Jalisa den Hartog (she/her)

Jalisa den Hartog is a highly skilled and passionate physiotherapist specializing in orthopedics, pelvic health, and pilates. With bilingual fluency in English and French, she brings an international perspective shaped by her upbringing in New Brunswick, Qatar, and Oman before returning to Canada.

Jalisa earned an Honours degree in Kinesiology from Dalhousie University, followed by valuable experience as a research coordinator in the Orthopaedics department at the QEII Hospital. Here, she gained extensive knowledge of surgical protocols and cutting-edge advancements in sports medicine and orthopedics, sparking her initial interest in pelvic health.

Jalisa continued her academic journey at McGill University, earning a master’s degree in physiotherapy. Driven by her passion for pelvic health, she pursued advanced training in pelvic health physiotherapy and yoga for pelvic pain, as well as becoming a certified Pilates instructor. This comprehensive training allows her to integrate movement-based therapies into her practice, promoting optimal recovery and overall well-being for her patients.

As Jalisa began her physiotherapy practice, her professional interests continued to evolve, particularly in the areas of chronic pain conditions and hypermobility disorders. She developed a deep appreciation for the complexities of these conditions and sought further education to enhance her ability to support patients facing long-term challenges. Jalisa has completed specialized courses aimed at improving her understanding and treatment of these populations, allowing her to deliver evidence-based care that addresses their unique needs. Drawing on her expertise, she developed the Pelvic Pain and Pelvic Core classes at Synergy, creating innovative programs designed to empower individuals through education and targeted movement-based approaches. These initiatives reflect her holistic approach to physiotherapy, emphasizing the interconnected aspects of movement, function, and overall quality of life.

Jalisa’s dedication to advancing physiotherapy is also evident in her research efforts. Her master’s thesis on urinary incontinence in female athletes has gained recognition, with a presentation at the International Continence Society conference in Toronto, aiming to improve physiotherapy practices across Canada.

Outside of her professional life, Jalisa is an advocate for an active and creative lifestyle. A former competitive swimmer, she enjoys traveling, surfing, hiking, and expressing herself through painting and drawing. She also cherishes quality time with loved ones, including her beloved cat, Tuna.

Jalisa’s holistic approach combines her expertise in orthopedics, pelvic health, pilates, chronic pain, hypermobility disorders, and evidence-based research to deliver personalized care for patients of all genders and gender-diverse populations.