also a faculty member with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), and lectures in the Clinical Sciences Division. Jason is proud to call Thunder Bay his home and is committed to improving the well-being of its local residents. |
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Bruno Lacaria – Physiotherapist
Bruno Lacaria has been providing physiotherapy services in Thunder Bay for the past 18 years. In addition to attaining a Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto in 1993, Bruno has extensive post-graduate training in the mechanical assessment and treatment of spinal pain utilizing education and pain control exercise with the purpose of empowering individuals (MDT/McKenzie therapy), manual therapy including mobilizations, mobilizations with movement, and manipulation, as well as, therapeutic taping for joint and neurogenic pain, muscular retraining for the spine, shoulder, knee,hip and temporamandibular joint, and acupuncture. As an individual who was diagnosed with psoaritic arthritis 12 years ago, Bruno understands the importance of lifestyle including exercise, diet, positive thinking, and mindfulness in the management of chronic pain and disease.
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Melissa Harvey – Physiotherapist Melissa Harvey is a physiotherapist that brings two years of experience at the Nipigon District Memorial Hospital, followed by her growing orthopaedic practice here at Fairway. She is a graduate of the McMaster University Master of Science in Physiotherapy program and has a University of Ottawa Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics. In her two years of practice, she has gained a great deal of knowledge and expertise working with clients from 4 months old to 95 years old. Melissa believes in working with her clients to achieve their goals and obtain the best outcome possible. She has training in medical acupuncture, the McKenzie method, the Mulligan Concept, manual therapy and persistent pain management and has used her skills to treat repetitive strain injuries, sports injuries, postoperative conditions, chronic conditions, and spinal conditions. Melissa is currently the Past-President of the Northwestern Ontario District of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, SCUBA diving, and keeping active with many different outdoor activities. |
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Rachel Hovius – Physiotherapist Rachel comes to Thunder Bay from London, Ontario. She received a Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree from the University of Toronto in 2008, after completing an Honours degree in Kinesiology and Science at McMaster University. Since graduating, Rachel has worked in both the hospital and private clinic settings. Rachel has furthered her education with postgraduate courses in manual therapy and sports medicine, evidence-based use of modalities and education on spinal injury management. She is competitively involved in ice hockey and ultimate Frisbee and plays recreationally in Thunder Bay. Rachel loves the summer life of hiking, canoeing, and camping, and has embraced the winter through snowshoeing and snowboarding. |
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Holly Dodwell – Certified Kinesiologist, Certified Ergonomic Specialist (candidate) Holly grew up in Ignace, Ontario and has recently graduated from Lakehead University obtaining her Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology degree. Through her four years of university Holly has volunteered and worked in an array of settings that has provided her with an extensive amount of experience that she is now utilizing in our clinic. Holly provided two years of Kinesiology services to her home community of Ignace, ON through our satellite clinic. She is currently working full-time at the Thunder Bay clinic. Holly has gained a tremendous amount of experience working with our team. She is excited to take on new challenges while working with a diverse group of patients with varying conditions. Holly’s main duties are to provide and assist patients with exercises and modalities to aid in their rehabilitation, instruct patients on exercise technique, lifting postures, and other functional training. Holly has also been trained in functional testing, fitness testing and biomechanical evaluation. She is currently completing her certifications both as an Ergonomic Specialist and in Functional Capacity Evaluation. During her free time, Holly enjoys hunting, fishing, working out, and playing ice hockey. |
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Katherine Hall – Certified Kinesiologist
Katherine is a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay who recently graduated from Lakehead University with an Honours Bachelors of Kinesiology degree. She has experience in many clinical settings which can be applied to her work with Fairway Physiotherapy. Her approach will focus on an exercise based approach to rehabilitation. Katherine is also a varsity athlete competing for Lakehead on the Nordic Ski Team and enjoys spending her winters on the ski trails and summers running and biking. |
| Melissa Schooler – Physiotherapy Assistant
Melissa grew up in Red Rock, ON and recently moved back to the area after completing her post-secondary education is Sudbury, ON. She holds a 3 year Advanced Diploma in Physical Fitness and Leisure Management from Cambrian College and a Diploma in Recreation Therapy from Confederation College. Melissa is currently working offsite at Chartwell Select with residents, as well as the the clinic. She has been working with us since December 2010. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys playing and coaching volleyball, playing a wide variety of other sports, going to the gym, camping and hiking in the summer. |
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Kim Fossum – Registered Massage Therapist (contractor) Kim has been practicing as a Registered Massage Therapist in Thunder Bay for 3 years. She came on as part of the Fairway Physiotherapy team in November of 2007. Kim is a member of the Ontario Massage Therapy Association (OMTA) and has been for 4 years. She attended CDI College (now Everest College) in Thunder Bay where she received her Massage Therapy Diploma. Kim practices therapeutic deep tissue and relaxation massages for patients of all ages. In addition, she offers massage for pre-natal pain, work-related and motor vehicle accident related injuries, as well as athletic injuries. |
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Sheila Sundell – Registered Massage Therapist (contractor) Sheila joined the team at Fairway in the fall of 2008. She is an honours graduate of Everest College and a member of the College of Massage Therapists Association (CMTO) and the Ontario Massage Therapists Association (OMTA). She utilizes a variety of modalities and advanced techniques and her continual learning provides for an up-to-date therapuetic approach. After broad travels Sheila is now back home in Thunder Bay and treats patients with her continually advancing skills. She also provides education to massage therapy students by mentoring them as they learn. In 2010, Sheila worked closely with Canada’s Paralympic Cycling team, as well as the Under 23 X-Country Ski World Qualifiers. She is currently pursuing her Myofascial Release (MFR) Certification as well as other forms of deep tissue massage. |
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Lydia Manzini – Office Manager Lydia manages the office, co-ordinates bookings for the therapists and is always available to assist our patients with their questions. She is usually the first person you’ll meet at Fairway. She’ll assist you from start to finish and find you the earliest available assessment and treatment times. Lydia has been working in physiotherapy outpatient and medical clinics for over 13 years. She has the knowledge and skills to assist you with insurance billings, WSIB patient procedures and assembling the necessary medical information your therapist needs before your consultation. |
News and Updates
New Services!
We are pleased to offer our current and prospective patients with advanced training in vestibular (inner ear & balance) rehabilitation to help to improve their recovery. In addition and new to Thunder Bay, Fairway is pleased to offer intramuscular stimulation acupuncture (GunnIMS) to our collection of acupuncture services already available. Please visit the ‘Services’ section [...]
Read MoreThinking about strength training? Ask a Pro!
We all think about strength training and either think we just need to lift a bunch of weight, or we look at all of the exercises and get confused where we should start. One great place to start is consulting with a kinesiologist or a physiotherapist to get a program designed to fit your goals [...]
Read MoreCombination therapies offer excellent results!
New studies are showing that, despite what some patients get for treatment, combination treatments are usually the most effective way to get better. And specific exercise is almost always part of that combo. This month in the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, a study was published showing that a combination of TENS and [...]
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