Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to be an athlete to see Dakota?
No. Dakota works with anyone trying to get back to being active, whether that's a sport, a training routine, a physical job, or simply walking further without an old injury getting in the way. She also works with people getting active for the first time.
What happens at a first appointment with Dakota?
She'll start by asking what happened, what you can't do right now, and what you want to get back to. Then she'll assess how you're moving and where it's limited, and you'll begin active rehabilitation in that first visit rather than waiting until the second. You'll leave with exercises to do before you come back. Wear something you can move in.
Does Dakota work with dancers and gymnasts?
Yes. Dakota spent fifteen years as a competitive dancer, and her clinical work includes the National Ballet of Canada and Gymnastics Canada's Rhythmic Gymnastics program, locally and internationally. Artistic athletes carry demands that most rehabilitation doesn't account for: unusual loads, extreme range of motion, and real pressure to get back quickly. She treats those demands as part of the plan rather than something to work around.
What are Dakota's qualifications?
Dakota is a Certified Athletic Therapist, CAT(C), the protected national designation awarded by the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association, and is registered with Athletic Therapy Ontario (REG. AT-ON). She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Athletic Therapy from Sheridan College and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph.
How do I book with Dakota?
Book online or call the clinic. No referral is needed. If you're not sure whether athletic therapy is the right fit, book a free 15-minute phone consult first and we'll point you to the right provider.
Not sure whether athletic therapy is the right fit?
Dakota De Freitas
B.Sc.(Hons) Kin, CAT(C), REG. AT-ON
Certified Athletic Therapist
Dakota's credentials and training
- Certified Athletic Therapist, CAT(C) — Canadian Athletic Therapists Association
- REG. AT-ON — Athletic Therapy Ontario
- Bachelor of Applied Science, Athletic Therapy — Sheridan College
- Bachelor of Science (Hons), Human Kinetics — University of Guelph
Dakota's clinical experience
Dakota has worked in some of the most demanding environments in sport and performance:
- The National Ballet of Canada — caring for professional dancers
- Gymnastics Canada — supporting the Rhythmic Gymnastics program, locally and internationally
- Hamilton Tiger-Cats — training camp
- Ridley College — student athletes
That range matters. Treating a professional dancer, a national-level gymnast and a CFL athlete asks for very different things, and it has given Dakota a wide view of what recovery actually looks like outside a textbook.
Injuries and conditions Dakota works with
Dakota provides athletic therapy at Propel, including:
- Injury assessment and hands-on treatment
- Rehabilitation and strength rebuilding
- Return-to-sport and return-to-activity progressions
- Manual therapy
- Assisted stretching
Rehabilitation for dancers, gymnasts and performing artists
Dakota spent fifteen years as a competitive dancer and close to a decade playing soccer, with rugby and other sports along the way. She knows what it feels like to have your body be the thing you rely on, and what it feels like when you stop trusting it.
That experience is why she has a particular interest in artistic athletes. Dancers and gymnasts carry demands most rehabilitation doesn't account for: the loads are unusual, the range of motion required is extreme, and the pressure to return quickly is real. Dakota treats those demands as part of the plan rather than something to work around.
She works with the same care alongside people who aren't athletes at all — including anyone getting active for the first time, or returning to an active life after an injury.
Dakota's approach
Dakota believes successful rehabilitation is a gradual move from depending on treatment to trusting yourself again.
She works to help you understand your own body and take an active role in your recovery, so you leave with the knowledge and the tools to keep progressing between appointments — not just while you're in the clinic. Her goal isn't only to get you past an injury. It's for you to feel confident that your body can handle what you ask of it, long term.
Outside the clinic
Dakota can usually be found in a hot Pilates or yoga class, in the gym, or outdoors on a long walk with her dog, Keefie.
Book with Dakota
Dakota is welcoming new patients at Propel Active Health & Lifestyle in Burlington.
Athletic therapy is covered by many extended health plans. We'll help you check your coverage, and where your plan covers it we can bill your insurer directly through TELUS eClaims and other provider portals.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
We bill your insurance DIRECTLY!
No more painful insurance submissions! Let PROPEL do the work for you,
so you can focus on the things that matter.
WHO WE ARE
Our Experts
At PROPEL, our patient's goals and success is our obsession.
We therefore only hire those with the best expertise, and those who share our vision.
CHIROPRACTOR
SPORTS SPECIALIST CHIROPRACTOR
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MASSAGE THERAPIST
KINESIOLOGIST
