ABOUT US

About Physio Works Muskoka

Physio Works Muskoka is the lifelong dream of mother-daughter physiotherapy team, Carolyn and Brittany Vandyken. Both Registered Physiotherapists, Carolyn and Brittany have a passion for cutting edge physiotherapy care taking a biopsychosocial approach. Carolyn and Brittany were thrilled to have Tammy Darby, Paediatric, Orthopaedic and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist, providing paediatric and orthopaedic physiotherapy services in the clinic starting in Fall 2021. Tammy has now done her Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy training for both adults and children. In Spring 2024, we were thrilled to have Dr. Lucy Belli, Licensed Naturopathic Doctor, join our team to provide Naturopathic Medicine Care as well as Pelvic Floor Rehab.

At Physio Works Muskoka, we take a patient-centered approach focusing on your specific goals. We have a vision of creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone at all ages and stages of life to reach their optimum health with a variety of conditions including Pelvic Health, Chronic Pain, Pregnancy and Post-Partum Care, Cancer Care, Orthopaedic Care, and Breast Pain.

We are all honoured to be a part of your health journey

Our Team

Carolyn Vandyken, Registered Physiotherapist

Carolyn Vandyken is a Registered Physiotherapist, Pelvic Health Educator, Researcher, Author and co-owner of Physio Works Muskoka. Carolyn is one of the co-owners of Reframe Rehab, a Canadian-based, international teaching company with a mandate to educate healthcare professionals (physiotherapists, midwives, doctors, nurse practitioners, massage therapists and occupational therapists) about integrating a biopsychosocial approach into health care. With 34 years of clinical practice, Carolyn has contributed chapters to three international textbooks on pelvic pain and the overactive pelvic floor. She has co-authored a patient-centred book called Why Pelvic Pain Hurts, and has co-authored five research papers on pelvic pain, low back pain and incontinence in peer reviewed journals. Carolyn speaks extensively at international conferences on the topic of pelvic health and a biopsychosocial framework. Carolyn received the YWCA Women of Distinction award (2004) and the distinguished Education Award from the Ontario Physiotherapy Association in 2015. Carolyn was recently awarded the Medal of Distinction from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association in 2021 for her work in pelvic health and pain science. Carolyn’s husband Al keeps her grounded in the wonders of living in Muskoka, enjoying extensive hiking, kayaking, canoeing and other outdoor pursuits. Their three grown children add a dimension of experience and love that is cherished. Two grandchildren in 2021 have added another layer of excitement as life continues to evolve.

Brittany Vandyken, Registered Physiotherapist

Brittany Vandyken is a Registered Physiotherapist and co-owner of Physio Works Muskoka. She graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from Brock University while playing as an Academic All-Canadian on Brock’s varsity basketball team. Following this, she obtained her Masters of Science in Physiotherapy from McMaster University in 2017 graduating at the top of her class. She has received additional post-graduate training in soft tissue work, pelvic floor rehabilitation, chronic pain, breast health, and oncology rehabilitation. Brittany has a passion for clinical research on lumbo-pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction, publishing in the journal Muskuloskeletal Science and Practice and Physical Therapy, as well as sports/athletics and the pelvic floor. Brittany is thrilled to be living and working in Huntsville where she can combine her passion for physiotherapy with her love of the outdoors. Outside of work, she enjoys sports including skiing, basketball, running, surfing, hiking, biking, and swimming as well as travelling with her husband, Erik. Brittany is happy to help both men and women achieve their best health through any issues across the lifespan including pelvic floor concerns, chronic pain, breast pain, pregnancy or post-natal care, oncology care, and sports/athletics and the pelvic floor.

Tammy Darby, Registered Physiotherapist

Tammy is a Registered Physiotherapist. She graduated from the University of Alberta with her Masters of Physical Therapy degree and previously obtained her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Brock University. Tammy loves working with children of all ages with a variety of both neurological and orthopedic conditions. Tammy has gained extensive experience and knowledge working in the pediatric physiotherapy world with children aged newborn to eighteen for over ten years. She is passionate about ensuring that her clients and their families work together as a team to have the best possible outcomes. Tammy continues to strive to ensure all her patients achieve their physiotherapy goals by providing an evidence-based, hands-on and whole-body approach. She has worked in both the school and the private clinic setting, working with both adults and children of all ages in Calgary and Hong Kong. She has also completed her medical acupuncture training. Tammy has recently completed her training in pediatric and adult pelvic floor health. She is excited to begin providing pediatric, orthopaedic and pelvic floor physiotherapy services in the clinic and virtually, as well as developmental screens for families curious if their children are meeting their developmental milestones. Tammy is happy to treat individuals of all ages. In her spare time, Tammy loves spending time with her family, as well as hiking, golfing, snowboarding, and planning the next travel adventure.

Dr. Lucy Belli, Licensed Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Lucy Belli graduated from Western University with a degree in Kinesiology before graduating from the Canadian College of Naturopathic medicine with a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine. She went on to complete training in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy including training specific to managing urinary symptoms and pelvic pain. She has additional training in prenatal care, hormonal health concerns, and fertility. Dr. Lucy works with patients to develop sustainable treatment plans to reach your health goals. She uses an evidence-based approach that is tailored to each individual. She is passionate about providing holistic health care and helping patients to feel their best. Naturopathic doctors are primary health care providers that can treat a range of conditions. Some of the most common reasons patients seek naturopathic medicine include pain, fatigue, infertility, PMS and women's health issues, insomnia, anxiety and mood disorders, digestive issues, autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, weight loss, and more.

Jackie Riley, M.Ed., Health and Wellness Manager

Jackie Riley is a wellness advocate and provides patient education at Physio Works Muskoka at the direction of the treating physiotherapist. For 15 years, Jackie affected healthy change as the National Wellness Specialist for Telus. During that time, Jackie contributed to award-winning healthy workplace programs in partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Jackie holds a master’s degree in adult education, is a former professor with Centennial College’s Wellness and Health Promotion program and is a proud supporter of The Hospital for Sick Children. As an active living enthusiast and mental health consumer, Jackie understands the needs of clients and patients as they forge their own definitions of wellness and healthy living.

Jackie is a former instructor and trainer with Goodlife, has Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction certification, and dabbles on a yoga mat at the first opportunity.

Deanna Lavigne, Registered Kinesiologist

Deanna is a Registered Kinesiologist with the Ontario College of Kinesiologists and a member of the Ontario Kinesiology Association. She is passionate about motivating, educating and prescribing exercises for people to improve their physical and mental well being. At Physio Works Muskoka, Deanna is offering exercise oncology services to people in cancer treatment and to anyone trying to get back to participating in the activities and work they love. Deanna graduated from the University of Waterloo, with a Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology with an option in Ergonomics. Deanna has taken several post graduate courses in exercise prescription for people with cancer and for older adult populations, promoting self-care, and functional abilities evaluations during her pursuit of lifelong learning. Deanna volunteers with Enliven, a centre for self-care for people and care givers on the cancer journey and for TriMuskoka, our local triathlon club their sons, Adam and Nick, will both be heading off to University in the fall. In her spare time, Deanna loves participating in all outdoor activities and has been known to complete several adventure and endurance races on her bike, in her canoe, in the mud, on the snow, or running the roads and trails, simply because she can.