DR. DEREK PYPER, B.SC., D.C.
Doctor of Chiropractic
Originally from Red Deer, Alberta, Dr. Derek Pyper is a 1997 graduate of Western States Chiropractic College (Portland, Oregon) where he earned his Bachelor of Science (Human Biology), and Doctor of Chiropractic degrees. Growing up in a household that encouraged physical activity and sports, Dr. Pyper experienced the benefits of Chiropractic care from an early age and, by grade 9, had decided he would follow the academic path toward becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic.
A lifelong student of all things health-oriented, including exercise; diet/nutrition; injury management; and mindful-living; Dr. Pyper enjoys working with a wide range of patients seeking to live actively and without restrictions at whatever level they aspire to. To provide the best possible care to his patients, Dr. Pyper has studied and become certified in various evidence-informed methods/techniques over the years: Active Release Techniques (ART); Graston; Functional Range Release; Functional Range Conditioning; Functional Range Assessment; as well as acupuncture. In addition, Dr. Pyper has volunteered and been a consultant with the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (Chief Examiner, since 2005); and worked with the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors as a practice reviewer and recently held the position of Chair of the Continuing Competence Committee.
When not treating patients at Centerpoint, or spending time with his active family, Dr. Pyper can likely be found at the gym exercising; studying current health topics; listening to educational podcasts; and/or learning to play bass guitar.
CARMEN BRIGGS
Reception & Office Manager
Carmen is our esteemed office manager/receptionist and thinks of Centerpoint like “Cheers” and “where everyone knows your name.”
Treating clients like family and helping to put them at ease and feel comfortable is very important to her. She enjoys visiting and catching up with the regulars and always looks forward to meeting new clients.
Running keeps her calm, sane and grounded it’s her “happy place”. Her dog Max is always a willing partner to join her whether it’s for fun or to train for another race. She loves to cheer/support/volunteer with her daughters at ringette and karate. To unwind the family of 6 (yes her dogs are family too) loves to go camping.
Carmen is always and advocate for the various treatments and therapies offered at Centerpoint. She loves it when you take your shoes off at the door too.
TAKASHI KOBAYASHI, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist & Shiatsu Practitioner
My main focus with any massage is to reduce painful muscle issues, loosen tension carried in the Muscular system and promote relaxation. I specialize in European Seated Massage to loosen back muscles. In addition to European Seated Massage, I am also trained in Namikoshi Shiatsu, Lymphatic Drainage Treatment and full body Relaxation Massage.
Since many Massage and Shiatsu therapies center on Qi (Ki) or improving the body’s energy balance to encourage the body’s natural ability to heal itsel, a comprehensive understanding of the power of Qi (Ki) is essential.
Treatment Options / Specialities include:
Seated Massage for Neck, Shoulder & Back or additionally with Skull & Arms.
Seated Skull, Neck & Back Shiatsu Treatment
Any localized problem area Massage
Body Relaxation Massage,
Fully Body Namikoshi Shiatsu with Sotai.
Namikoshi Shiatsu is total relaxation of body and mind. Uses the pressure points stimulation on the body to realign body’s Ki flow that relax your body and mind will make you healthy. Sotai is muscle relaxing exercise.
Lymphatic Drainage Treatment
A healthy Lymphatic system is a key for maintaining your immune system. Encouraging proper flow within the lymphatic system, and will improve your immune system and reduce swelling of hands and feet.
I have obtained the rank of 2nd degree Black Belt in the Martial Art of Aikido. The central component of Aikido is the understanding and training to use my opponent’s Qi, (Ki) or energy against themselves to force them to submit. This added understanding of the power of Qi has given me additional insight in providing treatment for my clients.
CHRISTINA ERGANG, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Christina Graduated from foothills college of massage therapy in 2004 with a
2200 hour certificate. She is certified in advanced contemporary cupping.
Christina has taken workshops in shiatsu,myofascial release and cranial
sacral techniques. She does therapeutic or relaxation massage.
Christina was in different martial arts for many years and achieving a black
belt in hapkido. Now she is focused on gardening and landscaping in the
summer, snowshoeing in the winter and overall staying active.
Christina is passionate about her career and finds it very rewarding because
of the benefits clients get from massage including reduced pain, reduced
muscles tension, and relaxation allowing clients to stay mobile and active
in their daily lives.
CASSANDRA TORGERSON, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Cassandra began her study of massage at Grant MacEwan University in September of 2000, and is in good standing with the CMMOTA. Cassandra started her career in Southern Alberta at Centerpoint Chiropractic in 2004, and has been providing quality care to residents of the Strathmore area for 16+ years. Cassandra’s base training is in Swedish Massage and she uses several modalities in order to make your treatment as unique as you are. Many years of continued education include trigger point, deep tissue, myofascial release, cupping, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, reiki, craniosacral, prenatal massage, children’s massage, hot stone, guided meditation massage and much more. She is well diversified in her career which allows her to meet a wide variety of needs in all her clientele. When Cassandra isn’t in the clinic you can find her enjoying time outdoors, painting, taking courses, designing beautiful spaces, gardening, caring for her animals or travelling the world.
ARMAND PINEL, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Armand Pinel is Registered Massage Therapist that has been practising since 2006. He is a graduate of the Foothills College of Massage & Hydrotherapy’s 2,200 hour program and a member of the Canadian Massage & Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA).
Armand has taken many courses over the years to increase his therapeutic knowledge. These include:
· Myofascial Release I, Myofascial Release II, Myofascial Unwinding, Myofascial Mobilization and Fascial Pelvis (John F. Barnes PT Method)
· Functional Range Release – Lower Limb (Functional Anatomy Seminars)
· Contemporary Cupping Methods (International Cupping Therapy Seminars)
He developed an interest in the benefits of massage when he was eighteen. He acquired a low back soft-tissue injury when working at a meat packing plant. The muscle relaxants and pain relieving medications had their purpose but he wasn’t seeing much improvement until he tried a massage. It wasn’t a miracle cure but it helped facilitate and accelerate his body’s healing response and with some exercises, he was back to work in a week. So from first-hand experience, he saw the positive benefits massage therapy had to offer.
Massage may help with many issues such as TMJ, headaches, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, muscle spasms, strains, sprains and tendinitis, among others. Myofascial Release and Functional Range Release are very good for connective tissue restrictions. Cupping has many uses therapeutically and is a great option to help release tight areas for those who do not react well to deep tissue work. These different therapeutic offerings complement each other and provide options to achieve desired treatment outcomes.
He enjoys applying his knowledge to help people to the best of his ability, whether it is assisting with the recovery from an injury, providing a relaxing environment after a stressful day or supporting their continuation of daily activities by maintaining muscle tissue health.
On a personal note, Armand has been married since 2001 and has two children that keep him busy. He is also an avid runner and cyclist, with Duathlons his primary interest. He had the opportunity to represent Canada in his age-group at the first ITU Multisport World Championships in Penticton in 2017 and is looking forward to representing his country again at the ITU Multisport World Championships in Almere, Netherlands in 2021.
You can also visit Armand's WEBSITE by clicking here https://www.apinelmassage.ca
TONYA COUTTS WIRTH, R.AC. & TCM
Registered Acupuncturist
Tonya Coutts Wirth treats every patient who comes her way with patience and compassion. Tonya empowers her clients and helps them understand steps they can take towards wellness.
The benefits of her ACUPUNCTURE treatments are to supporting her client's overall health goals, which include the following:
♡ Integrating body, mind and soul for health that flourishes.
♡ Restoring a sense of calm and connecting clients with themselves.
♡ Burnout prevention and recovery.
♡ Regulating sleep and digestive health. ♡ Management of mental/emotional health.
♡ Promoting wellness responses in the physical body to regulate emotions and manage pain.
Why ACUPUNTURE?
* Clients reach their highest potential and realize wellness goals.
* Clients realize their whole sense of wellbeing by harnessing their power to heal.
*Clients receive a structured, supportive envirionment to focus on themselves.
* Clients have an option to use acupuncture as a relaxing, passive treatment modality.
*Acupuncture treatment help clients build resilience within and enable spiritual and emotional growth.
*Routine wellness treatments give clients the opportunity to flourish and release outdated patterns of stagnation.
*Clients enjoy a reduction in joint pain, migraine headaches and many other stress related issues.
What I love:
I love being a mother. I love the sun, the moon and stars. I love how it all works in the end. I love a sappy movie. I love peonies. I love my family. I love aha moments. I love tattoos. I love my lost loves. I love to organize. I love the vulnerable. I love the truth. I love popcorn. I love homemade food. I love crystals. I love kitty's. I love to read. I love to learn. I love exploring. I love healing. I love magic. I love to hike. I love the outdoors. I love rocks. I love the simple things. I love sparkles. I love fresh air. I love open water. I love hot coffee. I love visits with friends with endless laughs. I love candles. I love the smell of fresh laundry. I love heavy metal and hard rock music. I love to drive. I love snow storms. I love what is coming next!
I love the opportunity to work with you in realizing your overall health goals!