and choose the right therapist for you…
Sid Aurka | Brittney Achtymichuk | Becky Colwell | James Squire | Shauna Kufeldt
Sid Aurka, Physiotherapist
About Sid
Sid’s always been involved with sports and now relishes the opportunity to treat sport-related injuries. During his academic career, Sid competed as a varsity-level athlete in wrestling and for the Canadian national cricket team.
He’s since worked as a physio with the Pandas Hockey club in Edmonton and now supports the Team Canada Sitting Volleyball team. His enthusiasm for working with elite sports drove him to earn the Sports Physiotherapist Certification.
Special Interests
Sid enjoys working with knees – specifically ACL injuries. He has training and experience collaborating with orthopaedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians as they diagnose and treat ACL injuries at all stages of rehabilitation. He helped run the Acute Knee Injury Clinic and the Functional Agility and Strength Training class for athletes with ACL injuries at the Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic.
Beyond the knee, Sid has taken specialized training in vestibular rehab and acute concussion treatment for athletes. Plus, he’s certified in functional dry needling and uses this in support of his active treatment approach.
Driving Force
Sid is passionate about providing patient-centered, evidence-based care and helping his patients build self-efficacy. Getting patients back to meaningful activities and performing to their fullest capabilities is what motivates him as a therapist.
Fun Facts
Outside the clinic, Sid enjoys playing recreational sports, training for marathon running, and lifting at the gym. He also picked up skiing recently and is excited to improve his skills on the slopes.
James Squire, Physiotherapist
About James
Growing up, James developed a love of sports and health science while playing football, rugby, and hockey. This passion motivated him to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta, which he received in 2005.
Now, with nearly two decades of clinical experience, James centres his treatment in contemporary, science-based manual therapy, functional dry-needling, and exercise prescription. He believes in educating patients about their injuries and empowering them to make informed treatment decisions. James is committed to working hands-on with everyone he sees and providing treatment in a one-on-one, patient-focused environment.
Special Interest
Soon after graduating, James realized that he wanted to expand his depth of knowledge and skill as a therapist. So, in 2008, he moved to Perth, Australia to study, ultimately earning a post-graduate master’s degree in Manipulative Therapy at Curtin University. You can find him listed as a Rostered Manipulative Therapist with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, allowing him to perform spinal manipulations.
Throughout his career, James has also worked closely with surgeons and sports medicine doctors specializing in shoulder rehabilitation. This experience has led to the Edmonton Bone and Joint Centre adding Acceleration Physiotherapy to its list of Affiliated Physiotherapy Providers (as one of only two clinics in Sherwood Park).
Driving Force
James enjoys treating a diverse population of clients – supporting people of all ages and abilities. Whether your hope is to eliminate pain, recover from injury, or achieve peak athletic performance, he’s here to collaborate with you on your personalized treatment plan.
Fun Facts
In addition to his clinical work, James also worked for a semi-professional Australian Rules Football club as the head physiotherapist and as a clinical instructor, teaching in the Curtin University Master’s Program.
And when he’s not at the clinic, James spends his time being active outside with his family, watching sports, and listening to records.
Becky Colwell, Physiotherapist
About Becky
As a lover of movement herself, Becky was drawn to the physical sciences. She completed her Master of Physiotherapy degree at the University of Sydney in Australia, having previously earned a degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Rehabilitation Sciences.
Becky is a strong advocate for movement and self-care, focusing her treatments on helping patients return to (or stick with) the activities they love.
Special Interests
Becky loves working with the lower extremities: from the feet and ankles to knees and hips (and of course, everything in between).
Her treatment approach focuses on manual therapy, movement re-education, functional mobility + strengthening, and preventative rehabilitation.
To help her provide quality, well-rounded care to patients, she’s continued to pursue ongoing education, including the following certifications:
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- Needling (upper and lower extremities)
- Functional Range Release: Upper Limb
- Functional Range Conditioning (FRCms®)
- Ergonomic Assessment
- Level 1 Fascial Stretch Therapy
- Postural + K-taping
Driving Force
When treating, Becky takes the time to understand the strains her patients’ bodies go through every day in order to get them back to optimal function. She’s passionate about prehab – aka working with clients before they reach the point of injury – and helping maximize someone’s physical potential.
Fun Facts
Outside the treatment room, Becky loves hiking, running, strength training, and yoga. She also enjoys cooking, camping, and hunting for the best coffee shop!
Brittney Achtymichuk, Physiotherapist
Attn: Brittney will be on maternity leave from Oct 2023 – Sep 2024
About Brittney
Growing up as a competitive swimmer, Brittney developed a strong interest in body mechanics and rehabilitation medicine. Her passion for sports led her to pursue a Bachelor of Physical Education and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta.
During her studies, Brittney had the privilege of performing fitness testing for the Edmonton Oilers as well as supporting both the Edmonton Ski Club and U of A varsity swim teams as a strength and conditioning coach.
Special Interests
Through the direct mentorship of an award-winning physiotherapist, Deborah Taggart, Brittney enjoyed expanding her skillset to include hand therapy, which focuses on treating the complexities of the hand and upper extremities.
Brittney is also certified to use acupuncture needling as part of her treatment and she’s trained in the Graston technique.
Driving Force
In her practice, Brittney is devoted to helping patients achieve their goals through one-on-one care. Whether through exercise prescription, manual therapy, or education, she uses evidence-based practice and individualized treatment plans to deliver optimal quality of care. As a former competitive athlete, CSEP-Certified Personal Trainer, and coach for various sports teams, Brittney also applies exercise knowledge in her practice. She’s committed to promoting health and well-being to people of all ages and abilities!
She’s dedicated to ensuring patients feel guided, informed, and confident while on their path to recovery and she looks forward to helping you achieve your goals!
Shauna Kufeldt, Massage Therapist
About Shauna
Shauna’s been offering massage therapy treatment since graduating from MacEwan in 1998 – and her experience is evident!
Within moments of meeting Shauna, you’ll feel her warmth and generosity. Her personality, skill, and intuition result in an experience that is both therapeutic and relaxing.
Special Interests
Over the years, Shauna has worked extensively with a diverse clientele, including people who are rehabilitating after a car accident, amateur and elite athletes, seniors, patients with long-term disabilities – and everyone in between!
Having practiced exclusively in medical settings, Shauna enjoys working in collaboration with other health professionals, including physiotherapists, doctors, and chiropractors.
Fun Facts
When Shauna isn’t working, she’s creating. She sews custom designs for both humans and their four-legged friends.
What’s Next?
If you’ve got a specific question for any of our physio or massage therapists, please feel free to reach out and ask! You can send an email from our CONTACT US page anytime or give us a text/call during the clinic’s operating hours.
Sid Aurka | Brittney Achtymichuk | Becky Colwell | James Squire | Shauna Kufeldt