Oleksandr “Alex” Bietin

Registered Physiotherapist, MScPT, BScKin Neurological Rehabilitation, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Balance & Mobility, General Physiotherapy

Please CALL TO BOOK with Alex (online booking not available). Alex cannot currently bill Medavie Blue Cross insurance for Physio. We are working hard to remedy this as soon as possible

Alex is a Physiotherapist with a special interest in neurological rehabilitation, vestibular rehabilitation, balance training, and mobility. He works with individuals recovering from stroke, brain injury, neurological conditions, dizziness, balance disorders, and musculoskeletal injuries, helping them regain confidence in movement and return to the activities that matter most.

Alex completed his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of New Brunswick before earning his Master of Science in Physiotherapy from Dalhousie University. He has experience working in both hospital and private practice settings, treating neurological, vestibular, and musculoskeletal conditions.

His clinical experience includes working with individuals recovering from stroke, acquired and traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and other neurological conditions. He also provides assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders, including Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and other vestibular conditions.

In addition to neurological and vestibular rehabilitation, Alex treats a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns including joint and muscle pain, mobility limitations, weakness, deconditioning, and injuries affecting day-to-day function. His treatment approach combines education, exercise-based rehabilitation, functional movement training, and hands-on therapy to help clients achieve meaningful and lasting results.

Alex believes successful rehabilitation starts with understanding each person’s goals. Whether the goal is improving balance, reducing falls, returning to work, managing dizziness, rebuilding strength, or maintaining an active lifestyle, he works collaboratively with clients to develop practical treatment plans that support long-term success.

Known for his calm and supportive approach, Alex values clear communication and strives to create an environment where clients feel heard, encouraged, and empowered throughout their recovery. He is fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian. Outside the clinic, Alex enjoys rock climbing, running, hiking, woodworking, and exploring the outdoors with his wife, their dog Winnie, and their cat Tigra.

Education

Master of Science in Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University (2021)

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, University of New Brunswick (2019)

Continuing Education

NDTA Certificate Course in the Contemporary Practice of NDT for Adults with Stroke and Brain Injury (2025)

Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Introduction (2025)

Advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation (2025)

The Bobath Concept- Treatment and Management of the Hemiplegic Shoulder and Upper Limb (2024)

Oleksandr “Alex” Bietin Registered Physiotherapist, MScPT, BScKin Neurological Rehabilitation, V... Read More

Sonja de Milliano

Registered Physiotherapist, Dry Needling (IMS) Certified, Male and Female Pelvic Health

Sonja began her educational pursuits studying Immunology and Infection at the University of Alberta. After completing her undergraduate degree (2013), she went on to get her Masters in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta (2016).

Since graduating, Sonja has not stopped learning and has taken numerous post graduate courses in orthopaedics, manual therapy, acupuncture, pelvic health, pelvic pain, Integrated Systems Model with Diane Lee, cranial sacral therapy, visceral manipulation, hypopressives and more.

Sonja applies her passion and uses an approach founded in the Integrated Systems Model (ISM) to look at a person as a whole to get to the root of the problem. She ensures her patients feel heard and understood as they navigate their way towards well being. Sonja has a passion for pelvic health, chronic pain and complex musculoskeletal conditions.

Sonja is honoured to work with her clients, and genuinely loves what she does.

Rehab Philosophy: pelvic health is whole-body health

Fun fact: Off the clock, I’m chasing powder and raising tiny skiers with a big love for the mountains.

Education:

Bachelor of Science (Immunology and Infection) - University of Alberta (2013)

Master of Science in Physical Therapy (2016)

Experience:

Over 10 years experience helping women navigate pregnancy and post-partum.

Special interest in pelvic health, including treating: pelvic pain, painful intercourse, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, birth preparation, diastasis recti, pregnancy pain, men’s health (incontinence, sports and umbilical hernia).

Level II Hypopressive instructor

Continuing Education Courses:

Preserving the Active Hip (2023)

Dry Needling Level 2 - Acupuncture Canada 2024

The Female Athlete Course - The Physio Detective/Antony Lo (2018)

Integrated Systems Model - Diane Lee (2018)

Acupuncture Canada Certified (2017)

Visceral Manipulation Practitioner - Barral Institute (2017)

Craniosacral Therapy Level 1 and 2 - Upledger Institute (2017 and 2019)

Physical Therapy Approach to Female and Male Urinary Incontinence - Pelvic Health Solutions (2016)

Female and Male Pelvic Pain - Pelvic Health Solutions (2017)

The Physiotherapy Approach to Dyspareunia (2017)

Hypopressives Canada Level 1 and Level 2 (2017 and 2018)

K-Taping Women’s Health Practitioner (2016)

CPA Orthopedic Division Manual Therapy Level 1 (2015)

Accomplishments:

Lululemon Seawheeze half marathon finisher (2014, 2015); Canmore CAUSE Canada Half Marathon finisher (2015, 2016, 2017); Royal Victoria Half Marathon finisher (2021); Canada Association of Ski Instructors - Level 1 Instructor

Sonja de Milliano Registered Physiotherapist, Dry Needling (IMS) Certified, Male and Female Pelv... Read More

Sophia Sauter

Registered Physiotherapist, Clinic Owner MScPT, BPHE, Certified in Manual Therapy, Gunn IMS Practitioner, Sports Physiotherapy Certificate

Please note Sophia is NOT currently taking new patients

Sophia completed her Master’s in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto and holds a Diploma in Manual and Manipulative Therapy through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She is Campbell River’s only Certified Sports Physiotherapist and a Gunn IMS (dry needling) practitioner, with a special interest in TMJ disorders and complex musculoskeletal conditions. As a Clinical Faculty Instructor with UBC’s Physical Therapy program, Sophia is committed to ongoing education, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of well-rounded, highly skilled physiotherapists.

With over 25 years of experience, Sophia founded Active Living Physiotherapy in 2012, bringing a one-on-one, client-centered model of care to Campbell River. The clinic is owner-operated, evidence-based, and known for delivering high-value physiotherapy care. Trusted by physicians and the community alike, Active Living Physiotherapy has become a leading destination for both patients and practitioners who value excellence.

Sophia has a particular passion for working with endurance athletes—including runners, cyclists, triathletes, swimmers, and Nordic skiers—as well as individuals navigating complex or persistent injuries. She is passionate about helping motivated individuals embrace active living—and keep moving for life.

Sophia and her clinic have been recognized multiple times as “Best Physiotherapist” and “Best Physiotherapy Clinic” in the Campbell River Mirror Readers’ Choice Awards. In 2025, her clinic was also honoured with the Campbell River Division of Family Practice Spirit Award for Excellence in Education, reflecting her commitment to clinical excellence and leadership and advancing the profession of physiotherapy.

Outside the clinic, Sophia is an active volunteer in the local school and sports community. She enjoys trail running, cross-country skiing, yoga, and biking—and can almost keep up with her twin teenage boys. Known for her energy and genuine passion for helping people stay active, Sophia’s philosophy of “Active Living” isn’t just the name of her clinic-—it’s how she lives.

Education

Bachelor of Physical and Health Education (1999)

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (1999)

Master of Science in Physical Therapy (2005)

Certificate of Advanced Manual & Manipulative Physiotherapy (2006)

Diploma of Advanced Manual & Manipulative Physiotherapy (2008)

Sport Physiotherapy Certificate (2009)

Experience

Over 25 years experience treating a variety of orthopaedic, sports, pre-and post-partum, peri-menopause, TMJ disorders, and arthritic populations

Clinical Instructor for UBC Faculty of Medicine Department of Physical Therapy

Physiotherapist at various international, national, and local triathlon, cycling, skiing, running, track and field, figure skating, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, and rugby events

Recent Continuing Education Courses

Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders and orofacial pain (2024)

UBC Gunn IMS (2021)

Scoliosis Management (2017)

Understanding Gait - from a neurological and orthopaedic perspective (2013)

Treatment of the abdominal wall after pregnancy (2012)

New advances in hip rehabilitation (2011)

Bike fit course (2008)

New trends in the prevention of running injuries (2008)

Rehabilitation of the runner (2008)

Accomplishments

Ironman Canada 2002 finisher (sub-12 hour); Half marathon PB of 1:35 (2009); Competed at World Masters Nordic Skiing event 2011 and Payak (50K skate ski race, Whistler) 2019; First Place, Best Physiotherapist, Reader’s Choice Awards, 2018 and 2019, Runner up 2020; CR Division of Family Practice Excellence in Education Award 2025; Proud Owner of Active Living Physiotherapy since 2012

Sophia Sauter Registered Physiotherapist, Clinic Owner MScPT, BPHE, Certified in Manual Therapy,... Read More

Evan Somerville

Registered Physiotherapist, Dry Needling (IMS) Certified, Vestibular Rehabilitation

Evan is a graduate of the University of Victoria’s Kinesiology Program (2015) and the University of British Columbia’s Masters in Physical Therapy Program (2019).

Evan grew up in Campbell River and is proud to be serving the community he calls home. He has always had a passion for sports and fitness, with a background in weight training, triathlon, golf, and basketball. Like many active individuals, his journey hasn’t been without injury. It was through his own rehabilitation experiences that he developed a strong interest in anatomy and recovery, ultimately leading him to pursue a career in physiotherapy.

As a physiotherapist, Evan takes a thorough, individualized approach to assessment—aiming to identify the root cause of each issue and tailor treatment accordingly. He is known for his “gentle, but firm” style, tailoring a balance between pushing patients toward progress while providing the support they need along the way. His treatment approach incorporates manual therapy, dry needling (IMS), exercise-based rehabilitation, and education to help clients achieve the best possible outcomes.

Evan’s rehab philosophy is simple: consistency is better than perfection.

Fun fact: Evan is a versatile musician who plays guitar, bass, and drums.

Education:

Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology, University of Victoria (2015)

Masters of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia (2019)

Experience:

Clinical interests in shoulder pain, neck pain, vestibular rehabilitation, and injuries that develop from weight lifting, golf, and endurance sports.

CR Storm Hockey Team Physiotherapy provider

Exercise program development and Personal Training

Continuing Education:

CPA Orthopaedic Division Manual Therapy Level 1 (2019)

Introductory and Advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation (2020)

Acupuncture Canada Dry Needling (IMS) Level 3 Certified (2024)

Key Clinical Skills: Manipulation and Management of the Cervical and Thoracic Spine (2024); Lumbar spine and Sacroiliac joint (2024).

Accomplishments:

Half-Ironman Victoria Finisher (2016); Half-Ironman Canada Finisher (2017); Elk Lake Olympic Triathlon Finisher (2024); Finalist: Best Physiotherapist, Reader’s Choice Awards (2021)

Evan Somerville Registered Physiotherapist, Dry Needling (IMS) Certified, Vestibular Rehabilitat... Read More