Registered Physiotherapists
Jamie Gold
Registered Physiotherapist
Conditioning Specialist
Acupuncture Practitioner
Jamie's post-secondary education began at York University where he completed a specialized honours degree in Kinesiology and Health Science. He then went on to graduate from a Master's Degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University with honours. Amongst his graduating class, Jamie was granted the Mari Orti Memorial award for his particular interest and outstanding excellence in the academic and clinical aspects of rheumatology.
Jamie is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in exercise and high-performance conditioning from years of participation in various sports and through his academic training. He is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (C.S.C.S.) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association NSCA-USA. Jamie's clinical approach takes into account each unique individual and their goals through highly customized therapy and exercise prescription.
Jamie's physiotherapy practice utilizes a blend of education, exercise, advanced biomechanical analysis and manual therapy techniques including; joint mobilization, myofascial release, and neural tissue mobilization to optimize physical function. In addition, Jamie is certified by the Advanced Physical Therapy Institute (APTEI) in therapeutic taping and lumbar and thoracic spinal manipulations, which have been a positive adjunct to his delivery of rehabilitation. Jamie has also completed the level 1 anatomical Acupuncture program through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (AFCI) and is employing these techniques when clinically necessary.
Jamie has had successful experiences treating an array of orthopaedic conditions such as ligament sprains, muscle strains, disc herniation's, shoulder pathologies (e.g.: rotator cuff tendinopathies, dislocations), whiplash associated disorders, osteoarthritis, joint replacements, fractures, back pain, sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction, epicondylitis (e.g.: tennis elbow), and postural adaptation syndromes. Jamie's past involvement in therapeutic horseback riding for children with developmental disabilities along with his clinical internships in neurological wards of hospitals such as Huronia District, Penetanguishine and Queen Elizabeth II (Halifax, Nova Scotia) has allowed him to accumulate a range of skills to appropriately and effectively intervene for individuals with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and stroke.
Jamie is keenly interested in his professional growth. He is constantly reviewing the most recent evidence based 'best practices' to ensure the delivery of the most effective and highest quality of care. Jamie aims to continue his education through the acquisition of certifications in Acupuncture, Active Release Techniques (ART®), and to attain a further Master's Degree in Manual and Manipulative Therapy. Jamie is extremely passionate in his commitment to obtain the best rehabilitation for each patient in order to achieve the most timely and successful functional recovery from injury.
Kevin Villifana
Registered Physiotherapist
Conditioning Specialist
Kevin has always had an intrinsic understanding of the importance of fitness and training from his competitive days in soccer and volleyball to the present, enjoying recreational sports such as soccer, hockey, tennis, squash, basketball and ultimate frisbee. Kevin was exposed to the benefits of Physiotherapy when a devastating injury prevented him from enjoying his passion for sports. As a patient he sought out Physiotherapy for the first time and shortly after, he was restored to full function with no limitations allowing him to return to his beloved sports. It was this experience that motivated Kevin to pursue his Masters degree in Physiotherapy.
Kevin began his journey by acquiring a Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology at York University. This allowed him to understand the science behind human movement which is crucial for the specific training and conditioning of his clients. Kevin then went on to complete his Master of Science degree in Physiotherapy at Queen's University. His completion of courses in Athletic Therapy and Athletic Injuries, courses from the Advanced Physical Therapy Education Institute, and experience in 5 orthopedic settings has providing him with the tools to affectively treat and restore full function to his clients.
Furthermore, he intends to attain his ART® certification and Acupuncture qualifications in the near future. Kevin has a strong foundation in managing acute and chronic low back and neck pain, various sport injuries, muscle strains, ligament sprains, repetitive strain and rotator cuff injuries, functional rehabilitation; in addition to a variety of other musculoskeletal impairments resulting from everyday and/or recreational activities. In order to treat these conditions he can provide joint mobilizations to improve movement, spinal manipulations, specific manual stretching, therapeutic taping, soft tissue and myofascial release/massage and specific exercises to rehabilitate and prevent injuries.
Kevin has always appreciated the complexity and immense physical capabilities of a single human being. Thus, he trains and treats every client as a unique individual with specific goals which optimizes their results. This is why he has dedicated his life to studying the human body, and why he is motivated to continually advance his professional expertise. Kevin believes that with guided education, treatment and training, every client can benefit from a little push in the right direction to achieve their full potential. His charismatic and motivated personality combined with his extensive knowledge base provide him with the right tools to be an excellent Physiotherapist and Personal Trainer as part of the SHAPE team.
I suffered from severe bilateral plantar fasciitis for over one year. In constant pain, I was barely able to walk or stand, and was considering surgery. The results of the Graston technique and active release therapy performed by Dr. Katie Au at SHAPE were life-altering. The efficacy of her technique is remarkable. Combined with a program of rehabilitation, altered weekly, my mobility has been restored and pain is gone. SHAPE Toronto has my hearty recommendation.
A. Phillips
A. Phillips
Sender,
Thank you and your team for the great session. I ran 16K this morning and felt great, in large part due to your help yesterday. Congratulations on your successful operation. You have a great team and a unique approach to integrated fitness and health.
Adam D.
Thank you and your team for the great session. I ran 16K this morning and felt great, in large part due to your help yesterday. Congratulations on your successful operation. You have a great team and a unique approach to integrated fitness and health.
Adam D.
I've never had a back treatment of such quality. I had the ankle sciatic sensation on the way home and a few times at dinner and a super mild sciatic feeling in my right calf on the way to work, but I feel way better! Thanks for taking such great care of me. I was holding my abs so much last night, my stomach was sore when I woke up this morning!
Catherine K.
Catherine K.
I live in Los Angeles and while visiting family in Toronto, I complained of upper-back and shoulder pain which had been ongoing for months. My Dad suggested I see a chiropractor. Luckily, his search led to Shawn. who provided immediate relief. You can't undo months of issues in one visit and a few adjustments, but it was the springboard I needed to get on the right track. I have been pain free since. He even went out of his way to find a doctor in the LA area.
Erik B.
Erik B.
The weekly yoga session with Dagmara is the highlight of our week. She is cheerful, positive, attentive and energetic. The session provides our bodies with flexibility, gives us physical and mental strength, and facilitates peace of mind, so we can endure life until we see her again!
Esther & Ben Geva
Esther & Ben Geva
I wanted to thank all of you for the amazing support I’ve received over the past few months since coming to SHAPE. I came with specific fitness goals and you exceeded my expectations on every level! I’ve never felt and looked better in my life, and of course. SHAPE is a wonderful environment and knowing you have massage therapists, chiropractors and nutritionists on hand helps make the experience complete.
Gillian S.
Gillian S.
Through years of sports and competitive dance, I've had numerous chronic injuries. I visited physiotherapists, massage therapists and acupuncturists, but not until SHAPE did I see a remarkable difference. It's almost unbelievable how accurately they made the diagnosis and performed appropriate treatments. I am thankful to be free of some of the pain I had for years. If there’s such thing as miracle workers, Shawn & Sender are it!. The fact that they follow up the next day with by phone or email speaks volumes!
Heather F.
Heather F.
Sender performed a miracle by alleviating chronic pain, lived with for several years. His ability to pinpoint the exact location of the muscles creating the pain and then use acupuncture and ART® treatments resulted in pain free living. What a joy! Now, it's only 32 hours after treatment so a few more days will tell the tale. Thank you,
Irene D.
Irene D.
I went to the gym and had a really GREAT work out yesterday. My back is a bit sore now but all is good, no problem, and you know what, this morning I feel like the 'HULK' because I can actually feel my muscles 'ripping and full of energy'. It feels MARVELOUS. Thanks Doc for a great treatment.
Respectfully
Jameson W.
Respectfully
Jameson W.
A week before my first race, my knees suddenly told me enough was enough! I could barely walk in the morning. I contacted SHAPE, and Shawn came to my rescue introducing me to ART®! Without you and your outstanding ability to alleviate pain, I may not have made it through my warm up on race day!!! You were genuinely concerned about my injury and determined to do whatever possible to make sure I was able to compete - you are my new HERO!
Jess H.
Jess H.
I have always had fantastic workouts at SHAPE, but I must say, my workouts with Adam continually challenge me and the results have been beyond expectation, in a very short period of time. I believe it important to give positive feedback when warranted.
Jessica B.
Jessica B.
Unlike most facilities, the whole you is treated by a complete team. My case is continually reviewed by Sender together with my MeDCAN physician, physiotherapist and kinesiologist. It is reassuring to know I am in the hands of such an involved team committed to providing excellence.
Joan M.
Joan M.
My support for SHAPE is due to the commitment of the great people. You have all become like family to me and I will shout from the roof tops how wonderful, not only the facility is, but how great you all are. I believe in the programs and how you work together for your clients.
Jodi C.
Jodi C.
I have been training with Khanh for over 2 years and my strength, balance and flexibility have all improved. Khanh seems to know exactly how hard to push me so that I get the most out of every session and still have fun. He is a very thoughtful trainer.
Joe
Joe
Sender,
Every time I ski down the hill and feel how strong my legs are and how great I feel, I am grateful for the day I met you. I am skiing better than I have ever skied. I feel like an athelete!!
Judy D.
Every time I ski down the hill and feel how strong my legs are and how great I feel, I am grateful for the day I met you. I am skiing better than I have ever skied. I feel like an athelete!!
Judy D.
