Kokanee Physiotherapy
Our highly skilled team of medical professionals are here to guide you down the right path and keep you moving in the right direction.
For 10 years, Anna ran her own massage therapy practice before completing her Master of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of Alberta. She then joined the University of Calgary as a physiotherapist, where she gained experience working with Olympic athletes, sports medicine physicians, and orthopedic surgeons, and contributed to research in osteoarthritis rehabilitation, concussion care, and injury prevention.
As the owner of Kokanee Physiotherapy in Nelson, BC, for over seven years, Anna continues to expand her expertise. Her certifications include:
- Advanced concussion management
- Vestibular rehabilitation (for dizziness and vertigo)
- Anatomical acupuncture
- Intramuscular stimulation (IMS)
- Training in breathing techniques
- Training in the biopsychosocial approach to managing pain and chronic conditions
- Numerous orthopedics and manual therapy courses
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation and urinary incontinence treatments for both men and women
Anna’s extensive training and experience support a broad scope of care.
In addition to running her practice, Anna is actively involved in her community through volunteering on youth sports boards, coaching, and supporting local organizations. Outside of work, she enjoys cross-country and downhill skiing, mountain biking, and spending time outdoors with her family.
Joe Melo
MPT, BHK
Joe earned his Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of British Columbia in 2011 after completing a Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics. He has completed post-graduate certifications in anatomical acupuncture (CAFCI), orthopaedic manual therapy, and chronic pain management. Joe recently became a certified Gunn IMS (intramuscular stimulation) practitioner through the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Sports Medicine Division (CGIMS). He also provides custom knee bracing services.
Joe’s treatment approach utilizes postural and movement re-training, dry needling, manual therapy, and pain science education to help patients achieve their unique therapy goals. When he’s not in the clinic, Joe can usually be found spending time with his wife and son enjoying everything the beautiful surroundings of Nelson have to offer.
Physiotherapist
Originally from the eastern township in Quebec, Laurie graduated from Sherbrooke University with a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy.
Laurie is passionate and experienced in perineal health. She believes there is a need for increased pelvic health knowledge and awareness of pelvic health conditions in our community. She believes that pelvic issues such as urinary incontinence or pelvic pain, even though they are common, shouldn’t be considered normal and should be addressed by experienced and considerate health professionals and more accessible.
Laurie is very excited to be part of the Pelvic Health Team at Kokanee Physiotherapy. She offers services to help treat issues such as
- Urinary incontinence
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Postpartum and perinatal concerns: such as preparation for birth, pain during pregnancy, recovery after birthing and return to sport post-partum)
- Scar tissue management (C-section, episiotomy, tearing)
- Diastasis
- Low-back pain/SIJ pain/Glute pain
- Constipation
Laurie has extended her postgraduate training in pelvic health to include; return to running postpartum, c-section rehabilitation, pushing in birth, pelvic floor health with weightlifting, and pelvic pain associated with pregnancy. She is currently taking courses on coccydynia (tailbone pain) and will complete her Dyspareunia (pain with intercourse) Vulvodynia? course in February 2024. She is always reading and listening to podcasts on the latest discoveries in research with regard to pelvic health and orthopedic conditions. In addition, she has completed her level 1 in management of running injuries with the Running Clinic.
She is very interested in sports therapy and loves helping her patients return to the many different activities and hobbies that matter to them. Whatever activity you love, or are just hard on your body, Laurie will make sure you have all the tools and help you need to forget about your injuries, aches and pains to allow you to be out there working hard and your life.
Her treatments are evidence based and focus on orthopedic assessment, manual therapy, patient education, and personalized progressive exercise program.
Kevin Kelly
BSc Physiotherapy
Kevin is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where he received both his Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology and Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. Kevin is now a member of the College of Physiotherapists of B.C as well as the Canadian and B.C Physiotherapy Associations.
Kevin recently moved from Kitchener-Waterloo where he has been a practicing physiotherapist since 2002. With extensive experience treating various injuries and conditions ranging from various sport related injuries, post orthopedic surgeries as well as pain resulting from motor vehicle collisions. Kevin understands the importance of a thorough initial assessment in order to understand and appropriately treat the condition at hand. He believes communication and education of the physical ailment with the patient is important in a timely recovery.
In his spare time, Kevin enjoys participating in Triathlons/ Ironmans, which has helped him develop a better understanding of care with the aging athlete. Kevin Is also an avid snowboarder, hiker and traveler.
Therapies Include: McKenzie Method | Kinesiotaping |Post-Operative Rehabilitation | TMJ Treatment | Certificate of Manual Therapy.
Lara Thiessen
BScHK
Lara completed her BSc in Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph. After her degree, she moved to Nelson to live amongst the mountains that always felt like home. She is now a registered kinesiologist with the BC Association of Kinesiologists.
With 10 years of experience in recreational facilities and private clinics, Lara recognized the universal importance of movement, in injury rehabilitation and overall health and well-being. Her passion has become working with people of all ages to get them moving effectively so that they can do what they love. She takes a balanced approach to address strength, endurance, muscle activation, body awareness and targeted relaxation. Whether it is injury recovery and prevention or strengthening for everyday life and sports, she wants you working smarter not harder.
Lara also has experience in ergonomics, return to work programs, chronic pain and hydrotherapy. She has additional certifications in Custom Orthotic Therapy with The Orthotics Group, Older Adult Programming with the BCRPA and Weight Training Instructing with CFES.
When she isn’t working, she can be found downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, whitewater paddling, or doing aerial silks.
Jessica Demars
Coming soon..
Chelsey recently completed her education at the Okanagan College of Massage Therapy and is now a Registered Massage Therapist with the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.
Chelsey worked for years in the trades and landscaping and grew a profound appreciation for the clinicians who helped support her physical health for both work and play.
The draw to massage therapy came from her love of activity and movement and the connection
it can share with mental wellness and self-awareness. Chelsey treats a wide variety of conditions such as musculoskeletal injury, conditions of the peripheral nervous system, postural dysfunction or accommodation, joint replacements or injury, motor vehicle accidents and chronic systemic conditions.
Chelsey grounds her treatments in assessment-based myofascial release, joint and soft tissue mobilizations, active release, neuromuscular technique and isolytic stretching. Chelsey is dedicated to consistently growing her knowledge base of anatomy, biomechanic relationships, compensation patterns and massage techniques.
She is inspired by the desire to help alleviate discomfort and empower those in her treatment room to participate in their own recovery through education and homecare.
Administration
Bria Bell is a born and raised Nelson local. She completed the Resort and Hospitality Management Program at Selkirk college in 2019. Since then she has gained experience in both Health Care and Tourism throughout BC and has supervisory experience. Bria acquires strong leadership and organizational skills. She is a great addition to the Kokanee Physio team. When she isn’t working, she can be found camping, on adventures with her dog, kayaking and gardening.
Rochelle Wright
Front end
Rochelle is a local, born and raised in Nelson. She has over 4 years experience as an office administrator, her administrative experience and love for sports makes her a great fit for the Kokanee team. In her free time she can be found, spending time with her husband, two children, practicing photography, downhill biking, camping, kayaking and hanging out with her many animals.
Lauren Penfound
Administration
Bio coming soon..