Education

Alan graduated from the University of Alberta with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy degree. His devotion to lifelong learning led him to pursue advanced orthopaedic education in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, earning him a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, the highest awards attained by an orthopaedic manual physiotherapist. He then went on to earn a Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy Degree (DScPT).

Experience

Alan returned home after completing a 3-year teaching sabbatical in New York City, working as a university professor to establish a brand-new Doctor of Physical Therapy education program and serving as a physiotherapist for various NCAA sports teams within the university. Additionally, his collaboration with New York City’s American Ballet Theatre and Canada’s National Academy of Dance Educators provided him with multiple opportunities to speak and present his research at physiotherapy conferences in the United States, specifically on the influence of spinal dysfunction on peripheral joints. Most recently, he published an article exploring the intricate relationship between neck dysfunction and TMJ (jaw) pain, and presented this work at the annual American Physical Therapy Conference in San Diego that same year.

Staying up to date in the latest developments of the profession is a priority for Alan to ensure that patients receive the best quality of care.

Alan strongly believes in the importance of continuing education and continues to mentor physiotherapists pursuing advanced education in orthopaedic manual therapy. He is a clinical instructor within the University of Alberta Physiotherapy Program, while continuing to teach anatomy part-time as an Assistant Professor in New York.

Treatment Approach and Philosophy

Alan treats a variety of conditions including motor vehicle accident injuries, overuse injuries, everyday aches and pains, chronic pain, and sports injuries. He also provides treatment for vestibular dysfunction (vertigo), concussion management, and TMJ (jaw) impairments. Alan particularly enjoys the challenge of treating complex spinal conditions by using an individualized approach that consists of hands-on manual therapy, intramuscular stimulation (IMS or dry needling), and corrective exercises.

Successful outcomes can be achieved when addressing the whole person rather than isolated units, especially when addressing longstanding pain. Alan takes a thorough approach to treatment and believes in motor retraining and functional exercises as crucial elements of the recovery process.

Additional Languages Spoken

Alan is fluent in Cantonese for those requiring a Cantonese-speaking physiotherapist.