Riverbend Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre

A Winnipeg Clinic With Deep Roots

Craig Marchylo was born and raised in Winnipeg, and his path as a physiotherapist has stayed closely tied to the city. After graduating from the University of Manitoba in 2009 with a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation Physical Therapy, he began practicing at Riverbend Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre. It is still the only clinic where he has worked as a physiotherapist.

The clinic itself has been part of the community since 2002. Craig and his co-owners took it over in 2021, carrying forward a business that will mark 25 years in operation next year. For Craig, that milestone is meaningful because it reflects the long-term role the clinic has played in a growing part of Winnipeg.

Helping Patients Understand the Plan

A central part of Riverbend Physiotherapy’s approach is making sure patients understand what is happening and what comes next. Craig says people often arrive with pain, limited mobility, or uncertainty about why they are struggling. The clinic’s goal is not only to provide treatment, but to explain the nature of the issue, outline a plan, and work with the patient along the way.

Craig says this means working with patients rather than simply telling them what to do. The team explains what the therapist is seeing, what may help, and how the patient can participate. He says people appreciate leaving with a clearer sense of what comes next.

Training That Supports Hands-On Care

Craig has continued to build on his education throughout his career. In 2020, he completed a Master of Clinical Science in Advanced Healthcare Practice in the Manipulative Therapy field through Western University. He also became a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists, a credential connected to advanced manual therapy training.

That training allows Craig to perform spinal manipulation, and he notes that other therapists at the clinic are also pursuing advanced manual therapy credentials. Craig and a number of other physiotherapists at the clinic have also taken courses related to vestibular injuries and different forms of dizziness. Craig says neck injuries, dizziness, and vestibular concerns can sometimes overlap, particularly during concussion recovery.

Serving an Active Community

Riverbend Physiotherapy offers a wide range of services, including physiotherapy, acupuncture, custom orthotics, exercise therapy, work reconditioning, personalized training plans, and rehabilitation for sports and workplace injuries. Its services include treatment and prevention strategies intended to support healthy and active living.

Craig has also connected his physiotherapy work with sport. He previously worked with the St. Vital Mustangs Football Program for 15 years, and two other Riverbend physiotherapists have now taken over the lead role during the football season.

Looking Ahead With Prevention in Mind

Riverbend physiotherapist Kyle Shaw has begun developing a balance program intended to help older adults identify and reduce fall risks before an injury occurs. The team is working to expand the program and make more people aware of it.

Craig also encourages patients to advocate for their own health by asking questions when they do not understand a diagnosis, treatment plan, or test. He says patients should feel comfortable seeking clarity and clinicians should take the time to explain.

A Personal Side Beyond the Clinic

Outside the clinic, Craig’s life is closely tied to family and sport. He and his wife have two sons, and baseball is a big part of their summers. He enjoys catching for his boys while they practice pitching, and he also likes golfing at Rossmere, where he speaks warmly about the community around the club.

Craig says serving the surrounding community remains important to the clinic as the area continues to grow.