fixing people, dropping dad jokes, and running on coffee and on time with a practical sense
training
- Physiotherapist
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Castleton State College – 2015
- Masters in Physical Therapy, University of Western Ontario – 2019
- Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopedic Division AIM Level 1 – 2019
- McKenzie Institute Canada, MDT Part A – Lumbar Spine – 2020
- McKenzie Institute Canada, MDT Part B – Cervical and Thoracic – 2021
- Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopedic Division AIM Level 2 Lower – 2021
- Mulligan Concept, Lower Extremity – 2022
- Acupuncture Canada, Dry Needling Level 1 – 2022
- Acupuncture Canada, Dry Needling Level 2 – 2022
- Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopedic Division AIM Level 3 Lower – 2023
personality
Thomas Shelley’s path to physiotherapy began with a personal setback—a knee injury at 16 that sidelined his hockey season and led one specialist to suggest he quit the sport altogether. That answer didn’t sit right with him. Determined to find a better solution, Thomas kept searching until he met a surgeon and physiotherapist who helped him fully recover. That experience lit a fire: he realized he could help others reclaim the activities they love, just as he had. With a particular fascination for knees—thanks to his own injury history—Thomas brings both clinical expertise and lived empathy to his practice. He’s known for taking time to truly listen, crafting treatment plans that make sense and feel personal. Outside the clinic, he’s a hands-on DIYer and outdoor enthusiast, embracing everything from mountain biking and pickleball to snowboarding and skiing. Inspired by the quiet strength of his Ukrainian grandmother, Thomas leads with resilience, optimism, and a deep belief in people’s potential. Whether coaching young athletes or supporting local charities like the Kelowna Gospel Mission, his drive remains the same: help others move forward, feel better, and live fully.
- Favorite books – most novels by John Grisham
- Favorite Music – classic rock
- Movies he loves – Shawshank Redemption (Common theme among Leading Edgers… likely for the ultimate pursuit of right over wrong)
- Favorite sports/activities – mountain biking, hockey, hiking, camping, tennis, golf, spikeball, you name it and he’ll play it
- Clinical Pet Peeve – running late
- Something you may not know about him – can sing along to most songs on the radio but can’t name the artist or title
- Superhuman Talent– operating at full capacity on very little sleep (new parent)
- What is the best thing to eat for breakfast? What he eats everyday which is, 2 fried eggs, toast with peanut butter, yogurt parfait, banana, coffee
- First Car? 1997 Honda Accord (Can someone tell us what is up with Landmark Physios loving their Hondas?)
- Community connections – part of Willow Park Church in Kelowna
edge
Thomas graduated as class valedictorian with a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario in 2019. He also earned a Bachelor of Science with a major in Exercise Science and minors in Fitness/Sport Science, Natural Science, and Business Administration. He believes life-long learning is an essential part of physiotherapy and as such Thomas has completed several advanced certifications, including the Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s Advanced Integrated Musculoskeletal Program (Part 1 – 2019, Part 2 Lower – 2021, Part 3 Lower – 2023). He has further honed his manual therapy skills through the McKenzie Institute of Canada’s Part A (2020) and Part B (2021), as well as the Mulligan Concept for the lower extremity (2022). In addition, he obtained his Dry Needling certification from Acupuncture Canada in 2022.
Drawing upon his extensive background in sport and professional training, Thomas integrates evidence-based practices with practical rehabilitation strategies to provide optimal care. He is an amazing addition to the power of Leading Edge in Kelowna.
remarkable awards
Although records are made to be broken, Thomas is one of the athletes that still holds the Guinness World Record for the Longest Marathon Playing Dodgeball clocking in at 41 hours, 3 minutes, and 17 seconds! During his undergrad he was a part of his University’s chapter of The Right to Play which used this marathon to raise money for the charity. Following this record setting event he went on to be the President of the club for two years and raised over $25,000.
