The Story Behind Pain Free Feet Workshops

Pain Free Feet Workshops were created to preserve, teach, and advance a rare and highly effective form of functional manual foot therapy rooted in the lineage of Dr. Roelof “Rue” Tikker. What began as a single, focused training program has grown into a comprehensive multi‑workshop series in response to strong participant feedback. Clinicians consistently asked for deeper training, expanded biomechanics content, and more applied orthotic instruction—leading us to develop two additional courses: Biomechanics, Gait Analysis & Orthotic Prescription and Orthotic Modifications.

Led by Workshop Director Peter Guy, BSc, D.Ch., and assisted by Alyssa Guy, D.Ch., our workshops provide clinicians with practical, mobility‑restoring techniques that complement modern podiatric biomechanics and elevate everyday clinical practice.

Education and Professional Formation

Peter earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto before completing his postgraduate chiropody training at the Michener Institute. His early clinical years shaped a strong foundation in biomechanics, gait analysis, and functional foot health—areas that continue to influence both his practice and his teaching.

Clinical Philosophy

Peter’s clinical philosophy reflects the evolution of chiropody/podiatry into a profession that blends surgical, biomechanical, and research‑driven foundations with integrative, hands‑on approaches. His work emphasizes:

• Restoring natural movement
• Addressing root causes of dysfunction
• Combining manual therapy with modern biomechanics
• Achieving rapid, organic improvements in comfort and function

This balanced model supports long‑term foot health and empowers patients to stay active.

Leadership and Professional Contributions

Peter is deeply committed to elevating the profession through education, mentorship, and organizational leadership. His contributions include:

• Supervising Michener Institute interns
• Delivering workshops and lectures on biomechanics and manual therapy
• Serving as President of the Ontario Society of Chiropodists
• Long‑standing membership with the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine
• Serving on the Paris Orthotics Professional Advisory Board
• Developing patient‑friendly educational materials and clinical training resources

Evolution Into Functional Manual Foot Therapy

In 2007, Peter completed advanced training in Tikker‑style functional manipulative therapy of the foot and ankle. This method, rooted in early osteopathic principles developed by Andrew Still and refined through Dr. John Martin Hiss and later Dr. Roelof “Rue” Tikker, emphasizes restoring natural joint mobility, improving mechanics, and addressing the underlying cause of pathology rather than relying solely on rigid biomechanical correction.

This integrative, mobility‑focused approach complements Western podiatric medicine and aligns with the broader evolution toward interdisciplinary, whole‑body care.

Workshop Director — Functional Manual Foot Therapy

Recognizing the clinical value of this method, Peter began teaching Tikker‑style functional manual foot therapy in 2015. Since then, he has trained over 60 chiropodists and podiatrists through small‑group, hands‑on workshops designed to preserve the precision and integrity of the technique. 

Workshop Team

Peter is supported by his daughter, Alyssa Guy, D.Ch., who assists in workshop instruction. Together, they deliver training known for:

• Clear, structured teaching
• Anatomical accuracy and clinical reasoning
• Individualized hands‑on guidance
• Integration with orthotic therapy and gait mechanics
• Practical skills clinicians can apply immediately

Education and Clinical Background

Alyssa received her B.HSc. from Ontario Tech and completed her postgraduate chiropody training at the Michener Institute in 2018, where she developed a solid foundation in biomechanics, gait analysis, dermatology, wound care, and evidence‑based podiatric practice. Her clinical work reflects a commitment to functional outcomes, patient comfort, and the integration of manual therapy with modern podiatric medicine principles.

At Whitby Family Footcare, Alyssa provides comprehensive foot‑care services with a focus on:

• Preventive and routine chiropody

• Biomechanical assessment and gait evaluation

• Orthotic therapy

• Soft‑tissue and mobility‑focused treatments

• Patient education and long‑term functional health

Her approach is warm, thorough, and grounded in clear communication.

Role in the Pain Free Feet Workshops

Alyssa works alongside Workshop Director Peter Guy, BSc, D.Ch., assisting in the instruction of Functional Manual Foot Therapy.

Her contributions include:

• Demonstrating Tikker‑style manual therapy techniques

• Providing individualized hands‑on guidance

• Helping clinicians refine tactile skill and technique

• Supporting workshop flow, structure, and participant engagement

• Assisting with the integration of manual therapy into orthotic and biomechanical practice

Alyssa’s teaching style is supportive, approachable, and highly practical, making her a valued instructor for clinicians at all experience levels.