Derek Ku

Launch Rehab

130 - 8031 Williams Rd, Richmond, BC, V7A 1G4

Derek was born and raised in Richmond, BC, where he completed both his Master of Physical Therapy and Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia. He also holds an AIM Orthopaedic Level 1 Manual Therapy Certification, building a strong foundation in evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning. As an avid athlete, Derek enjoys hockey, golf, basketball, and pickleball, and knows firsthand the frustration of injuries and the loss of confidence in one’s body. His own sports experiences sparked a passion for staying active, and through his recovery, he saw how physiotherapy can do more than just reduce pain, but also help regain overall function and independence with movement. These experiences inspired him to pursue a career in physiotherapy. Derek brings a warm, collaborative approach to his practice and enjoys working with people of all ages and activity levels, ranging from youth athletes and teenagers that are looking to return to their favorite sports to older adults and seniors who are looking to improve their strength, balance and prevent future falls. During a session with Derek, he combines hands-on manual therapy including soft tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and joint mobilizations with personalized exercise programs and a strong emphasis on continuous education to keep clients informed and engaged throughout their recovery. His diverse background in both athletic and hospital settings allows him to work with a wide range of clients, including those recovering from joint replacements, stroke, falls, work or motor vehicle accidents, and post-surgical procedures. No matter where you are starting from, Derek strives to create sessions that are welcoming, empowering, and focused on moving pain-free, restoring function and returning to the activities that matter most. Derek is fluent in both English and Mandarin.