Physiotherapist assessing a patient's knee mobility on a treatment table in a bright clinic room

We treat
the individual.

Physiotherapy, manual therapy
and shockwave therapy
near Thunder Bay.

High quality, client centered, and evidence based care from clinicians with advanced training in manual therapy and orthopedics, in a relaxed and professional atmosphere.

Why Active Potential Rehab?

We attempt to treat the cause of your complaint, listening to the information you provide, then use focused or radial shockwave therapy, manual therapy, acupuncture, patient education, and exercise prescription as indicated.

Our clinicians teach and examine for the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, and bring the latest research from the bench to the bedside.

About the clinic

We treat the individual, not just the injury.

The primary objectives of Active Potential Rehabilitation Services are to provide high quality physiotherapy assessment and treatment to the patients in the region and to provide post graduate clinical and orthopaedic educational opportunities and training for Physiotherapists.

The programs and courses offered are based on the most up to date research and evidence in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.

FCAMPT Designated

A Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy, accredited through the Orthopedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and CAMPT.

Research-Led Care

Treatment and courses built on the most up to date research, from a clinic that also teaches at Lakehead University and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

Paolo Sanzo explaining assessment findings to a patient in the treatment room
Make an inquiry

Come visit us and experience client centered care.

Whether it's your first visit, a question about shockwave therapy, or a mentorship inquiry, a few quick questions get you to the right answer.

How can we help?Choose the option that fits best.
Radial and focused shockwave therapy

A non-surgical option when other treatments haven't worked.

The main focus of patient treatment is centred on the integration of radial and focused shockwave therapy as part of the regenerative medicine healing pathway, to assist with recovery from injuries that have failed to respond to traditional treatments.

Radial and Focused Shockwave

Both forms of shockwave, chosen for the tissue and the depth of the problem being treated.

A Non-Surgical Option

For chronic tendinopathies and injuries that have not responded to traditional treatments.

Myofascial Pain

Used for myofascial pain syndromes, including trigger point therapy and fibromyalgia.

Clinician applying a radial shockwave applicator to a patient's heel to treat plantar fasciitis

Commonly treated

  • Shoulder · Rotator cuff strains and tendinopathy
  • Elbow · Medial or lateral epicondylitis
  • Hip · Trochanteric bursitis
  • Knee · Patellar tendinopathy
  • Foot · Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy
  • Bone · Stress fractures, delayed unions and non-unions
New patients

What to expect when you visit.

First visit

A full assessment

Your Physiotherapist will complete an initial assessment with you. This involves filling in some questionnaires related to your injury, answering a variety of questions related to your primary complaint and general health, and a physical examination of the mobility, strength, and function of your muscles, joints, and nerves. At the end of the first visit, we will discuss the findings of the assessment and possible future treatments that may be beneficial, if appropriate.

No referral needed

Book directly

A doctor's referral is not necessary to see a Physiotherapist in Ontario. We do advise clients to contact their doctor to keep them apprised of their health concerns. In some cases, a medical insurance company may require a referral from your doctor to authorize reimbursement of our fee.

45 to 60 minutes

Time for you

The length of your appointment will vary depending on your situation. Generally, initial appointments take about 45 to 60 minutes and subsequent visits range from 30 to 45 minutes.

History and background

Meet the physiotherapist behind your care.

Portrait of Paolo Sanzo, physiotherapist and director of Active Potential Rehab

Paolo Sanzo, FCAMPT

Director and Physiotherapist

Paolo Sanzo is an Associate Professor in the School of Kinesiology at Lakehead University and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Initially he practiced as both a Physiotherapist and Clinical Manager at the Victoriaville Physiotherapy Centre for 25 years and is now the Director and a Physiotherapist at Active Potential Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Services. He is also an instructor and examiner with the Orthopedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

His research interests are in the area of rehabilitation and sports medicine. More specifically, his research integrates the clinical, biomechanical, and physiological aspects of human movement and gait analysis. It includes the exploration of the medical and clinical uses of shockwave therapy; the biomechanical and sport performance effects of therapeutic taping; and length tension testing and the relationships between muscle and myofascial tissues in various musculoskeletal disorders.

  • Associate Professor, Lakehead University
  • NOSM
  • CPA Orthopedic Division Examiner
  • CAMPT Executive
  • IFOMPT Delegate for Canada

Are you a physiotherapist?

Our Clinical Mentorship Program prepares physiotherapists for the Intermediate and Advanced Manual and Manipulative Therapy Exams, with supervised clinical hours available across Canada.

EXPLORE CLINICAL MENTORSHIP