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with Ako Health Manual Therapy & Sports Rehab Clinic in Squamish
MASSAGE THERAPY | PHYSIOTHERAPY | ACUPUNCTURE
Our philosophy is in our name
Ako, a word from the language of Maori people, gently explains the synergistic relationship between mentor and student.
Our practitioners welcome the opportunity to unlock the knowledge within you to help design a program and mentor you on a shared path to well-being and an active lifestyle.
Grounded in scientific research and deep clinical experience, our treatments are progressive and comprehensive in approach. And, each step in our therapeutic journey promotes positive habitual postures and movement patterns to help you heal from injury, reduce chronic pain, and move through life with more ease.
Let us help you!
Our clients, and our practitioners, value health and well-being and are motivated to work for the strength and mobility that we want out of life. We care deeply for one another and are committed to a reciprocal and genuine relationship that is healing, proactive and truly heartfelt.
Our Services
INTEGRATIVE HEALTH & MANUAL THERAPY
Build your Resilience. Our practitioners are life-long learners with decades of experience and training in our respective areas. An integrative approach to your care is welcomed, and your practitioner is the best resource for additional therapy.
Massage Therapy
Keep your body moving with hands-on Registered Massage Therapy.
Physiotherapy
Start healing & building resilience with a progressive plan.
Acupuncture
Bring your body back to homeostasis for optimum health.
What People Are Saying
Reviews from Squamish Community Members
“World Cup Cross Country racing and training is extremely demanding on the body. It takes constant practice to keep the body healthy and moving properly. Massage is a great way to keep your body functioning optimally and aids in recovery. Donna McMurtry at Ako Health has been helping me recover and prevent injuries for over two years now. She has a vast amount of knowledge in her field, but also understands the demands of cross-country mountain biking, which allows her to apply specific practices that help me stay in top shape.”
— Sean Fincham
2019 Canadian National U23 Men's Mountain Bike Cross Country Champion
Norco Team World Cup Racer
“After trying to conceive for a number of months through a fertility clinic, my husband and I decided to take a step back from the hormone injections and IUI route to regroup. I already saw Kat for sports related acupuncture so asked for her expertise with fertility treatments. She explained the most beneficial timing for treatments and recommended them based on my cycle. She provided dietary advice including natural supplements and herbs. Her delivery for all of this was genuine, straight forward and caring. My husband and I conceived after our second cycle with Kat! We attribute this to Kat’s vast knowledge and positive approach to treatment!
Thank you Kat!! We love you!”
— Aydan Peterson
“Karen is probably the most well-known physio in Squamish, and in a town that is full of world class athletes that says a lot. She has been solid support for me through all of the ups and downs of my body, including starting hockey at the age of 50 and requiring major work in order to 'stay' in hockey. Having gone to a number of physios throughout my life, I can honestly say that she's the most skilled practitioner I've come across. Her IMS treatment changed my life in many ways, and having had this done by others, I know Karen has a special gift with this. I feel very lucky to be one of her clients and hope that she'll be there as I enter those later years of life with all of the aches and pains!”
— Colleen Griffin
“I’ve been working with Karen for almost 10 years, and as a professional rock climber, I’ve relied heavily on her to manage sport specific issues. Most recently, I’ve leaned on Karen’s expertise following a significant meniscal tear in August 2019 that left me unable to participate in my sport. Karen has been extensively involved in the acute care pre-surgery and rehabilitation post-surgery. She has been integral to advocating for my unique needs as a professional athlete with the interdisciplinary team supporting me through this injury, surgery and rehabilitation.
With Karen’s support, I’ve been able to solidify my understanding of the injury, what led to it, and how contemporary research informs the approaches we’re taking to correct the problem. In the midst of all of this heavy focus on rehab, Karen reliably uses IMS to address creeping muscular gripping and tightness. Sometimes, it’s almost imperceptible to me, but the moment the needle meets the muscle, I know why she was doing it! IMS has remained one of the most consistent treatment protocols in my life as an athlete and Karen is extremely skilled in this methodology. I trust her judgement inherently.
Above everything, Karen and I have spent years getting to know each other. She really understands the demands I place on my body as a professional climber and the imperative of it’s effective performance. I know I am a better athlete because of her long term care and support.”
— Sarah Hart
Professional Climber
“I have always appreciated Donna's analytical approach to diagnosing whatever my current complaint may be. She helps me understand why I have certain issues, but she also provides solutions on how to prevent them. I have goals which require me to push myself physically and mentally almost everyday and it's been great to work with someone who 100% understands what I need to do to perform and can also relate directly to my sport. Donna has helped me get back on the bike after numerous surgeries, big hits and the side effects of doing only one sport.”
— Miranda Miller
2017 UCI Women's World Mountain Bike Downhill Champion, World Cup Enduro Racer & All Around Fabulous Human
“Kat is a true, down to earth, care provider. She really gets to know you as a person, not just as a patient. I truly appreciate how she makes me feel so comfortable, I always look forward to seeing her and spending an hour of my day with her. With all of her experiences in personal training and with acupuncture, she gives you a great all around view of what’s going on with you. If you haven’t seen her, you must put an appointment with her on your to do list!”