OUR TEAM
Ashwin Subbaraj
DSc PT (Candidate) MPT (MSK), FCAMPT, CAFCI, CGIMS
Physiotherapist
He/Him
What are your top skills as a physiotherapist?
Listening, clinical reasoning and seeing connections that aren’t always obvious. After 28 years in practice, I especially enjoy the challenge of complex or persistent problems and helping people make sense of symptoms that haven’t responded as expected.
What kind of approach do you take with clients?
I like to start with the person’s story. A thorough history and assessment often tell us much more than simply focusing on where it hurts. From there, I combine hands-on treatment, IMS or acupuncture, exercise and education depending on what that individual needs.
Over the years, I’ve also become increasingly interested in the broader factors that influence recovery – movement and exercise, nutrition, sleep and stress, circadian rhythm and light exposure, appropriate supplementation, and meaningful social connection. When something falls outside my scope or another perspective would help, I believe strongly in connecting patients with the right clinician, whether that’s someone within Sitka or a trusted colleague in the wider healthcare community.
How would a friend describe you?
Friendly, positive and dependable. I’m always interested in learning something new and can easily get drawn into a conversation about health, travel, food or a good cup of coffee.
What drew you to this profession?
I was drawn to the combination of science, movement and working directly with people. What has kept me fascinated almost three decades later is that no two people or problems are exactly alike. There is always something more to understand.
What lights you up about the work you do?
I never take for granted the trust involved when someone places their health and recovery in my hands. It’s a privilege I’m genuinely grateful for.
What I find especially rewarding is the breakthrough with someone who has been struggling ; when we begin to understand why things haven’t improved, they start trusting their body again, and possibilities that had seemed out of reach begin to return.
What motivates you in patient care?
Curiosity and responsibility. I want to keep asking what else might be influencing someone’s recovery rather than assuming I have all the answers.
Sometimes the best thing I can offer is my own experience; at other times, it’s recognizing that another clinician has expertise that could help. I’m committed to continually learning and building relationships with colleagues- both within Sitka and beyond it who can contribute to the health and wellbeing of the people who entrust me with their care.
Can you share some highlights in your background or training?
I’ve practised physiotherapy for 28 years across India, Australia and Canada, including 16 years running a multidisciplinary rehabilitation clinic in Edmonton. I have a Master’s in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and am a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT).
My postgraduate training has included TMJ and orofacial pain, advanced vestibular and balance rehabilitation, spinal and peripheral manipulation, diagnostic imaging, Gunn IMS/dry needling and medical acupuncture. I also spent six years as a clinical educator with the University of Alberta and am completing a Doctor of Science in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy, with research exploring mitochondrial function, metabolism and fatigue in rehabilitation.
My interest in the broader determinants of health has also led me to become involved with Canadian Clinicians for Therapeutic Nutrition (CCTN) and the Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition (IPTN).
What's something people might not expect about you?
I had the privilege of meeting Mother Teresa when I was younger – an experience I’ve never forgotten. On a more everyday level, I love cooking and experimenting with different foods and flavors, although not every experiment deserves to be repeated!
Where can we find you when you're not at the clinic?
Probably outdoors. I love hiking, walking and being in nature, and I’m enjoying discovering Vancouver one trail and coffee shop at a time. I also enjoy travelling, cooking and spending time with family.
What are your non-negotiable heath/wellness practices or rituals?
Movement, daylight and good food are probably the foundations. I try to move every day, get outdoors and pay attention to sleep and circadian rhythm. I also value good nutrition, appropriate supplementation, time in nature and meaningful connections with family and friends. I’ve increasingly come to appreciate that health isn’t built from one intervention – it’s the interaction between how we move, eat, sleep, think, recover and connect with others.
Additional Credentials
FCAMPT — Advanced Orthopaedic Manual & Manipulative Physiotherapy
TMD & Orofacial Pain — University of Minnesota
Advanced Vestibular, Oculomotor & Balance Rehabilitation
Gunn IMS / Dry Needling
Medical Acupuncture — CAFCI
Advanced Spinal & Peripheral Manipulation
Diagnostic Imaging in Physical Therapy — University of Alberta