Nicole grew up in Richmond, BC where she competed at high levels in various sports and dance disciplines. She holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy (2016), and an Undergraduate Degree in Science (2014), both obtained at Queen’s University and graduated on the Dean’s Honours List with Distinction. Following her education, she had the pleasure of working alongside her Dad who is a seasoned Physiotherapist in the lower mainland. She then worked in Kingston, Ontario treating clients with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, as well as post-concussion syndrome and vertigo. Nicole moved to West Kelowna in 2020 and owns and operates Westside Physio with her husband Cory. In her Physiotherapy practice now, her treatment focuses on, but is not limited to – IMS (intramuscular stimulation/dry needling), Manual Therapy and ART (active release technique), and creating a home exercise program to support the patient’s goals. Nicole believes in client-centered care, she actively listens to the goals and needs of her clients. Her mission is to improve mobility and restore function for her patients so they can live healthy and active lifestyles. In her free time, Nicole enjoys playing with her daughter Charlotte, hiking, paddleboarding, skiing, practicing yoga, and playing tennis.
Continuing education:
UBC Gunn IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) certified practitioner
Kinetacore Functional Dry Needling Level 1
Acupuncture Canada Certification (ACC) – Anatomical Acupuncture Courses AA1 & AA2
Clinical Instructor, Queen’s University School of Rehabilitation
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders by APTEI (Advanced Physical Therapy Education Institute)
Whiplash Associated Disorders by APTEI
Low Back Pain by APTEI
Vestibular Rehabilitation by Dizziness and Balance Rehab Clinic
Concussion Management by Concussion Rehab Works
Manual Therapy Level I, Orthopaedic Division of Canada
K-Taping ® Pro Therapist Training Certification
Soft Tissue Release Certification by Jim Bilotta
Active Release Techniques Provider (ART)
Standard First Aid & CPR-C Health Care Provider Level
Nicole grew up in Richmond, BC where she competed at high levels in various sports and dance disc...
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Rachael grew up in Parry Sound, Ontario and obtained her Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Kinesiology at Queens University. She is passionate about empowering individuals to improve their mobility and strives to be a resource for health in the community. She has worked in both rural and urban settings helping people regain their strength and function following acute musculoskeletal injury, illness and various cardiac and orthopaedic surgeries. She has led several community programs including cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, and has experience treating people with chronic pain and disease. She believes in evidenced-based practice and incorporating individual lifestyle into her treatment plans, seeing good communication as the key to helping her clients achieve their goals. Her holistic assessment and treatment approach includes a combination of hands-on manual therapy, soft tissue work, specialized home exercise programs and patient education. She is committed to life-long learning and optimizes all opportunities for continuing education.
Outside of the clinic, Rachael enjoys staying active by snowboarding, biking, running and exploring the Okanagan region. In her free time you will likely find her painting, drawing or spending time outdoors with her family and friends.
Rachael grew up in Parry Sound, Ontario and obtained her Masters of Physical Therapy from the Uni...
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Nathan was born and raised in Ancaster, Ontario, and completed his Bachelor of Science with Honours in Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario. He recently moved to Kelowna to work as a Kinesiologist before pursuing a Masters of Physical Therapy. Growing up, Nathan played competitive soccer and volleyball, igniting his passion for the science behind human movement. Through his degree and volunteer opportunities, Nathan gained knowledge and experience in rehabilitation across various patient populations, from athletes and elderly to those recovering from motor vehicle accidents. Nathan lives by the saying “Exercise is medicine” and leads a corrective exercise-based practice. In his free time, he explores the Okanagan through hikes and sports leagues in the summer and enjoys snowboarding in the winter.
Nathan was born and raised in Ancaster, Ontario, and completed his Bachelor of Science with Honou...
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Carol Domanko began her journey in health and wellness after graduating from film school in 2008. She fell in love with the practice of yoga not only for its physical benefits but for how it boosts mental health. She did her first yoga teacher training in 2011, and began sharing her love for yoga full time. Carol went on to deepen her knowledge and skills, and has since completed over 800 hours of yoga training.
When the yoga studio she taught at and managed was forced to shut down in March of 2024, she decided to pursue massage therapy. Carol has always loved the hands-on part of yoga, and believes in the healing power of touch and human connection. The silver lining in this case was that she was able to return to school to become an RMT through a blended program that is both online and hands-on at Vicars School of Massage Therapy in Calgary. The more she learns, the more the body amazes her! She can’t wait to graduate and use her skills to help people feel and move better.
In her down time, you can find Carol hanging out with her Labradoodle “Moose”, hiking a mountain, in the kitchen trying a new recipe, or indulging her creative side in some way.
Carol Domanko began her journey in health and wellness after graduating from film school in 2008....
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Naythan grew up in Ontario, and graduated with his Masters of Physiotherapy in 2016 from Queen’s University in Kingston. While in school he primarily studied private practice orthopedic physiotherapy, however he also studied in clinics specializing in cardiorespiratory rehabilitation after heart surgery, rehabilitation of active military personnel, and pediatric physiotherapy. He spent a year practicing rural physiotherapy in Ontario before moving to BC in 2017. While here he has concentrated on treating both complex and chronic long term injuries injuries as well as acute muscular/skeletal injuries. Naythan’s treatment is focused on providing education first, then equipping his patients with essential home exercises supported by in clinic manual therapy, soft tissue release, and symptom relief. Naythan had regular experience providing telehealth physiotherapy prior to COVID-19, but during the initial outbreak he treated exclusively with telehealth and is available to provide that treatment for those looking to maintain social distancing. While outside of the clinic Naythan enjoys running, skiing, camping, and exploring as much of BC as possible!
Naythan grew up in Ontario, and graduated with his Masters of Physiotherapy in 2016 from Queen’s ...
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Physiotherapy Resident, Supervised by Registered Physiotherapist and Clinic owner Nicole Houde-Shulman – Accepting New Patients
Note Katie is NOT accepting patients with Pacific Blue Cross extended health plans at this time
Katie completed a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at University of Waterloo, followed by a Master of Science in Physical Therapy at Queen’s University. During her schooling, Katie practiced physiotherapy in private practice, a rehabilitation setting, an acute care unit, a pediatric development centre, and a Canadian Forces Base. Katie admires the complexity of the human body and actively listens to patients to find the source of their pain. She then pairs orthopedic manual therapy & soft tissue release with targeted exercises to optimize patient strength and mobility. Finally, she encourages each patient to continue moving their bodies, in whatever way suits them best. Katie grew up in Brighton, Ontario and enjoys exploring the Okanagan area, especially through hiking, downhill skiing, biking, and camping. She’s always ready to try out new activities and new restaurants, and she loves to share laughter along the way.
Physiotherapy Resident, Supervised by Registered Physiotherapist and Clinic owner Nicole Houde-Sh...
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Kristen grew up in Ontario where she was a competitive barrel racer and gymnasts for many years. After graduating from the Queen’s University Physical Therapy Program in 2013 she moved to Terrace, BC and practiced for her first six years. Moving to West Kelowna in 2019, Kristen is excited to start helping people find their movement again. Kristen’s professional focus is orthopaedic manual therapy and active exercise, she provides acupuncture and Gunn IMS, and has a special interest and training in vestibular therapy. Outside the clinic Kristen enjoys an active lifestyle with her family and can be found hiking, skiing or paddle boarding on the lake.
Kristen grew up in Ontario where she was a competitive barrel racer and gymnasts for many years. ...
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Alicia grew up in Kelowna and completed her Bachelor of Human Kinetics Degree in 2015 at the University of British Columbia - Okanagan. She worked as a kinesiologist in Kelowna and Calgary before she moved to Australia. She made it back full circle to the beautiful Okanagan and has recently graduated from her Registered Massage Therapy program at the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy.
She has worked with many different demographics including varsity athletes, soccer and hockey teams, neurological conditions, whiplash, orthopedics and more. Her clinical focus is using Swedish, myofascial and neuromuscular techniques to figure out the root cause of pain, with an emphasis on education and exercise. She cares for her patients and her main goal is to get them back to doing what they love!
When not massaging, you can find Alicia paddleboarding, snowboarding, or just simply relaxing with friends, loved ones and her dog. With her school now done she hopes to get into trail running.
Alicia grew up in Kelowna and completed her Bachelor of Human Kinetics Degree in 2015 at the Univ...
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