Meet The Team

Dr. Albert Varela, DC, DOMP
Licensed Chiropractor and Manual Osteopath Practitioner

Dr. Varela is a board-certified Chiropractor and Manual Osteopathic practitioner, specializing in neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Varela graduated from the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois with Bachelor of Science (Honours) degrees in Human Biology, as well as a Doctorate in Chiropractic.  Dr. Varela earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Honours) degree from York University.  He received his acupuncture certificate from the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program at McMaster University.  Dr. Varela also graduated with top honors from the National Academy of Osteopathy in Toronto, Ontario.

Dr. Varela has many years of clinical experience in physical medicine and rehabilitation.  He has treated a wide range of musculoskeletal complaints ranging from sports injuries and rehabilitation to geriatric injuries. His treatment focus is hands-on care including; chiropractic manipulation and osteopathic mobilization of the spine and/or extremities, spinal decompression, soft tissue release/therapy, acupuncture, custom orthotics, nasal release technique, and necessary electro-modalities. Dr. Varela is committed to personally connecting with the patient as a whole person and developing a personalized treatment plan to address each patient’s unique needs.

Dr. Varela is actively engaged in continuing education in order to ensure his patients have access to the most up-to-date tools necessary in their recovery to optimum health and future injury prevention.  He uses the most cutting-edge and innovative examination and manual techniques to help you deal with pain, increase mobility, optimize health, prevent injury, and increase participation in activities of everyday living.  He keeps up-to-date with current research, as well as with continuing education courses, so that he delivers and you receive the most current and effective treatment.  He will work together with that patient to come up with a treatment plan that will be effective and that patients are comfortable with.

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Xianmin (Shawn) Yu, RTCMP, RAc, RMT
Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and Acupuncturist and Registered Massage Therapist

Xianmin is a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner and Acupuncturist in Ontario with over 17 years of clinical experience. He has a solid background in traditional Chinese medicine and Acupuncture, as he got his Master’s Degree from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Bachelor’s Degree from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. He also got his Master’s degree at Kinesiology School at Western University. With a combination of both Western medicine and Chinese medicine, he is well-prepared to provide health services to the public.

He worked from an intern to an attending physician in TCM at different general hospitals in China for almost 10 years before he moved to Canada. His clinical experience includes the treatment of all kinds of pain, some internal medical issues (e.g., dizziness, tinnitus, overweight, gastrointestinal disorder, etc.), some gynecological disorders (e.g., dysmenorrhea, perimenopausal syndrome, irregular menstruation, infertility, etc.), and emotional fluctuation (e.g., stress & strain, insomnia, easily irritated, easily get tired, etc.). He is very experienced in treating urinary incontinence which was his main research area while he was doing his TCM master’s degree. He keeps his knowledge of Chinese medicine up to date and is grateful to still have a strong working connection with his former supervisor and colleagues. 

Xianmin is also an active member of CMTO. Depending on the treatment, he utilizes different techniques including Swedish Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue pressure, Stretching, and Traction. His goal is to help clients relieve pain, regain muscle function, reduce stress, and provide a level of relaxation. He is good at using massage therapeutic methods to help his clients manage all kinds of muscle tension and restriction, i.e., neck and shoulder pain, upper and lower back pain, sciatic pain, etc.

Xianmin offers Chinese herbs and formulas, acupuncture, Cupping (including sliding cupping), magnetic pellet pressing, and massage therapy. 

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Matt Brennan, (RMT) Registered Massage Therapist
Personal Trainer, Sports Nutrition Specialist, Functional Training Specialist

Matt’s route to massage began when he experienced the benefits of seeing an RMT during the rehabilitation of his own injuries.  Being an active sportsman, Matt has competed in many different sports such as swimming, running, soccer, and weightlifting.  He has sprained his ankles and also a torn meniscus in his knee.  Without the help of Registered Massage Therapists, he would not have been able to return to his sport as quickly as he did. Matt’s active lifestyle started at the age of 3, when he started swimming lessons. He then joined the local competitive swim team aged 5 and at the age of 11 he was approached to swim for the Great Britain Development Squad.  Matt moved to Canada from England in 2010, where he continued competitive swimming with Oakville Aquatics and York University.  Since then Matt has competed in many running and triathlon events, being selected for the Canadian Age Group Triathlon World Championship team in 2019.

While working as a Personal Trainer he has learnt valuable knowledge in the relationship of exercise and recovery.  As a result of this new knowledge, Matt has enabled clients to return to their sport after injury.  He has also helped clients lose upwards of 50lbs, resulting in a healthier lifestyle.  Matt has a desire to continue to learn, grow, and work with a clientele of all ages in rehabilitation and body maintenance, who aspire to a healthier lifestyle.

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Alyson Schwichtenberg, Registered Physiotherapist 

Alyson completed her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto in 2018. Prior to studying physiotherapy, she earned her Honours Bachelor of Science with a specialization in kinesiology at Queen’s University. With her training in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, she can help clients manage pain and restore strength and mobility. She is a registered member of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario as a Registered Physiotherapist.

Alyson has additional training in Soft Tissue Release and incorporates those skills into her practice. She enjoys combining evidence-informed methods and clients’ interests to create effective and fun treatment plans. In the future, She intends to complete the Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s Orthopaedic Division manual therapy levels and courses in medical acupuncture and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.

Alyson was born and raised in Oakville and is excited to begin her career in her hometown. In her spare time, she enjoys playing hockey, strength training, and running.

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Klara Ric, (RMT) Registered Massage Therapist

Klara Ric is a graduate of York University with a degree in Bachelor of Arts with Honours. She also graduated from Humber College in the Massage Therapy program with Honours and is a member of the CMTO.

Klara is interested in integrating all aspects of her patient’s health in order to optimize their care. Her style of massage combines stretching and deep tissue techniques, and has an equal focus on relaxation. She believes in collaborative care with the patient so that each treatment and patient goal is achieved.  She has experience working with a wide variety of patients, such as perinatal, rehabilitation, palliative care, and wellness.

She is also a Vodder-trained Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) certified therapist. Treatments that include MLD / CDT are cases with lymphedema, edema/bruising, pre/post-surgery treatments, whiplash, and acute conditions among many others.

Additional special courses include Dynamic Neuromuscular Stability, Manual Lymphatic Drainage & Combined Decongestive Therapy, Perinatal Therapy, and Lymphatic Taping.

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