Meet Our Staff

KAREN COOKE, PHYSIOTHERAPIST B.SC.(PT), B.H.KIN, AFCI, CGIMS

Karen Cooke graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1998 with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics and Exercise Science and from Curtin University of Technology, Perth Australia in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy. She has completed postgraduate courses in vertebral manipulation, sports physiotherapy, Pilates and the Mulligans Concept. Ms. Cooke previously worked in private practice in Perth, Australia managing a variety of orthopedic conditions and leading group rehabilitation classes. She has extensive knowledge in manual therapy and uses her background in kinesiology to provide the highest level of effective treatment and patient care. Karen is a registered GunnIMS therapist and certified in Acupuncture and is a Lyn Watson Level 1 Shoulder Physiotherapy specialist with extensive clinical and research insights into the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of the shoulder and shoulder girdle. Ms. Cooke is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, and the Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia, Orthopedic Division.

Schedule Your Appointment Now

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

Manual Therapy illustration

Manual Therapy

IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)

Sports Related Injuries

Work Related Injuries

Family Physiotherapy

Manual Therapy illustration

Manual Therapy

IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)

Karen has completed a series of post graduate courses and examinations in Manual Therapy and applies this technique in her treatment service providing clients with enhanced pain relief and accelerated healing.

Karen has a remarkable success rate of treating chronic pain through IMS technique, stemming from her ability to accurately assess the physical signs of neuropathic pain. Karen has many years of experience in applying IMS treatment resulting in one of the most affective options for pain relief today for her clients.

Sports Related Injuries

Work Related Injuries

Karen is a huge advocate of exercise and physical activity as it relates to health and wellness. As an active sports enthusiast, Karen has firsthand knowledge of the various injury recovery protocols extending into dynamic injury prevention.

Karen’s excellent relationship with WorkSafeBC stems from years of experience helping injured workers get back to their jobs and advocating on their behalf.

Family Physiotherapy

Often more than one family member has an area of injury that needs treatment. Karen can treat parents and kids in consecutive appointments, keeping busy families healthy and efficient with their time.

CORY GRAHAM, PHYSIOTHERAPIST BSCKIN, IMS

Cory Graham graduated from Queen’s University with his Physical Therapy Master’s degree, where he co-founded the Queen’s University Inter-Professional Patient Mobility Workshop. He also has extensive experience as a registered Kinesiologist, with his degree gained from Simon Fraser University. At Healthx Physical Therapy, Cory is developing his specialisation in the treatment of vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues with his Introduction to Vestibular Rehabilitation Certification with Bernard Tonks and completion of numerous online courses.  Cory also designs, develops, and monitors active rehabilitation programs for contracted insurance providers as well as manages a private practice caseload including ICBC, WorkSafeBC and private paying patients. Cory has varied experience in a variety of clinical settings, including working with the Province of BC Autism Funding Unit. He has completed level one of his manual therapy qualifications with the Canadian Orthopedic Division Diploma of Advanced Orthopedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy and is a Lyn Watson Level 1 Shoulder Physiotherapy specialist with extensive clinical and research insights into the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of the shoulder and shoulder girdle. Cory is an avid outdoorsman, and enjoys travelling, hiking, snowboarding, golf, as well as cycling. He lives an active, healthy lifestyle and is committed to helping others reach their goals as well.

Schedule Your Appointment Now

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

Occupational Rehabilitation

WorkSafeBC injury illustration

WorkSafeBC Injury Related Claims

Athletic Advantage

High-Intensity Performance

IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)/Dry Needling

Occupational Rehabilitation

WorkSafeBC injury illustration

WorkSafeBC Injury Related Claims

Cory works extensively with our WorkSafeBC and other insurance providers contracted rehabilitation program. He oversees an exercise based injury recovery program for wage earners who have been hurt while on the job. Using the state of the art gym facility at our Langley office location, this daily program is usually 3-6 weeks in duration.

For more recent workplace injuries, Cory is able to apply his expertise to this acute treatment phase during private physiotherapy appointments.

Athletic Advantage

High-Intensity Performance

Cory’s passion and expertise with athletic rehabilitation will translate into faster injury recovery, improve injury prevention, and maximize your functional output.

An experienced player and coach for vigorous athletic sports such as hockey, lacrosse, running, and golf, Cory knows the biomechanics of these sports first hand and will help in the recovery of the many various injuries that these players sustain.

IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)/Dry Needling

Cory has extensive training in the assessment and treatment of acute and chronic injury/pain conditions using IMS techniques.

Sweety Gupta, physiotherapist

Sweety received her Master of Physiotherapy degree in 2012 from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India and ever since then she has provided physiotherapy services in various hospitals as well as multidisciplinary clinics. Her post graduation as well as vast exposure over the years has made her an extraordinary physiotherapist which she is very proud of and thankful for. She recently completed her Basic and Advanced level of certification in Vestibular rehabilitation to be able to help those who suffer from vertigo and balance issues, and an Introductory certification course in Pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Sweety has worked with individuals of all ages and treated patients with joint pain, ligament sprains, shoulder injuries, tendinopathies, and provided post-operative care in hospitals and to homebound patients. As well as this, she is well versed in Neurological rehabilitation, Cardio-respiratory rehabilitation and Cancer rehabilitation/Palliative care.

She is passionate about her work and utilizes a multi-modal approach to patient care incorporating many different techniques to achieve goals. Sweety believes that a successful treatment approach involves not only skills, creativity, progressive patient-centered care but also therapeutic exercises within the comfort zone of a patient.

Schedule Your Appointment Now

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

Motor vehicle illustration

Motor Vehicle Accident Recovery

WorkSafeBC injury illustration

WorkSafeBC Injury Related Claims

Manual Therapy illustration

Manual Therapy

Vertigo and Dizziness illustration

Vertigo and Dizziness

Aging illustration

Aging

Motor vehicle illustration

Motor Vehicle Accident Recovery

WorkSafeBC injury illustration

WorkSafeBC Injury Related Claims

Sweety works with patients through all stages of their accident recovery, helping people injured in motor vehicle accidents transition from acute to the final phase of recovery through supervision of customized exercise rehabilitation programs.

For more recent workplace injuries, Sweety is able to apply her expertise to this acute treatment phase during private physiotherapy appointments.

Manual Therapy illustration

Manual Therapy

Vertigo and Dizziness illustration

Vertigo and Dizziness

Sweety is experienced in the use of manual therapy and achieves tangible results for his clients.

Sweety uses her certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation for treatment of dizziness and balance related issues.

Aging illustration

Aging

Sweety has has a very practical and compassionate approach to the body’s changing needs related to aging.

BRYAN CERVANTES, PHYSIOTHERAPIST MPT, BSC (KIN), CAFCI, CGMIS

Bryan Cervantes graduated with a Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of British Columbia in 2006. Since graduation, he has undergone extensive post-graduate training in manual therapy that includes a Certificate of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy offered on the campus of Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Australia. In addition, Bryan has obtained certification to perform intramuscular stimulation (Gunn IMS) through the Institute for the Study and Treatment of Pain and medical acupuncture through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute. Bryan is a Lyn Watson Level 1 Shoulder Physiotherapy specialist with extensive clinical and research insights into the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of the shoulder and shoulder girdle as well as a certified K-taping therapist. Additionally, he completed a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology that led him to work in field and office ergonomics. Bryan has worked in a variety of orthopaedic and sports injury clinics and occupational rehabilitation programs where he has helped clients of all ages with varying orthopaedic and neuromuscular conditions. Bryan’s interests include traveling which has led him to work as a physiotherapist in Kuwait and Australia. Besides being bitten by the traveler’s bug, Bryan loves scuba diving, is a fan of sports and enjoys an active lifestyle.

Schedule Your Appointment Now

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

Manual Therapy illustration

Manual Therapy

Sports Injuries

Advanced Treatment Techniques

IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)

Motor vehicle illustration

Motor Vehicle Accident Recovery

Manual Therapy illustration

Manual Therapy

Sports Injuries

Bryan was trained at the world’s leading school in the use of manual therapy and achieves tangible results for his clients.

As an avid sportsman, Bryan has experience firsthand in the various body mechanics issues experienced by athletes and can apply this experience to his treatment techniques.

Advanced Treatment Techniques

IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)

Bryan provides many treatment options for his clients including IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation), acupuncture, and K-Taping through his various professional certifications.

Bryan has many years of experience as a fully qualified IMS practitioner and incorporates this advanced treatment technique to achieve great results in pain management.

Motor vehicle illustration

Motor Vehicle Accident Recovery

Bryan works with patients through all stages of their accident recovery, helping people injured in motor vehicle accidents transition from acute to the final phase of recovery through supervision of customized exercise rehabilitation programs.

MATTHEW WRIGHT-SMITH, CLINICAL DIRECTOR AND PHYSIOTHERAPIST B.APP.S. (PT), MCPA, CGIMS

Matthew Wright-Smith graduated from La Trobe University, Lincoln School of Health Sciences, Melbourne Australia in 1992 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy. He has 28 years of experience as a clinical physiotherapist and has completed Advanced levels of certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation since 2014. Mr. Wright-Smith has successfully treated numerous dizzy, vertigo and concussion patients through detailed history and examination and evidence based treatment.  He has extensive training in mobilization and manipulation of the spine to correct specific conditions and restore normal biomechanics for treatment of neck and back injuries. Mr. Wright-Smith completed his certification as a GunnIMS therapist in 2008 using IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) for treatment of persistent pain. He is a Lyn Watson Level 2 Shoulder Physiotherapy specialist with higher levels of clinical and research insights into the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of the shoulder and shoulder girdle and also a fellow of the K-tape International Academy. Mr. Wright-Smith has extensive clinical experience in the treatment of sports injuries, MVA soft tissue injuries, work injuries, arthritis, and chronic pain conditions. Mr. Wright-Smith is the owner of Healthx Physical Therapy and is a member of the Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Orthopedic Division.

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

Vertigo and Dizziness illustration

Vertigo and Dizziness

IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)

Aging illustration

Aging

Manual Therapy illustration

Manual Therapy

Motor vehicle illustration

Motor Vehicle Accident Recovery

Vertigo and Dizziness illustration

Vertigo and Dizziness

IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)

Matthew uses his certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation for treatment of dizziness and balance related issues.

Matthew enhanced his qualifications for the treatment of chronic pain conditions with extensive training in IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) techniques.

Aging illustration

Aging

Manual Therapy illustration

Manual Therapy

Matthew has many senior fans due to his practical and compassionate approach to the body’s changing needs related to aging.

Matthew has many years of experience as a fully qualified manual therapy practitioner and incorporates this effective technique as a fundamental part of his treatments.

Motor vehicle illustration

Motor Vehicle Accident Recovery

Matthew’s years of experience working with patients enables him to quickly assess how to best help people recovering from a motor vehicle accident from the acute phase through to prescribed exercise programs in the final phase of recovery.

AMANDA BIRAK, BKIN

Amanda has received her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and Health Science from the University of British Columbia in 2009. She has been a practicing member of the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists since 2009. She has vast experience working with people of all ages and abilities. She has a passion for active rehabilitation involving soft-tissue injuries, chronic pain, work hardening programs, GRTW programs, and strength and conditioning. Amanda strives to make her clients feels comfortable in a fitness center setting. When Amanda is not in the gym, you can find her hiking in the mountians, cycling, or challenging her friends and family to board games.

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:

Active Rehabilitation

Motor vehicle illustration

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Workplace Injuries and Prevention (WCB)

Independent Job Site and Job Demands Analysis

Return to Work Support Services

Active Rehabilitation

Motor vehicle illustration

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Your Kinesiologist has a specialized science degree which enables them to customize strength and conditioning programs tailored to your physical recovery and optimization needs. The Kinesiologist will then supervise your workouts through a progression of one on one visits in the gym. Active rehabilitation proves very effective for the physical strengthening of private patients and ICBC or Workplace injuries.

ICBC claims need careful monitoring and documentation. Our Kinesiology team is excellent at advocating on your behalf and coordinating with your physiotherapist to ensure your prescribed exercise program meets your recovery goals.

Workplace Injuries and Prevention (WCB)

Independent Job Site and Job Demands Analysis

Kinesiologists at Healthx specialize in rehabilitation for work related injuries. They assist you with your recovery through researched stretching techniques, exercise progression, and the psychology of recovery from injury at work.

Our Kinesiologists are experienced evaluators of work environments and the physical mechanics needed to fulfill job tasks.

Return to Work Support Services

The specially trained Kinesiologists at Healthx fulfill the return to work planning program. They perform a detailed evaluation of work environments and the physical mechanics needed to fulfill job tasks through job site visits. Then the Kinesiologist creates a comprehensive Graduated Return to Work Plan customized for each worker. Part of this service is careful monitoring as the worker progresses through the graduated plan until a final discharge report is provided.

NICOLE HEISTERMAN, PHYSIOTHERAPIST (WHISTLER LOCATION) BSCPT

Nicole has been working in Whistler since 1999. Since then, she has worked with every type of person, from the professional skiers, snowboarders and bikers to weekend warriors to people who just want to walk the valley trail.

As an avid skier and mountain biker herself, Nicole understands how challenging it can be to be injured and how important it is to get her clients back to what is important to them as quickly as possible. Trained in manual therapy, Nicole takes an analytical approach to her work, looking at alignment and biomechanics to find solutions to her clients’ issues so they not only recover from their injuries, but are able to come away from them armed with better strength and alignment to prevent future injury. She incorporates sport-specific exercise into her rehab programs to ensure the proper muscles are ready for the next step, whether it is return to skiing or snowboarding, or return to walking or climbing stairs. This type of specific retraining is also key to building her clients’ confidence in their ability to return to activity.

Besides her physiotherapy treatment skills, Nicole also has a wealth of experience in brace fitting, custom orthotic prescription, and making custom thermoplastic splints.

Contact NICOLE HEISTERMAN
TANJA NEELY, OFFICE AND RECEPTION AMOA

Tanja is responsible for the office management of Langley and Whistler and coordinates our client services. She works in the Langley office and can be reached at 604 332 4476 or physio@healthx.ca.

Contact TANJA NEELY
MARCI WRIGHT-SMITH, ADMINISTRATION

Marci works in the Langley office on billing and various projects. She looks forward to seeing you in the clinic sometime soon.

Contact MARCI WRIGHT-SMITH
Nour Elnabrees, Office and Reception

Nour brings a wealth of medical office experience and joined the Healthx team recently. She is happy to help with any questions regarding client services and scheduling.

Schedule Your Appointment Now

“I injured my knee in June of 2012 and had ACL reconstruction shortly after. I came to HealthX before my surgery to strengthen it as best I could, the kinesiologist, Physiotherapy, and office staff were nothing short of excellent. They helped me get my knee as strong as I could get it before surgery.

I returned to HealthX after my surgery for ACL reconstruction for physiotherapy and rehab. Once again the staff at HealthX were amazing. They were very supportive, patient and professional in dealing with my recovery and rehab. I also learned about nutrition, different food groups and what they mean to your body and personal health.

I am back at work and back to my normal life thanks to Matthew Wright-Smith and his professional staff at HealthX physiotherapy. I would highly recommend the physio program at HealthX for anyone with a serious injury or recovery from surgery as they have helped me get through a tough, frustrating injury and back to my normal life.”

Gord Sturko, Langley BC