
Dr. Drew Oliphant
DC
Joined team: April 1, 2021
Location: Optimum Alberta Back & Neck Rehab
Language: English
Services: Chiropractic
Modalities: Specialist in orthopedics, joint injury management-chronic back pain, sciatic, chronic neck pain, MVA, rotator cuff injuries, plater fasciitis, specific soft tissue injury rehab, disc degeneration, disc bulge, disc protrusion, whiplash, headaches, DRX back/neck spinal decompression, MEDX back rehab, MCU neck rehab, Primus Sports Rehab, Laser, Shockwave, Foot Scanning, Gait Analysis, and A.R.T.
Dr. Drew Oliphant is the Clinic Director of Alberta Back and Neck Rehab and Sports Injuries Clinic. Dr. Oliphant graduated from The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 1987, after undergraduate studies at Selkirk College, University of Victoria, and University Of British Columbia. In 1997, he became a Fellow of the College of Chiropractic Orthopedics (Canada) (FCCO(C)), a designation awarded to specialists in Orthopedics.
Dr. Oliphant has been a practicing chiropractor in Calgary for over 27 years. He is an authorized WCB provider and has testified as an expert witness at the Court of Queen’s Bench in personal injury cases. Dr. Oliphant himself suffered chronic low back pain and sciatica for many years following a motor vehicle accident in which he herniated his L5 disc, eventually necessitating 1 ½ year off work. He finally got long-term relief of his low back pain and sciatica with the DRX 9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy Machine and brought the DRX 9000 and DRX 9000C to Calgary, being the first clinic in Western Canada to provide this treatment. Since then, his clinic, Alberta Back and Neck Rehab and Sports Injuries Clinic, has performed over 20,000 decompression treatments.

Dr. Ron Toma
DC
Joined team: April 13, 2011
Location: Optimum Alberta Back & Neck Rehab
Languages: English
Services: Chiropractic
Modalities: Chiropractic (Gonstead technique) instrument adjustor (activator and arthrostim), drop table adjustor, MVA, WCB, and rehabilitation provider (Utilizing DRX 9000, non-surgical decompression, MEDX- lower back rehabilitation, MCU-neck rehabilitation primus extremity rehabilitation, sports rehabilitation), Myofascial released, shockwave, cold laser, proficient in both acute and chronic muscular-skeletal injuries, disk injuries, tendonitis, headaches, back pain rehabilitation.
Dr. Ron Toma is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic West and has been in practice in Calgary since 2003. He has completed the Canadian National Chiropractic board examinations, and the American National Chiropractic board examinations level I, II, and III.
Dr. Toma is a member of the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors, the Canadian Chiropractic Association, the Palmer Alumni Association, and the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society.
Dr. Toma is passionate about chiropractic and the body’s natural ability to heal and express itself. Dr. Toma enjoys teaching the principles of healthy living to all his patients and loves working with people of all ages.
If you’d like to know more, please visit: https://drrontoma.com/

Dr. Mahdi Ghazanfari
ND
Joined team: December 20, 2021
Location: Strathmore, Optimum Alberta Back & Neck Rehab
Language: English/Persian
Services: Naturopath
Modalities: Manages various medical conditions using naturopathic treatment modalities such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, IV Therapy, Neuropathic Injections, Herbal medicine, and Homeopathy and has a particular interest in Diabetes Mellitus, High Blood Pressure and Cardio-vascular Disorders, Mood Disorders with Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, ADHD, Schizophrenia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Digestive Health, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.
Dr. Mahdi Ghazanfari, ND is an international medical graduate and licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Alberta who graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, Ontario. Also, he holds a Doctor of Medicine degree* with a medical residency in anesthesiology from Iran. He practiced conventional medicine for more than 18 years before becoming a Naturopathic Doctor.
Mahdi has a general naturopathic practice with a special interest in heart, hormones, and health and supports patients with chronic diseases. He utilizes naturopathic treatments such as Nutrition, IV therapy for Immune Boosting, Anti-aging and Weight loss formula, IM Vitamins Injections, Botanical Medicine, Acupuncture and Cupping, Food Sensitivity Test, and Lifestyle counseling among others to support the treatment of a variety of conditions such as pain, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, gut issues, weight management, and others.
He is truly passionate about integrative natural treatments where his skills and experience allow him to combine Western and Eastern approaches to provide options to his patients.
*Disclaimer: Dr. Mahdi Ghazanfari, ND doesn’t practice conventional medicine in Canada.

Dr. Syed Afzal
TCMD, R.Ac
Name: Dr. Syed Afzal
Joined team: October 20, 2022
Location: Optimum Alberta Back & Neck Rehab
Language: English, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil
Services: Traditional Chinese Medicine
Modalities: Acupuncture, Cupping
Dr. Syed A Afzal is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Licensed Acupuncturist trained in Canada, China, and Sri Lanka with more than 15 years of experience working in various settings.
He has worked as a senior specialist at high-end wellness resorts in India and Qatar where he had an opportunity to treat and coach many celebrities, royalties, and people from around the world and helped them deal with their stress-related issues. He has also worked with some of the National and International sports teams including Indian Basketball and floor hockey. His experience has allowed treatment of Sports Injuries, Gastrointestinal conditions, Psychological disorders, Neurological issues, and Musculoskeletal problems.
Over the course of years, he had an epiphany- treating the person rather than a disease is often more important. This led him down a new path, and he became a Relationship Coach. He conducts various workshops on Stress Management, Meditation, Relationship Seminars, and Crystal Healing. This allows him a very well-rounded opportunity to offer treatments to patients.

Sajad Ali Sufdar Ali
PT
Name: Sajad Ali Sufdar Ali
Joined team: January 30, 2023
Location: Optimum Alberta Health & Neck Rehab
Language: English, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil
Services: Physiotherapy
Modalities: Musculoskeletal Injuries, Neurological & Cardiopulmonary Conditions, Laser Therapy, Shockwave Therapy, and Ultrasound
Sajad received his Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree in 1999 from Mangalore University, India, and, in 2003 completed his master’s degree in Physiotherapy at Jamia Hamdard University, India. He taught at various universities and worked with patients in India for a few years before moving to Saudi Arabia as a Lecturer at the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University in 2009. He also continued his clinical practice as a Physiotherapy consultant at various multi-specialty hospitals under the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia.
He has vast experience in treating patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary conditions. He applies evidence-based practice in all patient care areas with a solid research background. Sajad is specialized in exercise, training, and systematic conditioning for geriatric populations. He is currently working on updating and certifying himself with advanced courses on Dry needling, Concussion and Vestibular Management, and Advanced Spinal Manipulation in Canada. Sajad is also fluent in Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi languages for patients who feel more comfortable speaking those languages.
Sajad enjoys playing badminton, swimming, and reading in his leisure time.

Alisha Shivji
Registered Psychologist
Joined team: May 12, 2017
Location: Optimum Alberta Back & Neck Rehab, Marlborough, Sunridge
Language: English/Kutchi/Hindi
Services: Psychology
Modalities: Training in Clinical Trauma Therapy, Pain Management, Anxiety, Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress, Depression, Career Changes, and other related mental health concerns.
Born and raised in Alberta, Alisha Shivji holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology and works as a Registered Psychologist in Calgary. Amid her professional journey, she has volunteered as a victim support worker with the Calgary Police Service and has provided counseling services to clients from culturally diverse backgrounds. Understanding that no 2 people are the same, Alisha is inspired to provide a client-centered approach to therapy tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs.
Mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral, and solution-focused techniques are some of the more common strategies that she uses to help individuals achieve a sense of growth and improve their quality of life. She also possesses training in clinical trauma therapy, pain management, and CBT-I.

Shea Karczewski
RMT
Joined team: August 23, 2018
Location: Optimum Alberta Back & Neck Rehab
Languages: English
Services: Registered Massage Therapist
Modalities: Therapeutic and Relaxation Massage, Myofascial Release, Post Injury Rehabilitation and Long-Term Chronic Pain Conditions, Deep Tissue
Shea Karczewski is a new graduate from the Mount Royal 2200-hour Massage Therapy program. She is an enthusiastic practitioner who loves working with her clients to restore their well-being. Shea uses a mixed method of therapeutic massage and home-based stretching programs to assist her clients in restoring range of motion and tissue mobility in post-injury rehabilitation or long-term chronic pain conditions. She also utilizes techniques such as deep tissue work, relaxation, and myofascial release in her massage treatments. She believes stretching and strengthening exercises at home can be vital in restoring postural dysfunctions caused by muscle imbalance, which can be very common with general pain conditions.
In her spare time, she likes to write short stories. Shea also enjoys activities such as painting, drawing, and using watercolors.

Petr Scholz
RMT
Joined team:
Location: Optimum Alberta Back & Neck Rehab
Language: English
Services: Registered Massage Therapist
Modalities:
Petr’s passion for massage therapy developed from his desire to help others. Petr sees his clients as individuals, recognizing that each body is unique; because of this, he uses a variety of therapeutic techniques such as Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Release, Myofascial Release, Rapid Neurofascial Reset, and Active Release to treat soft tissue injuries and dysfunctions.
Petr also likes to use Hot Stones and Dynamic Cupping through his treatments to address fascial restrictions created by poor posture, chronic injuries, and dysfunctions.
Peter was always interested in human Physiology, Anatomy, and Biomechanics. Since early childhood, his passion has always been sports and outdoor activities. This led him to choose to study and graduate with a Master's degree in Kinesiology/Sport Science from University in the Czech Republic.

Lauren Burt
RMT
Name: Lauren Burt
Joined team: October 14, 2022
Location: Optimum Alberta Back & Neck Rehab
Language: English
Services: Registered Massage Therapist
Modalities: Therapeutic Massage, Relaxation Massage, Trigger Point Release, Myofascial Release
Lauren graduated from Vicars School of Massage Therapy with a 2200-hour Massage Therapy Diploma. She is a compassionate person who places emphasis on clear communication with her clients to ensure that they are comfortable and feel that their needs are met. She uses a well-rounded treatment plan which includes Swedish, Therapeutic, and Myofascial techniques as well as at-home stretches and exercises to properly treat the client’s concerns. Lauren believes that the benefits of massage therapy transfer to all aspects of the body and helps with a person's overall physical and emotional health.
In her spare time, Lauren enjoys hiking, reading, and trying new foods.

Stanley Zuidwyk
Certified Pedorthist
Joined team: June 2021
Location: All Locations
Language: English
Services: Certified Pedorthist
Modalities: Foot and Lower Limb
Stanley has been treating patients in the medical profession for 32 years and started in the custom foot orthotic field 22 years ago. His passion for pedorthics drives his ability to find helpful solutions and share educational information with his patients. He strives to provide the best possible experience in foot care. His patients regularly comment on his thoroughness and attention to detail in his assessments which include an analysis of posture, biomechanical gait movement patterns, and lower extremity musculoskeletal function. Video gait analysis provides the ability to visually show the patient exactly when and where their imbalances occur. He encourages his patients to participate in their own recovery by taking the time to educate them about their medical condition, footwear selection, orthotics, and home rehabilitation programs.