BMgt (Honours), MScPT, Acupuncture, Dry Needling

Hi, I’m Mike Salame, a Physiotherapist here at Pivotal. I graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management (BMgt) in 2013, and then enrolled into the Physical Therapy program at the University of Alberta, graduating with my Master’s Degree (MScPT) in 2017. It was a personal ACL knee injury that opened my eyes to the wonderful world of physical therapy and allowed me to pursue a career in this field.

Hi, I’m Kim, a physiotherapist out of Pivotal’s High Performance Centre downtown. I graduated in 2008 from the U of A with a Bachelors degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Sports Performance and Physical Activity. This is where my fascination for the human body, passion for exercise, and love of working with people to help achieve their goals and find success really flourished. I then pursued a Masters Degree in Physiotherapy, which I completed in 2010 at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. I have dedicated my whole career to working in a sports physiotherapy setting, and have received further training in Functional and Biomedical Dry Needling, Kinesiotape, FMS, and am a registered running specialist with the Running Clinic. I have also attended multiple courses where I’ve built my skills as a manual therapist with myofascial release and mobilization with movement, and I’ve also had the opportunity to advance my knowledge on establishing patient-specific exercise correction, prescription, and programming.

Hi, my name is Jesse. I recently completed my Master of Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta. I provide treatment at Pivotal’s High Performance Centre and ARC by Pivotal inside Evolve Strength Downtown. My path to Physiotherapy began with my Bachelor of Science which I completed in 2014. I then spent two years focusing on research and completed my thesis for a Master in Rehab Science in 2016. 

One of my favourite things about Physiotherapy is the individuality of each client and I tailor my treatment style to match their needs. I use a combination of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise to help clients meet their goals. I grew up involved in a number of sports and have had my fair share of injuries over the years. These injuries and my return to sport goals have led to numerous positive interactions with Physiotherapists and I want to help others return to participating in what they love to do. I’ve had the opportunity to work as the therapist for the UofA Track & Field team for three years as well as with various rugby clubs. I have a keen interest in working with athletes and plan to work towards my Sport Physiotherapy Diploma.

My life outside of work involves a combination of sports and music. You may find me at the gym, at the rink, on the pitch or at the top of a mountain whether I get there by hiking, climbing or chair lift! You might also catch me playing some of your favourite tunes as a DJ around town. Some say I’m a bit of a foodie so if you’ve tried a new restaurant or microbrewery, I’m always interested to hear about them.

Hi, I’m Jessica. I have been working full-time as a Registered Massage Therapist at Pivotal Physiotherapy since August 2012. I was born and raised in the BC Rockies, and spent much of my youth heavily involved in sports and outdoor activities, specifically short track speed skating, mountain biking, and hiking. My sport background has encouraged me to become certified in techniques and remedial exercises to help my patients achieve and maintain an active & pain-free lifestyle. I enjoy the challenge of the diverse conditions and patients I treat at our clinic.

I am a graduate of the MH Vicars School of Massage Therapy in Edmonton, AB, where I earned my Diploma of Clinical Massage Therapy (2200 hours). I am a registered member in good standing of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada. I incorporate a variety of modalities into my treatments including myofascial release, trigger point therapy, cupping therapies, manual lymphatic drainage, joint mobilizations, and remedial exercise. I am certified in prenatal, postpartum and infant massage, as well as myofascial cupping therapy.

As a proud resident of Fort Saskatchewan, I can often be found volunteering at the Pivotal tent during community events. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, group exercise classes, skating, skiing, gardening, and spending time with my family.

Jessica is a Registered Massage Therapist at our Fort Saskatchewan location. She is trained in a variety of massage techniques to benefit her patients.

Hi, I’m Amanda, Registered Massage Therapist at Pivotal. I graduated from the 2200 hour Grant MacEwan Massage Therapy program in 2012 and since then, have gone on to complete my postgraduate certification in Professional Cupping Therapies. I am also registered with the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada.

What I love most about my career is getting to work with a variety of people one-on-one. Each day brings unique challenges and opportunities to learn something new. I believe it is important to continuously improve and diversify, which is why I plan to add new modalities such as Acupressure and Cranio-Sacral Therapy to my repertoire and get advanced certification in pre- and postnatal massage in the future.

When not at work, I am usually spending time with my Great Dane, Ruby, and I have a black belt in Taekwondo, though I haven’t practiced in a few years. I was born in Ottawa and spent a couple years in Germany as a child before moving to Alberta, and I am currently living in Morinville. Despite not living in Fort Saskatchewan, I do enjoy volunteering my time at local events such as FemSport, which I have done the past two years.

Amanda Burke is a registered massage therapist at Pivotal Physiotherapy. She provides treatment at Pivotal Fort Saskatchewan located in the Dow Centennial Centre.

Hi! I’m Brandon. I graduated from Makami College’s 3000 hr Advanced Massage Therapy Program and finished top of my class. My motivation to become a massage therapist stems from being an athlete myself. I’ve trained in various styles of mixed martial arts and have transitioned into bodybuilding and power lifting. Each facet in the fitness industry has given me a much greater understanding of how the human body works and ultimately helped me become a more effective therapist.

In 2018, I was granted an internship with the Edmonton Eskimos for their season as their tissue and recovery coach and I’m grateful to continue with the team for the 2019 season. During this time, I gained plenty of experience treating pro athletes and their sport injuries. My treatment approach typically includes instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), myofascial release, joint mobilization, exercise prescription, and passive stretching. In addition to treating athletes, I also believe in helping various clientele regain their strength and mobility. This includes high performing professionals, motor vehicle accidents, and weekend warriors.

In my off time, I like to play the drums, hiking in the mountains, playing with my dog, healthy cooking, and power lifting in the gym.

Hello, I’m Chelsea! I completed my Registered Massage Therapy training from South Edmonton School of Massage Therapy in 2019, and I am a proud member in good standing of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada. I grew up in a small community north of Grande Prairie, and I spent a significant amount of time with chronically ill family as a child. This is what created my love and respect for all health care related professions. In fact, I unknowingly began advocating for massage therapy at age five, when I insisted to multiple nurses who were taking care of my recovering Grandfather also rub lotion on his hands, because that is how I had helped his “soreness” (rheumatoid arthritis) at home.

I spent several years in the paralegal field after relocating to Edmonton, and found that the physical strain was detrimental for me. I received my first ever massage therapy treatment after a few months of chronic pain in my shoulders and neck – I was blown away by how much relief someone could provide with just 45 minutes of hands on work. I was also amazed by how much information my RMT was able to provide me about my body, and with the suggestion & support of my fiancée I began pursuing my RMT diploma.

I am excited to use my skills to provide natural pain and stress relief for my clients to improve their overall well being and progress. I am trained in several modalities including Deep Tissue, Relaxation, Myofascial Release, Pre and Post Natal, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage. My preferred style of Massage Therapy incorporates targeted therapeutic & deep tissue techniques interspersed with classic Swedish relaxation, calming the nervous system to maximize positive results. I customize each treatment according to my client’s treatment plan, as well as how they are feeling in the present moment.

I live in Edmonton with my fiancée, and our many pets. In my spare time, I enjoy reading fiction, knitting projects, and baking sweets.