The ALPHA Runner Program
A Specialized Physiotherapy Program for Runners
The ALPHA Runner Program
A specialized program designed to provide high-quality evidence informed physiotherapy services to runners. You can expect to work with a team that understands the demands of training, how to support runners through common running related injuries and prioritize
prevention, while striving for performance related goals.
Comprehensive Initial Assessment
Our clinicians will conduct a comprehensive evaluation that may include:
• Detailed Health, Injury and Running History
• Training Load Review
• Detailed Health, Injury and Running History
• Treadmill Gait Analysis (if appropriate)
• Functional Strength Assessment
• Joint Assessment and Special Testing
Individualized Treatment
Treatment plans are individualized, with a focus on restoring optimal function, improving load tolerance, and facilitating a safe return training.
Education • Customized exercise designed for your specific needs
Therapeutic • Activity modification, cross-training guidance and return to run guidance
Training Guidance • Hands-on techniques as appropriate for your condition
Manual Therapy • Detailed Health, Injury and Running History
Monitoring of Load and Symptoms • Continuous tracking to ensure safe progression
Run Specific Optimized • Exercises, drills and gait education where appropriate
What Makes Us Different
The ALPHA Runner Program is led by Kristen Blair – a senior physiotherapist at ALPHA Health Services with a particular interest in orthopedic injuries, sport performance and the unique demands of distance running. Kristen not only brings clinical expertise but also personal experience as a dedicated runner training and competing in the 5K to marathon distances. Kristen has navigated running through pregnancy, returning to run post-partum as well as her fair share of running-related injuries. She has seen first hand the importance of having a care team that is passionate about running itself but also knowledgeable about common running-related injuries, training principles, return to run planning and injury prevention strategies.
Runners need to see clinicians who understand training, not just injury rehab.Kristen is an advocate for a multidisciplinary approach to injury management and is well connected in the running community. You can expect access to a network of healthcare professionals to support injury diagnosis and treatment (sport physicians, sport dieticians, pelvic physiotherapists, massage therapists, strength and conditioning), and tailored programming to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
At ALPHA we provide specialized services for runners of all ages and experience levels. Including collaborative care from our industry leading pelvic health team who are ready to support runners who wish to stay active through pregnancy, and perform structured
testing to determine readiness to resume running postpartum.
Acute or Chronic Injury?
Are you a runner currently experiencing acute or chronic injury or looking to learn about injury prevention strategies → Book with Kristen Blair
Pelvic Symptoms or Postpartum?
Are you a runner who is experiencing Pelvic Symptoms, Pregnant or Postpartum? → Book with our Pelvic Health Team
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does treatment typically take? • Treatment duration varies based on your injury and goals, but most runners see significant improvement in 4-8 weeks with a personalized plan.
Can I continue running during treatment? • In most cases, yes! We create modified training plans that allow you to maintain fitness while recovering safely.
What should I bring to my first appointment? • Treatment duration varies based on your injury and goals, but most runners see significant improvement in 4-8 weeks with a personalized plan.
Do you offer virtual consultations? • Yes, we offer both in-person and virtual appointments for initial assessments and follow-up sessions.
What’s the difference between your program and regular physiotherapy? • Our team specializes exclusively in running injuries and understands the unique biomechanics, training demands, and performance goals specific to runners.
When should I see a physiotherapist vs. just resting? • If pain persists beyond 2 weeks, limits your training, or keeps recurring, it’s time to seek professional help rather than just resting.
How long does treatment typically take? • Treatment duration varies based on your injury and goals, but most runners see significant improvement in 4-8 weeks with a personalized plan.
How long does treatment typically take? • Treatment duration varies based on your injury and goals, but most runners see significant improvement in 4-8 weeks with a personalized plan.
Our Facilitators
Louise Fonteyne
More about Louise
Louise is a registered physiotherapist with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in human physiology and kinesiology as well as her Masters in Physiotherapy at McGill University. Louise has further developed her skills through continuing education in orthopedic physiotherapy, pelvic health physiotherapy, and chronic pain management.
Passionate, enthusiastic, and full of contagious energy, Louise gets excited about helping her patients feel good. Louise believes having a strong and healthy body leads to having a strong and healthy life, and she is committed to helping her patients discover their full potential. Whether it’s getting back to your routine post-partum, shaking off that chronic back pain, or rehabbing your ACL sprain, Louise has got you covered.
She’s passionate about helping her patients understand the nature of their concerns and working with them collaboratively to find the best solutions to the problem. Regardless of what gets you moving, be it weightlifting, running, or playing with the fam, Louise can help you get back to doing what you love.
Louise is a lifelong mover, having competed as an endurance swimmer and water polo player. She has experience in powerlifting, yoga, and long distance running.
Louise est aussi une physiothérapeute bilingue. Si vous préférez communiquer en français, n’hésitez pas de consulter avec Louise pour vos besoins en physiothérapie orthopédique ou pour la rééducation périnéale.
Kristen Blair
More about Kristen
Kristen Blair is a registered physiotherapist with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. She graduated from Western University with both a Masters in Physical Therapy and a Honours Bachelor of Arts degree with Specialization in Kinesiology.
Kristen’s areas of interest include acute and chronic orthopaedic conditions, complex spinal pathologies, as well as concussion rehabilitation. She has a strong orthopaedic and sport medicine background – with experience treating patient of all ages and activity levels. Since graduating, she has continued to expand her skillset and knowledge in the areas of concussion, manual therapy, acupuncture and nutrition. Kristen is a certified PoNS provider.
Kristen’s passion for health and wellness stem from her own athletic career as a Varsity level wrestler, distance runner, and competitive soccer player. She strives to both restore optimal function and prevent re-injury through patient education, load management strategies, individualized exercise programming and manual therapy. Her approach to treatment pillars on building a strong partnership with her patients in order to develop meaningful management strategies to achieve their functional goals. Kristen prides herself on empowering her patients to maximize their potential in all facets of their lives.
Madison Allan
More about Madison
Maddie is a dedicated physiotherapy resident who takes a patient-centered approach to help individuals achieve their health and wellness goals. Her mission is to support you in feeling your best, so you can fully engage in the activities you love and need to do. Combining her recent education with evidence-based practices, Maddie delivers holistic treatments that incorporate manual techniques, soft tissue work, and tailored exercise prescription to promote movement in ways that matter most to you. She values trust and strong interpersonal relationships, aiming to collaborate with you to provide comprehensive care through education and self-management strategies. Her ultimate goal is to empower you to take control of your health and well-being!
Maddie graduated from the University of Toronto in 2024 with a Master of Science in Physiotherapy, following her Bachelor of Science Honours in Kinesiology from Queen’s University in 2022. She has completed her level 1 and level 2, and 3 pelvic health courses through Pelvic Health Solutions.
Outside of her professional life, Maddie enjoys reading, attending concerts, working out at the gym, spending time outdoors, and is learning how to crochet. She is also a proud mom to two adorable cats, Ziggy and Stitch—feel free to ask, she’d love to share photos of them!
Leeanna Maher
More about Leeanna
She went on to complete her Master’s in Physical Therapy at The University of Toronto in 2006. Leeanna is a registered member of the Ontario College of Physiotherapists since 2007. She has worked and gained invaluable experience in multiple physical therapy settings in hospitals as well as clinics within the GTA. She has worked with a variety of clients of all ages and conditions including post-surgical cardio-thoracic, Parkinson’s, stroke, Lou Gehrig’s disease, post-operative knee and hip replacements, and sports injury musculoskeletal conditions.
Leeanna has committed her career to lifelong learning and as such, has devoted her time to completing many post-graduate courses to enhance her reasoning and manual therapy skills. In 2012, Leeanna’s daughter was born and this sparked her passion for learning more about Women’s health and pelvic conditions. She went on to take a number of post-graduate courses through Pelvic Health Solutions that focus on rehabilitation of conditions such as female and male incontinence, female and male pelvic pain, prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction in pregnancy, and coccydynia.
Leeanna is truly committed to her clients in that she takes a collaborative approach to focus on her client’s goals. She believes in empowering her clients through education and truly listening to each one of their unique and individual stories.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact Us
To register, or if you have any questions at all, please email us at infoeast@alphahealthservices.ca or call us at (647) 670-3454
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy:**
- Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Assessment, 60-minute, $195
- Follow-up Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Treatment, 30-minutes, $120
- Follow-up Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Treatment, 45-minutes, $165
- Follow-up Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Treatment, 60-minutes, $210
- Post-Partum Follow-up Pelvic Physiotherapy Treatment, 45-minutes, $160
** Physiotherapy is covered by most extended health care benefit plans.
Please see rates below. In the event of a conflicting rate, the rates on the Jane.app take precident.
The ALPHA Runner Program:**
- Treadmill Running Gait Analysis, 60-minute, $165
- Comprehensive Physiotherapy Initial Assessment, 60-minute, $165
- Follow-up Physiotherapy Treatment, 30-minute, $110
** Physiotherapy is covered by most extended health care benefit plans.
ALPHA Midtown
40 Holly Street, Suite 901
Toronto, ON M4S 3C3
info@alphahealthservices.ca
416.545.1881
ALPHA East
14 St. Matthews Rd G.008 (Located within Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital) Toronto, ON M4M 2B5