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About

Posted on 07 May 2013 | Comments Off on About

About Align

Align Physiotherapy + Sports Clinic is an advanced rehabilitation clinic that creates a customized treatment plan to meet each patient’s unique medical needs. In its new 2,500 square foot premises with state of the art equipment and the most progressive treatment techniques and practices, our highly trained team of professionals is committed to providing the utmost level of service. The team has successfully treated a wide variety of injuries and conditions that reduce pain and inflammation, increase range of motion, and improve posture, strength, body mechanics, and function. Each consultation combines an in-depth assessment, advanced manual therapy techniques, an individualized exercise program, and patient education to help patients achieve optimal results.

Conveniently located on the border of Mississauga and Oakville, Align Physiotherapy + Sports Clinic is easily accessible by car or public transit.


About Parag

Parag Shah is a highly qualified physiotherapist with over 23 years of experience diagnosing and treating complex injuries, illness, and disability in southern Ontario. After receiving an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, Parag attended McMaster University where he completed his Bachelor of Health Science in Physiotherapy, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Parag began his career in a national physiotherapy company in southern Ontario and shortly thereafter added responsibilities as Clinic Director for a large multi-disciplinary clinic in Oakville. With a thirst to learn and a continuous improvement mindset, Parag prides himself on possessing a broad range of skills and techniques to best treat his patients, which range from infants to competitive athletes. In addition to being a registered physiotherapist, he has completed training in Integrated Dry Needling and is a certified practitioner of medical acupuncture, having obtained his certification with the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada. He is also trained in vestibular rehabilitation and has successfully treated hundreds of patients over the past 17 years who suffer from dizziness and vertigo related to vestibular dysfunctions.

In 2011, Parag completed a Masters of Clinical Science in Manipulative Therapy at The University of Western Ontario and is now a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT), signifying that he has completed extensive post-graduate education in the area of orthopaedics and has achieved an internationally-recognized qualification in hands-on manual and manipulative therapy.

Parag has lived in Mississauga for over 30 years and is an active member of both the Oakville and Mississauga communities. In the last 23 years, Parag has mentored numerous physiotherapists and physiotherapy students. For the past 12 years he has facilitated the Clinical Reasoning course at the University of Toronto for students in the Physical Therapy Program. In 2023, Parag received the Lynn Chapman Clinical Mentorship Award as recognition of his outstanding contributions in mentorship and the development of others in orthopaedic physiotherapy.  He continues to be a popular speaker on injury prevention, health and wellness, and the physiotherapy profession.

When not working, Parag remains active by spending time with his young family or playing volleyball, basketball, tennis, squash, and golf.

About Gwen

After receiving an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from McMaster University, Gwen Weitz completed her Masters of Physical Therapy at the University of Western Ontario. Since joining the Align team in 2013, Gwen has successfully completed the Advanced Manual and Manipulative therapy curriculum and is now a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT).  Gwen uses this internationally recognized qualification in hands-on therapy to guide her assessments and treatments.

A certified practitioner of acupuncture, Gwen completed her training through the McMaster Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program. She has also completed training in Integrated Dry Needling. In addition, she has completed several courses focused on treating neck and back issues through the McKenzie Institute.

Gwen has experience treating individuals of all ages and has helped patients suffering from a wide range of ailments including sports injuries, post-surgical restrictions, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and acute and chronic pain. She enjoys the challenge of helping her patients maximize their function and optimize their quality of life.

Gwen is a former competitive rhythmic gymnast, who also enjoyed playing volleyball, basketball, and softball growing up. Nowadays, Gwen enjoys an active lifestyle that includes HIIT workouts and karate. She is a passionate sports fan (Go Jays!) and loves spending time with her family and friends.

About Jennifer

Jennifer Haywood is an experienced physiotherapist specializing in manual and manipulative therapy. With extensive experience working in orthopaedics and sports rehabilitation, Jennifer uses her expertise in manual therapy and exercise prescription to help her patients reach their rehabilitation goals.

Jen joined Align in 2014 after earning both her undergraduate degree in Life Sciences and her Physiotherapy degree with honours from Queen’s University, and gaining valuable physiotherapy experience in a variety of settings. Jen is committed to personal growth and development, and has taken numerous courses to enhance her skills. In November 2015, Jen successfully completed her Advanced Manual and Manipulative therapy curriculum and is now a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT). Jen leverages this internationally-recognized qualification in hands-on manual and manipulative therapy to the benefit of her patients. In 2019, Jen also completed the Integrated Dry Needling (IDN) course.

A competitive athlete and former member of the Queen’s University varsity softball team, Jennifer has a special interest in working with elite athletes. She has worked with numerous varsity athletes at Queen’s University including the varsity men’s hockey and rugby teams. In private practice, Jennifer continues to treat elite athletes competing in a variety of disciplines.

Jennifer maintains an active lifestyle with gym workouts and by playing softball and hockey in the community.

About Mujeeb

Mujeeb Duranai has been applying his passion for rehabilitation, orthopaedics, and patient care at Align since joining the team in 2017. A strong believer in continuing education, Mujeeb is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS – National Strength and Conditioning Association). His clinical approach emphasizes hands-on treatment, education, and in-home exercises to empower patients to take an active role in achieving their goals.

After receiving his Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, Mujeeb attended the University of Toronto and earned a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. Throughout his education, Mujeeb took on leadership roles, culminating in serving as the President of the Physical Therapy Student Association. He was Valedictorian of his graduating class and awarded the prestigious Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award for his contributions to the University community. In 2019, Mujeeb completed an Advanced Health Care Practice Program (MCISc) through Western University and became a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT). He has also completed training in Integrated Dry Needling. Mujeeb utilizes his advanced orthopaedic training to mentor other physiotherapists and physiotherapy students interested in challenging their clinical approach and treatment skills.

As a professional, Mujeeb continues to be active in the community, currently serving as the President for the Westgate District of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association. In addition to this, he is a member of the Validity and Bias Committee for the Cochrane Cervical Overview Group, a research team that focuses on optimal treatments for various neck disorders. He is energized by regularly volunteering with physiotherapy students at the University of Toronto, assisting as a small group facilitator and supervising students on their clinical placements.

Outside of the clinic Mujeeb enjoys an active lifestyle, frequently playing indoor and beach volleyball throughout the GTA, strength training, and bouldering.

About Amanda

Amanda has extensive physiotherapy experience in both clinic and private in-home physiotherapy settings.  Regardless of the setting, her philosophy is grounded in empowerment. She empowers her patients with knowledge, information, and choice throughout their healing journey. Through education, manual therapy, and individually tailored exercise programs, Amanda aims to return patients to their best physical state while preventing further injury. Amanda also recognizes that healing is not only physical, therefore she takes a body, mind, and spirit approach when conducting patient assessments and treatments.

People often ask Amanda why she became a Physiotherapist, and the answer is simple. From an early age, she developed a passion for the human body through competitive sports. Being an athlete, Amanda dealt with many of her own injuries from sprained ankles to concussions and learned different ways to heal.  Through her personal experiences and those of her fellow athletes, she developed a keen fascination for helping others understand their bodies, their injuries, and ultimately the road to recovery. Her passion led her to McMaster University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Honours Kinesiology and then to University of Toronto, where she graduated from the Master of Science Physical Therapy program.

Amanda is the author of a children’s book, Move With Nature, which is designed to help children and parents make movement fun and meaningful. As a lifelong learner, Amanda has completed training in Acupuncture and the AIM courses Level 1 and Level 2 through the Orthopedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Amanda has worked with a large variety of patients including babies and infants, geriatric, palliative, neurological, orthopedic and athletes. One of Amanda’s proudest endeavours was traveling to South Africa to work with local community members of all ages with neurological and developmental conditions.

In her spare time, Amanda loves travelling, dancing, and spending quality time with family.

 

About Adam

After graduating with distinction from the University of Guelph Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics Honours degree, Adam Zajdman completed his Master of Science in Physiotherapy at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland. He worked in Scotland’s National Health Service, gaining valuable experience in inpatient and outpatient clinical work before returning to Canada in 2024. He has treated a wide range of patient populations and conditions: neurologic, respiratory, post-surgical, and has a special interest in orthopaedics.

Throughout academic training, Adam was involved in counselling and coaching. He assisted academically at-risk individuals through “Bounce-Back”, a university peer-mentor program, and provided strength and conditioning training for youth athletes and sports teams. He also acted as a team physiotherapist for several professional soccer academy teams.

Having suffered sport injuries, Adam personally understands the physical and psychological toll that injury and pain disorders can cause. He utilizes a comprehensive approach in his practice, combining education, manual therapy, and exercise prescription. Adam enjoys learning and challenging himself to improve his practice, maximizing his patient’s function and quality of life. He believes in empowering his patients with the knowledge and tools to optimize their rehabilitation journey and prevent future injuries.

An avid lover of sport, Adam grew up playing competitive hockey, soccer, and football. He enjoys an active lifestyle, including rock-climbing, pickleball and weight training. You may see him cycling to and from the clinic! In addition, Adam enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, and playing guitar.

About Vallari

Vallari graduated with Honours from the Clinical Kinesiology program at Western University, minoring in Rehabilitation Sciences. Wanting to give back to her academic community, Vallari participated and eventually led the Orientation Program for the Faculty of Health Sciences for two years and was a member of the Faculty of Health Sciences Student Council. She also helped launch the Rehabilitation Sciences Club at Western, giving students interested in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology, and other rehabilitation fields, the chance to learn from and network with rehabilitation experts.  Vallari continues to dedicate herself to promoting the wellbeing of others in healthcare-related settings.  She is currently interested in pursuing further education, as well as a career in Physiotherapy. Through this career path she hopes to help bridge the gap in care within immigrant communities while using her own lived experiences and those she learned from others.

Aside from supporting your wellness journey with Align, Vallari enjoys strength training, playing volleyball, and dancing for a South Asian performance team within Ontario. She finds joy in creating art with mixed media and loves spending time with her family and friends outdoors.

Vallari looks forward to welcoming you to the clinic and collaborating with the rest of the Align team to support you in achieving your goals.

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