Dr. Michalowski graduated from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. She continued her studies at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude as a Doctor of Chiropractic. During her clinical internship, Karolina worked collaboratively with medical doctors and other healthcare providers at St. Michael’s Hospital to co-manage chronic pain patients. While studying at CMCC, she also became certified in Contemporary Medical Acupuncture and took courses in Active Release Techniques (ART).

Dr. Michalowski takes an evidence-based, patient-centred approach to care. She combines current research with the values of her patients to create an individualized treatment plan for them. Her treatments may include a combination of patient education, hands-on care (soft tissue therapy, joint mobilization and manipulation, acupuncture), lifestyle modification, and exercise to help every patient reach their health goals. She strives to educate patients on their injuries, and believes that having patients understand their condition plays an important role in their recovery and well-being.

Dr. Michalowski is also trained in biomechanical foot assessment and can prescribe and create custom made Orthotics at the clinic. This can help with gait issues, foot pain, back pain, knee pain, and leg length discrepancies

Karolina was born and raised in Kanata, Ontario. In her free time, she can be found exploring new hiking trails, learning to play a new instrument, or spending time with friends and family. She looks forward to working with people of all ages and backgrounds in the Carleton Place community.

I have completed my bachelors of physiotherapy from Ahmedabad Institute of Medical Sciences, India. In addition, I have completed my 6 months of internship from Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, India where I have practiced physiotherapy treatments in various units such as orthopaedic, neurology, cardiology, ICU, paediatrics. Moreover, I have completed diploma course in Fitness and Health promotion from Algonquin College where I have explored how to precisely prescribe exercise protocols for patients. 

In terms of providing physiotherapy treatment, my approach includes difference hands on techniques  such as Manual therapy, active release, mobilization of joints, myofascial release, and cupping therapy.  I would also prescribe exercises to increase flexibility and strength in the muscles and for correction of posture too. 

When not in the clinic, I can be found playing Cricket or Volleyball or table-tennis.

Valerie Martel is a fully bilingual physiotherapist who is working fulltime at the Carleton Place location. She has graduated from the University of Ottawa in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics and a Masters of Science in Physiotherapy.

Since completing her degree, Valerie has been expanding her knowledge by taking various post graduate courses such as McKenzie, Mulligan, thorax, pelvis, shoulder dysfunction and soft tissue release. She has obtained her EPIC lifting capacity certification given her the skills and the knowledge to develop specific work hardening programs and safe return to work recommendations. She has also completed her Orthopaedic Division:
Level 1 & 2 Manual Therapy Certification, her Acupuncture and Dry Needling Course with A.P.T.E.I. and her Complete Concussion Management certification.

She enjoys working with a wide variety of injuries but has a profound interest for sports and repetitive strain injuries. Since joining Back on Track, Valerie has also been getting involved with her community reaching out to young swimmers and hockey players. She also offers home visit support for patients that are unable to attend the clinic.

Jess studied at Queen’s University where she obtained a BSc specializing in Biology and Psychology. She completed her MSc in Physiotherapy at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland. Upon graduating, Jess accepted a position at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, England, where she worked as a pediatric physiotherapist for 2 years. In England Jess focused on specialist pediatric training in areas such as knee and lower limb rehabilitation, aquatic physiotherapy, chest management, post-op intensive rehabilitation, and general rehabilitation. Jess is currently pursuing additional training to develop skills necessary in supporting patients with autistic spectrum disorder and scoliosis.

In addition to her pediatric training Jess enjoys working with patients from all walks of life. She has completed additional training to enhance treatment sessions with all patients. She uses her skills and training to work with clients to develop a program that fits their lifestyle and helps them manage their condition or injury. This training includes:

-Pilates Mat Work Instructor designation with the APPI (Level 1)

– Concussion Management (Level 1)

– Kinetacore Functional Dry Needling (Level 1)

– SHIFT Concussion Management (Level 1)

– CRPS management

– OTAGO fall prevention training

– Aquatic physiotherapy training.

Jess enjoys using a combination of manual therapy, exercises, and education to help her patients achieve their goals. Whether the goal is to be able to complete every-day errands without being in pain, or train for a marathon, Jess will work hard to help her patients achieve their goals.

In her spare time, Jess enjoys keeping active by playing tennis, spin, running, and reading. Jess is also an avid traveler, with lots of fun stories from all the places she has visited.

Derek completed his Honors Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa. He continued his studies at the University of Manitoba where he completed his Master of Science in Physical Therapy. Derek is also committed to pursuing continuing education courses such as active tissue release, sports/K-taping, acupuncture and vestibular rehab.

Derek has completed continued education in:

McKenzie Institute Part A Lumbar Spine

Vestibular Rehabilitation (APTEI)

Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Acupuncture & Dry Needling (Meridian Health Education)

Advanced Lumbo-Pelvic (APTEI)

Derek has completed the Level 1 “Best Practices in Concussion Management” with Shift Concussion Management. The course encompasses clinical assessment and treatment based on evidence-based approach for individuals suffering acute and post-concussion symptoms.

Derek has special interest in manual therapy and exercise for his treatment regime with emphasis on education to empower his patients to be able to stay healthy and prevent re-injury.

In his spare time, Derek is busy at home with his kids and is a huge Sens fan. He looks forward to helping you reach your goals and provide you with the tools to accomplish them.

Steve graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Masters of Physical Therapy, and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa.

Steve has special interest in Orthopaedics with a strong focus on manual therapy and exercise prescription. He enjoys working with a wide variety of injuries with special interest in shoulder and hip dysfunction, along with running based injuries and rehabilitation.

He has completed a number of post graduate courses with primary focus on advanced training in Manual Therapy, and is working towards becoming a fellow with the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy.

Post graduate training includes:

• Orthopaedic Division Manual Therapy level 1
• Orthopaedic Division Manual Therapy level 2 Upper and Lower Quadrant
• Orthopaedic Division Manual Therapy Level 3 Upper and Lower Quadrant
• Mulligan Technique Lower Extremity
• Soft Tissue Release
• Shoulder Dysfunction with Barham Jam
• Will be completing Kinetacore Functional Dry Needling Level 1 in February 2017

As an Occupational Therapist who grew up in the Ottawa area, I have attended both the University of Guelph for an undergraduate degree in Biology, as well as McGill University to complete my Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. After graduation, I returned to the Ottawa area and work with adults and children in the community for the past 26 years.  My services include:

• Assessment of the Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) of adults with various physical and mental health needs to determine their service and equipment needs, particularly around home safety.
• OT services to adults in various settings, including those with Stroke, Dementia, ALS, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, hip/knee replacements
• provided services for WSIB and MVA clients, including Ergonomic, Home Safety, Home Accessibility and Mobility assessments, interventions, and follow-ups including the Assisted Devices Program (ADP) as an authorizer.
• Effectively managed a caseload of adults with disabilities as a rehabilitation consultant to assess their vocational skills and readiness for employment- prepared and assisted clients for job searching, job interviews, job development, job placement and job retention.

Helping to maximize the functioning of people in their own environments continues to be a passion, and I also continue to enjoy travelling and spending time with my family at the cottage over the summer months.

Hasna Nassir serves as the Clinic Care Manager at Back on Track Physiotherapy, where she plays a vital role in ensuring the clinic runs smoothly and efficiently. With her exceptional organizational skills and dedication to patient care, Hasna oversees daily operations, coordinates patient appointments, and ensures that every visitor to the clinic receives a warm welcome and professional service.

As the first point of contact for many patients, Hasna excels at creating a comfortable and supportive environment. She works closely with our team of healthcare professionals to facilitate seamless communication between patients and practitioners, manages scheduling to optimize patient care delivery, and handles administrative tasks with precision and care.

Hasna’s commitment to excellence extends beyond administrative duties. She takes pride in building meaningful relationships with patients, understanding their needs, and ensuring they feel valued and supported throughout their rehabilitation journey. Her attention to detail and compassionate approach make her an invaluable member of the Back on Track team.

Whether you’re calling to book an appointment, arriving for your first visit, or have questions about your treatment plan, Hasna is dedicated to providing you with the exceptional service and support that defines the Back on Track experience.