Our Staff
Dr. Selina Hirji
Chiropractor & Physiotherapist (Acupuncture trained)
Hi! I am so excited to be a part of this amazing multidisciplinary team. We all bring our skills and knowledge together to help our patients. I began my journey as a Registered Nurse and worked at Montreal Children’s Hospital. My interests turned towards rehab and that’s when I returned to school to attend the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and became a Doctor of Chiropractic. After a few years in private practice I returned to the University of Toronto to complete my Master of Science in Physiotherapy and became a Registered Physiotherapist. I have experience working with patients in: retirement homes, private homes, hospitals, and private clinics. My interest is to work with my patients to achieve their personal goals – return to school, return to work, return to sport, return to doing personal care.
Dr. Allan Horowitz
Chiropractor
I first obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree (with distinction) from University of Toronto. I then graduated Cum Laude and with clinic honours from The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto in 1982. While at CMCC I was awarded many Research Awards and Scholarships. I am proud to say that I achieved the highest overall grades in Canada on The Chiropractic Licensing Board Exams (1982). I am registered with The College of Chiropractors of Ontario which governs the conduct of chiropractors in Ontario to ensure high standards and patient safety. I am also a member of The Canadian Chiropractic Association and the Ontario Chiropractic Association as well as the Canadian Chiropractic Protective Association. I was honored to be appointed as a member of The Complaints Committee of the Board of Directors of Chiropractic and The College of Chiropractors of Ontario (1991- 2000) and then I became an Ontario Ministry of Health appointed member of The Chiropractic Review Committee (2000- 2002). I have always enjoyed writing and I was very happy when I became a Newspaper Columnist for 10 years writing about various Chiropractic and Health related issues (over 600 columns written and published) (click this link to read my columns). These local newspaper columns then propelled me to become the first Chiropractor in the world to write a regular column for a major daily newspaper (Toronto Star) I have appeared many times on radio and television discussing various Chiropractic and Health issues. I have always had a special interest in sports injuries and in 1983 I was asked to become the first team chiropractor for the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team. I have also been a frequent speaker and lecturer on Chiropractic and Health at many venues over the years including being a featured speaker at Mackenzie Hospital when I gave a lecture called: “Redefining Whiplash and its Management”. I have also taught adult education classes on “Sports Injuries” for Seneca College. I have been a Chiropractor in Richmond Hill since 1982 and I love working in our new office on 16th Ave. (I also love the fact that I no longer work Fridays!)
Dr. Kaw
Chiropractor (Acupuncture trained)
Dr. Kaw graduated with clinic honors from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 2005, and is certified in Acupuncture. He specializes in rehabilitation, prevention, return-to-work and over all wellness. Dr. Kaw’s interests include travel, hiking, swimming and nutrition.
Dr. Nicholas Cheng
Chiropractor
Dr. Nicholas Cheng is a graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College located in Toronto, Ontario. Prior to this, he was a student at the University of Waterloo’s School of Public Health and Health Systems, majoring in Health Studies with a minor in Gerontology (co-operative program). His broad work experience at hospitals, government organizations, and healthcare facilitates deepened his passion for helping others.
As an evidence-informed practitioner who aims to work together with his patients as a team, Dr. Cheng creates individualized treatment plans that takes into account the latest medical and scientific research, along with his patient’s goals, preferences, and values.
Dr. Cheng’s approach involves hands-on techniques such as chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue techniques, acupuncture, exercise rehabilitation, and most importantly, education.
Dr. Cheng aims to use these skills to create a lasting and meaningful impact for his patients.
Vikki Car Corpuz
Patient Experience Manager
Hi! My name is Vikki Car Corpuz. I have worked as an Office Manager for Dr. Hirji for almost 5 years. I am responsible for all aspects of the operation of the office. I am always there to greet you when you come to the clinic. I have two young teenage boys who keep me on my toes. I studied communication at college. Fun fact – I was once a production assistant at a radio station. I love to laugh and hope to meet you one day!!
Gracielle Guhit
Patient Experience Coordinator & Clinical Assistant
Hi! My name is Grace and I have worked with Dr. Horowitz as a physiotherapy assistant for more than 10 years. I am responsible for:
- Assisting in the rehabilitation of clients who are suffering from reduced mobility.
- Instructing, motivating, and assisting clients to improve their health and mobility.
- Working with patients from orthopaedic, neurologic, trauma, medical, surgical, and other diagnostic groups.
- Setting up therapeutic equipment and preparing clients for therapy.
- Demonstrating exercises to patients and mobility aids
- Encouraging patients to complete their treatment.
- Maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.
- Assisting in the assessment, treatment, and implementation of care plans.
- Administering non-complex therapeutic exercises.
- Observing a client’s progress and response to treatment.
Jessica Palazzo
Patient Experience Coordinator & Clinical Assistant & Kinesiologist
My motivation is to help others improve and advocate for their health and well-being from a multi-faceted perspective. I am a Registered Kinesiologist, graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Kinesiology. My experiences as an athlete and coach have given me valuable insight that I leverage in helping care for various populations within the areas of: sport and fitness, health and wellness, and in the prevention, rehabilitation, and management of injuries and chronic conditions. I continuously strive to utilize my knowledge and proficiencies to educate individuals how to move well, improve their quality of life, and find their love for movement.
Sahar Amirali
Patient Experience Coordinator
I am an undergraduate student studying Kinesiology and Health Sciences at York University. I hope to pursue further studies in rehabilitation sciences, and I am eager to gain experience and learn as much as I can in this field whilst also providing patient care in a friendly and positive way. I enjoy playing sports, running, and being in the outdoors. I also love to keep myself engaged in podcasts, classes, and books that promote meditation and mindfulness, as it is something I have a growing fascination for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is going to happen at my first appointment?
- When you arrive you will meet our staff at the front of the office. They will give you a short form to fill out with your past medical history.
- Meet your Doctor/Therapist - He/She will ask you questions about your current health, your spine, muscles, joints, or related nervous system issues. If you have any reports, i.e. X-Rays, Ultrasound or MRI, bring them with you.
- Testing - Next your chiropractor/physiotherapist may perform some tests.
- Treatment - Finally, your doctor/therapist will give you a full report of the findings and a detailed treatment plan designed just for you. After this, you will have your very first treatment. You should expect all of this to take about one hour.
How long will my next appointments take?
Everyone has a different treatment time based upon the injury and the kind of treatment that is needed. On average we recommend that you allow for 20-30 minutes from the time you enter the office.
How many treatments do I need?
At the end of your first appointment your doctor/therapist will give you a written copy of your treatment plan that will include the number of treatments that he/she feels is required for you to recover and achieve your personal goals.
Is physiotherapy covered by OHIP?
There are some clinics that have publicly funded OHIP physiotherapy. Our services are not covered by OHIP. We are a private clinic and we provide hands-on treatment directly by a registered physiotherapist. In most cases we can help you by billing insurance companies directly for you.
I have private health insurance – can you bill them directly for physiotherapy/chiropractic?
If you have coverage for physiotherapy or chiropractic – just check with your agent to find out if you need a doctor’s prescription before you start your treatments. In MANY cases it's not necessary and you can make your appointment directly to see one of us. Bring all your insurance information with you to your first appointment. We will find out if we can bill directly so you don’t have to pay out of pocket. If we cannot then we will give you a paid receipt that you can send to your insurance company and they will pay you back.
Where are you located?
We are at the corner of Leslie and 16th avenue in the heart of north Richmond Hill. We are five minutes west of 404 and 16th avenue. We have free street level parking. The clinic is also located on the ground floor of a plaza that faces 16th avenue.
What should i wear for my appointments?
You should wear comfortable clothing so that you can expose the area of your injury. You also have the option to wear a hospital gown that will be provided to you. In the winter you can bring indoor shoes so you can leave your wet books in the waiting room area.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
Every insurance plan is different. Some of them do require that you have a doctor’s note for you to use your benefits. Some do not require a note. We suggest that you call your insurance company BEFORE your first appointment.
Who should see a chiropractor?
If you're suffering from poor posture, frequent headaches, muscle and joint pains, and limited limb mobility, seeking chiropractic care is in the best interests of your long-term health and wellness. If you are an athlete you may need care after an acute injury or after repeated training and repetitive movements that affect ligaments/joints/muscles. If you have a chronic or long term illness like arthritis you can benefit from chiropractic care. If you are pregnant, your chiropractor has safe treatments that can help you with pain as you carry your baby. If you have been injured at work you can have chiropractic care to get you back on your feet. If you are a school child with postural issues or scoliosis - you can get help from your chiropractor.
If you have a disc herniations or spinal stenosis or sciatica - you can be treated. Musculoskeletal conditions come in all shapes and sizes and chiropractors are here to help.
When to see a chiropractor?
Ever wonder when to visit a chiropractor? All day long we move our bodies in all directions and make use of our muscles and joints. These normal daily activities may result in headaches, migraines, back, neck or joint pain. You may also have this type of pain due to an injury, accident, illness or long-term condition.
You may decide to take anti-inflammatory medications that may temporarily help your symptoms but may not address the underlying cause. A chiropractor will use their expertise knowledge and orthopedic testing to assess the root cause of your symptoms. He/She will then treat these issues without medication or surgery.
Who Can Benefit From Chiropractic Care?
Everyone!
Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive treatment supporting the body’s musculoskeletal system and associated neurological function, primarily by providing comprehensive, evidence-informed manual therapy. Chiropractic care is primarily a hands-on, non-invasive and drugless practice that is safe and effective for the management of musculoskeletal conditions – from small children to elderly adults to pregnant women to Olympic athletes. Musculoskeletal conditions can range in severity from minor sprains and strains to back and neck pain to disc herniations and spinal stenosis. As mentioned, musculoskeletal conditions can be mild or severe but they can also be acute or chronic, common or rare, and localized to one body region or widespread. Musculoskeletal conditions come in all shapes and sizes and chiropractors are here to help.