Physiotherapist, BSc. Kin., MSc.PT
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:
Registered Physiotherapist
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.
Physiotherapist
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:
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.
Chiropractor
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.
Physiotherapist
I hold a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree from Ahmedabad Institute of Medical Sciences, India. I completed a comprehensive six-month clinical internship at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad—one of the largest tertiary care hospitals in the region—where I gained hands-on experience across multiple specialties, including orthopaedics, neurology, cardiology, intensive care (ICU), and paediatrics.
To further strengthen my expertise in exercise prescription and preventative care, I completed a Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion from Algonquin College, Canada. This training enhanced my ability to develop evidence-based, individualized exercise programs tailored to patients' functional goals, rehabilitation needs, and long-term health outcomes.
My clinical approach is patient-centred and outcome-driven. I incorporate a variety of hands-on treatment techniques, including manual therapy, active release techniques, joint mobilization, myofascial release, cupping therapy, acupuncture, dry needling, vestibular-vertigo and manipulation for lumbar, lumbo-pelvic, and lumbo-sacrum region. These interventions are complemented by progressive therapeutic exercise programs designed to improve mobility, strength, flexibility, posture, and overall functional performance.
Special Interests
I have a special interest in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, sports-related injuries, postural dysfunction, and exercise-based rehabilitation for chronic pain conditions. I am particularly passionate about helping active individuals and athletes return to optimal performance while also supporting patients in building long-term strength, resilience, and injury prevention strategies.
Outside of clinical practice, I maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy playing cricket, volleyball, and table tennis.
Physiotherapist
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:
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.
Manual Osteopath
Ghassan received his Ph.D. in Physical Education and Sport while in Ukraine in 1998. His passion for knowledge has led him to continue his education in health care, becoming a Manual Osteopath and FST provider (Fascial Stretch Therapy).
FST is a series of movements created to separate and organize the many connective tissue layers surrounding the muscles, joints, organs, and bones. It incorporates breathing techniques and traction while taking joints to their available pain-free range. Gentle muscle contraction may also be used to achieve length and decrease tone in muscle.
Some of the benefits of FST include: improved flexibility, improvements in strength, improved balance, improved coordination, improvements in alignment, correction of pelvic rotations, and an overall better quality of life.
Ghassan is also a Graston Specialist Certified and specialized in Formthotics, a quick and easy alternative to traditional orthotics. His other certifications include Exercise Therapy Association Level 2 and Acupuncture/Dry Needling. He is an FMT mobility specialist and personal trainer specialist (Canfitpro).
In his youth, Ghassan was a professional Waterpolo Player. Later, he coached at the competitive level for both Syria and the Ukraine. He has a keen interest in swimming and Waterpolo specific injuries.
Ghassan has over 20 years experience with athletes in over 10 modalities which also includes cupping, ultrasound, laser therapy, TENS therapy, and acupuncture. He uses osteopathy techniques dealing with chronic pain and TMJ conditions, Muscle Energy Techniques (MET's), joint mobilization, and soft tissue manipulation.
Occupational Therapist
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:
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.
Clinic Care Manager
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.