Alishah Merchant
PT, FCAMPT, MClSc(Manip), MSc(PT), Hons. BHSc, CGIMS

Alishah Merchant is an FCAMPT physiotherapist practicing in downtown Toronto. She graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Health Science degree from the University of Western Ontario. She continued on to receive her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from McMaster University in 2007. After a few years of working in orthopedic physiotherapy, Alishah decided to return to school and achieve the highest level of training in orthopaedic manual physiotherapy. In 2010, Alishah successfully completed a Masters of Clinical Science in Manipulative Therapy and achieved the designation as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy (FCAMPT).

In addition to her University education, Alishah has taken many post-graduate courses in order to stay up to date with the latest evidence and constantly evolving profession. She has completed coursework in Acupuncture through the AFCI and McMaster University’s Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program. Alishah has also completed her Gunn IMS training and finds this method of treatment highly effective.

Alishah completed a one year clinical mentorship with Diane Lee where she has learned how to assess and treat her clients using the Integrated Systems Model (ISM). Therapists who use this framework, look at the whole person in order to find the “driver” for the specific task or movement that is troublesome. With this systematic approach, therapists are able to provide the most efficient and effective treatment techniques so that patients recover faster in fewer treatment sessions.

Alishah is also a Stott Pilates trained instructor. Alishah believes that neuromuscular retraining through Pilates exercise and other forms of exercise is essential to long term benefits of therapy as well as prevention of injuries.

In addition to those mentioned, Alishah has attended courses and seminars on the prevention and treatment of running injuries, functional strengthening, core strengthening, mobilizations with movement and advanced manual therapy.

Alishah enjoys treating all conditions and finds complex conditions particularly fun and challenging as she gets to put her detective skills to use. She has over a decade of experience successfully treating clients with a wide range of issues including sports injuries to chronic persistent injuries and postural dysfunctions.

Alishah utilizes a multimodal treatment approach in her practice that combines manual therapy, acupuncture, Gunn IMS, taping and modalities in addition corrective exercises to improve muscle imbalances. During the treatment session, Alishah spends time educating her clients so that they become empowered to take an active role in their rehabilitation process.

Alishah is a very active member of her profession. She is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) and an active member of their Orthopaedic Division. She is a clinical facilitator with the University of Toronto Physical Therapy Department and is a mentor with the Orthopaedic Division’s manual therapy training program, providing mentorship to physiotherapists pursuing their advanced manual therapy designation.

Alishah enjoys pilates, yoga, working out and is a self-proclaimed foodie. She keeps busy with her three young kids and loves staying active with her family.