ABOUT us

our history

Andrew Nickel opened Physiotherapy On Front in 2005 on (you guessed it!) Front Street, in Stratford Ontario.

The clinic operated there until 2022, when it was relocated to its current location on Wright Boulevard.

The clinic started with just two staff, and has expanded to include three physiotherapists, co-op students and two clinic administrators.

Our Clinic

Wright boulevard

Our clinic at 645 Wright Boulevard is located on the first floor, so there are no ramps or stairs required to enter the facility.

We have five private treatment rooms, as well as a semi-open space where clients may work through exercises and/or stretching.

Cleaning practices are followed to ensure each room is sanitized before the next client.

We look forward to welcoming you to our bright and spacious location.

meet THE TEAM

Andrew grew up in Stratford, attended University of Waterloo for Kinesiology and graduated from the University of Toronto in 1997 and has been working full time as a physiotherapist since then in Sarnia, Calgary, Wellington, New Zealand, and finally Stratford. He has worked primarily in orthopaedics and sports clinic settings, but has also worked in a TMJ clinic and a hospital treating inpatients.

He has completed post graduate courses in vestibular therapy, and is certified in manipulation, acupuncture and dry needling. He has worked as a trainer for several minor hockey teams and junior hockey over the past fifteen years.

Andrew opened Physiotherapy On Front in 2005 and continues to provide services to clients on a full time basis.

Andrew Nickel

Registered Physiotherapist

Dana Ruby

Dana grew up in Stratford and graduated from McMaster University in 2002 with Honors in Kinesiology. After graduating she worked full time in London ON as a Kinesiologist for the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine clinic before going on to complete her Masters in Physiotherapy at McMaster University in 2007.

Dana has worked primarily in orthopaedics and sports clinic settings, but has also worked in long term care at Spruce Lodge here in Stratford.

She has completed post graduate courses in manual therapy, acupuncture and TMJ rehabilitation. She is passionate empowering you with effective tools and knowledge to help you fully participate in your active lifestyle and to help you achieve your wellness goals.

Dana joined Physiotherapy On Front in 2011 and continues to provide services to clients on a part-time basis.

Dana enjoys an active lifestyle including yoga, hiking, leisurely kayaking and biking. In addition to staying active, her free time is spent advancing her education, spending time with her husband and five children and learning to play guitar!

Registered Physiotherapist

Leanne was born and raised in Tavistock, and received her diploma in Office Administration in 2017 from Fanshawe College. In addition she holds two other diplomas from Fanshawe in Photography & Advanced Photography (Masters in Portrait & Commercial Photography).

When she is not smiling behind the Physio on Front desk she can be found behind a camera, hiking the trails, on a volleyball court or a soccer field.

Leanne Murray

Clinic Adminstrator

Megan is a 3rd year student in the kinesiology program at the University of Waterloo. She is in the co-op program and is completing her 3rd four month co-op semester at Physio on Front.

Megan grew up outside of Shakespeare and enjoys going for walks in the countryside. In her free time you can find her baking in the kitchen, spending time with friends or volunteering in longterm care.

Megan Kipfer

Kinesiology Student

Melissa is currently on maternity leave.

Melissa Redfern

Clinic Administrator

Michaela graduated from Wilfred Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2022. She began working at Physio on Front in October of 2023.

She is currently studying to become an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in Hamilton.

Michaela has worked in long-term care as a Therapy and Activity Coordinator at Spruce Lodge in Stratford. She enjoyed providing recreation programs for the residents and helping them meet their physio goals. She has been involved in providing recreation opportunities at local pools in Stratford, Lutherwood and the Laurier community in the past.

Michaela Knechtel

Kinesiologist/Osteopath Student

Michelle graduated with her Masters of Science in Physiotherapy from McMaster University in 2022 after completing her Bachelor of Human Kinetics from the University of Windsor. She was a player on the varsity fastpitch team throughout both of her degrees.

Michelle's individualized treatment approach focuses on patient education and collaboration, manual therapy, and functional training exercises. Since graduating she has completed her introductory acupuncture and dry needling course and continues to pursue her education in this domain. Michelle welcomes clients of all ages and abilities, with a special interest in working with athletes.

Michelle Louwagie

Registered Physiotherapist