Marty has been a licensed physiotherapist since graduating from Queen’s University in 1996. Over the years, he has continually advanced his clinical skills through extensive post-graduate training with respected osteopathic institutions, including the Upledger Institute, Barral Institute, and John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release approach. He has also completed the full McKenzie Method certification, specializing in the treatment of neck and back pain.
Marty integrates a wide range of techniques into his practice, combining evidence-based physiotherapy with osteopathic principles to help clients restore mobility, reduce pain, and achieve their highest level of function.
He has a particular interest in treating chronic pain and complex, unresolved conditions—especially in clients who have seen limited results despite pursuing various therapies. Marty is passionate about uncovering the root cause of persistent dysfunction and enjoys working with patients who feel they have “tried everything.”
Dedicated to lifelong learning, Marty continues to expand his therapeutic toolkit to provide personalized, effective care tailored to each individual.
Marty has been a licensed physiotherapist since graduating from Queen’s University in 1996. Over ...
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Tim developed a natural interest in physiotherapy in Middle School where he learned the connection between physical health and performance in sport. Tim’s studies have always paired with sport, but it was while travelling to the Netherlands during his Senior Year when he was introduced to clinic life at his Aunt and Uncle’s large and successful Physio Clinic that confirmed his Career choice.
Immediately upon High School graduation, Tim returned to the Netherlands to attend Fonty’s University of Applied Sciences where he graduated in 2017 with his Bachelors of Science degree with Honours, in Physiotherapy. Returning home to the West Coast in 2018, Tim joined a Clinic in Victoria, where his breadth of knowledge, engaging personality, and genuine empathy helped him to quickly build a thriving practice.
Tim’s positive demeanour, natural energy, and commitment to individualized treatment, has supported his ability to manage full, daily slates of patients, while still making time to continue the learning and to pursue his specialization within physiotherapy. He has completed courses in vestibular rehab, sports physiotherapy, first aid and an evidence based assessment treatment of the lower limb. AN-IMS. Needling course. Pelvic Health. TMJ. Jaw work.
An all-around gifted athlete, Tim was born and raised on Salt Spring Island and is now completing the circle with the building of a clinic on the Island and doing the work he loves within his home community. Beyond his day-to-day, Tim has plans to work with the local school to guide training for athletes and at the hospital to further develop higher level rehab programs, yet he still manages to squeeze in his nightly 10k runs.
Tim developed a natural interest in physiotherapy in Middle School where he learned the connectio...
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Born and raised in Victoria, with summers spent on Salt Spring Island, Sasja Drechsler brings a deep local connection and a lifelong appreciation for outdoor movement and coastal community life.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (University of Victoria) and a Master of Physical Therapy (Western University), and brings clinical expertise grounded in evidence-based care. As an active physiotherapist and dedicated cyclist, Sasja emphasizes an exercise-driven approach to rehabilitation—supporting her patients in building real-world strength and mobility. Her practice centres on helping individuals feel confident and capable in their bodies, whether navigating pelvic health concerns, recovering postpartum, or resuming activity after injury.
Each monthly visit to Salt Spring Island, Sasja offers personalized, Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, tailored one-on-one to support the local community she knows and loves. She takes pride in helping people feel stronger, move better, and live well—just like the philosophy at Gulf Island Physiotherapy
Born and raised in Victoria, with summers spent on Salt Spring Island, Sasja Drechsler brings a d...
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Vanessa is a physiotherapist, university course instructor, and examiner for the European Pain Federation’s Pain Physiotherapy Diploma Exam, with over eight years of experience in the treatment of complex pain, musculoskeletal injuries (both acute and long-standing), post-surgical rehabilitation, and geriatric care. She also has an additional background in nutritional medicine.
Vanessa is certified in dry needling and has completed advanced training in manual therapy, medical acupuncture, and therapeutic exercise for osteoarthritis. She specializes in evidence-based, holistic, client-centred, goal- and function-focused therapy. She has conducted original research on complex back pain and has presented her work at the World Physiotherapy Congress (2021) and the European Congress of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (2024).
Originally from Salt Spring Island, Vanessa is proud to join the team at Gulf Island Physiotherapy and contribute to the well-being of the community she grew up in. In a session with Vanessa, you can expect a thorough assessment and a combination of active exercise therapy with supportive hands-on techniques. Her services are available in English, German, and Japanese.
Vanessa is a physiotherapist, university course instructor, and examiner for the European Pain Fe...
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Alice is a 2014 graduate from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy and has practiced on Vancouver Island, in Northern BC and now back in her hometown of Saltspring Island.
Alice is passionate about staying active through a variety of activities; soccer, running and triathlon. She believes that movement is key to a happy, healthy body and integrates that belief system into her treatments.
Using a variety of modalities such as; Sports massage, Swedish techniques, Trigger point therapy and Myofascial Release. Alice works intuitively and in communication with her patients.
She is looking forward to working with patients in this lovely island community and helping them achieve their health care goals.
Alice is a 2014 graduate from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy and has practiced on Vanc...
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