About the PhysioFirst Team

Physiotherapists

Lenerdene Levesque, PT

Lenerdene Levesque has worked in the field of orthopaedics and manual therapy for over 25 years. She graduated from Queen's University and completed her Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Therapy in 1992 from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. In 2008, she completed the Masters of Clinical Science from the University of Western Ontario. She is a member of the University of Western Ontario Whiplash Research Group and is currently involved in a project developing a physical and self-report tool to identify those patients at risk of developing chronic whiplash associated disorders.

Her main focus is in rehabilitation of spinal disorders and motor control dysfunctions. She also has a special interest in treating the thoracic spine and complex shoulder problems. She completed her training in IMS (intramuscular stimulation) from the ISTOP Institute in Vancouver in 2006.

She is an instructor and examiner for the National Orthopaedic Division in postgraduate manual and manipulative education and has mentored many colleagues through this process. She is currently the Curriculum Chair of the Education Committee of the Orthopaedic Division.

Carol Belchamber, PT

Carol graduated from the University of Western Ontario with her B.Sc. (P.T.). She worked with the Canadian Armed Forces for 10 years, and moved into private practice in 1986.

Carol has studied manual therapy throughout her career to Level 3 in the Orthopaedic Division (CPA) program, and has taken many valuable courses with Canadian and international leaders in Physiotherapy. She is dedicated to integrating her manual therapy skills with the knowledge gained in diverse courses with Mackenzie, Sahrmann, Butler, Lee, Watson, and other top physiotherapists.

Outside the clinic, Carol is an avid golfer and curler. She has been participating in Pilates for 3 years, and finds the added core strength helpful in work and sports performance.

Minh Nguyen, PT

Minh obtained his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo in 2000 and went on to complete his Masters of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto in 2003. Minh relocated to Ottawa after working in Toronto at a high performance sports medicine clinic, working with varsity and professional teams.

Currently a therapist with Canada Basketball, Minh traveled with the Junior Men's Team to Germany, San Diego, San Antonio, Argentina and New Zealand. This summer, he will be traveling with the team to the 2011 World Championships in Latvia.

In addition to his experience in sports physiotherapy, he is continuing his post graduate education; he qualified for the Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy in 2010. Minh believes in using manual therapy to address joint and soft tissue restrictions, while emphasizing patient specific exercises to address muscle imbalance and motor pattern dysfunctions. His goal is to optimize the recovery process for his patients and provide them with a foundation for injury prevention.

His personal involvement in sports and recreation include hockey, running, road cycling, rock climbing, cross country skiing, volleyball, and basketball.

Scot Milliken, PT

Scot received his Membership in the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (England) in 1982, and his B. Sc. (P.T.) from the University of Western Ontario in 1990. He has worked in a small Northern Ontario community hospital, and a large teaching hospital. He entered the private practice setting in 1998 and joined the PhysioFirst team in 2003.

Scot has a special interest in orthopaedics and issues affecting the aging population, and continues to pursue relevant manual therapy and orthopaedic courses.

Scot enjoys swimming, which he has coached. He sails, bikes and began skate skiing last winter. He has a young daughter who delights him daily.

Amy Fahlman, PT

Originally from Saskatchewan, Amy brings a valuable perspective and enthusiasm to PhysioFirst. After convocation from the University of Saskatchewan with distinction, she worked in private practice with a strong focus on manual therapy, mentored by recognized Saskatchewan manual therapists. She is working through her Masters of Clinical Science with a specialization in Advanced Manual and Manipulative Therapy, to be completed in the summer of 2011.

Amy has a keen interest in personal exercise instruction for rehab clients. She has completed her Can Fit Pro certifications for personal training and fitness instructor specialist.

Growing up in Western Canada taught Amy a great appreciation for the outdoors. In addition to distance running, she also enjoys cycling, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, and canoeing.

Massage Therapists

Michael Datson, MT

Michael graduated from CDI College Ottawa in October 2007. While attending school, he experienced many different massage therapy settings. After completing practical components in a hospital, palliative care facility, clinical setting, office environment and sports settings, Michael found his niche working with physiotherapists in an orthopaedic manual therapy setting.

Since February 2008, Michael has been developing his skills in massage therapy, and finds the synergy with physiotherapy very positive. In 2010 Mike took the Muscle Energy Techniques course and Craniosacral Therapy, level 1.

Some of Michael's other interests include sports and music. He plays soccer and has been playing drums for ten years.