Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is an effective, evidence based medical science that specializes in the movement of the human body. Physiotherapists provide an in depth musculoskeletal physical assessment, to diagnose injury or disability. They are specifically educated to deal with the musculoskeletal components of the human body including injury to muscle, joints and ligaments. The main goals of physiotherapy... Read More

Physiotherapy is an effective, evidence based medical science that specializes in the movement of the human body. Physiotherapists provide an in depth musculoskeletal physical assessment, to diagnose injury or disability. They are specifically educated to deal with the musculoskeletal components of the human body including injury to muscle, joints and ligaments. The main goals of physiotherapy are to reduce pain, improve mobility and restore functional abilities. Through a series of therapy programs and prescription exercises, our physiotherapists are able to help you achieve long term results and ultimately a healthy lifestyle! It is important to seek physiotherapy quickly after an injury as results improve with early intervention. Treatment options include, but are not limited to, therapeutic modalities, individually prescribed exercise plans, acute and post-concussion syndrome management, vestibular rehabilitation, acupuncture, dry needling, soft tissue distraction and myofascial release techniques.


Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, to achieve a therapeutic response. It enhances the function of muscles and joints. Massage therapy relieves pain and stress as well as improving blood circulation. Massage therapy also has a sedative, calming effect. There are two different types of massage offered at our clinic. 1. Deep Therapeutic Massage. The massag... Read More

Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, to achieve a therapeutic response. It enhances the function of muscles and joints. Massage therapy relieves pain and stress as well as improving blood circulation. Massage therapy also has a sedative, calming effect. There are two different types of massage offered at our clinic. 1. Deep Therapeutic Massage. The massage therapist utilizes deep pressure to achieve a therapeutic effect. They work out the ‘knots’ in the muscles to improve mobility and reduce pain. 2. Gentle and Soothing Massage. The massage therapist utilizes light to moderate pressure to improve blood circulation and promote relaxation and pain relief.


Athletic Recovery

The Normatec 3™ recovery legs, hips and arms use dynamic air compression to advance your wellness, recover faster, improve your training, and maximize your performance. Normatec’s patented precision pulse technology helps to increase circulation, revive muscles, and reduce swelling and has long been the choice of elite athletes and consumers throughout the globe. Warm-up and recover like never ... Read More

The Normatec 3™ recovery legs, hips and arms use dynamic air compression to advance your wellness, recover faster, improve your training, and maximize your performance. Normatec’s patented precision pulse technology helps to increase circulation, revive muscles, and reduce swelling and has long been the choice of elite athletes and consumers throughout the globe. Warm-up and recover like never before. The Normatec 3 uses dynamic air compression to create a restorative massage that helps you feel refreshed faster. 7 levels of compression and our patented Pulse technology deliver precise treatment to 5 overlapping zones with ZoneBoost™ by using biomimicry to replicate the natural muscle pumps and one way valves of the legs. Trust us, your legs will thank you.


Spin


Core and Mobility Class


Bracing Consultation

Ashley to share her passion for wellness with others to motivate all to lead healthy & fulfilling lives. Her favourite forms of exercise [& coaching] include spin, water aerobics, core strength & functionality, & powerlifting.

Let’s prosper together!

Ashley to share her passion for wellness with others to motivate all to lead healthy & fulfil... Read More

Megan is a Physiotherapy Resident at Xcel Physiotherapy, originally from St. Andrews, Antigonish County. Growing up, Megan developed a lifelong passion for movement through dance, which she began at a young age and continued throughout her life. As both a dancer and a dance instructor, Megan also faced and overcame multiple injuries, which sparked her interest in physiotherapy as a means to help others recover and optimize their movement.

Megan completed her Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics at St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) in 2022. During her time at StFX, she continued her dance instruction and deepened her understanding of movement, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Megan also gained valuable experience as a Student Athletic Therapist with the X-Men football team, where she developed skills in injury prevention, on-field injury management, and exercise-based rehabilitation. This hands-on experience not only enhanced her clinical abilities but also fuelled her passion for working with athletes and preventing injuries.

After completing her undergraduate studies, Megan worked as a Rehabilitation Assistant at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, where she found a deep sense of fulfilment in helping individuals regain movement and confidence in their daily lives. This experience further solidified her commitment to supporting rehabilitation for a diverse range of patients.

Megan went on to complete her Master of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of Limerick in Ireland, where she graduated in 2025 with First Class Honours and received the award for Best Overall Achievement in her cohort. Throughout her clinical placements, Megan gained extensive experience in a variety of settings, including orthopaedics, neurological rehabilitation, cardiorespiratory care, and sports physiotherapy. These experiences have given her a well-rounded approach to patient care, with a particular focus on injury rehabilitation and performance optimization.

Megan is committed to her ongoing professional development and is eager to expand her expertise through additional courses and certifications in physiotherapy. She is passionate about providing holistic care that not only addresses immediate injuries but also empowers her patients to lead healthier, more active lives.

Megan is a Physiotherapy Resident at Xcel Physiotherapy, originally from St. Andrews, Antigonish ... Read More

Nathan grew up in a small town outside of Ottawa and made the move to the East Coast to pursue his Bachelors Degree in Human Kinetics at St. Francis Xavier University and graduated in 2012. While at St. FX’s Nathan was the student athletic therapist for the varsity men’s hockey team for two seasons. Upon graduation Nathan worked in the private sector in Nova Scotia as a Kinesiologist before leaving to pursue his Physiotherapy degree. Nathan’s passion for sport led him to complete his Masters thesis on parental awareness of sports-related concussions, and he brings this knowledge into his practice. In 2015 Nathan graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University (Scotland) with his Masters in Physiotherapy.

Since graduation Nathan has completed several courses including AA1 and AA2 levels of acupuncture, giving him advanced acupuncture skills. He then extended this knowledge of needling techniques, and took his Level 1 Dry Needling through Acupuncture Canada. As well Nathan has taken his Advanced Upper and Lower Extremity Certification, and Lumbo-Pelvic Complex Certification through APTEI (Advanced Physical Therapy Education Institute). Nathan is also trained in both acute concussion care and post-concussion syndrome care, through the R2P Concussion Management program. He is also a Certificate Candidate with Sports Physiotherapy Canada, and is currently working with the Nova Major Bantam hockey team.

Nathan is excited to be back in Antigonish and looks forward to becoming more involved in the St. FX’s community as well as the larger community of Antigonish. In his free time, he loves being active with CrossFit, playing recreational hockey, running, and spending time with his two dogs!

Nathan grew up in a small town outside of Ottawa and made the move to the East Coast to pursue hi... Read More

Kailey grew up in a small Acadian community in Cape Breton. Focusing on chemistry and biology, she finished high school and decided to go to St.FX to pursue a dream in the health care field. After completing 2 years, she realized that massage therapy was her true calling. Kailey moved to Halifax where she graduated from Eastern College with Honours in her Massage Therapy Diploma. Being a home body, she decided to move closer to home and be part of the Xcel team.

Kailey is very excited to put her skills to work and is looking forward to meet new clients and building long lasting, professional relationships. She can perform deep tissue, therapeutic and relaxation massage, with focuses on trigger point and fascial therapy as well as cupping therapy.

In her spare time, Kailey enjoys spending time at the family cottage, sitting around the campfire and furthering her studies to become the most competent massage therapist she can be.

Kailey grew up in a small Acadian community in Cape Breton. Focusing on chemistry and biology, sh... Read More

Jocelyne grew up in Antigonish County and is excited to be offering OT services to the Antigonish community! She completed a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Health at StFX University in 2023, then went on to complete a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Dalhousie University. She is a registered Occupational Therapist with the Nova Scotia Occupational Therapy Regulator. Jocelyne was drawn to the OT profession because of its role in helping clients problem solve the barriers they face to participating in their daily activities. Some of her areas of interest include the management of chronic conditions, geriatrics, and the intersection of physical and mental health, In her spare time, Jocelyne enjoys reading, thrifting, and hanging out with her cat. Her favourite ways to stay active are Pilates and strength training.

Jocelyne grew up in Antigonish County and is excited to be offering OT services to the Antigonish... Read More

Laura grew up in Shubenacadie, N.S. She completed her Masters of Science in Physiotherapy at Glasgow Caledonian University. Since graduation she has worked in private practice in Elmsdale, N.S prior to opening Xcel Physiotherapy. Laura is a proud graduate of St. Francis Xavier University with Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics. During her time at St.FX she a student Athletic Therapist with the national championship winning X-Women Rugby program as a and completed a CPTN personal training certification. As an NCCP level 1 figure skating coach she also enjoyed coaching in learn to skate programs. She is a Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) member and a member of the CPA’s Acupuncture and Animal Rehabilitation divisions.

Laura has extensive needling training through Acupuncture Canada; she is CAFCI certified and holds the highest level of certification, Level 3, in Dry Needling. Laura has a specialist interest in running mechanics and running-related injuries, as a recreational runner herself. She is a Certified + practitioner with the Running Clinic. She has also completed the upper extremity, lower extremity and lumbopelvic courses through the Advanced Physical Therapy Education Institute (APTEI). Laura is currently working to complete the requirements to obtain a diploma in Canine Rehabilitation through Canadian Physiotherapy Associations Animal Rehabilitation Division.

Laura has a special interest in general fitness; cardio, strength and mobility. She is passionate about promoting and encouraging regular physical activity in conjunction with healthy lifestyle habits.

Her passion for health and wellness stemmed from years of competitive figure skating, as a member of Team Nova Scotia. Laura has always been either working at a gym or leading exercise classes; she currently offers spin classes out of Xcel! When not at the clinic she can be found relaxing with her fur kids, training or race prepping with the toughest toddler trainer around.

Laura grew up in Shubenacadie, N.S. She completed her Masters of Science in Physiotherapy at Glas... Read More

Rebekah is originally from Cape Breton and she attained her Massage Therapy diploma from Eastern College in Halifax. Rebekah’s areas of interest include: TMJ, Post Surgery Rehabilitation, Fascial Treatments and Lymphatic work.

Outside of work, Rebekah enjoys working out, hiking, traveling and spending time with family.

“My primary objective is to help my clients find relief from pain, stress or any other discomfort that might be affecting their daily lives.”

Rebekah is originally from Cape Breton and she attained her Massage Therapy diploma from Eastern ... Read More

Matt graduated from Carleton University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience. He then completed his Master’s of Science in Neuroscience at Queen’s University in 2017, researching how eye movements can be used as a potential biomarker to diagnose and assess neurological disorders. He was awarded the prestigious Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship for his research.

After completing his thesis, Matt pursued his Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy at Queen’s University, graduating in 2019. After physiotherapy school, he completed post-graduate training in advanced functional dry needling, pain neuroscience education, advanced manual therapy, concussion and vestibular rehabilitation techniques. Matt completed his Titleist Professional Institute (TPI) training to assess/treat golfer’s physical abilities, with the goal of improving swing mechanics and reducing pain while on the course.

Matt has a special interest in treating a wide variety of clients, ranging from elite athletes to clients suffering from debilitating chronic pain. He has experience treating clients suffering from balance/vertigo issues, concussions, cervicogenic headaches and migraines, both acute and chronic.

Matt is passionate about accelerating his clients’ recovery from injury. He values compassion, always striving to understand his client’s values and individualizes their rehabilitation to suit their functional needs. He strives to implement evidence-informed practice, remaining up to date on effective treatment strategies and approaches. When not at work, Matt loves lifting weights, fishing, archery, golfing and spending time with his golden retrievers Thor and Freya.

Matt graduated from Carleton University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience... Read More

Sara was born and raised in Antigonish. She graduated in 2012, with Honours, from the Atlantic College of Therapeutic Massage in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She is returning from maternity leave and very excited to see her existing and new clients.

Sara is a member of MTANS. She is certified in Sports Massage, Swedish Massage, Prenatal Massage and Craniosacral Therapy.

In her spare time, Sara enjoys being a mom to Dirks, spending time with family and friends, being outdoors and traveling.

Sara was born and raised in Antigonish. She graduated in 2012, with Honours, from the Atlantic Co... Read More

Amy graduated ICT Northumberland College in 2014 with a Diploma in Massage Therapy. Since graduating she has worked in a variety of clinics with a wide range of clients and conditions. Using modalities of Swedish Massage and Myofascial Release Amy strives to ensure specific and effective treatments for clients at any stage of their healing.

Amy graduated ICT Northumberland College in 2014 with a Diploma in Massage Therapy. Since graduat... Read More

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Located at: 133 Church Street, Suite 144, Antigonish
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