About Adam
Registered Physiotherapist, BSC(H)Kin, MScPT, FCAMPT, CG*IMS, ITPT
I am an orthopaedic, concussion and vestibular (dizziness/vertigo) physiotherapist.
I graduated with an honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree (BSc(H)Kin) from the University of Waterloo in 2007 and followed this with a Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy (MScPT) from McMaster University in 2010. Before entering the field of physiotherapy, I was heavily involved in the field of ergonomics – working as an ergonomic consultant for the Iron Ore Company of Canada in Newfoundland and as a member of the ergonomic consulting team for Humantech in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Orthopaedic Specialist (FCAMPT)
After completing my Masters degree in 2010, I immediately started the long road towards obtaining my Fellowship within the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapy (FCAMPT). FCAMPT certification isn’t mandatory for Canadian physiotherapists – it’s an extensive post-graduate educational path that involves hundreds of hours of additional study, countless exams and mentorship hours under the guidance of some of the most respected physiotherapists in Canada.
After 7 years of community-based post-graduate coursework – in the fall of 2018, I completed my final advanced orthopaedic manual therapy exams and was able to successfully attain Fellowship status.
The CAMPT organization is an internationally recognized organization, and Fellowship status represents the highest level of manual therapy certification that can be achieved in Canada.
Certified Concussion Therapist/Shift + ImPACT Trained Physical Therapist (ITPT)
I am certified in several concussion management protocols – ITPT and Shift.
The ITPT program – a program that serves as an extension of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Sports Medicine Concussion Program – is one of the global leaders and innovators behind the development of concussion assessment and treatment practices currently used today. My ITPT certification allows me to administer and interpret the ImPACT test – a neurocognitive assessment tool that has become a standardized assessment tool in many of North America’s top professional sports leagues – including the MLS, MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, CFL and numerous NCAA Division 1 Level programs.
The Shift Concussion Management system is a Canadian founded concussion management strategy that initially built off of UPMCs concepts; however over the years has evolved in parallel with the constantly evolving body of concussion research, to allow me to provide you with the most up-to-date concussion rehab approaches available.
These certifications and continuing education required to maintain these certifications, allows me to be at the forefront of concussion injury management.
Bachelor Science (Honours) Kinesiology (University of Waterloo)
Masters of Science in Physical Therapy (McMaster University)
Certified Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation Practitioner (CG*IMS)
Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapy (FCAMPT)
Certified ImPACT Concussion Therapist
Certified Shift Concussion Provider (Levels 1 + 2)
Certified Vestibular Therapist
Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner (Levels 1 + 2)
Certified M1 Graston Practitioner
Certified Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (Dry-Needling) Practitioner (CG*IMS)
I became a certified CG*IMS practitioner through the University of British Columbia in 2015. IMS involves using acupuncture needles to dry needle muscular trigger points in order to induce a reflexive relaxation response. It can be an intense experience, but the results for many can be quite substantial. Find out more about what IMS can do for you in my services section.
Clinical Focus
My additional qualifications/certifications provides me with the ability to take on an issue using a full systems approach: dizziness/vertigo issues (Certification in Vestibular Therapy), instrument-assisted soft tissue release (Certified M1 Graston Practitioner), nervous system assessment and treatment (Certified within the Neuro Orthopaedic Institute’s Mobilization of the Nervous System) and bracing/proprioceptive taping (Kinesio Taping Level 1 and 2 certifications, Advanced Physical Therapy Education Institute’s certification in Peripheral and Spinal therapeutic taping).
My ongoing continuing education also demonstrates my particular interest in shoulder rehabilitation (various certifications/courses under American physiotherapist Mike Reinold and Australian physiotherapist Lyn Watson – two well-known researchers within the field of shoulder rehab) and lower back rehab (coursework under Canadian lower back pain expert Stuart McGill and American Strength and Conditioning Specialist Mike Boyle).
I’m also an athlete myself, as a former member of the University of Waterloo men’s volleyball team (Academic All-Canadian 2006 – 2007) and as an avid climber and mountain biker. I believe these experiences have helped me understand the focus, discipline, and motivation needed to maintain the health needed to perform at a competitive level.
CORE QUALIFICATIONS
Concussion Certification – Shift Concussion Management full certification, February 2021
Shift Concussion Management Level 2 (Parts 1 – 5), February 2021
Shift Concussion Management, Level 1, January 2021
Concussion: Prevention, Detection, and Management – MOOC presented by Uni. Laval, May 2019
Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT), November 2018
CPA Orthopaedic Division – Advanced Exam, November 2018
Graston Technique – M1 Course, October 2018
Michael Reinold and Eric Cressey’s “Functional Stability Training”, September 2018
Lyn Watson Level 1 Shoulder Course, March 2018
CPA Orthopaedic Division Level 5 Manual Therapy, March 2018
Michael Boyle’s “Athletes Acceleration – Complete Core”, February 2018
CPA Orthopaedic Division Level 4 Manual Therapy, October 2017
Michael Reinold’s “Optimal Shoulder Performance”, September 2017
CPA Orthopaedic Division Intermediate Exam, April 2017
Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Level 1, May 2016
Vestibular Rehabilitation Certification w/Sheelah Woodhouse, February 2016
Concussion Certification – ImPACT Trained Physical Therapist (ITPT) full certification, November 2015
Gunn IMS Part 2, October 2015 – Full CG*IMS Certification
Gunn IMS Part 1, May 2015
Dr. Nick Reed’s “Concussion in Kids” – UofT Rehabilitation Rounds May 2015
Kinesio Taping (KT1 and KT2), March 2015
University of Toronto, Dept of Physical Therapy Recognition Award, 2013
CPA Sport Related Concussion Management, April 2013
CPA Orthopaedic Division Level 3 Upper Manual Therapy, March 2013
CPA Orthopaedic Division Level 3 Lower Manual Therapy, November 2012
CPA Orthopaedic Division Level 2 Upper Manual Therapy, April 2012
CPA Orthopaedic Division Level 2 Lower Manual Therapy, November 2011
McKenzie Part A, October 2011
Neuro Orthopaedic Institute’s (NOI) Mobilisation of the Nervous System, September 2011
E.P.I.C. Lift Certified May 2011
Mulligan’s Mobilization with Movement Upper Quadrant, January 2011
Treating the Patient with Pain Disorder, January 2011
CPA Orthopaedic Division Level 1 Manual Therapy, July 2010
AFCI Level 1 Part 1, May 2010
APTEI Peripheral & Spinal Therapeutic Taping, February 2009
EMAIL ADAM
Miscellaneous Continuing Education:
“The Athletic Ankle Masterclass”, March 2022
CPA – Orthopaedic Division Grand Rounds – “Visual Disturbance + Headaches”, November 2021
“The Hamstring Masterclass”, September 2021
CPA – Orthopaedic Division Grand Rounds – “The Stubborn Ankle”, May 2021
Webinar “Impact of Nutrition on Concussions” presented by Shift Concussion Group, February 2021
Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy – Virtual Orthopaedic Symposium, May 2020
“Where from and where to in the management of tendinopathy”, May 2020
“Multidirectional instability of the shoulder” w/international shoulder expert Dr. Lyn Watson, May 2020
Testimonials
Real People. Real Results
Our Practitioners
MEET OUR PRACTITIONERS
Joel Harwood
Joel’s ongoing endeavors as a student, athlete, coach, and educator have led him to create a universal, athlete-centered approach to long-term development and human performance.
Adam Luu
I graduated with an honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree (BSc(H)Kin) from the University of Waterloo in 2007 and followed this with a Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy (MScPT) from McMaster University in 2010.
Jay Chiasson
Jay spent the better part of a decade studying and working in the field of Structural Engineering before deciding to follow his true passion and become a Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Chris Cosby
Chris Has been practicing Physiotherapy since Graduating from Western University in 2016 with a Masters in Physical Therapy. After graduating he quickly began furthering his skills through the Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Division obtaining levels 2 and 3 within 1 year.
Derek Kyle
Derek’s primary goal is to get you back to moving comfortably so you can rebuild and get back to the activities you love. The sea to sky is a playground for people who love to move, and when injuries or pain get in the way of being active, it’s a little crazy-making. Let’s work together and get you back moving and loving life again.
Jon Israelson
Jon Israelson is a graduate from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapists in December of 2014. Growing up in Jasper AB, Jon started competing in freestyle skiing at an early age. This translated into Halfpipe and Big Mountain skiing, competing on the world tour and traveling all over North America. Doing so, Jon is no stranger to injury and has a great passion for resolving pain and dysfunction with a variety of modalities.
Mackenzie Kemps
Mackenzie Kemps BSc(H)PT, I am a certified physiotherapist with special interest and training with runners and the foot / ankle complex.
I graduated in 2017 from Brunel University London in the UK with my Bachelors of Science in Physiotherapy degree and immediately jumped into working in the musculoskeletal world.
Chris Kennedy
Chris has always enjoyed helping people achieve greater health and reach their goals, which made his journey to a career in Physiotherapy a natural fit.
Lauren Lozinsky
Lauren is a Certified Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and owner of Glow Pelvic Wellness. She gets to the root cause of her clients’ pelvic health and abdominal issues using a warm, holistic approach that looks beyond the pelvis.
Dylan Wheeler
With a university education in human kinetics, exercise physiology and 8 years of fitness training experience, Dylan is a personal trainer that is dedicated to helping you succeed.
Alex Ackerley
Alex is a Strength & Conditioning Coach from Hampshire, England. He played high-level Rugby in his teens and 20s and specializes in Injury Rehabilitation and Sports Performance. He is the owner of two successful Personal Training Companies and is happy to joining the Union team.