Pegah graduated from the Master of Science in Physical Therapy program at the University of Toronto in 2022. Prior to this, she completed her Master’s degree in Human Physiology at the University of Ottawa.

Pegah’s research background has driven her passion to help empower individuals through understanding of the workings of our bodies and the therapeutic power of movement and exercise. Recognizing the importance of individualized care, Pegah prioritizes compassion and a patient-centered approach in order to collaboratively develop treatments with her patients that fit their therapy and lifestyle goals. Pegah’s holistic and trauma informed practice incorporates education, manual therapy and therapeutic exercise to effectively assess and treat client needs.

Pegah treats both pelvic and orthopaedic conditions and provides care to all ages and genders. She is also comfortable in providing treatment in both English and Persian.

During her leisure time, Pegah can often be found training her beautiful rescue dog and making time for biking, hiking or baking for loved ones! She’s always eager to start a new hobby or plan an outdoor adventure with her family. Pegah understands the value of hobbies and exercise in our daily lives and is enthusiastic about helping others maximize their quality of life through treatment so that they too can participate and thrive in both work and play!

Email: pegah@core-connections.ca Hours: Tuesdays 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm and Fridays 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Services provided in English and Persian.

Pegah graduated from the Master of Science in Physical Therapy program at the University of Toron... Read More

I am a passionate advocate for all of us to be able to live our fullest lives and optimize the function of our bodies. As a physiotherapist, I have the privilege of providing clients with knowledge, tools and guidance to help recover or resolve symptoms and to work towards an optimal quality of life. We all deserve to achieve our goals, whether they are performance based, recreational, or functional!

Growing up, I spent many years pursuing my own goals in sprint canoe kayak and experienced first hand the support of my physiotherapists through training injuries on and off the water. It sparked a curiosity in me about how the body works, and how we can encourage it to heal itself, and in the profession of physiotherapy as a whole.

I completed my Master’s in Physiotherapy from the University of Ottawa after graduating from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Throughout my career, I have pursued continuing education on a variety of topics including chronic pain, acupuncture and dry needling, spinal conditions and running injuries. I have also specialized in pelvic health physiotherapy and have taken courses on the majority of pelvic health conditions, pelvic pain, the deep core system, prenatal conditions, postnatal recovery including return to running, and physiotherapy for the gender diverse population. I believe physiotherapy is both an art and a science. On top of my 9 years of experience, I prioritize staying up to date on the latest research and love to learn different techniques and tricks from my amazing colleagues.

I love to work one-on-one with my clients. I aim to understand their individual needs and goals in order to implement the appropriate care. I rely on evidence-based practices and integrate exercise and functional movement strategies as my main treatment approach, along with soft tissue release, joint mobilization, and functional dry needling. My background in Kinesiology and my extensive experience as a competitive athlete and sprint canoeing and kayaking coach, provide me knowledge and confidence in prescribing progressive and individualized exercises and motivating my clients. I am also a certified yoga teacher and enjoy practicing and teaching yoga, as well as integrating aspects of yoga into my practice. I am happy to work with clients of any background and experience and of all gender identities in English, French or Spanish.

I recently became a mom and it has opened up my eyes to the unique experiences and challenges of parenthood. I have been enjoying introducing my daughter to many of my favourite activities, such as walking our dog, hiking, paddling at the cottage, and camping! We also love to travel and were lucky to be able to go back to Mexico, where I was born, as a family. We look forward to more trips together in the future!

Currently on maternity leave until September 10th 2025.

Hours: Monday 8:30am-3:30pm Tuesday 2:15pm-5:15pm Wednesday 8:30am-2pm Thursday 8:30am-3:30pm

Email: Galia@core-connections.ca

Services offered in English, French and Spanish.

I am a passionate advocate for all of us to be able to live our fullest lives and optimize the fu... Read More

In 2011, I founded Core Connections Physiotherapy out of a deep desire to create a beautiful, community-based clinic and centre of excellence for orthopedic, pre and postnatal, and pelvic health physiotherapy services. Working as an orthopedic and pelvic health physiotherapist for over the last 29 years has been a deeply fulfilling journey for me. I love what I do!

I have always had a strong interest in health and wellness and movement, and helping people. While studying Physiotherapy at the University of Toronto, I loved learning about how the human body works. I delved deeply into studying anatomy, physiology and neuroanatomy. My passion for orthopedics was sparked during a student placement in orthopedics - from there I then went on to plunge enthusiastically into 10 years of postgraduate training in orthopedic manual therapy courses, mentoring, working in an speciality private practice orthopedics clinic in downtown Toronto, and after 10 years of rigorous training, successfully completed my Fellowship in Manual and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (FCAMT) in 2008.

My interest in pelvic health was sparked after attending a lecture - the idea that core stabilization exercises commonly prescribed for low back pain could help with incontinence symptoms completely fascinated me. My journey into pelvic health began in 2003 with a research idea about how orthopaedic factors, such as flat feel or hip or rib cage tightness, can contribute to the development of stress urinary incontinence. That idea developed into a Master’s Research paper and publication - The Integrated Continence System: A Manual Therapy Approach to the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence (2008). Afterwards, I started the Pelvic Floor Program downtown in 2008 based on this integrated orthopedic and pelvic health approach. Recognizing at that time the gap in services for women with incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction, I worked over several years to raise awareness in the community about pelvic health by offering a regular series of community presentations, hosting educational workshops, lecturing through the Orthopedic Physiotherapy Division of the CPA and physio education nights, as well as presenting at OPA conferences.

In 2014, I completed my 150-hour Integrated Systems Model training. This training was paradigm shifting for me and have since integrated the concepts of mechanical drivers, neural plasticity, visceral mobilization, and motor control retraining into my clinical practice.

Also in 2014, I completed my pessary training course in Montreal and worked closely with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario as the first pelvic health physiotherapist to introduce pessary fitting in Ontario. Over 11 years, I’ve collaborated with physicians, specialists and nurse care practitioners to provide these pessary fitting services for our patients with incontinence and prolapse and I’m currently developing a pessary mentoring program for colleagues.

The integration of the Barral Visceral Mobilization courses deepened my skills in the assessment and treatment of abdominal fascial restrictions that are so integral to the treatment of common orthopedic and pelvic health conditions.

Travel and exploration have also played a large role in my educational journey, and trips to India and Nepal, where I spent time trekking and in meditation retreats, have helped inform my holistic view of health, wellness and mindfulness.

Outside of the clinic, I love to be outside - playing with my son, Nikko, gardening, cycling, back country camping, cross-country skiing, I also love adventure - some of these adventures include solo trekking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, arduous hut-to-hut cross-country ski adventures in Charlevoix and cycle touring with my husband and son in the East Coast. I look forward to finding the time one day to do photography, international travel and reading French literature.

Affiliations Heather is a member of the Orthopedic, Women’s Health and Seniors Divisions of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

Email: heather@core-connections.ca

Hours: Wednesdays 8:30 am -2 pm Thursdays 9 am – 3:00 pm

Services offered in English and French.

In 2011, I founded Core Connections Physiotherapy out of a deep desire to create a beautiful, com... Read More

I have been a physiotherapist for more than 13 years and being the people person that I am, I truly love every single second of it! My expertise lies in Pelvic Health, Orthopedics and Sports.

I come from an athletic background having competed at national level in swimming and water polo. My dad being a professional soccer coach, I played a lot of soccer growing up which sparked my interest in helping athletes who are recovering from injuries that are limiting their potential.

I am a published author and presenter at a number of international conferences. My research interests have included varicose veins in high level athletes, land-based versus water-based exercises in reducing pain and disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and core stability exercises on and off the Swiss Ball. I played an instrumental role in designing a novel ultrasound device that helps treat acute and chronic joint pain.

Ever since becoming a mom, a longstanding curiosity about the connection between the pelvic floor and other musculoskeletal conditions, led me to pursue a specialization in treating pelvic floor disorders in all genders. As a mom myself, I understand how our bodies constantly evolve and how the demands shift as our babies grow and life moves forward. I strongly believe physiotherapy can be a valuable support in helping us navigate the physical challenges that come with each stage of motherhood.

I love working with women in the peri, menopausal, and postmenopausal stages supporting their changing bodies with the right tools, movement strategies, and care tailored to each phase. Every stage brings its own challenges, and proper management can play a key role in helping you feel strong, supported, and more at ease in your body.

With a robust understanding of orthopedics and sports, it gives me a deeper insight into treating my athletic pelvic health clients to understand the demands of their bodies in a peculiar way!

Through my years of practice, I noticed people with hypermobile joints did not often respond to conventional manual or physiotherapy techniques which steered me to dive deeper into understanding their unique bodies. This led me to be a member of EDS- ECHO society (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome -EDS and hypermobility spectrum disorders -HSD) and I’ve been helping hypermobile individuals overcome their health conditions for more than 4 years now.

I hold additional certifications in the following areas:

• Pelvic Health solutions - Level I, II and III (Urinary incontinence and Prolapse

• Pelvic pain through trauma informed lens, Biopsychosocial aspects of pelvic health)

• Pessary Fitting - Prolapse and Incontinence.

• EDS ECHO Clinicians North America (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders)

• Functional Dry Needling

• Functional Movement Training

• Kinesiology Taping

• Cupping

When I am not working, you can find me playing with my boy, Nyrit, and trying new recipes! I also enjoy biking along the Ottawa river, dancing, travelling to off the beaten path destinations, and watching The Office on repeat!

Email: pratyusha@core-connections.ca

Hours: Monday 9-5pm Tuesday 9-5 pm Friday 9-5pm

Services provided in English and Telugu.

I have been a physiotherapist for more than 13 years and being the people person that I am, I tr... Read More

Susan graduated with a Baccalaureate of Science in Physical Therapy from McGill University in Montreal. She completed her Canadian Manipulative Physiotherapy examinations in 1997 and 2003 respectively, which qualify her to manipulate both the peripheral and spinal joints. Susan has received her Advanced Diploma in Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy.

Susan has over 18 years of clinical experience in orthopaedics & sports injury assessment and treatment in the Ottawa area.

Clinical Interests/Research:

Lumbo-Pelvic Disorders Upper Quadrant Dysfunction

Susan graduated with a Baccalaureate of Science in Physical Therapy from McGill University in Mon... Read More

The goal with my treatment approach is to help you return to the activities which matter most to you, and to empower you through education and exercise! In addition to treating musculoskeletal injuries and pelvic health conditions I have a special interest in treating dizziness, concussion, and other vestibular disorders. I received my Master’s of Physiotherapy from the University of Ottawa. I have also completed a number of post-graduate courses and certifications: - Canadian Academy of Manual Physiotherapy Level 1 and Level 2 Certification

• McKenzie Level A (Lumbar Spine) McKenzie Level B (Cervical and Thoracic Spine).

• The Physical Therapy Approach to Anyone Experiencing Urinary Incontinence

• The Role of Physiotherapy in the Treatment for anyone experiencing Pelvic Pain through a Trauma Informed Lens

• Pregnancy and Pelvic Girdle Pain

• Management of Diastasis Rectus Abdominus

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Distressing Physical Symptoms

• Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Introduction

• Advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation

• Complete Concussion Management Level 1

Outside of work, I love to spend time being active outdoors! I am an avid cyclist (long time road biker and new to mountain biking). I also love camping and exploring new hiking trails in the summer, and skiing in the winter. In my downtime, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, as well as baking new recipes.

Email: kelly@core-connections.ca

Hours: Mondays 7:00 am – 2:00 pm Wednesdays 2:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Services provided in English and French.

The goal with my treatment approach is to help you return to the activities which matter most to ... Read More

I have always felt a great pull toward helping people, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in a helping, health-care profession. I grew up in the Ottawa Valley near Almonte, and as a child, after experiencing my own injuries (during daily activities, sports, and ballet), I saw clearly how physiotherapists can transform people’s lives, by giving them the tools to work with their own bodies and easing the pain they experience.

With Masters degrees in Kinesiology and Physiotherapy from the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto, I’ve worked in a variety of settings, treating patients with orthopedic and sports injuries, as well as neurological injuries and conditions. Over the years, however, I’ve become deeply interested in treating pelvic health issues (for all genders), particularly for people before and after they give birth.

I aim to provide people with holistic care that helps them feel strong and empowered. Pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for babies present many challenges, both physical and mental. In my practice, I help with many of the issues that arise, including general pelvic pain, urinary pain and incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pain during sex, limitations in movement, and sacroiliac (SI) pain, among other issues. I also help people make a plan after childbirth for a return to physical activity, such as running or fitness classes, tailored to their own goals.

I am a lifelong learner and find great joy in taking courses so I can then apply the most up to date, evidence based, clinical skills and practices for my clients. I will forever feel there will always be more to learn and continue to look forward to more learning. My list of courses and certifications is long some of which includes:

Hypopressives Level 1; Ramona Horton’s Visceral Urinary System course Antony Lo’s The Female Athlete course; Birth Healing Institute (postpartum body) Holly Herman’s Finessing your pelvic exams and treatments Susan Clinton’s Advanced GI  anorectal and Pelvic Floor Course Pelvic Health Solutions Levels 1-4 (Urinary Incontinence, Pelvic Pain and Pregnancy courses) Diane Lee: Thorax and Pelvis and Treating women with Pelvic Girdle Pain Julie Wiebe’s Athlete courses; Advanced Motor Control Training of the Spine (Dr. Paul Hodges) Acupuncture, Dry Needling, Manual Therapy Level 2, Soft Tissue Release Besides offering one-on-one client centered therapy sessions I also offer several group physiotherapy classes (currently through Zoom). I developed and led these group classes as a wonderful way to progress my clients through their rehab and focus on achieving their specific movement goals. These classes include: Postnatal Core Restore, Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), Prenatal movement and prepare for birth and Postnatal Return to Running Classes.

My own life provides constant inspiration and motivation for my work. I have three children, and I see motherhood as a journey, one that shifts and changes and requires new ways of caring for myself and my body, along with the needs and goals of my kids. I live with my husband, our kids, and our cat in the wonderful neighbourhood of Carlington in Ottawa, just a short walk from Core Connections Physiotherapy Clinic. We love to keep active, and we head to Gatineau Park and other beautiful areas as much as possible, for skiing, hiking, canoeing, and camping.

Email: monate@core-connections.ca Hours: Mondays 8:30 am – 11:30 am and 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Tuesdays 8:30 am – 11:30 am and 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Thursdays 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Fridays 8:30 am – 1:00 pm

Services provided in English.

I have always felt a great pull toward helping people, and I knew from a young age that I wanted ... Read More