Sport Medicine Physician

Sport Medicine Doctors have expertise resolving injuries or conditions including muscles, joints, and other tissues of the musculoskeletal system. They are knowledgeable about sport performance and physical activity, for all levels of competition. What can our Sport Medicine Physicians Help With? Injury Assessment and Diagnosis Coordination of Care with our Integrated Medical Team Impro... Read More

Sport Medicine Doctors have expertise resolving injuries or conditions including muscles, joints, and other tissues of the musculoskeletal system. They are knowledgeable about sport performance and physical activity, for all levels of competition.

What can our Sport Medicine Physicians Help With?

Injury Assessment and Diagnosis
Coordination of Care with our Integrated Medical Team
Improve Athletic Performance with Exercise
Injury Prevention and Education

Comprehensive Medical Care
The sport medicine physicians will provide you with an accurate diagnosis based on the history of the condition, a comprehensive physical exam and appropriate investigations. They will coordinate care with other members of the team such as Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, and others to design an individualized treatment and injury prevention program.

OHIP
As our Sport Medicine Physicians are medical doctors, their fees are covered by OHIP. Please bring a valid OHIP card to your appointment.


Physiotherapy

LiveActive physiotherapists will assess the injury and help design an individualized care plan to manage and treat it. Using a combination of manual therapy and exercise prescription, your physiotherapist will do everything possible to ensure accurate diagnosis and a speedy recovery. LiveActive Sport Medicine physiotherapists continue to advance their skill sets and training. Many of our p... Read More

LiveActive physiotherapists will assess the injury and help design an individualized care plan to manage and treat it. Using a combination of manual therapy and exercise prescription, your physiotherapist will do everything possible to ensure accurate diagnosis and a speedy recovery.

LiveActive Sport Medicine physiotherapists continue to advance their skill sets and training.
Many of our physiotherapists have done specialized training in:
Concussions
Acupuncture
Osteoarthritis
Fascial Stretch Therapy
Women's Health
Shockwave Therapy

The initial visit with your physiotherapist will include a thorough assessment to determine the nature of the problem, then provide treatment that will be helpful to begin restoring function and return to sport.. Physiotherapy treatments will generally include exercises to be completed between visits, empowering the patient to have an active role in recovery and return to sport.


Chiropractic

Your LiveActive Chiropractors focus on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the body. They are specialists in using manipulations of joints to improve range of motion and flexibility, and to restore proper function. Your chiropractic care will often include extensive soft tissue manual therapy. Doctors of Chiropractic are concerned with how the body’s nerves, mu... Read More

Your LiveActive Chiropractors focus on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the body. They are specialists in using manipulations of joints to improve range of motion and flexibility, and to restore proper function. Your chiropractic care will often include extensive soft tissue manual therapy.

Doctors of Chiropractic are concerned with how the body’s nerves, muscles and joints function as a whole. They are specialists in using manipulations of joints to improve range of motion and flexibility, and to restore proper function. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment. Chiropractors may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal aspects of discomfort associated with a medical condition.

LiveActive Chiropractors Extended Skillset
Athletic Release Technique (ART)
Sport Chiropractic
Acupuncture
Concussion Management
Graston Technique


Massage Therapy

A sport massage includes various massage techniques to help prepare for competition, perform better and prevent or recover from injuries. It can be helpful before, during or after a sporting event to assist the athlete's performance, prevent fatigue, or recovering from injury. Before a treatment, the Massage Therapist will complete an assessment of a patient’s concerns and overall health. O... Read More

A sport massage includes various massage techniques to help prepare for competition, perform better and prevent or recover from injuries. It can be helpful before, during or after a sporting event to assist the athlete's performance, prevent fatigue, or recovering from injury.

Before a treatment, the Massage Therapist will complete an assessment of a patient’s concerns and overall health. Once the assessment has been completed a treatment approach/ plan will be proposed, with patient consent. Massage therapy can be done over clothes, or sheets or directly upon uncovered skin depending upon the nature of the problem and patient preference and comfort. A soothing lotion is used, that allows smooth manual technique but does not stain clothing.

Advanced Skills of LiveActive Massage Therapists
Acupuncture
Fascial Stretch
Graston Technique
Mulligan's Lower Extremity Manipulations


Pedorthic Consultation

Graduated with Honours in Kinesiology in 2003 from York University, followed by a Bachelor in Health Science in Athletic Therapy from Sheridan College. As a student therapist she worked with the University of Toronto Football and Basketball teams. She has also worked with the Vancouver Provincial Soccer Team. It was here she discovered her passion for the care and wellness of her athletes. Beco... Read More

Graduated with Honours in Kinesiology in 2003 from York University, followed by a Bachelor in Health Science in Athletic Therapy from Sheridan College. As a student therapist she worked with the University of Toronto Football and Basketball teams. She has also worked with the Vancouver Provincial Soccer Team. It was here she discovered her passion for the care and wellness of her athletes. Becoming a Certified Athletic Therapist in 2010.

She furthered her studies in the field of Pedorthics as an apprentice in 2007. Learning more about biomechanics and how the foot can vastly affect different areas of the body. She became a certified member in 2009, with the College of Pedorthics. With over 10 years of Pedorthic experience she has treated not just the general population but also various types of amateur to professional athletes.

Janice enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her husband, 2 boys and her dog. Her favourite activities are tennis, swimming and yoga. When not doing those activities she enjoys playing her drums.


Nutrition

With a food first approach and an appreciation for individual food preferences Emily is enthusiastic to work with patients to create personalized nutrition care plans to fuel their specific lifestyle. She works with individuals on building a relationship with food, one they will enjoy and feel energized by. Emily is able to assist individuals with weight management, chronic pain and inflammatio... Read More

With a food first approach and an appreciation for individual food preferences Emily is enthusiastic to work with patients to create personalized nutrition care plans to fuel their specific lifestyle. She works with individuals on building a relationship with food, one they will enjoy and feel energized by. Emily is able to assist individuals with weight management, chronic pain and inflammation, disease prevention and achieving their optimal health through food and nutrition.

Beth received a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Psychology from the University of Toronto where she had hands-on experience as a strength coach for varsity athletes. It was her love of sports and helping people that drove her to work with an athletic population where she can focus on injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Beth has experience working with junior, colligate, and professional athletes, mainly volleyball and hockey. She uses these experiences and her massage education from Sutherland Chan to develop a holistic approach to treatment. Beth utilizes exercise and manual techniques to help her clients feel and perform their best.

Beth received a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Psychology from the University of Toronto wh... Read More

Dr. Ashkan completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Prior to this, he received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in Kinesiology at the University of Toronto. During his undergraduate studies, Dr. Ash was an executive member at Exercise is Medicine, promoting the importance of exercise and physical activity to students and the general population. As a former athlete himself, he understands the challenges athletes experience following an injury. Thus, he values the importance of patient education and injury prevention as fundamental components of his treatment. During his master’s degree, he completed his capstone project on developing evidence-based exercise prescription guideline for patients undergoing hemodialysis. Such experience working with a wide spectrum of clientele has enabled him to appreciate the importance of inter-professional collaboration with other regulated healthcare providers.

Dr. Ash is a firm believer in individualized patient-centred care. He is certified in contemporary acupuncture, instrument assisted soft tissue therapy, and concussion management. His areas of interest include but are not limited to management and prevention of sports injuries, active rehabilitation, evidence-based clinical research, chronic pain management, functional biomechanical assessments, and biopsychosocial model of care. In his spare time, Ash enjoys playing soccer, learning French and Italian, and spending time with friends and family.

Dr. Ashkan completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.... Read More

Emily completed her Master of Health Science in Nutrition Communication in 2019, at which point she became a Registered Dietitian. Prior to starting her MHSc at Ryerson University she received a bachelors degree in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York while also playing varsity women’s hockey. She currently plays professional hockey for the Toronto Furies in the CWHL.

With a food first approach and an appreciation for individual food preferences Emily is enthusiastic to work with patients to create personalized nutrition care plans to fuel their specific lifestyle. She works with individuals on building a relationship with food, one they will enjoy and feel energized by. Emily is able to assist individuals with weight management, chronic pain and inflammation, disease prevention and achieving their optimal health through food and nutrition.

Apart from being a graduate student and professional hockey player Emily is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the NSCA working with collegiate, national team, and everyday individuals towards their health and fitness goals.

Emily completed her Master of Health Science in Nutrition Communication in 2019, at which point s... Read More

Dr. E. Laura Cruz, Sport Med. Doctor

Dr. Laura Cruz a background in Family Medicine and has practiced sport and exercise medicine since 1996. She is known for her expertise in aesthetic sports such as rhythmic gymnastics, synchronized swimming and figure skating working with athletes from the club to Olympic level. Since 2008 until 2020, she has been the team physician for the Toronto Furies and Lague physician for the CWHL.

She has been the Canadian Team physician for many world championships and a Vancouver 2010 and Beijing 2022 Olympic physician for Figure Skating. She is a member of the University of Toronto Sport and Exercise Medicine fellowship committee and is an active teacher of medical learners. Dr Cruz is also a member of the York University Lions Sport Medicine Team.

Dr. Cruz is the Medical Director and co-owner of LiveActive Sport Medicine Health and Performance. She is a local sport concussion consultant and her practice is focussed on return to sport and injury prevention.

Dr. E. Laura Cruz, Sport Med. Doctor Dr. Laura Cruz a background in Family Medicine and has pract... Read More

Marco Bandiera completed his Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario in 2021. Prior to his Physiotherapy degree he completed his Kinesiology undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto receiving High Honours status. During his time at UofT, Marco was a member of the Varsity Baseball team and a student trainer for the Men’s Varsity Hockey team.

Marco is knowledgeable in treating athletes, acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, and preoperative and postoperative surgical patients. From his previous experience of being a varsity athlete and his mentorship from leaders in the field of PT, Marco has acquired invaluable clinical skills. He is currently Level 1 certified in manual therapy through the Orthopedic Division with plans to progress through the FCAMPT level systems and attain his Acupuncture & Dry Needling Certification.

During his spare time, Marco enjoys staying active through weightlifting, running, biking, and playing various sports. Marco is excited to bring his knowledge, experience, and passion for helping others to the LiveActive Sports Medicine Clinic.

Marco believes in empowering everyone by providing education and guidance throughout their rehab process. He ensures that he works alongside each individual to develop a treatment plan that matches their goals. Marco has a strong belief that through education, manual therapy, and well-developed exercise prescription that every individual can reach a state of physical and mental wellness that creates lifelong confidence and empowerment.

Marco Bandiera completed his Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario i... Read More

Malia comes from an athletic background, competing provincially and internationally in Rhythmic Gymnastics. After experiencing athletic injuries herself, she developed a greater understanding of both the physical and emotional toll associated with such injuries. This sparked a keen interest in learning how to facilitate recovery and optimize physical health through exercise. Malia went on to complete her bachelor’s degree in honours Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario. During this time, Malia continued to be involved in Rhythmic Gymnastics through coaching and as an on-field trainer.

Malia graduated with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto. Throughout this degree, she had a variety of clinical internships, working with high level athletes, post-operative patients, pediatrics and older adults. Malia has completed continued education courses in movement analysis (MAPclass level 2). She is looking forward to continuing her education in manual therapy and pelvic health.

Malia believes in a patient- centered care approach to physiotherapy treatment. She enjoys working collaboratively with her patients to create a treatment plan that aligns with their individual goals. Malia uses a combination of hands-on treatment, individualized exercise prescription, and education to empower her patients throughout their rehabilitation journey.

In her spare time, Malia enjoys staying active with Pilates and biking, going to the movies and spending time with family and friends.

Malia comes from an athletic background, competing provincially and internationally in Rhythmic G... Read More

Graduated with Honours in Kinesiology in 2003 from York University, followed by a Bachelor in Health Science in Athletic Therapy from Sheridan College. As a student therapist she worked with the University of Toronto Football and Basketball teams. She has also worked with the Vancouver Provincial Soccer Team. It was here she discovered her passion for the care and wellness of her athletes. Becoming a Certified Athletic Therapist in 2010.

She furthered her studies in the field of Pedorthics as an apprentice in 2007. Learning more about biomechanics and how the foot can vastly affect different areas of the body. She became a certified member in 2009, with the College of Pedorthics. With over 10 years of Pedorthic experience she has treated not just the general population but also various types of amateur to professional athletes.

Janice enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her husband, 2 boys and her dog. Her favourite activities are tennis, swimming and yoga. When not doing those activities she enjoys playing her drums.

Janice is schedule by appointment only. Please call the office to organize your pedorthic consultation or if you’re interested in custom orthotics.

Graduated with Honours in Kinesiology in 2003 from York University, followed by a Bachelor in Hea... Read More

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