About Us
Our program uses exercises that have helped thousands of people like you restore independence.
About the Founder
Maureen Dwight brings over 30 years of experience working with individuals experiencing low back pain. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy with distinction from the University of Alberta and was awarded a Clinical Musculoskeletal Specialist designation by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
Her interest in back care began as an athlete recovering from her own injury. Through that experience, she developed a deep understanding of the factors behind persistent and recurring low back pain—and what it takes to achieve long-term, sustainable improvement.
The Healthy Back Program was shaped by decades of hands-on clinical experience. Maureen recognized that performing the wrong exercises—or doing the right ones incorrectly—can be just as limiting as not exercising at all. Over time, she identified which exercises truly matter, why certain muscle imbalances develop, and how to address them effectively during recovery.
Healthy Back was created to make this level of expertise more accessible. The program focuses on correcting key muscle imbalances and helping people apply improved movement patterns in everyday life, supporting lasting results rather than short-term relief.
Maureen Dwight PT, B.Sc. PT
Physiotherapist, Clinical Musculoskeletal Specialist, Former Clinic Director, Founder
Voted best physiotherapist in Toronto by the readers of NOW Magazine
Awarded an honorary membership in the Czech medical society for her contribution to Back Pain education
Throughout her career, Maureen has worked with a wide range of individuals, including members of the arts community—such as award-winning performers from film, music, opera, and Broadway—as well as high-profile figures in sport and leadership. These have included professional hockey players, national team athletes, dancers, and senior public figures.
Appearances on CBC radio, City TV and CP24 + many others
In addition to helping many people in pain throughout her career she has worked with a number of high profile people and performing artists:
- Canadian Prime Ministers and Deputy Ministers
- Academy Award winners
- NHL hockey players
- Opera, Broadway and Grammy winning recording artists.
- Members of the National Ballet.
Acknowledged for provision of exercise expertise for the book The G.I. Diet, Random House, Rick Gallop c. 2002
Acknowledged for her work in pain management by Marni Jackson, Pain: The Fifth Vital Sign.Random House, c. 2002
Meet Your Instructors
Aniela Amio
Pilates, Yoga and Movement Instructor
Aniela completed her yoga certification at The Yoga Sanctuary in 2011, adding courses in meditation, Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga shortly after. She then went on to become certified in Mat Pilates with Body Harmonics in 2013, Reformer Pilates with The Mindful Movement Centre and Leslie Parker. She is currently working towards her Comprehensive Pilates Diploma with Body Harmonics (2019) with a special focus on spinal health and injury recovery, as well as pre and post-natal care.
Aniela empowers people of all ages and abilities by teaching them how to move and care for their own bodies. She hopes her students find joy, safety and strength in their sessions which translates into better quality and functional movement in their daily lives. She is interested in and continues to expand her studies with workshops on the mind body connection, chronic pain, scoliosis, fascia, pre and postnatal health and recovery as well as working with the aging population. Aniela has had the opportunity to work with professional athletes, dancers, chronic pain suffers and those recovering from spinal injuries and surgeries.
Recently she has added the following courses and certifications to her education.
- Movement and Exercise for Pregnancy
- Post-Natal Reconditioning and Diastasis Recti Repair
- Towards a Healthy Pelvic Floor
- Strength, Balance and Fall Prevention for Seniors
- Handedness and Scoliosis
- Kinesiology of Pilates
When Aniela isn’t teaching or taking courses you can find her in the park with her dog, travelling, or in a plant store deciding which plant baby to add to her home.
John Gray R. Kin.
Registered Kinesiologist
As a Registered Kinesiologist, John uses both conventional and motor learning based exercise to help you recover from a wide spectrum of impairments – from degenerative joint diseases and neurological conditions to orthopaedic surgery and cancer. His approach helps you to regain mobility and function, while managing pain, to return to the activities you enjoy doing the most. John works with all ages and abilities.
John holds both a master’s degree in Biomechanics from Queen’s University and an Honours Bachelor degree of Physical and Health Education from the University of Toronto. Before returning to his professional practice, John pursued a PhD degree in Spine Biomechanics under the supervision of Dr. Stuart McGill, where he was responsible for the operation of the Spine Biomechanics laboratory, published research on spine stability and contributed to projects studying the biomechanics of low back pain.
During his 25+ year career, John has trained with internationally-renowned experts in England, the United States, Australia and Asia. He is a Registered Kinesiologist in Ontario and holds certifications in Strength and Conditioning as well as Wellspring’s CancerSmart rehabilitation certification for health professionals. John has been a frequent presenter at national and international conferences, and is published in several highly respected scientific journals in Kinesiology and Physical Therapy. He has recently co-authored a chapter in “The Functional Training Handbook” on the biomechanical considerations for injury prevention and performance improvement in Weightlifting.
John has been the Sports Conditioning Consultant to the University of Toronto Women’s Varsity Volleyball Team, FIVB world-tour women’s beach volleyball athletes, and has assisted Archery Canada’s Team 2020 in realising their goals toward podium performances. He has previously been both a competitor and coach in Olympic Weightlifting. He has helped athletes achieve personal bests from recreational to Olympic levels of competition.
In addition to being the primary Healthy Back Instructor, John is available for individualized appointments at the Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic, or can provide virtual appointments online across Canada. For more information or to book an appointment, please contact us at physio@orthophysio.com , or phone us at 416-925-4687.
Hear From Our Program Participants
“There was really good guidance …. She (Aniela Amio) is excellent! Pace, explanation and videos easy to follow”
“The exercises are appropriate and don’t cause me pain. The instructions through on what I should be feeling and where are helpful. I also appreciate tips on how to better target the appropriate muscles using my breath or slight adjustments in body position.”
“I thought the classes went very well and were very useful to me. I continue to do the classes.”
“I only completed one class, however I did appreciate the quality of the class.”
“Good exercises, can use reminders. Videos are slightly long.”
