Helping You Reach Your Potential
LifeMark Chinatown is an integrated health clinic. From physiotherapy treatments and chiropractic sessions to naturopathy and acupuncture, we work together to tailor treatments to your specific needs. Overall, the therapies offered are all based on the same fundamental collaborative care principles of supporting the body's healing response to achieve wellness.At our physiotherapy downtown Vancouver clinic, we believe that a collaborative multi-disciplinary approach is the answer to treating your body’s injuries. We recognize that your injury is likely affecting you each day on many levels and we want you to regain your quality of life and reach your full potential.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatments play an important role in restoring strength, endurance, movement and physical abilities to clients who have been affected by injuries resulting in painful conditions such as knee pain, shoulder pain and back pain. Physiotherapy can be instrumental in helping you reach full recovery from the discomfort and pain that affects you on a daily basis.
Our Physiotherapy treatments include rehabilitation for work, sports and car accident related injuries, which can commonly result in back pain, knee pain and whiplash. We collaboratively approach each client’s needs through a comprehensive assessment before we begin treatment to ensure that you are getting the best quality care.
Please note that a Doctor’s referral is not necessary to receive physiotherapy treatments at our downtown Vancouver physiotherapy clinic .
Alex Wong – Physiotherapist
Outside of his work, Alex enjoys listening to music, playing tennis and badminton, reading about science and technology, and watching sci-fi movies. He is also an active member of a local Baptist church, in which he once served as Treasurer for six years. He is known amongst his friends as "the person to go to when you or your computer, and many other things in between, have a problem”.
Joe comes to LifeMark having earned his Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of British Columbia. Prior to that, he also graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics degree. During his time away from UBC, Joe worked for a local foot orthotic manufacturer where he broadened his understanding of the foot and ankle. He also spent three seasons as a trainer for a junior football team, which exposed him to many of the common sports-related injuries seen in physiotherapy clinics. He has volunteered at field hockey and lacrosse events, as well as the Vancouver Sun Run.
Joe has gained physiotherapy experience in a wide variety of clinical settings, including stroke rehabilitation, hand therapy, and paediatrics. He has also developed a strong knowledge base regarding whiplash-associated disorders thanks to research he helped conduct while in the Master’s program. Joe’s customized approach to physiotherapy treatment utilizes manual therapy, education, dry needling, and exercise to help his patients achieve their unique therapy goals.
Joe enjoys playing soccer and golf, but admits he is much better at being a spectator. He is certified in anatomical acupuncture through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute. He has also obtained his Level 2 certificate in orthopaedic manual and manipulative therapy through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and plans on pursuing further education in this field in the future.
Paula Portnoi - Physiotherapist
Paula comes to Life Mark, from Brazil, with a bachelor degree in Physical Therapy from the Centro Universitario São Camilo and with 2 Latu sensu degrees, one in “Physical Therapy applied to Musculoskeletal System Dysfunctions” and another in “Physical Therapy applied to Orthopedics and Traumatology” both completed at São Marcos University.
Paula has gained physiotherapy experience since 2004 in one of the largest Orthopedic and Sports rehabilitation Institutes in South America and with her own private practice, where she has experience with hydrotherapy, sensory motor training, isokinetic training, pre and post-surgery treatment, seniors rehabilitation, athletic rehabilitation and much more.
She has also developed a strong knowledge base regarding hip arthroplasty rehabilitation and strength assessment, during her Latu Sensu’s program. Paula brings to LifeMark a customized approach to physiotherapy treatments where she treats with manual therapy, massage therapy, education and different exercise modalities to help her patients achieve their goals.
Warren graduated from the University of Northern British Columbia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry before moving to Vancouver, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia. Having a degree in biochemistry gives Warren a unique perspective on the body’s healing process at a cellular level, as well as giving him an understanding of how the body works, both inside and out.
Warren has been exposed to a wide variety of physiotherapy settings including sports, pediatrics, stroke rehabilitation, and neuromuscular conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis. He currently holds his Level 1 certification in orthopaedic and manual therapy through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, and plans to further his education in this field. He is also certified in cancer rehabilitation and is poised to become a leader in the field.
Born and raised in Prince Rupert, BC, Warren has an appreciation for small-town living, but has found a new home in Vancouver. Since moving here, he has developed a taste for rock climbing and beach volleyball, while maintaining his love of racquet sports. Warren has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and a desire to learn that will help him to excel in the world of physiotherapy.
Massage Therapy
At LifeMark Chinatown, a clinic located in downtown Vancouver, massage therapy treatments are therapeutic in nature. Our thorough assessments ensure that every moment on the massage therapy table is both effective and appropriate for your own unique condition. We treat every body, whether it be sore muscles from poor posture or more chronic conditions as a result of a motor vehicle accident.
Our therapists combine a traditional training in massage therapy with an influence of “Tuina”, a Chinese method of massage therapy, which opens the body’s chi and gets the energy moving in the meridians as well as the muscles themselves. Therapeutic massage plays a very important role in helping the body’s healing process while at the same time promoting relaxation and well-being.
Our massage therapist collaboratively approaches each patient’s needs, it’s the benefit of receiving treatment in a clinic that is multidisciplinary. We may refer you to one of our other experienced practitioners that will work in tandem with our therapeutic massage treatments, like a physiotherapy treatment or naturopathy.
Please note that a Doctor’s referral is not necessary to receive massage therapy at our LifeMark clinic in downtown Vancouver.
John Scott Angrignon, Registered Massage Therapist
John is passionate about connecting with his clients and endorses a holistic treatment style. He draws from a wide range of specialized skills that includes Deep Tissue (Swedish), Muscle Energy Technique, Cranio Sacral Therapy, Myofascial Therapy, Postural Correction and Reconnective Healing.
John enjoys working with all patients from expectant mothers to injuries to clients with inflammatory diseases to palliative care.
Chirporactic
Our Downtown Vancouver Chiropractor has a contemporary approach to functional and structural balance. At LifeMark Chinatown, our Chiropractic Treatments plays an integral part of our multidisciplinary approach to help you reach your full potential.
Chiropractic treatments involve a range of diagnostic methods including observational and tactile assessments as well as orthopedic and neurological evaluation. LifeMark Chinatown's Chiropractic treatments are designed to re-pattern the brain's motor programming through safe and effective manual treatment methods and exercises designed to strengthen weak links in the kinetic chain.
Our Downtown Vancouver Chiropractor collaboratively approaches each patient's needs, it's the benefit of receiving treatment in a clinic that is multidisciplinary. All the therapies offered at LifeMark Chinatown in downtown Vancouver are based on the same fundamental principles of supporting the body's healing response to achieve wellness.
Please note that a Doctor's referral is not necessary to receive treatments from our Downtown Vancouver Chiropractor.
Dr. Dominic Chan – BSc, DC Bio
From working with the underprivileged in downtown Portland to treating world class athletes, there isn’t much that Dr. Chan has not encountered. Dr. Chan has had the privilege of being part of the medical team for the Portland international marathon, The Sea to Summit race and a whole host of intense, endurance races. Locally, he has also been a part of the medical staff for the Greater Vancouver Charity Classic. A local stop for the Canadian Golf Tour (now officially the PGA Tour – Canada). With his extensive background treating athletes, Dr. Chan has cultivated the belief that everyone can benefit from the type of treatment an athlete receives. With this in mind, further training involving Active Release, soft tissue modalities and athletic rehabilitation has become a standard part of Dr. Chan’s treatment approach with every patient.
His desire to provide the highest level of patient centered, evidence based care has resulted in many satisfied and happy patients. Dr. Chan was recently voted ‘Best Chiropractor’ in the city of Vancouver as well as ‘Best in Health and Wellness Services’. This honour was bestowed by the readers of the Vancouver Courier newspaper in their ‘Stars of Vancouver’ edition.
Naturopathic Treatments
At LifeMark Chinatown, Naturopathic treatments are part of our multi disciplinary approach to offering our patients the best in care. Our Naturopathic treatments are holistic in nature and help the body in healing and maintaining itself naturally. Our Naturopaths guide you through comprehensive treatment plans that are both safe and effective for your current condition.
Our Naturopathic treatments are suitable for people of varying degrees of health, both acute and chronic as well as those looking to reach their potential. We use a combination of clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, diet and lifestyle changes, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, and physical medicine.
Our Naturopath collaboratively approaches each patient’s needs, it’s the benefit of receiving treatment in a clinic that is multidisciplinary. All the therapies offered at LifeMark Chinatown in downtown Vancouver are based on the same fundamental principles of supporting the body’s healing response to achieve wellness.
Please note that a Doctor’s referral is not necessary to receive naturopathic treatments at our LifeMark clinic in downtown Vancouver.
Dr. Jordan Atkinson
Dr. Atkinson creates an individualized treatment protocol that is tailored to meet his patient’s specific needs. He uses cutting-edge diagnostic tools and therapeutic modalities to enhance the healing process. His ongoing professional development and up-to-date research ensures that his patients get optimal health care.
Dr. Atkinson has a primary care practice with a special interest in:
- Chronic musculoskeletal injuries (including low back pain, arthritis, sports injuries and injuries caused from motor vehicle accidents)
- Digestive issues (such as IBS, Crohn's, acid reflux, gas, colitis, and constipation)
- Hormonal imbalance (such as PMS, infertility, thyroid disease, diabetes, menopause, endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, uterine fibroids and PCOS)
- Cardiovascular issues (hypertension, migraines, headaches and high cholesterol)
- Fatigue
- Autoimmune conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis, MS, fibromyalgia)
- Nervous system imbalances (such as depression, anxiety and insomnia)
- Weight loss
- Children’s health (such as allergies, skin disorders, respiratory problems)
- Autism
- Cancer
Our other services include:
Sports Medicine Therapy
Our medically trained physicians diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues specifically related to sports injuries so you can get back to your game.
Collaborative Approach: Depending on the uniqueness of the issue and the body’s response to it, we determine the best fit for treatment from the array of professionals all under one roof.
Vestibular Therapy
Achieving balance means two things to our experts: treating inner ear issues that result in imbalance while bringing the body back into equilibrium through collaboration. Our evidence based practice model enables us to make more accurate diagnosis based on research using both subjective and objective measurement tools.
Collaborative Approach: Our rehabilitation-focused approach to minimize patient suffering and improve function works well with our other services offered.
Exercise Therapy
A balance of cardio, strength and stretching exercises reduces the incidence of pain and discomfort, providing faster recovery from injuries and enhances your sport performance.
Collaborative Approach: Our Kinesiologists work with our team to execute treatments for your health and well-being. Whether it is injury rehabilitation or elite training, our patient-centered approach puts you as the priority.
Acupuncture
Our practitioners balance your body's Chi (life force) through stimulating the appropriate points with needles, treating everything from migraines to stress.
Collaborative Approach: To ensure the best possible individual care, we integrate acupuncture treatments with other treatment approaches to assist in treating the injury or illness or simply to maintain or optimize health and well-being.
Holistic Nutrition
Nutritional advice with a holistic focus – our orthomolecular practitioners assist in maintaining your body's biochemistry through scientifically researched treatments. We assess the unique dietary and nutritional requirements of an individual and utilize a full spectrum of customized naturo-therapies including: diet and nutritional supplements, detoxification and drainage.
Collaborative Approach: Through proper nutrition, the joints, muscles and bones can regain mobility, thus enhancing physiotherapy, chiropractic and massage treatments.
