Physiotherapy has always been a passion of mine. I grew up in Burlington playing a number of competitive sports and suffered several injuries. I was always dedicated and focused on the rehab process because I wanted to get back into the game as quickly as possible. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career as a Physiotherapist!

I attended Eastern Michigan University on a Division 1 Soccer Scholarship where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. Upon graduation, I completed an internship at McMaster University at the David Braley Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre and had the privilege to learn from some very accomplished Physiotherapists. I went on to graduate with my Masters of Physiotherapy from The University of Canberra in Australia, where I had the opportunity to play semi-professional soccer as I completed graduate school.

These days I love all kinds of physical activity, especially anything outdoors! Long distance running, HIIT and strength training, soccer, basketball & golf, are a few of my favourites. I still enjoy being as active as possible. I truly believe in a balanced healthy lifestyle which includes taking part in some form of daily physical activity and embracing movement!

I have completed post-graduate courses in Orthopedic & Manual Therapy, Acupuncture & Dry Needling, Clinical Management of the Fitness Athlete, Fitness & Sports Nutrition, and Non-Internal Pelvic Health. Overall, I strive to provide optimal rehabilitation and patient centered care to help my clients achieve all their goals!

Physiotherapy has always been a passion of mine. I grew up in Burlington playing a number of comp... Read More

From a young age, I was always involved in sports and was able to experience both the highs and lows of competition. I grew up playing competitive soccer in Oakville where I was on the receiving end of a number of injuries at very pinnacle points in my life. The most significant being 2 partial ACL tears (in grade 12 and 4th year university) and the most recent being a full tear in physiotherapy school.

While I see these injuries now as blessings, as it provided a pathway into my chosen career, I was also able to feel the pain and defeat of what a devastating, season ending injury was. This has ultimately guided me to be the physiotherapist I am today, providing patient centered care, with a touch of sarcasm.

My journey began when I attended the University of Western Ontario and obtained an honours Kinesiology degree. I then pursued a Masters of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Toronto graduating in 2013.

Nowadays, I keep myself busy by playing in multiple recreational soccer leagues, hitting the slopes in the colder months and paddling or hiking in the summer months.

From a young age, I was always involved in sports and was able to experience both the highs and l... Read More

My passion for physiotherapy grew through my experiences as a soccer player. Throughout my athletic career, I experienced firsthand the value of rehabilitation and the impact physiotherapists can have on helping people recover, perform, and return to the activities they love. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a career in physiotherapy.

I completed my Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Kinesiology at Western University, where I graduated with distinction and was honoured to receive the Dr. Earle F. Zeigler Award in my final year. I then went on to complete my Master of Physical Therapy at Western University. Throughout my university career, I had the opportunity to compete as a varsity soccer player at both Western University (U SPORTS) and Central Michigan University (NCAA Division I), experiences that further strengthened my passion for health, movement, and athletic performance.

My treatment approach is centered around empowering clients to take an active role in their recovery. I use evidence-based exercise prescription, hands-on manual therapy, and dry needling to create individualized treatment plans that help each person achieve their goals. I am committed to lifelong learning and look forward to continuing my education through advanced training in manual therapy.

When I’m not in the clinic, you’ll usually find me staying active—whether that’s playing soccer, spending time outdoors, or being with family and friends. I’m passionate about helping people recover, move with confidence, and get back to doing the activities they love.

My passion for physiotherapy grew through my experiences as a soccer player. Throughout my athlet... Read More

Dave and I started The Proactive Athlete in 2010 behind a medical curtain in a single office crammed in the corner of a gym off an industrial road. Now we are a staff of 8, offering true multidisciplinary healthcare in a slow but steady growth model emphasizing long treatment times and one on one care only.

I am a father to 3 beautiful children Luke, Maeve and Nolan. My wife Jaclyn (also a sports chiropractor) is the most important person in my life. Aside from exercise, the thing I value most is reading. I want to be considered a book with legs, the same way Charlie Munger’s family refers to him.

I completed a degree in kinesiology in 2004, and then chiropractic in 2008. Dave and I both completed a 2 year sports specialty designation, joining 150 other chiropractors across the country with a fellowship in Sports Sciences. I also took acupuncture at McMaster University. I still lecture at the Chiropractic College in Toronto.

I used to travel a fair bit and take care of a number of sports teams including 2 pan am games, provincial hockey, and national Tae Kwon Do among others. Since having children my family has taken precedence, though I still have a goal of attending the Olympics as a chiropractor at some point. Until then I am focusing on my mini-Olympians (my kids).

Dave and I started The Proactive Athlete in 2010 behind a medical curtain in a single office cram... Read More

I grew up in Burlington, Ontario where I now live with my wife Angela and our two sons Colton and Luca. I have been interested in sports my whole life playing hockey, football, training in martial arts and riding and racing mountain bikes. I have always had a passion to try and help people, I have volunteered in Dominican Republic, Haiti, Ethiopia and Kenya providing manual therapy and nutrition education. I now spend most of my spare time cycling, training, hiking, camping and spending time with my family and friends.

I completed an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from McMaster University. I worked as a Kinesiologist in a physiotherapy setting for 4 years while I attended the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy where I received a Master in Practice Diploma of Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences. The M.OMSc Program is a 4 year, professional manual osteopathic designation. I am a member of the Ontario Osteopathic Association (OOA). The OOA is a professional association recognized by the Canadian insurance industry.

I grew up in Burlington, Ontario where I now live with my wife Angela and our two sons Colton and... Read More

Larissa Robinson is a Registered Massage Therapist who is committed to helping others become limitless. Following a serious car accident in 2008, she learned firsthand the benefits of good physical therapy. Inspiring Larissa to leave engineering and pursue this field herself. She is someone who does not like restrictions. This means the idea that giving up any activity you love because of pain or a physical barrier is an idea that must be challenged. Larissa went on to complete her first Ironman triathlon in 2010 despite injuries from the car accident. In 2013 she graduated from the Ontario College of Health and Technology with distinction and loves helping others in the field of massage therapy.

As a massage therapist, sessions with Larissa are all about you (the patient). First an understanding of the problem is gained through discussion and assessment. From there, solutions are rarely one size fits all. Techniques available with Larissa include soft tissue massage, soft tissue release, joint mobilizations, fascial stretch, Thai massage and therapeutic cupping. Every patient should expect some home care instructions to further empower their healing and wellness.

Larissa will tell you she doesn’t really have spare time because she likes to keep busy. She continues to race triathlons and serve on the board of the Triathlon Club of Burlington. She loves teaching fitness classes from core crushers to indoor cycling. Hiking in the Dundas Valley is another love. To relax Larissa enjoys reading, knitting and cooking.

Larissa Robinson is a Registered Massage Therapist who is committed to helping others become limi... Read More

I was introduced to a handful of sports while growing up in Burlington, but I spent most of my time at the Burlington Gymnastics Club, where I trained for 10 years as a competitive artistic gymnast! I navigated multiple injuries during this time, but my positive experiences with physiotherapy motivated me to pursue a career where I could help support others throughout the rehabilitation process.

This first led me to McMaster University, where I completed my Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology & Physiology, and then to Queen’s University for my Master of Science in Physical Therapy. During my schooling, I was fortunate to work with individuals across the lifespan, with placements in paediatrics, geriatrics, and everything in between! I have also completed courses in Spinal Manipulation and Dry Needling. Outside the clinic, I love to stay active in the gym, go for runs, travel, and spend time with friends and family. I’m thrilled to be a part of a team of like-minded professionals and help individuals in the Burlington community reach their goals!

I was introduced to a handful of sports while growing up in Burlington, but I spent most of my t... Read More

Dave is a passionate sports chiropractor committed to inspiring his patients to live an active, well balanced and healthy lifestyle. Dr. Schenkel’s interest in the Chiropractic profession started as an adolescent competitive hockey and lacrosse player where he experienced the benefit of this care on many occasions. He attended the University of Waterloo before entering Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Dr. Schenkel followed his childhood roots and went on to pursue a sports specialty completing his fellowship with the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences in 2011. Today he continues to connect with the sports community by volunteering for various local, provincial and national events including his recent role as medical lead for the 2015 Pan Am Games.

Dr. Schenkel believes in optimizing human performance primarily through movement. He uses several clinical tools, including various manual therapy techniques and electro-acupuncture, to help rehabilitation movement disorders and dysfunctions. Teaching and practicing joint mobility and movement control has become a cornerstone to Dr. Schenkel’s philosophy of proactive care. He believes the integration of mobility training and strength training is the most effective way to build healthy resilient tissue to prevent injuries. He leads a mobility class every Friday at noon and enjoys working with mobility seekers of all levels!

Life balance for Dr. Schenkel involves spending time with his wife and Naturopathic Doctor, Michelle, and 2 daughters, Isla and Emiko, and his great dane, Juno. He is an avid squash player, and plays on an inter-city team in the Western Region Squash League. Born and bred to bleed blue and white, he is also a frustrated yet devoted fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Dave is a passionate sports chiropractor committed to inspiring his patients to live an active, ... Read More