Supportive Care: Registered Massage Therapy & Your Treatment
I am trained in the biopsychosocial approach to pain management and in clinical reasoning which basically mean that I am trained in scientific holism, a wholistic way of viewing your pain, issues and care and how I work with you to manage and resolve your pain or problem. This is in contrast to the older conventional view of pain that can be resolved by finding a singular causal pathology that can be medicated/removed to provide a solution, which is not always successful (although sometimes it is – and is fully required and indicated!). I provide empathetic care and manual therapy, combined with individually targeted education and self-care guidance.
RMT care can be an important part of your pain management or self-care program, helping you manage pain or supporting and building wellness by identifying and treating soft-tissue imbalances. I can assist you in determining problem areas, causes of discomfort or postural and structural issues and targeting areas that can benefit from treatment and strengthening or stretching, to allow you to focus your self-care program (or build a self-care program) to your own body’s specific needs. I can also identify issues that can assist you to find your centre again and to manage stress.
I am experienced in and continue to study continuing education in a wide variety of techniques – so that I have the tools I need to help you get the most from your treatment. The treatment plan is always designed with you, your goals and your lifestyle in mind. I meet you where you are and I will always give you my honest professional opinion and options for treatments, so you can choose – how comfortable or not, how therapeutic/rapidly effective, how much home/self care you want or don’t want to do. Your feedback is an essential part of the process.
I am honoured and happy to assist you on your journey. I am also a student of Trauma-informed, Sensitive Practice and Cultural safety for health care practitioners.
Conditions Treated:
- Pain management of acute, complex or persistent pain
- Headaches
- Pregnancy, Peri-natal and Post-Partum management
- Women’s Health – pelvic rehabilitation including pelvic stability, pelvic floor, C section scars, Core function, bladder issues
- Tempo mandibular dysfunction (TMJ)
- Whiplash
- Post surgical pain
- Scar and adhesion treatment eg C-section, mastectomy, open heart, surgical, joints.
- Fascial mobilization
- Visceral treatment
- Posture and structural alignment
- Neck, Back and Pelvis pain and dysfunction
- Hip, Thigh and Knee pain and dysfunction
- Leg, Lower Leg, and foot pain and dysfunction
- Shoulder, Arm, Forearm and Hand pain and dysfunction
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Sports injuries
- Wellness care and stress management
I believe in treating the body as a whole of many parts to not only relieve symptoms of pain and dysfunction but to identify and treat the underlying cause(s), preventing and mitigating development of future potential problems where possible.
Working with the connective and soft tissues we can affect not only the musculature but also the bony and visceral alignment as well, with additional effects to the neurological, vascular and lymphatic systems. Muscle spasms and tightness decrease, tissue feels invigorated and clearing of metabolites and congestion from affected areas usually occurs. Improved alignment is usually accompanied by better active and passive range of movement, co-ordination and function.
Osteopathic techniques (muscle energy technique, cranio-sacral, cranial osteopathy and visceral manipulation) provide a gentle option for cases of traumatic injury, severe pain and perinatal joint and soft-tissue management. Myofascial therapy allows the therapist to assist the body to restructure connective tissue restrictions that can cause any myriad of problems, from headache to low back, knee, hip and arm pain that will not respond fully to ‘traditional’ massage techniques that focus more on muscular and circulatory effects, which have their place. Assessment and palpation guide what technique is used in what location, to create an individualized treatment.
What is a Treatment Like?
Please see Registered Massage Therapists Association of BC (RMTBC) for more information on what a treatment is like and what to expect at your first appointment.