BodyTech Physiotherapy was created out of a desire to improve the quality of physiotherapy care in the city of Kitchener. By providing high quality, advanced manual therapy treatment to our clients, we are dedicated to offering the most up to date evidence based treatment.
We believe in educating our clients to complement their understanding and therefore response to treatment and aid in injury prevention. Our approach is based on active participation, therefore exercise will be an important part of all treatments. Our physiotherapists have undergone extensive, advanced level post-graduate training to enhance their physiotherapy education, assessment and treatment skills. Our physiotherapists have received their Advanced Diploma in Manual and Manipulative Therapy. They are Fellows of theCanadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (CAMPT)an organization of the International Federation of Manipulative Physical Therapists dedicated to providing the highest level of quality care. We have a combined 15 years of experience in a private practice clinical setting.
OUR PHYSIOTHERAPISTS
Cheryl Reid Ralph, B.Sc. PT, B.Sc. (Biology), Dip. Manip. PT, FCAMPT, Registered Physiotherapist, Clinic Owner
Cheryl, who originally resided in Newfoundland, graduated from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology (2001). After graduating from Acadia University, Cheryl went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2004. She received her Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Orthopedic Division in 2012 and became a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy (FCAMPT).
Cheryl initially worked in Chester, Nova Scotia for 5 ½ years at a private practice clinic. After moving to Ontario in 2009, she continued to work at a private practice in Guelph. With over 9 years of experience as an orthopaedic physiotherapist, Cheryl felt she was ready to further develop her passion for orthopaedics and manual therapy. With the help and support of family, friends and clients she decided it was time to open her own physiotherapy clinic to pursue her own professional goals.
Since graduating, Cheryl has continued to complete courses to further her orthopaedic and manual therapy skills. She has completed level 1 acupuncture, neuro-proprioceptive taping, a Shirley Sahrmann course on diagnosis and treatment of movement dysfunction and a Paul Hodges course focusing on core stability. Cheryl has also completed a course on gait analysis to help with improving assessment of running injuries.
As a manual physiotherapist, Cheryl is trained to treat all musculoskeletal conditions of the body and is very passionate about her profession. In her free time Cheryl enjoys running, playing with her dogs and exploring the many trails of the Grand River Region.
Vanessa Rampersad, M.Sc. PT, B.Sc. (KIN), Dip. Manip. PT, FCAMPT, CAFCI, CSEP-CEP, Registered Physiotherapist, Clinic Owner
Vanessa graduated from the University of Waterloo where she completed her Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. After graduating from the University of Waterloo, Vanessa went on to obtain her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto in 2007. She received her Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Orthopedic Division in 2012 and became a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy (FCAMPT). Additionally, Vanessa has a strong interest in exercise science and has been a Certified Exercise Physiologist since 2007 with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. She is also certified with the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute.
Vanessa initially worked in Guelph, Ontario at multiple private practice clinics for 6 years. With a passion for providing high quality, client centred care in orthopaedics and manual therapy, Vanessa decided it was time to start her own clinic to meet these standards of care and further pursue her own professional goals.
To further her education and skills, Vanessa has continued to complete courses on a regular basis and regularly mentors physiotherapy students and physiotherapists. She has completed courses on athletic, rehabilitation and neuro-proprioceptive taping, mobilization of the nervous system, core stability, and advanced examination and diagnosis. She has assisted and taught courses in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of shoulder injuries. Furthermore, Vanessa is a member of Sports Physiotherapy Canada and has provided sport coverage for multiple sports including figure skating with Skate Canada, soccer, and ultimate frisbee at various levels of competition.
As an advanced manual physiotherapist, Vanessa is trained to treat all musculoskeletal conditions with any age group and continues to pursue her passion for being a physiotherapist. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys participating in recreational activities including ultimate frisbee and hiking.
Registered Massage Therapist
Nicole VersteegRMT, B.A. (KIN),Registered Massage Therapist
Nicole Versteeg grew up in Waterloo and is now a resident in the fast growing town of Breslau. Nicole graduated from Darcy Lane Institute in 2005 and has been a Registered Massage Therapist for 8 years. In addition, she has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilfred Laurier University in Kinesiology.
Nicole has worked in a wide range of settings from clinical to spa. She has also worked with a variety of clients who have experienced repetitive strain injuries, tension headaches, motor vehicle injuries such as whiplash and low back injuries, women who are pregnant and infant massage.
Prior to joining Body Tech Physiotherapy, Nicole spent 8 years working alongside chiropractors, physiotherapists and kinesiologists. Nicole’s goal is to help her clients improve their overall health and wellbeing. She enjoys her profession and offers deep tissue to relaxation massage.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, camping, hiking, boating, skiing and playing a variety of sports.
Clinic Hours:
Mon: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Tues: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Wed: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thurs: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Alternate appointment times may be available upon request.
Our Services
We are a team of highly qualifiedphysiotherapistsproviding services to skillfully treat many conditions. These services include manual therapy, exercises prescription, education and pain modalities including acupuncture. See below for more detailed descriptions orclick herefor a list of conditions treated.
Physiotherapy is a health care profession which helps people to restore, maintain and maximize their strength, function, movement, and overall well-being through examination, evaluation, diagnosis and physical intervention. Physiotherapy includes rehabilitation, as well as prevention of injury, and promotion of health and fitness. Your physiotherapists will provide you with an individualized program to meet your specific goals. Your treatment may consist of hands-on manual therapy, pain relieving modalities (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), Ultrasound, Heat/cold packs, Acupuncture), postural or corrective taping, specific exercises and education. We believe in educating our clients to complement their understanding and therefore response to treatment and aid in injury prevention.
Our approach is based on active participation; therefore exercise will be an important part of all treatments. Both strength and flexibility are essential for joint stability and postural alignment. In addition, your physiotherapist will provide you with a preventative exercise program for you to continue beyond your treatment.
Sports physiotherapy is an area of physiotherapy that deals with the prevention, assessment and management of sports injuries and other issues related to physical activity. Services are available to people of all ages involved in sports at any level. Your physiotherapist will help you with a sport specific treatment program to maximize your recovery, aid in safe return to sport and prevent injury reoccurrence.
For safe and quick recovery and return to sport it is important to seek care if symptoms persist for more than 3-5 days. Pain and dysfunction for longer than this period of time may result in compensatory patterns resulting in delayed recovery and future injury. Our primary acute care focus is on pain relief, however pain resolution does not indicate complete recovery. At BodyTech Physiotherapy we focus on a complete approach which also includes flexibility, strength and restoration of sport specific function. This approach ensures gradual and safe return to sport.
Massage therapy consists primarily of hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically, the superficial and deeper layers of muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Various techniques are used to enhance function, aid in the healing process and promote relaxation for the purpose of optimizing health.
Massage therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and optimizes health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Physical function can be developed, maintained and improved; and physical dysfunction, pain and the effects of stress can be relieved or prevented through the use of Massage Therapy.
Today’s Massage Therapists use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to combine traditional Swedish and modern Massage Therapy techniques with exercise and other therapies to treat their clients.
Massage therapy is a regulated health profession in Ontario and is performed by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). A Registered Massage Therapist is an individual who has studied anatomy, physiology, pathology, physical assessment, neurology and treatments at a recognized educational institution; completed 2200 hours of training; successfully completed examinations from the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO); and have been "registered" by the CMTO in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Massage Therapy Act. Massage Therapists maintain their registration by participating in continuing education and a Quality Assurance Program that assists them in the maintenance of high professional standards and quality care of their clients.
At BodyTech Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists use Western medical acupuncture, which is a modality involving the insertion of fine needles that is based on traditional Chinese acupuncture. The needles are inserted at specific points in the body and do not contain any drugs. They stimulate the natural release of your body’s pain killers and anti-inflammatories and promote healing. Acupuncture is mainly used to treat musculoskeletal pain, myofascial trigger point pain, nerve pain, swelling and post-operative pain.
Acupuncture needles are solid, stainless steel, sterile one time use needles. The needles are very fine and flexible and do not have a cutting edge like a hypodermic needle allowing it to slide smoothly through the skin and underlying tissue without trauma. Most people feel a dull, achy sensation when the needle is in place. The needles are left in place for approximately 15-20 minutes.
There are minimal risks with acupuncture, some mild bruising, light headedness and sweating may occur. If these symptoms occur your physiotherapist will promptly remove the needles and help decrease these symptoms.
As registered physiotherapists we are trained to treat all musculoskeletal and orthopaedic injuries from head to toe and for individuals of all ages. We can treat both chronic and acute injuries.
The following conditions below are not a comprehensive list, but just a few of the most common complaints. If you have any questions about your specific condition or injury, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic.
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