Soodeh graduated from Shahid Beheshti University in 2001 with a Bachelor degree in Physiotherapy. For the next 10 years, she worked as a Cardiac Rehabilitation Physiotherapist in a hospital setting, treating both inpatient and outpatient cases. During this time she was able to collaborate with some of the surgeons in doing research on the effects of exercise therapy for different cardiac problems. Treating patients in an outpatient, hospital setting has broadened Soodeh’s knowledge to a variety of different fields including orthopedics, neurology, sports injuries, pediatrics, motor vehicle accidents, geriatrics, and healing and wound management.

Over the years, Soodeh has developed a passion for treating different pelvic dysfunctions in both male and female patients. She decided to become a specialist in this particular field and has since completed the necessary courses to become a Pelvic Physiotherapist. Her extensive orthopedic and pelvic health training in combination with her vast clinical experience offers a unique approach for individuals dealing with pelvic dysfunctions including incontinency, prolapse, and pregnancy issues, just to name a few.

Soodeh is committed to providing the highest quality of care to her patients by integrating evidence-based practice along with her clinical experience. She believes in implementing highly individualized treatment plans and relies heavily on manual therapy, exercise prescription and patient education. She values the importance of continuing education and her future plans include taking additional advanced courses to serve the KW community in the best way possible.

In her spare time, Soodeh enjoys reading, running, and spending time with her family and friends.

Soodeh graduated from Shahid Beheshti University in 2001 with a Bachelor degree in Physiotherapy.... Read More

Pain isn’t an option, it’s inevitable. We all deal with pain, but when it affects your daily life, it’s time to take action. Massage therapy has many effective techniques that can help facilitate your body’s natural ability to heal.

Michael has had his fair share of injuries as a performer (actor/singer/dancer) that have taken him out of the show, at least temporarily. This is largely why he decided to pursue massage therapy as a career. His most recent experience of going through rehabilitation due to a car accident has helped him empathize with those dealing with unremitting pain and how it can have an effect on all aspects of life.

Michael wants to help people of all sorts get back to doing what they love without pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility and independence. Pain doesn’t only affect activities like dancing or playing sports, it can also make everyday tasks difficult, like washing the dishes, or even playing with your kids. His desire is to help you live the fullest life possible without the encumbrance of pain and stiffness holding you back.

It would be Michael’s genuine pleasure to help you address your musculoskeletal concerns in a treatment tailored to your specific needs.

He has worked with clients in many different situations and from many different backgrounds including: athletes, clients with special needs, motor vehicle accidents, rehabilitation, musicians/performers, and he’d love to work with you.

“Let’s work together to get you feeling your best so you can enjoy life and all it has to offer.”

If you’re not sure what massage therapy can do for you, send Michael an email, or give him a call with any questions you might have. He’d love to talk to you. Michael would be honoured to be your partner on the journey to rediscovering your best “you”.

Pain isn’t an option, it’s inevitable. We all deal with pain, but when it affects your daily life... Read More

Joshua, who was born and raised in Waterloo, is excited for his opportunity to return to the region and begin his practice. Growing up he had a strong interest in hockey, golf, football and baseball. He was introduced to the world of chiropractic through various sports-related injuries which sparked his interest and passion for the profession.

Joshua graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Science, Honours, degree. During his time there he participated in the co-op program seeking out many different work experiences. During his time away from school, Joshua worked in the research department conducting studies within the field of biomechanics and officiated hockey in Waterloo and Toronto, something he still does today. He has also spent time volunteering his services to be the trainer for the Kitchener Jr Rangers Bantam AAA team for a year and running an annual Golf Tournament raising funds and awareness for Motionball Canada and Special Olympics.

Following graduation, Joshua continued his studies at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic. Here he gained the tools and knowledge to become a well-rounded evidence-based chiropractor. Joshua strives to provide the most for his patients by educating them about their condition and returning them to their daily activities.

Joshua’s practice style includes spinal and extremity manipulation and mobilization therapy, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation exercises and education. He has a strong interest in the field of golf and is currently pursuing his certification with the Titleist Performance Institute to better assess golfers and rid them of pain and restrictions within their swing. He has also completed training for Physiotherapy Exercise and Physical Activity for Knee osteoarthritis which he strives to include in his practice.

When not in the clinic, Joshua can be found around the city on a golf course, in a rink or touring local parks and trails with his dog Benny.

Joshua, who was born and raised in Waterloo, is excited for his opportunity to return to the regi... Read More

Alicia is passionate about helping others take care of their physical and mental well-being through massage therapy. After pursuing a communications career which gave her the opportunity to work with sports organizations as well as charitable organizations focused on health and wellness, Alicia decided she wanted to have a more direct impact on the health and wellness of others.

Having experienced the benefits of massage therapy, Alicia returned to school and graduated with honours from the Massage Therapy program at Westervelt College.

Alicia aims to work with each patient to meet their needs and goals so they can continue to stay active and enjoy their day-to-day lives. Whether you are experiencing postural pain from your desk or factory job, headaches, tight quads from your weekly runs, or are in need of relaxation and stress management, Alicia believes that massage therapy can play an important and effective role in enhancing your overall health and well-being.

Alicia grew up playing competitive soccer and, after moving to Kitchener-Waterloo in 2016, developed a love for running (especially the half marathon distance). In her spare time, Alicia enjoys losing herself in a good book, exploring the many great places to run in KW and spending time with her husband experiencing all the outdoor goodness, food and beer that the KW region has to offer.

Alicia is passionate about helping others take care of their physical and mental well-being throu... Read More

Samantha grew up in the city of Waterloo, where her interest in physical rehabilitation developed from her experience with injuries while competing provincially, nationally, and at the varsity level in synchronized swimming for 15 years. She completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education with a Psychology Minor at Wilfrid Laurier University in 2015. During her undergraduate degree, Samantha volunteered at outpatient orthopedic physiotherapy clinics, she completed placements related to exercise and leisure programs in retirement home and daycare settings, and she was a lifeguard and aquatic instructor for five years.

She then graduated with a Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Western Ontario in 2018, where she had physiotherapy clinical placements in outpatient orthopedics, outpatient acquired brain injury and post-concussion syndrome, acute care inpatient orthopedic and general surgery, and acute care inpatient neurosurgery. Samantha’s physiotherapy treatment approach is patient-specific where she emphasizes patient education, exercise prescription, and various manual therapy techniques. She has completed outpatient orthopedic and acute care post-graduate courses, including the Manual Therapy Level 1 Exam, Mulligan Concept: Lower Quadrant, Frontal Chest Radiography Interpretation, and Review of Mechanical Ventilation for Critical Care. Samantha is interested in taking continuing education courses in orthopedics and concussion and vestibular management in the future.

Outside of the clinic, Samantha likes to swim, bake, draw and paint, listen to music, and spend time with her family and friends. Samantha is excited to join the team and grow her practice at LiveWell Health and Physiotherapy in Kitchener.

Samantha grew up in the city of Waterloo, where her interest in physical rehabilitation developed... Read More

Mike joined our team at LiveWell in 2018. He attended the University of Waterloo where he completed his Honours Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. While working through his Honours degree Mike also participated in the honours co-op program, giving him the opportunity to work in a diverse array of fields ranging from biomechanics research to designing patient exercise programs for individuals undergoing various cancer treatments. Mike then furthered his education by completing his Masters of Physiotherapy degree at McMaster University. During his Masters Mike also gained placements in orthopedics, hospital acute care, and spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

Throughout his undergraduate studies, Mike played rugby, both through the university and also for the Waterloo County RFC. Mike aims to give his patients the tools they need to perform effective home exercise programs and ensures they receive a balance of manual therapy techniques and exercise management. He believes that continued education is essential to providing effective physiotherapy care.

Outside of the office, Mike prefers to spend time with his wife, daughter and son, friends and family. He has a passion for staying active with sports and personal fitness, and also enjoys reading, music and spending time outdoors.

We are overjoyed to have Mike as an integral part of our team and welcome his desire to make a positive impact in this area.

Mike joined our team at LiveWell in 2018. He attended the University of Waterloo where he complet... Read More

Karen completed her Bachelors in Physiotherapy at University of Toronto over 25 years ago. Prior to that she held a Bachelors in Science, Deans List, majoring in Biology and Neuroscience.

Karen has worked in the area of orthopaedics the majority of her career treating a wide variety of ages and injuries, including chronic conditions, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents and work injuries.

Karen has taken extensive post graduate training in manual therapy and has expanded her care to include vestibular rehabilitation and concussion care. Most recently, she has trained in Connect TherapyTM which is an approach that evaluates alignment throughout the body and corrections to it that can have the biggest impact on the painful area.

Karen grew up performing in colour guards in Ontario with one year in California. She continued to teach, choreograph and judge back at home for twenty years.

Once her kids arrived on the scene, Karen’s focus moved to their needs; supporting them in their sports and theatrical pursuits. Karen continues to take a contemporary dance class and enjoys staying active with her family and friends.

Karen Murphy is thrilled to join the LiveWell team to provide thoughtful care in the KW Region.

Karen completed her Bachelors in Physiotherapy at University of Toronto over 25 years ago. Prior ... Read More