Niagara-on-the-Lake Health and Wellness is an integrative health team of chiropractors, registered massage therapists, physiotherapists and a naturopath working to better you and your health.
It is our mission to accurately diagnose, and treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
We offer a variety of services ranging from hands on manual therapy, manipulation, mobilizations, diet and lifestyle recommendations, acupuncture and cupping, muscle release therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy, active rehabilitation, laser therapy, registered massage therapy, botanical, vitamin and mineral supplementation and other evidence-based treatments.
Together our team focuses on:
Back & neck pain
Extremity injuries
TMJ dysfunction
Acute & chronic injuries
Sport injuries & concussion management
Preventative care
Rehabilitation care
Motor vehicle accident patients
Ergonomic assessments
Hormonal health
Reproductive health
Digestive health
Autoimmunity
Prenatal care
Paediatric care
OUR LOCATION
443 Butler Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
OUR TEAM
Dr. Gary Friesen
Chiropractor
Dr. Gary Friesen grew up in Niagara-on-the-Lake and attended Niagara District Secondary School. He played hockey for the Oshawa Generals, Sudbury Wolves and Brock Badgers and lacrosse for the local Niagara Thunderhawks.
Dr. Friesen attended Brock University and studied physical education before he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.
Besides specializing in back and neck pain, Dr. Friesen has done extensive training in concussion management and assessment/treatment of NHL hockey players. Dr. Friesen has kept his local sports roots and is a member of the Brock Badgers and Niagara Icedogs health teams.
Dr. Breanne Schultz
Chiropractor
Registered Massage Therapist
Dr. Breanne Schultz was born and raised in Dryden, Ontario. Under the tutelage of local chiropractors, Dr. Schultz developed her passion for patient-centered and evidence-based healthcare. Dr. Schultz went on to study psychology at the University of Winnipeg. She then earned her Doctor of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and simultaneously earned her Registered Massage Therapist degree at the Royal Canadian College of Massage Therapy.
Dr. Schultz has a wide range of experience with back and neck pain, sports injuries, wellness and nutrition, rehabilitation and pre and postnatal care.
Dr. Lauryn Friesen
Chiropractor
Dr. Lauryn Friesen was born and raised in Virgil, Ontario. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences at Queen’s University. Dr. Lauryn then obtained her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. She has received certifications in Neurofunctional Acupuncture at McMaster University, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy, and Post Natal Assessment & Rehabilitation.
Dr. Lauryn has experience with neck and back pain, extremity injuries, athletic injuries and rehabilitation. With a very active upbringing playing several sports and experience in university varsity-level basketball, she has developed a special interest in women’s health and athlete care.
Dr. Lauryn will always strive to provide an environment where her patients feel heard, understand the root of their pain and tailor treatment to patients’ individual health and wellness goals.
Treatment may include education, soft tissue therapy, spinal manipulative therapy, joint mobilizations, instrument assisted soft tissue therapy, neurofunctional acupuncture, and exercise rehab.
Dr. Julia Friesen, ND
Naturopath Doctor
Dr. Julia Friesen, ND is a Naturopath Doctor born and raised in Virgil, Ontario. She graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2018.
Dr. Julia Friesen, ND has a special interest in supporting hormonal health concerns including: acne, PMS, fertility, endometriosis, PCOS, and menopause.
Dr. Julia Friesen, ND offers services in body acupuncture and cupping, acupuncture alongside ART (IVF, IUI), facial acupuncture with red light therapy, diet and lifestyle recommendations, botanical medicine, and vitamin and mineral supplementation/ injections.
Instagram: @drjuliafriesen
Stephanie Willms
Registered Massage Therapist
Stephanie Willms is a Registered Massage Therapist and started with NOTL Health and Wellness shortly after opening in 2014. Stephanie was born and raised in Niagara-on-the-Lake and is excited to be practicing in her hometown. Being very active through her youth, she was involved in local minor soccer and hockey. Her passion for sports and helping others influenced her to become a RMT. Following Eden High School, Stephanie attended Trillium College in St.Catharines where she earned her RMT diploma. She specializes in deep tissue and relaxation massages. Stephanie has also completed training for kinesiology taping, cupping therapy and therapeutic ultrasound.
Henry Tan
Physiotherapist
Henry Tan, MScPT, PT grew up in St. Catharines, ON. He attended Brock University and studied kinesiology prior to earning his Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree from Queen’s University.
Henry has worked with a variety of populations to address acute and chronic injuries, repetitive strain disorders, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, low back injuries and post-operative rehabilitation. He has been trained by FCAMPT therapists and McKenzie Diagnosis Therapy therapists, where he gained extensive experience in manual therapy skills, movement analysis screening and exercise rehabilitation.
Henry uses a combination of proven evidence-based treatment methods focusing on patient education, manual therapy, active exercise, active rehabilitation, ultrasound, low level laser therapy, soft tissue therapy and the development of a home treatment plan to help clients achieve their functional goals.
In his leisure time, Henry enjoys running and coaching new runners. His other passions include cycling, hiking and travelling.
Jamie Varga
Registered Massage Therapist
Reiki Master
Jamie Varga attended Ontario College of Health & Technology where she graduated with an honours diploma in Massage Therapy in 2015.
Jamie has a passion for studying, and understanding mental-emotional-energetic interconnection as it is expressed somatically.
Providing Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, Cupping Therapy, and Reiki, Jamie has a unique blended style of treatment with the priority of creating a safe space to facilitate nervous system regulation, which is the root of all somatic healing.
Todd Hinton
Physiotherapist
Todd Hinton is a duly qualified Physiotherapist registered to practice in the province of Ontario by the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. He is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA), Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) and the Orthopaedic Division of the CPA.
Todd received his degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University in 1994, and also has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo received in 1992.
Todd has been working in private practice in the Niagara Region since graduating. This has involved the assessment and treatment of people involved in motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, sports injuries, and post-surgical patients. As well as his orthopaedic skills, Todd uses acupuncture and exercise prescription when creating individualized treatment programs.
When not at work, Todd can be found on the golf course, and has a passion for the local food and wine industry.
Jason Baerg
Registered Massage Therapist
Jason is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, and a graduate of Ontario College of Health and Technology in Stoney Creek. Jason has been a massage therapist since 2010. In that time, he was trained by, and was a teaching assistant for, one of the top massage therapists in North America. In addition to his clinical practice, Jason teaches massage therapy as an instructor at Trillium College.
Jason grew up and continues to live locally in Niagara, and enjoys being able to serve his community. He continues to increase his knowledge and experience, and is a wonderful communicator.
Therapeutic massage is an important part of your health and wellness plan. It can help you when you are injured, stressed, in chronic pain, or simply in need of a little relaxation and balance. Jason will work with you to create a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Louise Harrison
Office Manager
Louise has worked as our office manager for over 5 years. She keeps our office running smoothly and oversees numerous administrative tasks.
SERVICES
SPINAL MANIPULATION THERAPY
When joints in the spine, or anywhere else in the body are restricted and not moving efficiently, a chiropractic adjustment can be delivered to increase motion at that specific joint, subsequently decreasing pain. Mobilizations, are a gentle technique and may also be implemented with care.
REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPY
Massage therapy consists of hands-on treatment of the soft tissues of the body, specifically the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and optimizes health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. In addition, pain and stress can be relieved or prevented.
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
Dr. Julia Friesen, ND practices in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and virtually via telemedicine across Ontario. Dr. Julia, ND works with patients to address hormone health, mainly working with women with concerns including, PCOS, PMS, fertility, perimenopause, and menopause. A large portion of her practice is also in person, where she sees patients for pain management addressing concerns including tension headaches, jaw pain (TMJ dysfunction), painful periods (dysmenorrhea), back pain, and more with acupuncture and cupping therapy. Dr. Julia Friesen, ND also offers acupuncture to support women trying to conceive undergoing IVF, IUI and other assisted reproductive techniques, as well as labour induction acupuncture. Dr. Julia Friesen, ND offers facial acupuncture services with LED phototherapy (red and blue light therapy from LightStim devices).
CUPPING
Cupping involves placing silicone or plastic cups on to the skin to create a vacuum by suctioning the air out. The underlying tissue is raised partway into the cup. The purpose of cupping is to increase circulation (blood and lymph), relieve fascial adhesions and relieve pain. Dr. Julia Friesen, ND and Jamie Varga both offer cupping services in our clinic.
ACUPUNCTURE
Dr. Julia Friesen ND, Dr. Lauryn Friesen DC, and Todd Hinton all offer acupuncture services in our clinic.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Physiotherapy is an evidence based approach combining exercise prescription, joint mobilization, health education and several modalities such as laser therapy and ultrasound therapy to treat chronic and acute pain, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, gait disorders and physical impairments.
LASER THERAPY
This modality is used to regenerate and/or accelerate the healing process of soft tissue injuries.
MUSCLE RELEASE THERAPY
This technique is used by applying pressure to a muscle through a natural stretch; ultimately increasing motion and decreasing pain. Muscle release therapy is often included in chiropractic care as well as for rehabilitation & conditioning.
INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE TECHNIQUE
Targeting trigger points in muscles, this technique uses a metal instrument to break through adhesions & scar tissue.
COMPREHENSIVE CONCUSSIONS MANAGEMENT
Certified in 2014, Dr. Friesen has completed a concussion management program to be able to accurately and effectively perform pre-season baseline testing and post-injury management of concussions for sports. Concussions may also occur in motor vehicle accidents and at the job site.
PREVENTATIVE CARE
Rehabilitation and maintenance care are important for recovery of an injury and also to prevent an injury from re-occurring in the future.
REIKI
Jamie Varga provides Reiki treatment in our office. Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive, energy healing technique which promotes relaxation, and balance within the body. It helps to clear blocks, and imbalances in the energy centres of the body, called chakras. Imbalances occur for many reasons, including mental, emotional and physical traumas, and stresses. The treatment is done with the recipient laying down fully clothed with the practitioner’s hands working just above, or on the body. Following treatment, you may feel tired, energized or emotions may come up. It is important to allow space to feel what you feel fully, and allow the healing to take place. Reiki is a catalyst and support for self-care practices.