Being active has been integral to the foundation of who I am. Growing up, I immersed myself in sports, competing at a high level in ice hockey and basketball. In my adult years the shift towards endurance sport took place. I developed a strong passion for running, cycling and triathlons, both personally and professionally. As a runner and cyclist, I understand the importance of a healthy body and pain-free training for optimal results for performance and well-being.

In my clinical practice, I am committed to integrating the emotional and psychological aspects related to injury, pain, and dysfunction. Developing strong relationships with my clients and having clear goals is a priority when establishing a treatment plan. I take great pride in understanding each of my client’s needs, their barriers to success, limitations and strengths. My goal is to provide evidence-based strategies to manage different injuries through movement and create independence during the recovery process. Each treatment is individualized and consists of various manual therapy techniques, acupuncture, soft tissue and active release, taping, cupping, therapeutic and functional exercises, and education.

Outside of the clinic, I can be found running, snowboarding and playing hockey in the winter months and spending a lot of hours cycling around the city in the early hours to catch the sunrise. Getting the rides done early allows me to enjoy the remainder of the day with my family. We enjoy exploring different parks and activities around the city, providing the kids an opportunity to be active like their parents.

Being active has been integral to the foundation of who I am. Growing up, I immersed myself in sp... Read More

Racing on the cross-country course, track, and roads with my friends has been one of my favourite activities since the start of elementary school. The ability to push yourself and truly find out what you are capable of is what excites me. This pure enjoyment of sport has brought me to the provincial and national level in high school and as a top competitor for the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.

My passion for running and human performance has shaped my desire to learn more about injury rehabilitation and prevention. While studying Kinesiology at the University of Toronto, I presented at the national undergraduate research conference on running gait factors related to injury and the current research on gait retraining. Today, running gait assessment is an important skill that I use clinically with my patients to assess for factors that may contribute to overuse injury and allows me to go further than only treating the presenting symptoms. After graduating from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College with academic honours, I have been able to use soft tissue therapy, joint manipulation, acupuncture and more to help patients recover from injury and get back to doing what they enjoy most.

It brings me joy to help others find the same love of running and movement that I have been fortunate to experience. Whether it is returning from an injury or building up for your first race, I work with individuals of all ability levels and ages to progress training at an appropriate rate. After years of coaching experience, including The Runner’s Academy learn-to-run group and the University of Toronto Track Club, I truly believe that exercise can turn into the best part of your day.

Outside of clinic, I can be found training for the Canadian Track and Field Championships with the Royal City Athletic Club or on the U of T campus coaching high school middle distance track.

Dr. Robert Lawand is a registered Chiropractor in Ontario with the College of Chiropractors of Ontario https://cco.on.ca/

Racing on the cross-country course, track, and roads with my friends has been one of my favourite... Read More

I have loved running my whole life! I ran track & cross country in high school and university, representing the University of Windsor Lancers. While in chiropractic college, I began venturing into longer distances, and when I tackled my first marathon, I knew I had really found my jam! Since 2014, I have completed 12 marathons and improved my time by 23 minutes running a personal best of 2:33:37 in 2021.

I have sustained my fair share of running injuries, and have learned that injury can be an opportunity to learn and come back stronger. I hope to help others use their injuries as a launchpad to smarter, stronger, more joyful running.

I am fortunate to turn my passion into a career. At The Runner’s Academy I use a functional assessment, often including gait assessments, in order to diagnose the root causes of issues and injuries. I use a combination of hands-on and active care, including run technique training, to ensure we are doing everything we can to get you back on the run.

Along with my work at The Runner’s Academy, I am also a NCCP & Athletics Canada certified endurance run coach. In 2018, I founded StrideWise Running to provide exceptional coaching to runners of all levels. We are so proud to be partnered with The Runner’s Academy in order to better serve our community. I love any opportunity to help runners achieve their full potential on the run!

I have loved running my whole life! I ran track & cross country in high school and university... Read More

While studying to become a Chiropractor, I started running more and competing in Triathlons. It was never easy for me.

I struggled with injuries and was always curious about what else I could be doing to improve my running experience, endlessly researching and seeking wisdom from various coaches.

During this time I was working as a strength coach and attracted runners searching for the same thing. I realized there were many people relating to my struggles and tired of being told to run less when injured, and to simply run more to improve.

These early years inspired Janie and I to create a team of health professionals dedicated to raising the bar in what it means to treat and support runners. A team that not only has the education and skills, but the experience of running themselves.

I still get excited guiding people toward unlocking their potential, whether that is teaching them to move differently, change run form, ease pain or change lifestyle habits. I believe in helping people understand that health is multifaceted and that no single factor is going to help them achieve their goals, nor break them.

When I’m not in the clinic, I enjoy going on fishing and hiking adventures with Janie and our 3 boys. I love to keep active through running, cycling, swimming, strength training, Karate and climbing.

While studying to become a Chiropractor, I started running more and competing in Triathlons. It w... Read More