Welcome to Vital Life Physiotherapy
We are a multi-disciplinary bright and modern clinic centrally located on the ground floor in beautiful Port Coquitlam, only minutes from the 701 transit stop, with ample free parking right outside for your convenience. All medical plans are accepted, and direct billing is available for most insurance providers.
We offer a wide variety of non-invasive treatments and needling techniques, led by David Lee, a highly qualified and experienced physiotherapist, well versed in the latest evidence-based practices. David is a familiar and trusted face in the local physiotherapy community having worked in many private clinics before establishing Vital Life Physiotherapy Clinic. He is certified in Acupuncture and IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) and has completed courses in manual therapy, vestibular rehab, taping, and concussion rehab. Before becoming a physiotherapist, David obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology.
Our state of the art clinic offers the latest color touch screen treatment modality machines (ultrasound, laser, interferential electric therapy, and shockwave therapy) paired with a fully equipped gym space for active exercise, which is essential to effective rehabilitation. Curtained off and private treatment rooms are also available.
All patients are welcome, including walk-ins. No referral is needed (unless required by your extended health plan).
Our Experience
Meet Our Team!
Physiotherapy:
David Lee
Owner & Founding Physiotherapist (B.Sc. Kin, M.Sc. PT)
David moved to Canada from Taiwan at ten years old, and has since called Maple Ridge home. He attended Simon Fraser University for his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology before going to Queen’s University for his Masters in Physical Therapy.
David is a member in good standing of the Physiotherapy Associaton of BC (PABC) as well as the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA).
Before going into physiotherapy, David worked in kinesiology with patients recovering from motor vehicle accidents. This is where he learned and saw firsthand the benefits of active exercise as part of the rehabilitation process. Today, exercise is still very much an essential part of his treatments.
David finds satisfaction in helping his patients feel better, which is a driving force in his offering as many treatment modalities as possible for his patients. He has taken post-graduate courses on manual therapy, vestibular therapy, concussion therapy, taping and is certified in acupuncture and Gunn IMS.
In his spare time, David enjoys hanging out with his wife and sons. His favorite sports are snowboarding, basketball and volleyball.
Siva Chinnakonda Harigovindan
Physiotherapist (B. PT, M.S. PT)
Siva graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy from the Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University in Chennai, India in 1999 and completed his Masters in Sports Therapy at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India in 2002. He has worked in private practice and hospital settings in India for more than a decade providing him with valuable experience in multiple areas of practice. Before moving in to Vital Life Physiotherapy Clinic, he had worked in work conditioning for WorkSafeBC clients at CBI Fleetwood Surrey center.
Siva is a member and in good standing of the Physiotherapy Associaton of BC (PABC) and is committed to enrich his professional knowledge through education. He recently completed his Diploma in Dry Needling from the Functional Dry Needling Institute of UK in Vancouver and is currently pursuing a Fascial Manipulation course from the Registered Therapists of Fascial Manipulation®, Italy.
He is multilingual, speaking Tamil, English, Hindi, Saurashtra, Malayalam, and Punjabi. He treats his patients with empathy, dignity and respect, and encourages a return to activity through exercise and education.
In his spare time, he reads Hindu scriptures, visits temples and enjoys spending time with his wife and kids.
Monica Chiu
Physiotherapist (M.C.P.A)
Qualifications:
Monica graduated in 1980 from the Hong Kong Government School of Physiotherapy. She has completed post-graduate courses in the following:
Course in McKenzie Treatment of Lumbar Spine.
Course in Peripheral Joint Mobilization of the Lower Limbs.
Course in Sports Physiotherapy.
Obstetrics Care and Neonates Intensive Care(ICU) in Melbourne, Australia.
Experience:
Monica has 10 years experience working in various Acute, Rehabilitation Hospitals and Out-Patient Clinics in Hong Kong. Since moving to Vancouver, she has been a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association for over 20 years, working at Vancouver General Hospital, Women’s Hospital and private clinics. Monica currently works part-time as a Community PT for Fraser Health in Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows.
Specialty:
Extensive Experience in Rehabilitation of Musculo-Skeletal Problems.
Geriatrics – Rehabilitation for Hemiplegia, Parkinson’s Disease.
Women’s Health – Pre-Natal and Post-Natal Physiotherapy, Osteoporosis, Incontinence.
Hip, knee, and shoulder Joint Replacement Rehabilitation.
Arthur Poh
Physiotherapist (M.C.P.A)
Retired!
Massage Therapy:
Jen Lewis
Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)
Jen graduated from the Registered Massage Therapy program in June 2016. She is a practicing member in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC). She has a passion for treating a wide range of conditions and believes that patient education and communication is the key to finding the best customized treatment plan for each individual.
When Jen is not treating patients, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, camping and travelling.
Ingrid Yip
Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)
Ingrid graduated from Langara College Registered Massage Therapy program and got the opportunity to work with a diverse range of patients during the program, from young athletes to patients with spinal cord injuries, from patients with acute injuries to patients suffering from chronic conditions. She found a lot of interest in not only advancing her therapeutic approach but also in listening and understanding patients’ needs and how to develop a practical treatment and homecare plan with them.
From a young age Ingrid has been very active and enjoyed doing different kinds of sport and understands how injuries could impact the ability for one to continue with their exercises. Outside of the clinic she loves spending time with her friends playing tennis and finding good food in town.
She also loves traveling to different countries and learning about local cultures and languages. Ingrid is also fluent in Cantonese, Japanese, and Mandarin.
Travis Allan
Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)
Travis has recently graduated from Langara College Registered Massage Therapy program, and is set to be taking his Massage Therapist registration exam in March. Through his studies at Langara’s student clinic and outreaches, Travis has been able to work with a variety of different patients with various sports related injuries, and neurological conditions. Travis believes that each treatment should be patient centered and wants to work with each person on creating goals through massage and home-care that can improve their overall health and wellness.
In Travis’ spare time he enjoys weight lifting, playing soccer and lacrosse, he enjoys being outside hiking, and canoeing.
Kinesiology:
Kevin Narayan
Kinesiologist (BKin)
Kevin graduated from Simon Fraser University where he received a Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in active health and rehabilitation. While studying at SFU, he also worked as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer, which gave him significant experience educating, and developing exercise programs for people of all age groups and varying levels of fitness. He believes that the best way to approach active rehabilitation is through proper education, so that clients have the knowledge and confidence to perform the exercises within their personalized program in a safe, efficient and effective manner.
In his spare time, Kevin can be found weightlifting at home, going for a run along the Poco trail, or inside the kitchen pretending he’s on MasterChef. Kevin also enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.
Dietitian:
Sian Hoe Cheong
Registered Dietitian (M.Sc. RD)
Sian Hoe Cheong is an experienced Registered Dietitian with a Masters degree in Nutrition and Metabolism from the University of Alberta and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Saskatchewan. He completed his dietetic internship at the Regina Au’Appelle Health Region. He is a member of the College of Dietitians of B.C., Dietitians of Canada, Diabetes Canada Professional Section and Commission on Dietetic Registration for the Academy of American Nutrition and Dietetics.
His work experience spans various areas of health care such as acute care, community care, residential care and administration. His special interests include diabetes, general nutrition, heart health and seniors health. He helps patients understand why making dietary changes is necessary to gain strength and good health. He believes implementing a dietary change plan that is both realistic and sustainable helps patient eat well and stay well.
In his spare time, he enjoys being outdoor and active. He likes to play soccer, volleyball, curling and swimming.
PT Assistants:
Devon Taylor
Physiotherapist Assistant
Devon is in his last year of the Kinesiology program at The University of British Columbia. Prior to attending UBC, Devon received a sports science diploma from Douglas College. Following receiving his bachelor’s, Devon wants to become a physiotherapist or chiropractor.
Devon played high-level hockey growing up and still enjoys playing in his free time. He also enjoys going to the gym and hanging out with friends.
Ashleigh Lesser
Physiotherapist Assistant
Ashleigh graduated from The University of Findlay with her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in both Strength and Conditioning and Psychology. At the University of Findlay, she received an athletic and academic scholarship while playing college lacrosse. She hopes to one day complete her Masters in Physiotherapy and pursue a career working as a Physiotherapist.
Outside of work Ashleigh enjoys both playing and coaching lacrosse, as well as working out and spending time with friends and family.
Front Desk:
Allison Weir
Administrative Manager & Social Media Director
Allison has extensive experience working in customer service and moved from her retail background into healthcare two years ago. She grew up in Port Coquitlam and is passionate about providing an exceptional level of care to her community.
When she’s not at the clinic you can find Allison spending her time with her tortoise Squish, or outside enjoying the local parks and trails Poco has to offer.
Kaila Bonnycastle
Retired!
Rozhan Saadati
Administrative Assistant
Rozhan is currently studying Kinesiology at Langara College and after receiving her bachelor, she is planning on applying for dentistry at the University of British Columbia to become a dentist.
Working out at the gym, going for a run in the early mornings, and going on hikes with her friends are some of her favourite hobbies outside of work. If she is not at work, you can usually find Rozhan at the gym or in a dance studio working on new choreography!”
Kasia Rogalski
Administrative Assistant
Kasia is currently finishing her 3rd year as a kinesiology student at Simon Fraser University, with the hopes of getting her Masters of Physiotherapy and pursuing a career in that field.
Kasia played high level soccer and basketball throughout high school and continues to coach youth basketball today. She enjoys going to the gym with her friends and watching movies with her family, especially Harry Potter.
Johnny
Bone Specialist (BS)
Johnny completed his certificate in the Orthopaedic Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy program (GCOMPT) at UBC in January of 2018. He is proficient in aiding and providing visual feedback during the assessment and treatment of orthopaedic manual and manipulative physical therapy.
His work experience started in July of 2018 working full-time for Vital Life Physiotherapy clinic assisting the Physiotherapists in anything bone related. He knows every single bone in the entire human body (all 206 of them!)
Johnny love’s bones because they protect your organs, and let you move in ways that would not be possible without them! When Johnny is not busy helping patients, you can find him dancing with noBODY, and playing his tromBONE.