Concussion Management in Duncan, BC

After completing his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology in 2010, Brendin continued his education at the University of British Columbia, where he completed a Masters of Physical Therapy degree and graduated in 2012.

Since graduating from University, Brendin has worked in a private practice setting that has allowed him to help people rehabilitate from sports injuries, post-operative orthopaedic injuries, whiplash associated disorders, vestibular disorders, concussion, and neurological conditions.

Brendin’s athletic background revolves around hockey. The sport allowed him to travel and meet many great friends along the way. In the off-season, he stays active golfing, strength training, water sports, and spending time with his with wife Kaitlyn, and two children, Branson and Kinley. A good day for Brendin is anything outdoors or on the water with family and friends.

Brendin believes that to recover from an injury, patient education combined with a plan to address recovery at home is crucial to managing any issue. A rehab plan doesn’t have to be complex, it just needs to be executed.

SERVICES:

• Physical Therapy
• IMS/Dry Needling
• Manual Therapy
• Vestibular Rehabilitation
• Bracing

Kait grew up on Vancouver Island and spent much of her childhood living around the world while her father played professional hockey. Her background in competitive sports helped shape her passion for movement, performance, and helping others stay active and healthy.

She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of South Alabama while playing NCAA Division One softball on scholarship before completing her Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy at the University of British Columbia in 2012.

Since graduating, Kait has continued advanced training in orthopaedic manipulation, Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), vestibular rehabilitation, and treatment strategies for runners and active individuals.

Kait enjoys building strong relationships with her patients and creating treatment plans that are centered around each person’s goals, lifestyle, and recovery journey. She is passionate about helping people return to the activities they enjoy while feeling supported throughout the process.

In addition to treating patients, Kait helps coordinate mentorship for new graduate therapists at Start Line Health and enjoys supporting clinicians early in their careers.

Outside the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, staying active outdoors, running, weight training, hockey, golf, wake surfing, and snowboarding. Kait is also fluent in German after spending part of her childhood living in Germany.

Dr. Alex Del Duca grew up in Ontario where he completed his Bachelor of Arts with Honors from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. After his undergraduate degree, Dr. Del Duca attended the four year medical program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto where he graduated in 2018.

Dr. Del Duca has a specialized focus and passion for Pain Management and Sports Medicine-based interventional therapies. He is the first Naturopathic Physician in Canada to earn the distinguished RMSK certification, a designation that acknowledges him as an expert in musculoskeletal ultrasound and ultrasound-guided intervention by the Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement (APCA). In his practice, Dr. Del Duca utilizes his training in ultrasound technologies to assist in diagnostics and in-office procedures.

When working with patients, Dr. Del Duca strives to manage pain while also preserving the function and longevity of joints. He is extensively trained to perform both peripheral and spinal interventions.

In addition to Dr. Del Duca’s private practice he also enjoys sharing his knowledge and often trains Medical Doctors, Surgeons, fellow Naturopathic Physicians, and Nurse Practitioners in the use of diagnostic ultrasound and interventional injections through various agencies across Canada. He is a current member of the Canadian Association of Orthopaedic Medicine and has presented at their annual conference.

Dr. Del Duca enjoys all the hiking trails on Vancouver island, Rock climbing and traveling Europe and South America.

Raised in Edmonton with a love for the outdoors, Janet grew up skiing and exploring the mountains,

sparking an early appreciation for movement and physical activity. After experiencing an injury as a young athlete, she discovered the world of rehab—and it quickly became her goal to one day work in the field.

She completed a Bachelor of Human Kinetics degree at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan in 2021. Janet returned to Edmonton to work as a kinesiologist before completing a Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta.

Since graduating, Janet has worked with a variety of musculoskeletal injuries throughout the lifespan.

Whether helping someone return to sport or move pain-free through daily life, Janet is dedicated to empowering others through movement and personalized care. She believes kindness, compassion and a strong work ethic is the foundation to a positive rehab experience.

In her free time, you can find Janet enjoying the fresh air, getting a workout in, or hanging out on a patio. She loves to travel, especially to visit her spread out family, and considers any day she meets a dog a good day.

Pieter graduated in 2013 from the University of British Columbia, receiving a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy. Prior to this, he completed a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science in 2008. At UBC, he gained experience in several fields of practice, including pediatrics, geriatrics, neurological rehabilitation, post-op orthopaedics, and post-plastics surgical rehab.

For Pieter’s Master’s thesis, he completed a literature review that summarized the best treatments and their outcomes in relation to “tennis elbow”, a common repetitive strain injury.

Pieter is dedicated to his patient’s care and strives to promote an understanding of the nature of injuries through client-focused treatments. His preferred treatment plans typically include manual therapy, therapeutic modalities, taping, and exercise prescription specifically tailored to each client. He is passionate about client health care and the importance of incorporating engaging and effective exercise programs into daily life. His main focus while in the clinic is to ensure that each client receives dedicated one-on-one time and quality care.

When not in the clinic, Pieter enjoys watching movies, traveling, weight lifting, rock climbing, and exploring the beautiful British Columbia scenery.

SERVICES:

• Physical Therapy
• IMS/Dry Needling
• Manual Therapy

After obtaining his undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics at The University of British Columbia in 2018, Tylor went on to complete his Masters of Physiotherapy at The University of Queensland in Australia. Originally from the Cowichan Valley, Tylor is very excited to be back home and working with our great community.

Tylor enjoys the variety in which the physiotherapy profession has to offer. Whether it be a musculoskeletal, vestibular, neurological, or concussion injury – Tylor has the ultimate goal of getting people back to moving again so they are able to get out and do what they love. He believes that having a strong connection with the patient is the foundation of a successful recovery.

Outside of the clinic, Tylor enjoys spending time with family and friends, a variety of sports, travelling the world, and doing carpentry projects. Though his primary sport growing up has been hockey, Tylor enjoys pretty much any activity with good people. Through his athletic background and injuries of his own, Tylor has developed a rich understanding of the process of injury and getting back to doing what you love.

SERVICES:

• Physical Therapy
• Exercise Therapy
• Manual Therapy
• Concussion
• Vestibular Rehab Therapy
• IMS/Dry Needling

Greg is a Registered Physiotherapist who graduated with a Master of Science in Physiotherapy from McMaster University in 2017. Prior to completing his Masters’s degree, he attended Western University and received an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with training in external pelvic floor Physiotherapy and contemporary medical acupuncture.

Greg prides himself on taking a client-centred approach to therapy with the intention of listening to and appreciating every individual’s story. This approach enables Greg the opportunity to provide empathetic, personalized treatment for all. He strives to empower patients through education, appropriate exercise prescription, and achievement of desired goals.

His treatment approach involves a blend of pain education, graded exercise exposure, manual therapy, stress management techniques, and applicable modalities. The complexities of the science behind pain and the implications for the nervous system are key areas of interest. Outside of physiotherapy, Greg is passionate about living an active lifestyle. He enjoys a variety of sports such as hockey, soccer, softball, and basketball. Moving from Ontario, he is very eager to get out and explore all the beauty that the island has to offer. You will most likely find him out paddleboarding around or hiking trails with his dog!

Dayna is a firm believer that movement is medicine and is excited to help you feel your best!

Dayna completed both her Master of Science in Physical Therapy and her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Alberta. She developed a passion for biomechanics, injury prevention, and rehabilitation after attending physiotherapy for her own injuries. She decided to pursue a career in physiotherapy to use this passion to improve others’ lives. As a former engineer, Dayna has a unique perspective into the mechanics involved with physical ailments. She draws on this expertise, her love of exercise and movement, and her hands-on skillset to create an optimal treatment plan for each of her clients.

Dayna is a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science and Healthy Dancer Canada. She has had additional training in the assessment and treatment ofvertigo and dizziness. She also enjoys treating concussion and post-surgical conditions.

Outside of the clinic, Dayna can often be found in a dance studio or on stage. She has been in several local theater productions and practices Irish, tap, jazz, modern, and ballet dance styles as well as aerial hoop and pole. When she isn’t working on her performance skills, you’ll find her spending quality time with her partner, their cat, Raisin, and their puppy, Roxy.

Brandon is originally from Alberta and completed his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Ottawa, where he worked at a sports clinic and discovered a passion for long-distance running. He continued to pursue this interest while earning his Master of Physical Therapy at the University of Western Ontario, competing in several long-distance races along the way.

Brandon’s practice is grounded in evidence-based care, integrating the latest research with clinical expertise to deliver individualized and effective treatments. He takes the time to listen and understand each person’s unique story, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment to create treatment plans tailored to their goals and lifestyle. By combining hands-on techniques, personalized exercise programs, and education that supports long-term self-care, Brandon is dedicated to helping people move with confidence and reach their full potential.

Outside the clinic, Brandon continues to compete in long-distance running events, including marathons, and is currently training for his first Ironman 70.3 in Victoria. He also enjoys CrossFit, pickleball, skiing, travelling, hiking, and spending time with his dogs.

Eileen grew up in northern British Columbia and moved to Vancouver Island in 2013 to complete her undergraduate degree at UVIC. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, with a psychology minor. She then spent a stint living and working in Victoria, before completing her Master of Physical Therapy degree at UBC.

Since completing her physical therapy degree, Eileen has completed additional coursework in concussion management and vestibular rehabilitation. She is highly interested in these areas of physiotherapy as they often pose unique challenges for the client that can be overlooked in health care but can often be treated. Eileen is also trained in AN-IMS.

Eileen aims at empowering clients to become active members of their treatment. She believes that using a collaborative approach to therapy is the best way to ensure that clients are able to achieve their personal goals.

Outside of the clinic, Eileen loves to spend time in nature with her friends and family. In the winter you can find her skiing and snowshoeing at Mount Washington, and in the summer she is typically hiking or camping. Eileen also loves to travel so she is always keen to hear all about your adventures and places that she needs to add to her bucket list!

Jessica grew up on Salt Spring Island, BC, where her love for sports and the outdoors started. Following many injuries in soccer herself, she quickly learned the value of physiotherapy and the importance of safe return to sport.

After a few years at the University of Victoria in general sciences, Jessica completed her Bachelor’s in Athletic and Exercise Therapy at Camosun College in Victoria. Throughout this degree, she completed multiple field and clinical placements, gaining experience in a variety of sports ranging from secondary school to varsity levels. Following this degree, she worked as an Athletic Therapist at a neuro rehabilitation center where her interest in neuro rehabilitation was fostered. This, as well as her love of education and furthering her knowledge in the field of rehabilitation, led her to pursue her Masters in Physiotherapy at the University of Alberta.

Jessica has since gained experience working as an Interim Physiotherapist at an occupational rehabilitation center and is excited to incorporate her experiences into her clinical practice at Start Line Health. Jessica hopes to pursue further education in neuro rehabilitation and sports injury and is passionate about spreading education regarding concussion in sport and safe return to play.

In her off time, you can find Jessica exploring Vancouver Island with her partner and their dog Denise. She also loves her coffee, so if you frequent the coffee shops in the area there’s a strong chance you’ll see her there as well!

Dr. Samantha Partridge brings a unique approach to your healthcare as both a chiropractor and a naturopathic doctor. She completed her Bachelor of Science with distinction from the University of Victoria in 2015. A desire to help people and love of an active lifestyle drew her to chiropractic care. She completed her Doctorate in Chiropractic with a concurrent Bachelor of Science in Human Biology in 2018 from the University of Western States in Portland. She has additional training in various areas, some of which include the McKenzie Method, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization and BirthFit. She enjoys treating people of all ages, from all walks of life, but has a special interest in chronic low back pain and acute disc herniations.

Early in her practice as a chiropractor, Dr. Samantha worked closely with naturopathic doctors and was impressed by all they can offer patients. A strong desire to broaden her toolbox led her to begin her Naturopathic degree at The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. She has trained under Dr. Del Duca to become proficient in ultrasound guided injection therapies for pain management. In addition to interventional pain management, she has a keen interest in perimenopause, menopause and weight loss. She utilizes a multi-faceted approach incorporating lab testing, lifestyle management, nutrition, targeted supplementation, and prescriptions where required.

Outside of the clinic you can find her mountain biking, enjoying the outdoors, reading and spending time with family.

Dr. Samantha Partridge holds certifications in the following:

• Advanced Injection Therapies- Part A
• IV Therapy
• Prescriptive Authority
• Aesthetic Procedures - Cosmetic botulinum toxin

Lisa received her physiotherapy degree at Curtin University in Perth, Australia in 1998. She returned to Canada & worked in private practice. In Bragg Creek, AB she opened her owned & operated her clinic in 2000, until she moved to Cowichan Valley in 2016. She has taken numerous post graduate courses in orthopedics and has a special interest in vertigo & concussion rehabilitation. She completed her acupuncture and dry needling certification completed, as well as her certificate in Spinal Manual Therapy, and is a certified ART® provider.

Lisa’s passion is cycling & she enjoys working with patients to enhance skills & technique, prevent injuries, but also recover from unfortunate injuries.

She enjoys working closely with her patients in a one on one setting to ensure their rehabilitation restores the highest level of function in their daily life, recreational and sporting activities.

Using her foundation of manual therapy from an Australian education, Lisa incorporates hands-on therapy, dry needling, movement education and exercise rehabilitation into treatment to optimize recovery.

Esme is a B.Sc. Physiotherapy graduate from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa (1990). She subsequently worked within South Africa in acute hospital and outpatient settings (Worcester, Cape Town, and Alexander Bay) and southern Namibia.

She travelled to Canada in 1995 and worked in Saskatoon, Nipawin and Melfort in private practice as well as in acute hospital and outpatient settings covering all areas of rural physiotherapy (joint replacement, stroke rehabilitation, respiratory, orthopaedics). In La Ronge, she established a physiotherapy department in the newly-built hospital and also provided home care, long-term care, and rehabilitation for children with Cerebral Palsy.

Esme has also worked for 2 years in Whangarei Hospital in New Zealand, rotating through neurology and internal medicine wards. In the past 13 years, her focus has been primarily on orthopaedics and sports injuries within private practice, while living on Salt Spring Island and subsequently for the past 8 years in the Cowichan Valley.

She believes in an active and healthy lifestyle and participates recreationally in 10 km runs (i.e., Times Colonist), tennis, hiking Vancouver Island, sailing off the BC coast and Gulf islands, as well as enjoying gardening on her family’s hobby farm.

SERVICES:

• Physical Therapy
• Manual Therapy
• Hypopressive Exercise
• IMS/Dry Needling

Luke graduated from Coventry University in 2016 where he received a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Physiotherapy.

As a physiotherapist in Leicester, UK he was able to work in a variety of locations including Musculoskeletal outpatients, ICU and long-term rehabilitation wards, including stroke and medical rehabilitation settings.

After moving to Canada in 2019 he has worked in a Pain Management Program with acute clients in a 1:1 setting. Luke has gained experience working a varied caseload including post operative orthopaedic surgery patients, sports injuries, complex chronic pain conditions and people seeking to return to work.

Luke uses a client centered approach to treatment. He has been fortunate to work with leading MSK researchers and has developed his knowledge and understanding of acute, persistent and complex pain presentations. Luke aims to provide treatment session that allow for improving function, returning to valued activities, increasing self-efficacy and works on client centered goals and individual care for each client.

Outside of the clinic Luke enjoys hiking, mountain biking, playing golf and spending time with his family and friends.

Dr. Sophia completed her studies at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minnesota. Her chiropractic internship in Minnesota focused on Pediatric Chiropractic Care and pre/post natal care for moms. She has experience working with kids, adults, and older populations.

As Sophia has a sibling with Autism, she has a special interest in treating adults and children with additional needs, which inspired her to complete her undergrad with a Major in Psychology at the University of Manitoba.  

She has a passion for providing whole-person centered care, using a wide variety of chiropractic techniques including chiropractic manipulative therapy, cupping, muscle release techniques, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, instrument adjusting, and more.

For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in how the body works and heals itself. In my previous career as a Paramedic, I was in service to others in emergency and acute care situations. I decided to make the transition to a more proactive and collaborative approach to health and wellness. I graduated with honors from the Alberta College of Massage Therapy in June of 2021.

My passion for massage therapy has me continually learning and expanding my skill set and techniques. I have a particular interest in shoulder pathologies and sports injuries. I have been practicing Vipassana meditation for the past 12 years and have completed three 10-day silent meditation courses. I am constantly learning and trying new ways to improve both my mental and physical wellbeing. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, gardening, and exploring the world with my family. I look forward to meeting you and working together on your wellness journey!

Trish graduated with Honours from the Massage Therapy program at Lambton College of Applied Arts and Technology. Her general practice involves treating client’s chief complaints while at the same time establishing preventive care. Trish focuses on normalizing the soft tissues affected by stress, injury, and illness through the use of manual techniques such as Trigger Point Therapy, Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release Techniques, and General Relaxation Techniques. Her goal is to create balance and wellness, and to help reduce the pain and stress created by everyday life.

In her spare time, Trish is a dedicated runner and triathlete and an active member of the CEEVACS roadrunners club. She loves competition and has competed in dozens of marathons, including the Boston Marathon (2009, 2019), ultramarathons and Ironman triathlons.

While attending VIU I developed a strong interest in Kinesiology, from basic anatomy to complex biomechanics. I worked to expand my knowledge by becoming a personal trainer and continuing my kinesiology education. As I furthered my education I was introduced to Massage Therapy.

I saw Massage Therapy combined with my prior education as a great way to help people suffering from a variety of conditions and injuries. Using a combination of techniques which include Deep Tissue, Trigger Point release, and Myofascial Release I focus on optimizing movement and pain reduction.

When I am not working I spend my time weightlifting at the gym, searching for new food spots with my partner Kenzy, and attempting to tire out our two golden retrievers

Ashley graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapists in 2007. Ashley competed at a high level in numerous sports throughout her childhood and young adult life including soccer, field hockey and running. Through her passion of sport she became inspired about furthering her knowledge of injuries and the dynamics of the human body.

Her primary treatment goals are to address the clients main complaint while simultaneously establishing maintenance and preventative care. The techniques Ashley works with in treatment session includes Trigger Point Release, Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue Massage and general relaxation techniques. Ashley will send you home with a home care plan that includes, but is not limited to stretching and strengthening.

Currently, her three children keep her busy, but in her spare time Ashley still continues to enjoy playing soccer, running and being outside at much as possible. You can also find her on the field volunteering her time coaching with various youth sports organizations in the Cowichan Valley.

Derek is a registered acupuncturist in the Cowichan valley.

Movement and nature have always been at the forefront of Derek’s life. His passion is to keep the community moving from athletes to our elders.

Derek’s training;

• *Orthopedic/myofascial acupuncture
• Sports acupuncture
• Channel based acupuncture
• Chinese food therapy

Pain is what stops us from moving and that is one of acupuncture’s strengths! These techniques can help with;

• Radiating nerve pain
• Local sharp pain
• Chronic pain/ arthritis

Kelsey graduated from the four-year program at the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2006 with a Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine. During her studies, she assisted in teaching the third-year class “Acupuncture Treatment for Sports Injuries and Physical Trauma” where she helped to demonstrate the combination of contemporary acupuncture points (similar to IMS), with traditional acupuncture points based on a Chinese Medicine diagnosis. These techniques proved to be very powerful in treating all types of injury and fueled her interest in sports medicine, and the amazing benefits that could be gained from using acupuncture.

She continues to expand her knowledge by attending many courses specific to sports medicine acupuncture and employs the use of TuiNa(Chinese medical massage), acupressure, cupping, trigger point injection therapy, and nutrition in her practice as well. During her career she has had the honour of treating Hollywood stunt doubles, CFL players, MMA Fighters, both Olympic and Paralympic athletes, and some of the best weekend warriors in the world! During her 15 years of practice, she has found a great passion in helping people recover from injury and getting back to doing the activities that they love. Although her specific area of interest is pain management, she has extensive experience in treating many everyday ailments as well as more complex health issues.

Kelsey has recently moved home to Vancouver Island and looks forward to building a practice in the beautiful Cowichan Valley. She remains in excellent standing with her college and governing body, The CTCMA. In her spare time, she enjoys snowboarding, paddling, learning to surf, photography, strumming her ukelele, and spending time with her family in the great outdoors.

Dr. Welham earned a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine after first completing a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of British Columbia. She added the prescription of custom orthotics to her practice shortly after beginning her career as a Chiropractor.

Dr. Welham excels at finding the hidden cause. Highly intuitive and spiritual, she uses her training to understand how the body is compensating for aberrant foot mechanics. This information is then used to create a platform that puts the foot and the body into neutral.

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