Osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint arthritis, which often affects the knees, hips, and hands. In the early stages of osteoarthritis (OA), a person may not notice any symptoms; however, they may experience mobility issues or need surgery as the condition progresses.
Osteoarthritis of the knee affects joint functionality. As the cartilage and the lining of the joints break down, they no longer protect the bones of the knee joint, leading to bone damage, pain, and stiffness as knee OA progresses.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 2 people is likely to develop knee osteoarthritis in their lifetime, with the number gradually rising, leading to a significant impact on a patient’s health, career, and overall happiness.
Diagnosing Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis symptoms include:
Knee pain that increases when active but gets better with rest
Swelling of joint
Feeling of warmth around the joint
Knee stiffness when sitting or laying down for long periods
Decrease in joint mobility. Difficult to walk, use stairs, and sit
Popping and cracking sounds when moving after periods of rest
Stages
OA of the knee takes many years to develop. Therefore, doctors often use stages to describe the progression of knee osteoarthritis, starting at stage 0 for a healthy knee progressing to stage 4 for severe OA.
Here is a look at the knee osteoarthritis stages ranging from normal, minor, mild, moderate, and severe, with appropriate treatments below.
Stage 0: Normal
The knee shows no signs of OA, which indicates normal knee health with no known impairment or signs of joint damage.
TREATMENT:
There is no treatment needed for stage 0 of knee OA.
Stage 1: Minor
During stage 1 of knee osteoarthritis, patients develop minor wear and tear of joints and possible bone spurs called osteophytes. However, pain or discomfort is unlikely.
TREATMENT:
At this stage, treatment is not necessary. If you are predisposed to osteoarthritis, an orthopedic physician may recommend special treatment for stage 1, such as supplements or changes in lifestyle to prevent the progression of OA.
Stage 2: Mild
In stage 2 of OA, x-rays of knee joints will show bone spur growth. Though on an x-ray, the space between the joints may appear normal, or there is only a slight narrowing of the space in the joint, you may begin experiencing a varying intensity of joint pain symptoms.
The area around your knee joints can feel stiff or uncomfortable, especially after sitting or laying for an extended period or even after working out.
TREATMENT:
This is still an early stage of OA. At this stage, it is easier to follow a plan to stop the further progression of knee osteoarthritis. There are many different therapies to help relieve pain and discomfort during this mild stage. Your physical therapist may recommend a strict regimen of strength training and exercise for increased joint stability. Braces, shoe inserts, and knee supports can protect the knee from stress and prevent further OA progression.
Stage 3: Moderate
Stage 3 of OA is considered moderate. There is noticeable erosion to the cartilage surface between the bones. As knee osteoarthritis progresses, the cartilage will continue to thin and break down. The bones will respond by thickening and forming outward bony growths. In addition, bones develop spurs on the affected joint, making it rougher. During the progression, there is obvious joint inflammation and weakening of knee cartilage. The patient will feel discomfort and pain when walking, running, squatting, or kneeling.
Accompanied with the joint stiffness from stage 3, when sitting or laying down too long, there may be a snapping or popping sound when first moving.
TREATMENT:
Over-the-counter pain relievers or NSAIDs are commonly prescribed treatments for knee osteoarthritis. However, if these methods are ineffective once the pain has become too severe, an orthopedic doctor may prescribe stronger pain medicine, such as oxycodone or codeine.
If you do not respond positively to physical therapy or pain relievers, your doctor may require an intraarticular injection of hyaluronic acid or cortisone injections into the knee joint. You can aggressively treat stage 3 of OA with three to five hyaluronic acid injections over a three to five week period. It can take several weeks for the treatment to start showing results; the results can last around six months.
Another option is laser knee decompression with the Axis Knee Program. It’s a painless and safe treatment that creates a pull on your knee and opens up joint space. The pull creates a negative pressure in your joint that draws in water and nutrients to lubricate and nourish your knee. Simultaneously, a therapeutic laser is penetrated deep into the knee joint for effective healing, pain relief, and inflammation reduction.
Stage 4: Severe
Considered severe, in stage 4, the space between the joint and bone is reduced considerably. This causes the cartilage to wear down and leaves the joint very stiff. The cartilage breakdown leads to a chronic inflammatory response which causes friction and intense osteoarthritis discomfort and pain when moving the joint or walking.
This stage produces a significant development of bone spurs accompanied by increased pain and discomfort. As a result, everyday activities, including simple movements, are severely affected and considered a challenge.
TREATMENT:
With severe osteoarthritis, one option is performing osteotomy or a bone realignment surgical treatment. The orthopedic surgeon cuts the bone of the knee to help realign it to provide less stress to the joint cartilage. This procedure helps protect the knee by shifting the weight of the body away from the bone spur growth and bone damage.
Another option is total arthroplasty, also known as a total knee replacement. During surgery, the damaged joint is removed and replaced with a metal or plastic prosthesis device. Recovery can take several weeks and requires continuous physical and occupational therapy to regain full mobility.
If you suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee and want to avoid surgical intervention, the Axis Knee Program was made for you! Runway Health created this program by combining years of experience and evidence-based research to help patients suffering from chronic moderate to severe knee pain.
The Axis Knee Program is specifically designed for conditions including knee arthritis, degenerative knees, meniscus tearing, and cartilage thinning.
Call or text (905) 209-2777 to book your appointment today!
Diagnosing knee OA pain is easy when addressing common symptoms and running diagnostics. However, sometimes symptoms are worse than what is showing on the x-ray, so be sure to address any symptoms and pain with your doctor no matter what the x-ray may initially say.
Osteoarthritis symptoms include:
Knee pain that increases when active but gets better with rest
Swelling of joint
Feeling of warmth around the joint
Knee stiffness when sitting or laying down for long periods
Decrease in joint mobility. Difficult to walk, use stairs, and sit
Popping and cracking sounds when moving after periods of rest
Stages
OA of the knee takes many years to develop. Therefore, doctors often use stages to describe the progression of knee osteoarthritis, starting at stage 0 for a healthy knee progressing to stage 4 for severe OA.
Here is a look at the knee osteoarthritis stages ranging from normal, minor, mild, moderate, and severe, with appropriate treatments below.
Stage 0: Normal
The knee shows no signs of OA, which indicates normal knee health with no known impairment or signs of joint damage.
TREATMENT:
There is no treatment needed for stage 0 of knee OA.
Stage 1: Minor
During stage 1 of knee osteoarthritis, patients develop minor wear and tear of joints and possible bone spurs called osteophytes. However, pain or discomfort is unlikely.
TREATMENT:
At this stage, treatment is not necessary. If you are predisposed to osteoarthritis, an orthopedic physician may recommend special treatment for stage 1, such as supplements or changes in lifestyle to prevent the progression of OA.
Stage 2: Mild
In stage 2 of OA, x-rays of knee joints will show bone spur growth. Though on an x-ray, the space between the joints may appear normal, or there is only a slight narrowing of the space in the joint, you may begin experiencing a varying intensity of joint pain symptoms.
The area around your knee joints can feel stiff or uncomfortable, especially after sitting or laying for an extended period or even after working out.
TREATMENT:
This is still an early stage of OA. At this stage, it is easier to follow a plan to stop the further progression of knee osteoarthritis. There are many different therapies to help relieve pain and discomfort during this mild stage. Your physical therapist may recommend a strict regimen of strength training and exercise for increased joint stability. Braces, shoe inserts, and knee supports can protect the knee from stress and prevent further OA progression.
Stage 3: Moderate
Stage 3 of OA is considered moderate. There is noticeable erosion to the cartilage surface between the bones. As knee osteoarthritis progresses, the cartilage will continue to thin and break down. The bones will respond by thickening and forming outward bony growths. In addition, bones develop spurs on the affected joint, making it rougher. During the progression, there is obvious joint inflammation and weakening of knee cartilage. The patient will feel discomfort and pain when walking, running, squatting, or kneeling.
Accompanied with the joint stiffness from stage 3, when sitting or laying down too long, there may be a snapping or popping sound when first moving.
TREATMENT:
Over-the-counter pain relievers or NSAIDs are commonly prescribed treatments for knee osteoarthritis. However, if these methods are ineffective once the pain has become too severe, an orthopedic doctor may prescribe stronger pain medicine, such as oxycodone or codeine.
If you do not respond positively to physical therapy or pain relievers, your doctor may require an intraarticular injection of hyaluronic acid or cortisone injections into the knee joint. You can aggressively treat stage 3 of OA with three to five hyaluronic acid injections over a three to five week period. It can take several weeks for the treatment to start showing results; the results can last around six months.
Another option is laser knee decompression with the Axis Knee Program. It’s a painless and safe treatment that creates a pull on your knee and opens up joint space. The pull creates a negative pressure in your joint that draws in water and nutrients to lubricate and nourish your knee. Simultaneously, a therapeutic laser is penetrated deep into the knee joint for effective healing, pain relief, and inflammation reduction.
Stage 4: Severe
Considered severe, in stage 4, the space between the joint and bone is reduced considerably. This causes the cartilage to wear down and leaves the joint very stiff. The cartilage breakdown leads to a chronic inflammatory response which causes friction and intense osteoarthritis discomfort and pain when moving the joint or walking.
This stage produces a significant development of bone spurs accompanied by increased pain and discomfort. As a result, everyday activities, including simple movements, are severely affected and considered a challenge.
TREATMENT:
With severe osteoarthritis, one option is performing osteotomy or a bone realignment surgical treatment. The orthopedic surgeon cuts the bone of the knee to help realign it to provide less stress to the joint cartilage. This procedure helps protect the knee by shifting the weight of the body away from the bone spur growth and bone damage.
Another option is total arthroplasty, also known as a total knee replacement. During surgery, the damaged joint is removed and replaced with a metal or plastic prosthesis device. Recovery can take several weeks and requires continuous physical and occupational therapy to regain full mobility.
If you suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee and want to avoid surgical intervention, the Axis Knee Program was made for you! Runway Health created this program by combining years of experience and evidence-based research to help patients suffering from chronic moderate to severe knee pain.
The Axis Knee Program is specifically designed for conditions including knee arthritis, degenerative knees, meniscus tearing, and cartilage thinning.
Call or text (905) 209-2777 to book your appointment today!
Diagnosing knee OA pain is easy when addressing common symptoms and running diagnostics. However, sometimes symptoms are worse than what is showing on the x-ray, so be sure to address any symptoms and pain with your doctor no matter what the x-ray may initially say.
Osteoarthritis symptoms include:
Knee pain that increases when active but gets better with rest
Swelling of joint
Feeling of warmth around the joint
Knee stiffness when sitting or laying down for long periods
Decrease in joint mobility. Difficult to walk, use stairs, and sit
Popping and cracking sounds when moving after periods of rest
Stages
OA of the knee takes many years to develop. Therefore, doctors often use stages to describe the progression of knee osteoarthritis, starting at stage 0 for a healthy knee progressing to stage 4 for severe OA.
Here is a look at the knee osteoarthritis stages ranging from normal, minor, mild, moderate, and severe, with appropriate treatments below.
Stage 0: Normal
The knee shows no signs of OA, which indicates normal knee health with no known impairment or signs of joint damage.
TREATMENT:
There is no treatment needed for stage 0 of knee OA.
Stage 1: Minor
During stage 1 of knee osteoarthritis, patients develop minor wear and tear of joints and possible bone spurs called osteophytes. However, pain or discomfort is unlikely.
TREATMENT:
At this stage, treatment is not necessary. If you are predisposed to osteoarthritis, an orthopedic physician may recommend special treatment for stage 1, such as supplements or changes in lifestyle to prevent the progression of OA.
Stage 2: Mild
In stage 2 of OA, x-rays of knee joints will show bone spur growth. Though on an x-ray, the space between the joints may appear normal, or there is only a slight narrowing of the space in the joint, you may begin experiencing a varying intensity of joint pain symptoms.
The area around your knee joints can feel stiff or uncomfortable, especially after sitting or laying for an extended period or even after working out.
TREATMENT:
This is still an early stage of OA. At this stage, it is easier to follow a plan to stop the further progression of knee osteoarthritis. There are many different therapies to help relieve pain and discomfort during this mild stage. Your physical therapist may recommend a strict regimen of strength training and exercise for increased joint stability. Braces, shoe inserts, and knee supports can protect the knee from stress and prevent further OA progression.
Stage 3: Moderate
Stage 3 of OA is considered moderate. There is noticeable erosion to the cartilage surface between the bones. As knee osteoarthritis progresses, the cartilage will continue to thin and break down. The bones will respond by thickening and forming outward bony growths. In addition, bones develop spurs on the affected joint, making it rougher. During the progression, there is obvious joint inflammation and weakening of knee cartilage. The patient will feel discomfort and pain when walking, running, squatting, or kneeling.
Accompanied with the joint stiffness from stage 3, when sitting or laying down too long, there may be a snapping or popping sound when first moving.
TREATMENT:
Over-the-counter pain relievers or NSAIDs are commonly prescribed treatments for knee osteoarthritis. However, if these methods are ineffective once the pain has become too severe, an orthopedic doctor may prescribe stronger pain medicine, such as oxycodone or codeine.
If you do not respond positively to physical therapy or pain relievers, your doctor may require an intraarticular injection of hyaluronic acid or cortisone injections into the knee joint. You can aggressively treat stage 3 of OA with three to five hyaluronic acid injections over a three to five week period. It can take several weeks for the treatment to start showing results; the results can last around six months.
Another option is laser knee decompression with the Axis Knee Program. It’s a painless and safe treatment that creates a pull on your knee and opens up joint space. The pull creates a negative pressure in your joint that draws in water and nutrients to lubricate and nourish your knee. Simultaneously, a therapeutic laser is penetrated deep into the knee joint for effective healing, pain relief, and inflammation reduction.
Stage 4: Severe
Considered severe, in stage 4, the space between the joint and bone is reduced considerably. This causes the cartilage to wear down and leaves the joint very stiff. The cartilage breakdown leads to a chronic inflammatory response which causes friction and intense osteoarthritis discomfort and pain when moving the joint or walking.
This stage produces a significant development of bone spurs accompanied by increased pain and discomfort. As a result, everyday activities, including simple movements, are severely affected and considered a challenge.
TREATMENT:
With severe osteoarthritis, one option is performing osteotomy or a bone realignment surgical treatment. The orthopedic surgeon cuts the bone of the knee to help realign it to provide less stress to the joint cartilage. This procedure helps protect the knee by shifting the weight of the body away from the bone spur growth and bone damage.
Another option is total arthroplasty, also known as a total knee replacement. During surgery, the damaged joint is removed and replaced with a metal or plastic prosthesis device. Recovery can take several weeks and requires continuous physical and occupational therapy to regain full mobility.
If you suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee and want to avoid surgical intervention, the Axis Knee Program was made for you! Runway Health created this program by combining years of experience and evidence-based research to help patients suffering from chronic moderate to severe knee pain.
The Axis Knee Program is specifically designed for conditions including knee arthritis, degenerative knees, meniscus tearing, and cartilage thinning.
Call or text (905) 209-2777 to book your appointment today!
Dr. Rudi Chan is a chiropractor who graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 2016. He also attained his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and health Science from York University prior to becoming a licensed chiropractor. He has worked in a wide range of different clinical settings, getting valuable experience in understanding a diverse range of patient populations.
He treats a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, postural dysfunction, and sports-related injuries. His treatment approach is comprehensive and hands-on, combining chiropractic with techniques such as soft tissue therapy, mobilizations, shockwave therapy, laser therapy and acupuncture. He speaks English & Cantonese.
Ashley is physiotherapy and chiropractic assistant. She's a highly valuable part of the team that is a blend between an administrator and clinic assistant. She's able to directly bill your claims, book your treatments, and answer questions regarding all of our services. She is an assistant in setting up patients with modalities including spinal decompression, knee decompression, laser therapy, and shockwave.
ANISSA FARAHI
REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST
Annisa is a dedicated Massage Therapist with a strong interest in helping clients improve their physical well-being and reduce everyday stress. Her approach focuses on relieving muscle tension, reducing pain, and promoting relaxation through therapeutic massage tailored to each client’s individual needs. She graduated from Pharma Medical College, where she gained a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and healthcare. This background helps her better understand the body and provide thoughtful, effective treatments in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Sneha is a dedicated and compassionate Physiotherapist Resident with a strong background in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, functional recovery, and patient-centered care. She completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Sumandeep Vidyapeeth University in India and further enhanced her expertise with a Post-Graduation Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion from Georgian College in Canada.
Sneha believes in empowering her patients through education, movement, and individualized treatment plans. Her approach combines evidence-based manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and functional training to help patients return to the activities that matter most to them. She focuses not only on relieving pain but also on addressing the root cause of dysfunction to promote long-term recovery and injury prevention.
She has a special interest in pelvic health physiotherapy and is rostered to treat pelvic floor conditions. Sneha is passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and working toward their goals.
Outside of the clinic, Sneha enjoys staying active, learning about holistic health, and continuously upgrading her clinical skills to provide the highest standard of care.
Sarah is passionate about helping people move and feel their best, using evidence-based treatment and hands-on care to support recovery, prevent injury, and build long-term strength. Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Health Science and a Certificate in Athletic Therapy from York University. She is a Certified Athletic Therapist and a member in good standing with the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA). She takes the time to understand each individual’s goals and works collaboratively with her clients to help them return to sport, work, and everyday life with confidence. She speaks English and Arabic.
ELARIA HANNA
RESIDENT PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Elaria is a resident physiotherapist who is excited to serve the Newmarket region. She has a strong foundation in rehabilitation and has the skills and tools to successfully diagnose and treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. She has a patient-centered approach to care where she provides hands-on manual care in addition to exercise rehab and education. She speaks English & Arabic.
With a background in clinical administration and a degree in physiotherapy, Catherine joins Runway Health with a passion for helping others return to what they love. She supports patients and clinicians alike with care, knowledge, and a strong focus on rehabilitation.
CANDACE MAY
REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST
Candace May is a Registered Massage Therapist and long-time Dental Hygienist with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. She provides personalized therapeutic treatments with a focus on relaxation, pain relief, and functional mobility. Candace is certified in Fascial Stretch Therapy, Hot Stone Massage, and Cupping Therapy, and is dedicated to delivering compassionate, client-centered care.
Dr. Mark is excited to bring his 22 years of Chiropractic experience to Runway Health. He has extensive experience as a Chiropractor, Registered Massage Therapist and Acupuncture provider and he has also been a part time professor at Seneca College. As a result, he understands the need to use his skills to modify treatment to suit each individual while utilizing his knowledge to help educate patients. He has worked with a varied patient population in a variety of clinical settings and has been instrumental in building successful healthcare clinics.
Veronika is a highly skilled and compassionate Registered Orthopaed and a Physiotherapy Assistant. She has 20 years experience working with both adult and pediatric orthopaedics.
Throughout her career, she has primarily focused on sports and trauma orthopaedics. She has been an active member of the educational teams at the University of Western and University of Queens, mentoring and guiding medical students in their healthcare journey.
AKSHAY MISIR
REGISTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Akshay has a long history at Runway Health from starting as a volunteer, to completing his education, and returning to work as a physiotherapist in the environment he loved to be at. He knows the ins and outs of our clinic and is an extremely hard-worker. He performs soft tissue therapy, joint mobilizations, suction cupping, rehab exercises, acupuncture, and more. He’s a true professional and simply always gets the job done. He is an extremely hard-worker and will ensure that you are equipped with all the tools to overcome challenges and achieve your wellness goals.
Stephanie is excited to join our team where she contributes her extensive administrative and customer service experience. She enjoys taking the time to get to know each patient and strives to ensure the best possible experience for them. When she is not working, she spends her time cooking, reading and being with her two dogs, Hazel and Maya.
VERONIA ESKANDAR
RESIDENT PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Veronia is a resident physiotherapist who is passionate about helping people move better and get back to doing what they love without any barriers. She completed her physiotherapy training in Ireland, where she gained experience in musculoskeletal and neurological care and also developed a love for nature and the outdoors. Veronia combines hands-on therapy, exercise, modalities and education to ensure each patient feels heard, supported, and motivated throughout their recovery. She believes rehab should feel encouraging, empowering, and tailored to each individual. Outside of work, she enjoys fitness, hiking, beach days, traveling, and exploring new cafés.
Dr. Tharshni Velauthapillai is Toronto-born and raised, and has been a licensed chiropractor since 2019 after graduating from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Dr. Tharshni uses a variety of techniques for treatment including manual therapy, instrument-based therapy, modalities, and exercise prescription. She is primarily a hands-on practitioner, and she offers a wide range of techniques tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. She speaks English & Tamil.
Josephine is a registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner & acupuncturist who holds a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in biology. She provides acupuncture, fire cupping, guasha and Chinese herbs. She treats a wide range of conditions from pain condition, digestive issues to fertility and mental health. She is passionate about providing personalized treatments. She speaks English & Cantonese.
Jing graduated with honours from Bryan College in 2024. During her studies, she had the opportunity to work with a diverse population of clients. Jing provides therapeutic treatments Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy. Jing believes that each client has a unique goal and helping clients to achieve their goals is her priority. She speaks fluent English and Mandarin.
Martin is a dedicated physiotherapist with expertise in tailored treatment plans, customized patient care, and promoting mobility across diverse medical settings. He has experience in a wide range of areas of practice including orthopedics, geriatrics, neurology, and pediatrics. He has both his Bachelor's and Doctorate in Physiotherapy and has attained experience in clinical settings in France and is excited to bring his talents to Markham. He speaks fluent English, French, and some Spanish.
Krishna is physiotherapy and chiropractic assistant. She attained her physiotherapist license back home in India, but is currently in the process of attaining her license in Ontario. She is more than capable of performing manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilizations, stretching, soft tissue therapy, shockwavet therapy, and instructs patients through rehab exercises. She also assistant in setting up patients in spinal and knee decompression.
ASHLEA KING
CLINIC ADMINISTRATOR
Ashlea is an experienced clinical admin with a passion for ensuring smooth operations. With an expansive background in customer service, she brings a unique blend of expertise & compassion to the role. Throughout her career, Ashlea has demonstrated a commitment to providing exceptional patient care & supporting staff in delivering top-quality services.
JOSEPHINE LAU
CHINESE MEDICINE ACUPUNCTURIST
Josephine is a registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner & acupuncturist who holds a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in biology. She provides acupuncture, fire cupping, guasha and Chinese herbs. She treats a wide range of conditions from pain condition, digestive issues to fertility and mental health. She is passionate about providing personalized treatments. She speaks English & Cantonese.
Gloria is a friendly & enthusiastic Registered Massage Therapist. She graduated from Protege Massage School and is ready to serve Markham and surrounding regions. She is excellent with determining just the right amount of pressure for each client. She performs deep-tissue, relaxation, Swedish, sports, and mixed-style massages. She speaks Mandarin and English.
Kevin is a professional, courteous, and motivated physiotherapist. He attained his Masters of Physiotherapy from the University College Dublin in Ireland. Prior to that, he received a Bachelor degree in Kinesiology. He already has a ton of experience especially dealing with musculoskeletal conditions and providing rehabilitation. He speaks English & Cantonese.
Eugenia completed her massage therapy studies at Centennial College. She is also a certified yoga instructor and Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist. Her holistic approach to her practice combines contemporary techniques with a fresh perspective. She tailors each treatment to meet the needs of individual clients. She is Fluent in English and Cantonese.
Dr. Lehr has 21 years of experience as a chiropractor & acupuncture provider. He has an interest in managing patients with complex pain. He is a firm advocate of active rehab & patient education. He has completed the spinal stenosis program at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Dr. Lehr has successfully guided the paramedical operations of 8 clinical practices.
Alan has a wealth of experience as a registered massage therapist for over 8 years. He has previous experience as an Athletic Therapist, which gives him increased knowledge and skills to manage all sorts of injuries. As co-owner of Runway Health Newmarket, he cares deeply about the quality of service that he provides. He speaks English & some Arabic.
Brenda has over 10 years experience as a Registered Massage Therapist. She graduated from Medix School. During her experience, she has attained a wide skillset and level of proficiency. She’s really easy to talk to and is very friendly. She’s great at communication and will explain things to you thoroughly. She speaks English & Mandarin.
Praveena is an amazing asset to our clinic. She’s a super-efficient administrator. She’ll take care of submitting all your insurance claims to save you the hassle. She can also help provide you with information about your insurance coverage and answer any of your questions. She’s very friendly and extremely easy to get along with. She speaks English and Tamil.
CARMEN LI
CLINIC MANAGER
Carmen is an amazing & energetic clinic manager. She is your go-to for sorting out insurance claims and benefits. If you have any questions about your insurance coverage, don’t hesitate to ask her. She is very fun to be around and makes your day better. She is the motor that keeps the clinic running. She speaks English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
DR. OMER DOST
MEDICAL DOCTOR - VIRTUAL
Dr. Dost is an absolute pleasure to deal with. He takes on virtual OHIP medical appointments for our patients. He will assist our patients in obtaining prescriptions for medical products such as custom-made orthotics, compression stockings, and orthopaedic braces. He is very friendly and will listen to your needs. He is a vital part of the team here at Runway Health.
MINA MESSEHA
CLINIC DIRECTOR & REGISTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Mina has been practicing as a physiotherapist in Ontario since 2017. He has been acquiring experience since graduating from the University of Cairo in 2008. He has worked in settings such as sports, medical centres, & hospitals. He uses several techniques: active release, mobilizations, soft tissue therapy, & exercise prescription. He speaks English, French, and Arabic.
Vivian is a skilled and experienced Registered Massage Therapist and Acupuncturist. She graduated from the Royal Institute of Science in 2012 to attain her RMT license and followed that with attaining her acupuncturist license. She provides relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, pain-focused massage, pregnancy massage, suction cupping, and acupuncture. She speaks English, Cantonese, & Mandarin.
Fanda is a Chinese Medicine Acupuncturist. She graduated from UofT in Health & Disease. She pursued TCM at Humber College. She sees patients with reproductive issues, chronic pain, digestive issues, & more. She uses acupuncture, herbal medicine, gua sha massage, & fire cupping. She’s very easy to get along with. She speaks English, Cantonese, & Mandarin.
Ted graduated from Pharma-Medical Science College of Canada. He performs a wide array of techniques during his massage sessions. He is particulary good at relaxation, deep tissue, and tuina massage techniques. He does great with treating low back, shoulder, and neck pain. He’s very friendly and attentive to your needs. He speaks English & Mandarin.
Lawrence is a qualified, attentive, and proficient Registered Massage Therapist. He graduated from the Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy. He performs deep tissue massage, sports massage, trigger point massage, myofascial release, & relaxation massage. He’s easy to talk to. He is also a personal trainer and very proficient with rehab exercises.
Carrie is a dedicated RMT with over 5 years of experience. A graduate of Protégé College, she is passionate about helping patients achieve optimal health. She skillfully combines relaxation, deep tissue, and pain-focused techniques to alleviate muscle tension, reduce stress, and manage chronic pain. Known for her attentive and compassionate approach, Carrie continually updates her skills with the latest advancements in massage therapy. She speaks English and Cantonese.
Kenneth is a registered massage therapist & owner of Runway Health Markham. He is a graduate of the Sutherland Chan School of Massage. He uses a blend of manual massage techniques customized to the needs & comfort of his patients. His biggest satisfaction is seeing the relief and satisfaction that he brings his patients. He speaks English and Cantonese.
Dr. Omar is a clinic director of Runway Health Markham. His main job is to make sure that operations are running smoothly in the clinic and all patients are satisfied. He addresses patient concerns and explains things thoroughly. Dr. Omar believes in genuine quality care and proper education to speed up recovery. He speaks English and Arabic.
DR. NOUR FIGUEROA
CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Nour Figueroa is a licensed chiropractor who earned her degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or simply aiming to improve your mobility, she works closely with each patient to uncover the root cause of their symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan that fits their goals and lifestyle. Her comprehensive approach often combines spinal and extremity adjustments with soft tissue therapy, rehabilitative exercise, and patient education, empowering patients to take an active role in their health and recovery. She speaks English & Arabic.
Dr. Askander has a passion for providing her patients with evidence-based & patient-focused care through manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation & patient education. She is your go-to for all your musculoskeletal injuries, aches and pain. She is friendly, approachable, & excited to provide exceptional care. She is also a fully certified functional acupuncture provider.
Chloe Danika Yongco is physiotherapy and chiropractic assistant. Chloe graduated from CEBU Doctor's University to attain her education in physical therapy. She is still working on being fully licensed in Ontario to practice physiotherapy.She prefers a hand-on approach when it comes to treatment and uses techniques such as joint mobilizations, isometric stretching, soft tissue therapy, & rehab exercises. She speaks English & Cebuano.
AKSHAY MISIR
REGISTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Akshay has a long history at Runway Health from starting as a volunteer, to completing his education, and returning to work as a physiotherapist in the environment he loved to be at. He knows the ins and outs of our clinic and is an extremely hard-worker. He performs soft tissue therapy, joint mobilizations, suction cupping, rehab exercises, acupuncture, and more. He’s a true professional and simply always gets the job done. He is an extremely hard-worker and will ensure that you are equipped with all the tools to overcome challenges and achieve your wellness goals.
Gurpreet is a registered Physiotherapist in Canada with a strong foundation in rehabilitation across various healthcare settings. He treats sports injuries and common musculoskeletal conditions using a patient-centered approach.
He takes a goal-oriented, functional approach to therapy, focusing on restoring mobility and independence through individualized exercise programs and hands-on treatment. He is experienced in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions and is committed to helping patients achieve meaningful recovery outcomes. He speaks English, Hindi, & Punjabi.
