Erik Van Waes

Physiotherapist | James Bay

Areas of Expertise: Lower Back Pain & Sciatica, Neck Pain, Hip, Knee & Ankle Injuries, Headaches & Dizziness, Neurological Conditions, Sports Injuries, Strength & Conditioning, Running Injuries

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Growing up in Nanaimo, movement has always been a big part of my life. Whether I was playing soccer or basketball, lifting weights in the gym, or spending time outdoors, staying active sparked an early passion for movement and health. That passion led me to the University of Victoria, where I completed a degree in Kinesiology and built a strong foundation in human movement and exercise.

Before becoming a physiotherapist, I spent several years working in community care with Island Health, helping people build strength, improve their mobility, and move with greater confidence. I then went on to earn my Master of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia.

Throughout my training, I had the opportunity to work with a wide range of patients across orthopaedics, neurological rehabilitation, elder care, and private practice. I also completed my AIM Level 1 certification in manual therapy and am committed to continuing my education in manual therapy, IMS, and athletic performance.

I believe the best outcomes come from working together. I take a patient-centred approach to care, collaborating with you to create a treatment plan that reflects your goals, daily routine, and lifestyle. Whether you're returning to sport after an injury, working toward a new personal best in the gym, or simply looking to move through your day with less pain, my goal is to help you move with confidence and get back to doing the things you enjoy.

Outside the clinic, you'll usually find me playing sports, hiking, lifting weights, or exploring Victoria's incredible food scene.

• Education & Certifications

  • Master of Physical Therapy – University of British Columbia

  • Bachelor of Kinesiology – University of Victoria

  • AIM Level 1 – Orthopaedic Manual Therapy

  • Reconciling Biomechanics with Pain Science (Greg Lehman, 2025)

  • Running Resilience (Greg Lehman, 2026)

  • Management of Cervico-thoracic disorders (AMP Healthcare Education, 2026)

  • Management of Lumbo-sacral disorders (AMP Healthcare Education, 2025)

  • Management of Lower Extremity Disorders (Evidence In Motion, 2025)

  • Management of Upper Extremity Disorders (Evidence In Motion, 2026)

• Areas of Expertise

  • Athletes: Acute injury management, return to sport.

  • Lower back pain: Acute pain management, mobility, strength, return to activity

  • Strength and conditioning: Programming, introductions to strength training

  • Shoulders: Rotator cuff related injury, dislocations, osteoarthritis

  • Knees: Patellfemoral pain syndrome, acute ligament/tendon issues

  • Hips: Sciatica, tendinopathies, osteoarthritis

  • Necks: Whiplash, nerve pain

  • Running injuries: Programming, tendon issues, shin splints, bone stress injury & stress fractures, relative energy deficiencies

• Services Offered

  • Manual Therapy

  • Spinal Manipulation

  • Exercise Prescription

  • Functional Movement Assessment

  • Strength & Conditioning

  • Return-to-Sport Planning

  • ICBC Claims

  • WorkSafeBC Claims

Book with Erik

Call: (250) 995-0067

Email: jamesbay@talltreehealth.ca

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