Karen graduated from the University of Toronto’s B.Sc. Physiotherapy Program in 1990. Karen has been practicing Orthopedic and Sport Physiotherapy for 30 years in a wide variety of settings including OHIP, home care, multi-disciplinary rehabilitation, and as Clinic Director at the Canadian Back Institute. Karen also adds many more years of experience through personal involvement and injury management, event coverage. At Physio FX, Karen treats a broad range of injuries such as Motor Vehicle Accident injuries, neck and back pain, sciatica, herniated disc syndromes, carpal tunnel, arthritis management, sports injuries, postural malalignments, muscle strengthening and
The Physiotherapy Team
training, and more. In 2004 she opened the doors at Physio FX with a vision of a multidisciplinary facility that remembers what customer service & client centered care really means. Karen’s clinical philosophy centers on educating her clients. Her goal is to get her clients actively involved in the “feeling better” process by clearly communicating the mechanics underlying the injuries and providing the knowledge to fix and prevent future problems. As Clinic Director, Karen fosters warm and personable relationships with everyone. She promotes an open, friendly, and casual atmosphere that we believe really makes a difference!
Dr. Matt Ruston is a friendly and energetic chiropractor at Physio FX and enjoys providing relief, health, and wellness to Scarborough. Matt graduated from New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, New York. Prior to NYCC, Matt graduated from Gannon University In Pennsylvania where he earned his B.Sc. in Biology and played competitive soccer on scholarship. Dr. Ruston is passionate about providing quality care and looks to both combat pain and improve function. He believes that the patient and doctor should work together towards the patient's health goals. Dr. Ruston uses adjusting, mobilization, as well as a variety of modalities and rehabilitation to properly address function, mobility, biomechanics and the nervous system. In his spare time, Matt enjoys soccer, running and playing guitar and bass.
Joanna Luong, RMT
Joanna is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. She completed her training in contemporary Acupuncture at McMaster University. She has numerous work experiences with many other physiotherapy clinics and has been trained in various forms of therapy; this includes Swedish Massage, Myofascial Release, Lymph Drainage, Hot Stone Massage, Relaxation and Deep Tissue Massage. Joanna is well-rounded in many different forms of naprapathy including cupping and acupressure. She strongly believes in proper posture and incorporating daily exercise into ones daily routine. Joanna is passionate about understanding her clients' needs when it comes to feeling better and curing problematic areas; she is consistently researching methods to better her knowledge in doing so.
Ryan is a Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic graduate registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and a member of the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario. An advocate of continued education, Ryan constantly tries to better his skills through studies as well as learning from experience. Through specialty clinics dealing with Multiple Sclerosis, Post Surgery at Toronto Western Hospital, Pregnancy Clinic, Sports Clinic and Seniors Clinic at Loyola Arrupe, Ryan is confident in applying his knowledge in providing a well-rounded and holistic approach in treating his clients. Ryan emphasizes on stress reduction and the correction of postural dysfunctions influenced by poor habits which manifest as day to day aches and pains. He is very thorough and intuitive in identifying problem areas and is passionate in providing self-care and client education which he believes plays a significant role in the recovery. By utilizing various techniques such as Deep Tissue Treatment, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Treatment, Swedish Massage Techniques, and Hot Stone as well as Hydrotherapy modalities, clients can be assured that they are getting an effective high-quality treatment.
Kiara Mercury-Phillips, RMT
Kiara is a graduate of York University's Kinesiology program and Centennial College's Massage Therapy Program. Combining her love for dance and skirt she identifies with the needs for athletes to be the best in their competition by having the proper recovery and maintenance with massage therapy. Kiara has completed sport, hospital DJ rehabilitative outreaches at Toronto Pan Am sports Centre, Scarborough General Hospital and Variety Village. Kiara's most challenging experience was participating in the Low back pain clinic as part of Ontario's Low Back Pain initiative. The clinic allowed her to grow and learn in depth about treating clients with multiple health conditions and chronic pain. Kiara is enthusiastic about working with diverse clients and helping them achieve their wellness goals.
Amanda Adamo, Administrative Team
Amanda is a 3rd year Massage Therapy student at Centennial College. She successfully graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and Psychology. With a background in various styles of dance and soccer, Amanda is passionate about incorporating stretching and exercise into her daily routine.
Dr. Michelle Liberty, BA. DC, FCCSS(C)
Dr. Michelle Liberty has been a chiropractor for over 27 years helping thousands of people of all ages from newborns to the elderly. Her own experiences with back pain and chronic headaches as a teen and athlete led her to become a chiropractic patient during university. That experience changed her health and life in such a profound and positive way that she was inspired to become a Chiropractor. Her approach also encompasses issues of poor posture, disharmony in strength and flexibility, and abnormal or painful biomechanical function of the musculoskeletal system. Dr. Liberty works closely with other health practitioners such as registered massage therapists, naturopaths, personal trainers and a hypnotherapist to ensure that all aspects of her patients’ health are being addressed. Dr. Liberty’s interests have also inspired her to achieve another chiropractic degree as a Sports Injury Specialist. Recently, in association with Complete Concussion Management™ Inc., she has further specialized in the prevention, assessment and treatment of concussions, both acute and chronic such as post concussion syndrome.
Ann-Merrie is a 2nd year student in the Doctor of Chiropractic program at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Prior to CMCC, Ann-Merrie graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Music in trombone performance. She is a friendly and outgoing assistant who has a passion for helping people. When she isn't in the clinic, she enjoys coaching and playing sports, and making music. Ann-Merrie's special interest is to focus on the treatment of repetitive injuries sustained in both sports and music and their similarities.
Regina is a Sutherland-Chan School & teaching Clinic graduate, licensed with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario since 2009. Regina also has a Physiotherapy background; she graduated in Lima-Peru at St. Marcos University in 1995.
Her education is founded on an in-depth understanding of anatomy, physiology, musculoskeletal and myofascial components. Regina loves working in the multidisciplinary environment along with Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Naturopathic Doctors and other Massage Therapists.
Regina started working as a Physiotherapist Assistant at Physio FX when she first arrived in Canada. After graduating Sutherland-Chan School, she began her Massage Therapy practice in 2009. Through the years of working as a Physiotherapist in Peru, Regina loved the hands on work with her clients and as a Registered Massage Therapist, she enjoys working one on one with them, determining the best technique and programs of care. Regina is fluent in Spanish and English and focusses in Therapeutic Massage.