Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), Intramuscular Stimulation (CGIMS), Acupuncture (CAFCI) Specialist in Hand, Wrist, Elbow & Shoulder Rehabilitation

Paul Girard is an experienced physiotherapist with 30 years of clinical practice, specializing in rehabilitation of the hand and upper limb. Alongside his wife and fellow physiotherapist, Carmen Eberle, he co-directs the Okanagan Hand and Upper Limb Rehab Group Ltd., operating within Dale Charles Physiotherapy Group. Their practice is dedicated exclusively to the assessment and treatment of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder—whether from injury, surgery, or degenerative issues such as arthritis. As a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), Paul offers advanced expertise in managing complex upper extremity conditions. He is also proficient in the custom design and fabrication of splints, which are created on-site to ensure personalized care and support.

Paul’s treatment philosophy blends clinical skill with a strong emphasis on education and patient empowerment. A self-described “student of current pain science,” he integrates the latest knowledge into practice, helping patients better understand their conditions and take an active role in recovery. He is also trained in complementary techniques such as intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and acupuncture (CAFCI), which are used when appropriate to support healing and function.

Throughout his career, Paul has worked in a wide range of rehabilitation settings across Canada and the U.S., always maintaining a commitment to lifelong learning and patient-centered care. He strives to deliver effective treatment in a welcoming, relaxed environment—often with a few laughs along the way. Outside the clinic, Paul and Carmen enjoy life with their active family and make the most of all that the South Okanagan has to offer. For Paul, deep community roots and meaningful connections are just as important as the work he does every day.

Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), Intramuscular Stimulation (CGIMS), Acupuncture (CAFCI) Specialist... Read More

Clinic Director, Orthopedic and Neurological Physiotherapy, Acupuncture and IMS

Phil Burman has been a valued member of the Dale Charles Physiotherapy team since 2009, and stepped into the role of Clinic Director in 2018. Originally from New Zealand, Phil completed his Bachelor of Health Science in Physiotherapy at Auckland University of Technology in 2008.

Phil initially came to Canada in 2002 with a plan to spend a single ski season in British Columbia, living and working at Apex Resort. One season became many, and ultimately turned into a permanent move. Phil now calls the South Okanagan home.

Phil brings a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to rehabilitation, with clinical expertise in orthopedic, sports injury, and neurological physiotherapy. His treatments often blend therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, IMS/dry needling, acupuncture, and modalities for pain relief.

Phil’s goal is to help patients return to the activities that they enjoy and value. He is particularly passionate about active rehabilitation, and prioritizes working collaboratively with patients to help them achieve long-term, sustainable results. With a keen interest in diagnostics and problem-solving, Phil has built trusted relationships with local physicians and surgeons, and is known for his thoughtful, patient-centered care.

Outside of the clinic, Phil leads an active lifestyle and is deeply involved in the community. He’s a long-time member of the Canadian Ski Patrol at Apex Resort, a competitive and recreational cyclist, and an avid sailor with the Summerland Yacht Club. Most of all, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family - skiing, biking, or exploring everything British Columbia has to offer.

Phil continues to pursue ongoing professional development, with advanced training in Anatomical Acupuncture (Acupuncture Canada), Gunn IMS, Concussion Management (CCMI), and more. He also holds academic honors from his university days, including awards as the top academic graduate and publishing a research paper on injury prevention. More recently, Phil has been called upon by the College of Physical Therapists of BC to provide expert opinion on specific topics.

Clinic Director, Orthopedic and Neurological Physiotherapy, Acupuncture and IMS Phil Burman has ... Read More

Orthopaedic and Sports Injury Rehabilitation

Farren Leigh holds a Master’s of Physical Therapy from McGill University. She brings a strong foundation in therapeutic exercise to her practice, having previously worked as a certified Stott Pilates Instructor for many years. Farren seeks to empower her patients through education and personalized care. She takes the time to explain each step of the recovery process, ensuring patients are active participants in their own healing. By integrating manual therapy techniques with customized exercise programs, she addresses both the root cause of an injury and the functional goals of her patients. Farren is committed to continuous professional development and believes learning is a lifelong process.

A graduate of École supérieure de ballet du Québec, Farren has a deep understanding of the unique challenges dancers face. Her experience makes her well-equipped to address and support the needs of dancers and athletes. Farren recognizes both the physical and mental challenges an injury can have not only on sport, but on daily life. She seeks to help her patients navigate their way back to whatever they love. When she’s not at the clinic, Farren is an outdoors enthusiast who has enjoyed exploring nature since childhood. She believes in the restorative power of nature and spends her free time outside.

Orthopaedic and Sports Injury Rehabilitation Farren Leigh holds a Master’s of Physical Therapy f... Read More

Musculoskeletal and Neurological Rehabilitation

Matthew earned his Master’s degree in Physiotherapy in 2012 in Poland and made the move to Canada that same year. During his studies, he also completed an international exchange program in Spain, which broadened his clinical perspective and enriched his approach to care. He has pursued additional training in both musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation, building a well-rounded foundation for treating a wide range of conditions.

Matthew is passionate about helping people unlock their full physical potential. He believes that with the right guidance and individualized care, everyone can improve their health, function, and quality of life. His treatment plans are goal-driven, evidence-informed, and tailored to each person’s unique needs.

What Matthew finds most rewarding is seeing his patients regain confidence, return to the activities they love, and achieve milestones they once thought were out of reach.

Musculoskeletal and Neurological Rehabilitation Matthew earned his Master’s degree in Physiother... Read More

**Pre & Post Natal Rehab Pelvic Health & Core Specialist Pool & Gym Rehab Sessions**

Ashley is a dedicated professional in the health and wellness industry with a passion for enhancing lives through movement and rehabilitation. Ashley embarked on her journey in health at the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy (OVCMT), where she earned her Wellness Practitioner Certification, focusing on massage services.

In 2010, Ashley’s commitment to holistic well-being led her to pursue additional education, earning certifications as a Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor. This diverse skill set allowed her to gain invaluable experience working with a wide range of clients, setting the stage for her evolution into the field of Kinesiology. Receiving a Kinesiology degree in 2019, Ashley continues to deepen her expertise through self-directed research and active participation in ongoing educational courses. Her dedication and education extends to Parkinson’s clientele, and specialize in pelvic health, where she has become a Pelvic Floor & Core Exercise Specialist, and a certified Pregnancy & Postpartum Coach. Ashley also holds a special passion for falls prevention, working with individuals who fear and have a risk of falling.

After becoming a mother to two children, Ashley developed a passion for supporting expectant and postpartum women. She is dedicated to educating women on safe exercise practices, considering potential pregnancy-related challenges, with the aim of facilitating a faster recovery. Additionally, Ashley aids women in postpartum rehabilitation, addressing issues such as caesareans, incontinence, diastasis, hernias, back or pelvic pain, and organ prolapse.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Ashley’s adventurous spirit finds expression in outdoor activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, backpacking, and snowboarding. Empathetic, understanding, and relatable, Ashley brings a unique blend of expertise and approachability to her practice, allowing her to connect with her clients while guiding them on their journey to improved well-being.

**Pre & Post Natal Rehab Pelvic Health & Core Specialist Pool ... Read More

Manipulative Therapist – FCAMPT, Functional Dry Needling (IMS), Acupuncture (CAFCI)

With over a decade of advanced training and hands-on experience, Christine brings a holistic, patient-centered approach to every treatment at Dale Charles Physiotherapy Group. She earned her Bachelor of Human Kinetics from UBC in 2007—where she captained the varsity women’s field hockey team—and went on to complete her Master of Physiotherapy at UBC in 2010. In 2016, Christine achieved her Diploma in Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy and was honored as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapists (FCAMPT). She is also certified in dry needling and acupuncture, and has completed extensive coursework in orthopedic assessment, soft-tissue techniques, and clinical rehab Pilates.

Christine’s treatment philosophy is rooted in collaboration: she partners with each client to design individualized rehabilitation plans that blend evidence-based manual therapy, targeted exercise prescription, and, when appropriate, cutting-edge modalities like shockwave therapy. Whether helping an office worker recover from a repetitive-strain injury, guiding an athlete back to sport after surgery, or supporting someone with persistent pain to reclaim their daily routines, Christine’s goal is always the same: empower you with the tools and knowledge to move confidently and live fully.

A lifelong athlete herself—she represented Canada at the 2007 Pan American Games and the 2008 Olympic Qualifier in field hockey—Christine understands both the physical and mental challenges of injury and recovery. She channels that insight into building not just strength and mobility, but also resilience and self-confidence in her patients. Outside the clinic, she lives in Penticton with her two young children, coaches her daughter’s soccer team, plays soccer herself and mentors fellow physiotherapists preparing for advanced certification.

Whether you’re returning to high-level sport or simply striving for pain-free movement in everyday life, Christine is here to cheer you on every step of the way.

Manipulative Therapist – FCAMPT, Functional Dry Needling (IMS), Acupuncture (CAFCI) With over a ... Read More