Our Story
Allen Hicks, the founder and owner of the clinic, first became interested in sports injuries when he was injured as a teenager. Back in the dark ages, before the internet, he would go to the public library and read sports medicine books to help understand what structures he had injured. After completing high school, he studied Kinesiology and Physiotherapy at the University of Western Ontario (Western University).
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While at Western, he spent 7 years volunteering at the Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic in London, ON, where he learned from some of the top physiotherapists in the country. After working at the Sports Medicine Specialists in Toronto and the Nepean Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy Clinic in Ottawa.
He started Evolution Physiotherapy in 2011 with a simple Mission – to improve the quality of physiotherapy and rehabilitation services in Ottawa. The clinic’s name was chosen to reflect the values of the people who work there.
ev·o·lu·tion: the gradual development into a better, more complex, or more advanced state.
Evolution Physiotherapy strives to evolve by developing into a better, more advanced provider of physiotherapy services. We work with our clients to help them evolve and improve how their bodies work (less pain and better function).
Evolution Physiotherapy is based in Kanata, Ontario, close to the intersection of Eagleson Road and Hazeldean Road. We are a client-focused provider of physiotherapy, rehabilitation, injury recovery, and injury prevention services whose goal is to help clients achieve better health and performance. The Registered Physiotherapists at our clinic have over 215 years of combined experience. They also continue to develop their expertise through post-graduate continuing education courses, reading research articles, clinical discussions, and self-reflection. All of our clients benefit from the intra-professional collaboration that exists within our team. Our vision for the future of health care is to help YOU help YOURSELF.
Along the way, Evolution Physiotherapy has inspired other physiotherapists and physiotherapy clinics to evolve and improve the physiotherapy services they deliver. If you are a healthcare provider (physician, nurse practitioner, physiotherapist, massage therapist, chiropractor, athletic therapist, osteopath, pedorthist, chiropodist), strength and conditioning specialist, personal trainer, or sports coach interested in improving the delivery of physiotherapy services, participating in inter-professional collaboration and practice, and improving the care of your patients/clients, please contact us.
Our Story: The Evolution of Physiotherapy in Kanata, Stittsville and Ottawa
Welcome to Evolution Physiotherapy!
We’re passionate about helping people in Kanata achieve optimal health and performance through advanced physiotherapy and rehabilitation services. But how did we get here? Our story is one of dedication, continuous learning, and a desire to make a positive impact.
A Spark is Ignited (Pre-2000s)
Our story begins with a young Allen Hicks. A sports injury in his teenage years fueled a curiosity that burned bright in the absence of the internet. Back then, the library became his portal to knowledge, where he devoured sports medicine books to understand his injury. This early experience ignited a passion for healing the body, propelling him towards a future dedicated to physiotherapy.
Building a Strong Foundation (2000s)
Allen’s passion found a strong foundation at Western University, where he pursued Kinesiology and Physiotherapy. His academic journey wasn’t just about textbooks. He dedicated seven years to volunteering at the renowned Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic in London, Ontario. This invaluable experience allowed him to learn from some of Canada’s top physiotherapists, honing his skills and shaping his vision for the future of physiotherapy care.
Evolution Begins (2011)
After Western, Allen’s journey continued with clinical experience at esteemed institutions like Sports Medicine Specialists in Toronto and Nepean Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy Clinic in Ottawa. Each step enriched his understanding of physiotherapy and solidified his desire to elevate the field. In 2011, driven by a simple yet powerful mission – to revolutionize physiotherapy and rehabilitation services in Ottawa – Allen founded Evolution Physiotherapy. The name embodies the clinic’s core values: constant pursuit of progress and improvement.
Continuous Growth and Impact (2011 – Present)
Evolution Physiotherapy didn’t just open its doors; it embarked on a mission of continuous growth and positive impact. The clinic quickly became a leader in Kanata, offering a comprehensive range of services, including physiotherapy, rehabilitation, injury recovery, and prevention strategies. The dedicated team, boasting a combined experience exceeding 215 years, is relentless in its pursuit of knowledge.
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Ongoing education courses, research, clinical discussions, and self-reflection are all part of their commitment to providing the most advanced and effective physiotherapy care available. Collaboration is another cornerstone of Evolution Physiotherapy’s philosophy. The team believes in the power of inter-professional collaboration, ensuring every client benefits from a truly holistic approach. Ultimately, the clinic’s vision is to empower you, the patient, to participate actively in your well-being. They believe in a collaborative approach where you play a vital role in achieving optimal health and performance.
The Meaning Behind the Name: Why Evolution?
The concept of evolution signifies a gradual development towards a more advanced state. This perfectly reflects our approach – we strive to be better, more innovative physiotherapists. We also empower our clients to “evolve” by helping them optimize their bodies’ functionality and achieve pain-free movement.
Meet Our Compassionate Team at Evolution Physiotherapy
Our team of skilled practitioners is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our clinic, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment.
Judith Apps
Physiotherapist
Judith Apps is a bilingual, Registered Physiotherapist.
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Judith has completed an extensive number of post-graduate courses in manual therapy, as well as courses related to running injuries, movement assessment, therapeutic exercise, kinesio taping, osteoporosis prevention and management, and fall prevention risk assessment.
Judith consulted for a year with the Real You Program with the Ottawa Police Services, providing exercise counselling and programs to help prevent illness and improve the overall health of the program participants. Judith enjoys numerous outdoor physical activities, including cross-country skiing, cycling, hiking, and snowshoeing. She is a regular runner, and has completed many 1/2 marathons.
Certifications:
ADP Authorizer
Urban Poling
Fall Prevention Risk Assessment
Lyne Denis
Physiotherapist
Lyne is a bilingual, Registered Physiotherapist, who began her career in the Canadian Forces as a Military Physiotherapist.
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She has practiced in Quebec, Ontario, Germany and British Columbia, where she also owned an orthopedic and sports clinic in Victoria. She has taken part in physiotherapy coverage in International, National and Provincial sports events. Constantly updating her knowledge through post-graduate education, Lyne has also been an instructor with the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association since 1999.
Her treatment techniques include manual therapy, myofascial release, acupuncture, dry needling and exercise prescription. Lyne has a special interest in sports rehabilitation particularly dance, soccer and running injuries. Lyne enjoys running, skiing, hiking, and water sports.
Certifications:
FCAMPT
Dry Needling
Acupuncture
Allen Hicks
Owner | Physiotherapist
Evolution Physiotherapy is owned and operated by Allen Hicks, a Registered Physiotherapist, Kinesiologist and Personal Trainer.
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Allen is the one of the only physiotherapists in Ottawa who holds both the FCAMPT (Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy) and CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) credentials, and has taught post-graduate physiotherapy courses through the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
In addition to manual therapy courses, Allen has completed post-graduate courses in dry needling (IMS/IMT), movement assessment, functional testing and therapeutic exercise prescription. Allen’s interests include hockey, baseball, golf, running, and fitness training.
Certifications:
FCAMPT
Functional Dry Needling
TPI Golf Fitness Instructor
Vicky Follett
Physiotherapist
Vicky has been practicing as a Registered Physiotherapist since 2009. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT) and an instructor with the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
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Vicky underwent additional schooling to obtain a Clinical Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from UWO and has completed several post-graduate courses in dry needling, acupuncture, manual therapy, movement analysis, therapeutic exercise, and exercise prescription. She has a special interest in using her skills to help clients achieve a solid foundation of efficient, pain-free movement on which they can build the strength and conditioning needed to meet their goals. Away from the clinic, Vicky enjoys strength training, yoga, soccer, and spending time with her dog and young family.
Certifications:
FCAMPT
Functional Dry Needling
Exercise Prescription
Wendy Hofmann
Physiotherapist
Wendy Hofmann is a bilingual, Registered Physiotherapist. She has completed a post-graduate diploma in sport physiotherapy and was selected to the Canadian health care team at the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
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She has completed many post-graduate courses in manual therapy, acupuncture, functional movement assessment, therapeutic exercise prescription and running biomechanics. Wendy has been a presenter at various local and national conferences on such diverse topics as rotator cuff tendinopathy, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and competitive diving injuries. She enjoys yoga, cross-country skiing and swimming, and is passionate about gardening.
Certifications:
Sports Physiotherapy Diploma
Acupuncture
Therapeutic Exercise Prescription
Cara Patterson
Physiotherapist
Cara has been practicing as a Registered Physiotherapist since 2009. She has completed post-graduate courses in manual therapy, functional movement analysis, acupuncture, and therapeutic exercise prescription.
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Cara is a former national level and NCAA gymnast and has a passion for working with athletes. She is a strong believer in the power of exercise both to rehabilitate an injury as well as for injury prevention. Cara believes that a healthy and balanced lifestyle is the key to success. She loves quality time with her two young children, but also enjoys yoga, cycling, cross-country skiing and cooking.
Certifications:
Functional Dry Needling
Therapeutic Exercise Prescription
Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)
Fozy Jose
Physiotherapist
Fozy Jose is a bilingual, Registered Physiotherapist, who has been practicing since 2010.
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She has completed numerous post graduate courses in manual therapy to assess and treat spinal, peripheral, and neuromusculoskeletal injuries. She also treats Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), Concussions, and has taken extensive post graduate courses to treat various Vestibular disorders like complex BPPV, dizziness, Imbalance and PPPD. She is certified in Trigger point dry needling and Acupuncture. She has a special interest in educating clients in pain management strategies, as well as promoting and maintaining a healthy life style through strength training and exercise programs. This includes a focus on a client centered approach in goal setting and providing treatment to improve quality of life. Fozy continues to keep up to date in evidence based practice through participating in Sports Medicine rounds, continuing education courses and Physiotherapy rounds. She enjoys spending time hiking, biking and quality time with her young family.
Certifications:
Functional Dry Needling
Concussion Management
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Helen Tremblay
Physiotherapist
Helen Tremblay graduated from the University of Toronto in 1988. Continuing education has been an invaluable tool contributing to Helen’s practice.
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She has taken continuing education courses in the assessment and treatment of peripheral, spinal and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conditions using manual therapy techniques as well as muscle and movement imbalances. Helen in certified in Acupuncture and Trigger Point Dry Needling. She in a trained provided of the Shift Concussion Management Program and over the last 8 years has expanded her certifications to include the assessment and treatment of Vestibular Disorders (dizziness, imbalance and vertigo). Helen strives to keep current on various medical and physiotherapy trends by attending Sports Medicine Rounds and participating in physiotherapy clinic rounds.
Helen enjoys her cross section of clients ranging from children to adults to senior citizens. Her enthusiasm and commitment to the profession of physiotherapy is evident in her work every day. Helen constantly promotes an active, healthy lifestyle and can often be seen running, biking, cross-country skiing or walking her dog in her Kanata community.
Certifications:
Functional Dry Needling
Concussion Management
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Kirsti Watson
Physiotherapist
Kirsti Watson is a Registered Physiotherapist experienced in working with sports and musculoskeletal injuries and pain.
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She completed her undergraduate studies in Neuroscience and Mental Health at Carleton University then went on to finish a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy at McMaster University. Kirsti has taken continuing education courses relating to manual therapy, exercise prescription, and treating dancers and artistic athletes. She uses up to date research and her background in exercise and sports to help develop individualized treatment plans. Kirsti is a former competitive rhythmic gymnast and coach, as well as a former swim instructor. She currently enjoys staying active with crossfit, rock climbing, yoga, and hiking. Her goal is to help clients not only decrease their pain, but improve their quality of life and ability to participate in the things they love.
Certifications:
Functional Dry Needling
Level 2 Upper Quadrant
Level 2 Lower Quadrant
Why Choose Evolution Physiotherapy?
Expert Physiotherapists
Our team consists of highly trained and certified physiotherapists with extensive experience in various specialties. We stay updated with the latest techniques and treatments to ensure you receive the best care possible.
Comprehensive Services
From manual therapy and exercise prescription to advanced modalities like dry needling and acupuncture, we offer a wide range of services to address all your physiotherapy needs.
Personalized Treatment Plans
We understand that every patient is unique. That’s why we create customized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, goals, and lifestyle. Your recovery and well-being are our top priorities.
State-of-the-Art Facility
Our Kanata clinic is equipped with the latest technology and equipment to provide you with the highest standard of care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Hear Directly From Other Patients about Evolution Physiotherapy’s Successes
“Evolution Physiotherapy changed my life. Their personalized approach and caring staff made all the difference in my recovery.”
– Sarah L.
“After my sports injury, I thought I would never play again. Thanks to Evolution Physiotherapy , I am back on the field and stronger than ever.”
– John K.
“The team at Evolution Physiotherapy is incredible. They helped my daughter recover from her injury with such care and professionalism.”
– Emily R.
Empowering You Through Collaboration: A Holistic Approach to Your Well-being
At Evolution Physiotherapy, we believe in a healthcare journey where you, the patient, are an active participant. Our philosophy revolves around empowering you with the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve optimal health and performance. This collaborative approach is fueled by the power of inter-professional collaboration within our team.
Our team of physiotherapists, with over 215 years of combined experience, fosters a holistic approach to your care. We work seamlessly with other healthcare providers, ensuring you receive the most comprehensive treatment plan possible. This collaborative spirit extends to you as well. We believe in open communication and education, equipping you with the knowledge to actively participate in your recovery and maintain long-term well-being.
Evolution Physiotherapy isn’t just about treating injuries; it’s about empowering you to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
Elevate Your Practice: A Call to Collaboration
Evolution Physiotherapy isn’t just about serving our patients; we’re passionate about empowering the healthcare community. Are you a healthcare provider seeking to:
- Improve physiotherapy service delivery within your practice?
- Foster inter-professional collaboration to provide more comprehensive care?
- Enhance patient outcomes through a collaborative approach?
We invite you to join us!
Evolution Physiotherapy is a hub for knowledge sharing and collaboration. We believe by working together, we can revolutionize healthcare, one patient at a time. Contact us today to discuss opportunities for collaboration and elevate the quality of physiotherapy care in your practice.
