Toronto Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy Team
At Athletic Edge Sports Medicine, we combine several traditional and innovative strategies and specialties to ensure you receive well rounded, cutting edge treatment programs to suit your exact needs. As a patient of Athletic Edge, you will be assigned your own personal therapist, who will represent our full team of skilled and capable team physicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other rehab specialists, all dedicated to helping you KEEP PLAYING.
Get to Know Your Athletic Edge Team
Dr. Fouad (Freddy) Antoine Sayde, MD
Board Certified Sports Medicine (US), Board Certified Internal Medicine (US)
Fouad Sayde is a Canadian born-and-raised and US-trained Physician of Sports and Exercise Medicine. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Western Ontario before obtaining his medical degree overseas at the University of Balamand in Beirut, Lebanon. He then moved to Philadelphia where he completed his 3-year residency in Internal Medicine at Lankenau Medical Center. Fouad then moved to Detroit, Michigan to pursue a Fellowship in Sports Medicine at Henry Ford Health System, one of the oldest and top Sports Medicine programs in North America.
Fouad was a member of the medical staff of sports physicians responsible for taking care of professional sports teams and elite athletes. As a fellow, Fouad was a team physician for the Detroit Tigers (MLB), Detroit Lions (NFL), and the University of Detroit Mercy varsity athletes (NCAA Division I). In addition, Fouad provided medical coverage for local sporting events including the 2017 Detroit Marathon, the 2018 NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament, the 2018 Michigan Special Olympics, and local high school football teams.
Fouad’s Sports Medicine training concentrated on musculoskeletal ultrasound techniques, allowing him to become skilled in ultrasound-guided injections of various joints including the shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, hip, knee, and foot/ankle. He has performed over 200 ultrasound-guided injections including procedures utilizing platelet-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, tenotomy/barbotage, and stem cell injections.
Dr. Nathaniel Ibey, MD, CCFP, Dip Sport Med
Dr. Ibey has a BScE in Mechanical Engineering and a BA in Environmental Science from Queen’s University. He attended the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and completed his Family Medicine residency at the University of Ottawa.
Dr. Ibey completed his fellowship in Sports and Exercise Medicine at the Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic at Western University. He holds a certificate in Sports and Exercise Medicine (Canadian College of Family Physicians) and a diploma in Sports Medicine (Canadian Academy of Sports and Exercise Medicine).
Dr. Ibey was a member of the medical team for the Western University Mustangs Varsity Program.
Outside of his clinical practice, he provides medical coverage for sports events, including:
- NHL rookie tournament
- Muskoka Ironman
- Ottawa Marathon
- Forest City Road Race
- OUA Field Hockey Championships
Dr. Ibey has an interest in promoting and helping patients achieve healthy and active lifestyles. He has a love of the outdoors and regularly participates in activities on the field, trails, ice, and water. He enthusiastically endorses sports for everyone, every day, everywhere.
Dr. Nitai Gelber, MD, CCFP(SEM)
Dr. Nitai Gelber is a certified Sport and Exercise Medicine physician. He completed his undergraduate education at McGill, medical studies at the University of British Columbia, Family Medicine residency at the University of Toronto, and fellowship training in Sport and Exercise Medicine at the University of Ottawa.
Dr. Gelber is trained in comprehensive Sports Medicine, including the use of ultrasound for
diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. He has also worked with multiple collegiate-level varsity teams and has provided medical coverage at many sporting and entertainment events.
Dr. Gelber is also a practicing family physician and provides prenatal and intrapartum obstetrical care at Toronto Western and Mount Sinai Hospitals. He is a strong proponent of exercise throughout pregnancy and is trained in the care of pregnancy-related muscle and joint pain.
Dr. Grant Lum, MD, CCFP, Dip Sport Med, Medical Director, and Founder
Grant Lum has been practicing sports medicine and performing arts medicine since 1994. He is a leading authority in the field of sports medicine and is dedicated to learning, teaching, and furthering advancements within his field.
Grant is the team physician for Squash Canada, a consultant for the NHL Players’ Association, and an Assistant Professor at The University of Toronto, in the Faculty of Medicine. Grant is also the Medical Director of the Fitness and Lifestyle Management Program at George Brown College, where he assists in curriculum development.
He has appeared in many newspaper articles, on radio, and on television as an expert in sports medicine. Grant currently writes regularly for The Weather Network, about the correlation between weather and health. He was also the health blogger for CTV news.
Book an appointment with Dr. Grant Lum Today
Derek Cheung, Reg PT, Cert MDT
Derek focuses his treatment on patient-centered care and uses exercise prescription, manual therapy, and soft tissue techniques to help each patient get better. Besides that, recently he became a certified McKenzie trained clinician. McKenzie Diagnostic Technique is an effective classification system for treating spine and extremity related injuries.
Derek is proactive in building his skills to improve patient outcomes and is taking further courses in manual therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, and acupuncture. He has a particular interest in treating low back injuries, concussions, and hands.
Derek is a graduate of Queen’s University’s Physical Therapy program. He also has a Master’s of Health and Rehabilitation Science from Western University, where he completed research publications on carpal tunnel syndrome. Outside the clinic, Derek enjoys reading new research articles, working out at the gym, spending time with family, and volunteering at church
Agnes Makowski, Registered Physiotherapist
MSc PT, BSc PT, Dip Sport PT, FCAMT, C. GUNN IMS
Agnes enjoys contributing as a difference-maker for active individuals of all ages and Agnes – Registered Physiotherapistabilities within the areas of injury prevention; exercise medicine; musculoskeletal health; rehabilitation and sports physiotherapy. She has made the integration of best evidence principles a focus of her professional practice. She collaborates with clients and other team members to develop a meaningful care plan and uses such tools as manual therapy, exercise as medicine, and acupuncture.
Agnes is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto and contributes to knowledge translation as a First Responder instructor with the Canadian Red Cross. She practices an integrated approach to athlete care with national sports organizations: Skate Canada, Wheelchair Basketball Canada, and Gymnastics Canada.
Michelle DeYoung, Registered Physiotherapist
MScPT, BA, Dipl. Canine Rehab
Michelle is an experienced physiotherapist with over 10 years of clinical experience. She completed her Masters of Physiotherapy degree at Queen’s University, and obtained her Honors Bachelor of the Arts in Kinesiology degree at The University of Western Ontario. She primarily focuses on musculoskeletal conditions, runners, and concussions, and treats people of all ages. She has received advanced training in manual therapy and received further accreditation to become a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists (FCAMPT). Aside from treating patients with manual therapy, Michelle also likes to use education, exercises, soft tissue work, and acupuncture (when appropriate). When she is not working, Michelle can be found running, working out, or playing with her baby and dog.
Phil Edwards, Registered Physiotherapist
MCPA, CMAG (Acupuncture)
Phil is a physiotherapist in Toronto with over 30 year’s clinical experience and primarily works with orthopaedic and soft tissue injuries. Phil is experienced working with National and Provincial level competitors in powerlifting, rugby, martial arts, and triathlons. When not working at Athletic Edge Sports Medicine, Phil is busy coaching rugby for the Oakville Crusaders.
Alex Jones, Physiotherapist
Alex graduated with her Masters of Science in Physiotherapy from Queen’s University. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Queen’s University. She has years of experience in strength and conditioning, training varsity-level athletes, youth athletes, community members, and individuals with disabilities.
Alex combines her understanding of health and fitness with rehabilitation and injury prevention. She focuses on exercise-based rehabilitation, self-management, and education to help her clients reach their goals.
Growing up, Alex was involved in competitive lacrosse, volleyball, and rowing. She went on to row for the women’s team at Queen’s University. Outside of the clinic, you can find Alex in the gym, hiking, camping, and cooking new recipes.
Dr. Sabaa Aziz, Chiropractor
D.C. BSc Dip.
Dr. Sabaa Aziz obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology at Ferris State University in Michigan. She continued her education at New York Chiropractic College and graduated in 2012 with a Doctorate of Chiropractic. Her practice tools include diversified chiropractic technique, craniosacral therapy, medical acupuncture, clinical nutrition, activator, active rehabilitation, and kinseo taping.
Dr. Aziz has successfully completed the Canadian Chiropractic Boards as well as the National Chiropractic Boards. Dr. Aziz added to her skillset by obtaining her Complementary Medical Acupuncture license from McMaster University in 2013. Dr. Aziz is currently licensed by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario and is an active member of the International Chiropractic Association as well as the American Chiropractic Association.
Dr. Aziz places an emphasis on patient-centered health care and being a part of our multi-disciplinary wellness team. Dr. Aziz focuses on care that restores and rebuilds the health of your spine and nervous system.
Dr. Rosty Serebryany, Chiropractor
BA (Sp Hons), D.C.
Dr. Rosty Serebryany graduated from CMCC in 2005 and has been practicing full-time at Athletic Edge Sports Medicine in downtown Toronto since 2007. Dr. Serebryany has a strong focus on sports and performing arts-related injuries, having been a former national team gymnast for Canada and coach in Toronto. He is also a running enthusiast who offers an individualized evaluation of running mechanics and provides appropriate treatment for injured runners.
Dr. Rosty Serebryany provides chiropractic care, Active Release Technique, clinical acupuncture, Graston technique, Kinesiotape, and preventative medicine to a patient population that includes amateur athletes, sports enthusiasts, and medical professionals. Dr. Serebryany also routinely presents on a variety of chiropractic topics across the city of Toronto.
Dr. Corey Hofkirchner, Chiropractor
B.Sc, DC.
Dr. Corey Hofkirchner received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto. He has experience working within sports medicine clinics, St. Michael’s Hospital Sumac Creek Family Health Team, Mt. Sinai Hospital’s Rebecca McDonald Center for Arthritis Spine Clinic as well as Mackenzie Health and Hamilton General Hospitals’ fracture clinics with Orthopedic and Neurosurgical consultation. Dr. Hofkirchner has also worked as a varsity strength and conditioning coach and personal trainer while he studied at Waterloo University.
Dr. Hofkirchner uses a combination of hands-on therapy, exercise, medical acupuncture, and self-management approaches with his patients for effective and efficient relief of spine and extremity musculoskeletal conditions and performance enhancement.
Dr. Dominique Harmath, Chiropractor
Dr. Dominique Harmath is an evidence-based chiropractor and a sports sciences resident with the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences Canada (RCCSSC), the most extensive sport specialty training program in the chiropractic profession. She earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto and is currently a candidate to be a Sports Specialist Chiropractor.
Dr. Harmath is a published author and has received international awards for her research and work in the field. Her passion lies with helping people move better to enhance their quality of life and achieve their sports performance goals. Her approach to care is individualized. She is trained in active release therapy (ART), soft tissue treatment, medical acupuncture, adjustment and joint mobilization, soft tissue tools, rehabilitation, and exercise prescription.
As a former professional tennis player, four-time Canadian Junior National Champion and top 50 Division I NCAA player for Rice University in Houston, Dr. Harmath holds a special interest in biomechanical movement and strategies to reduce injury risk in tennis. She has been a part of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) medical team for the Rogers Cup, worked International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments, The Pan Am Fencing Championships, The Toronto Triathlon, The Taekwondo Provincial Championships, The Canadian Mountain Bike National Championships and several other sporting events. She is currently a chiropractor for Alpine Canada’s Men’s Ski World Cup team.
Deon Jajalla, Registerd Massage Therapist
With widely gathered experience in a variety of treatment approaches, Deon incorporates various techniques and strategies in an effort to help others become strong, mobile, and free of pain. While listening attentively to the body and concerns of his patients, he is able to develop specific treatment plans that work in conjunction with all other treatments received at AESM.
Graduating from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy, Deon has worked previously with Sick Kids Hospital, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Toronto Rehab, to address various musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions among different demographics of the population.
A certification candidate of the Canadian Sports Massage Therapists Association, and First Aid volunteer of Athletics Ontario, he works closely with local athletic organizations and other health professionals to provide care to developing athletes. To complement massage therapy, Deon also practices as a Pilates Teacher and ELDOA Practitioner. An avid martial artist, Deon has extensive experience in Karate, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Yaw-Yan, Jeet Kune Do, Boxing, and Krav Maga.
Helen Li, Registered Massage Therapist
Helen is a graduate of the Massage Therapy program at Sutherland Chan in Toronto. She is a certified Active Release Technique (ART®) provider, Contemporary Medical Acupuncture (CMAG) provider, Graston Technique (GT®) provider, Craniosacral Therapy provider as well as K-taping.
Her practice has mainly been in a sports medicine multi-disciplinary environment which includes such treatments as concussion management, injury prevention, and rehabilitation, postoperative rehabilitation, pre and postnatal therapy, scar tissue management, and remedial exercise.
In addition to clinical practice, Helen provides onsite therapy for the performing arts and has worked on productions in Toronto such as Book of Mormon, Revisor, Beautiful, Anastasia, School of Rock, Grand Finale, Xenos, Kind, and I, and Aladdin to name a few.
With her work experience and skill set, she is able to create an individualized treatment plan for each client to optimize recovery and performance.
Adam Cook, Registered Massage Therapist
Adam is a graduate of the Sutherland Chan School of Massage. He has been with AESM since 2002, and a clinic manager at AESM @ Boulevard since 2003. Adam`s skills as a massage therapist are supplemented by his accreditation as a physiotherapy assistant and a certification in ultrasound provision. Adam works extensively with the professional dance community and served as the lead therapist to the cast of Cirque du Soleil in several of their shows in Toronto. Adam is an ex-high school football player, and keeps active cycling as well as lifting weights.
Dr. Neemez Kassam, Naturopathic Doctor and Registered Acupuncturist
M.Sc, ND, R.Ac
Dr. Neemez Kassam is a licensed Naturopathic doctor and a registered Acupuncturist located in Toronto and is currently an associate professor and the department head in Asian Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). He is the co-author of the point location text: “Fundamentals of Clinical Acupuncture” from CCNM Press published in 2009. Dr.Kassam has been featured and quoted in the Globe and Mail, Canadian Living magazine, Vitality magazine, and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada.
Clinically Dr. Kassam has been focusing on the treatment of fertility and infertility with both females and males. Using the principles and philosophy of Chinese medicine and Naturopathic medicine he has helped many couples achieve their goal. Treatments are given alone, or with assisted reproductive techniques (IUI and IVF).
In addition to fertility, Dr. Kassam has a passion for musculoskeletal concerns and sports injuries. Having played at elite levels in ball hockey and soccer, he has experience and understanding in treating a wide variety of physical ailments. Acupuncture has been proven in many research studies to decrease or minimize chronic pain and may play a role in decreasing rehabilitation times.
Other areas of focus are female reproductive health, allergies, common colds, digestive health, and weight management.
Lynda Mainwaring, M.H.K., Ph.D., C. Psych.
Performance, Health and Rehabilitation Psychology – Associate Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto
Lynda Mainwaring is a Registered Psychologist and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto with graduate training in both Human Kinetics and Psychology. Dr. Mainwaring has published and presented over 200 papers internationally on athletic and dance injury, performance, and dance psychology. Her research interests include psychological consequences of physical injuries in sport, dance, and performance, the emotional impact of mild traumatic brain injury in sport, psychological sequelae of hand injuries, perfectionism, and performance enhancement. She also has a keen interest and proficiency with a qualitative methodology. Her practice focuses on optimal well-being and performance, psychological aspects of injury in sport, work, and the performing arts, hand injuries, and sports concussion. She uses various approaches to treatment including mindfulness and hypnosis matching the presenting issues with a suitable management strategy. Dr. Mainwaring is a principal investigator with the Concussion Programme at the University of Toronto, a member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario, the Ontario Psychological Association, the American Psychological Association, and the Research Committee for the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science.
Credentials:
Psych. (1993). Registered Psychologist in Ontario.
PhD (Psychology) 1992 York University, Toronto, Ontario
MHK (Masters of Human Kinetics) 1984 University of Windsor, Ontario
Bachelor of Human Kinetics (first class honours) 1981 University of Windsor, ON.
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)1980 University of Windsor, ON.
Sandy Prescott, Office Manager
Sandy is AESM’s office manager who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the clinic. With over 20 years of experience working in sports medicine facilities, Sandy is knowledgeable in all services and programs that AESM has to offer.