About Me
I spent my university years on Vancouver Island and graduated from the University of Victoria in 2011 with a BA in Anthropology and Psychology. During my 5 years at university I worked as a Speed Science Instructor with Adam Plummer, coaching children ages 8-18 in proper running biomechanics and improving overall strength, speed, power and endurance.
I completed the Registered Massage Therapy training at The Vancouver College of Massage Therapy of Utopia Academy, graduating with honours in 2013, and am now a Registered Massage Therapist practicing at Fluent RMT (Mark Finch & Associates) in Vancouver.
I have a Structural Integration style of treatment, with focus on the utilization of Visceral, Neural and Cranial therapies. Through assessment I can help to identify the areas causing imbalance in your body's structure. And utilizing a combination of myofascial techniques we can work to reduce pain and restore functional movement to the body as a whole. My work is focused around creating long lasting and profound change.
I have completed a 3 year mentorship program with an Advanced Rolfer to augment my knowledge and understanding and ability to perform a system of deep fascial techniques and Structural Integration (SI). SI involves the re-education of the body through fascial manipulation and movement, inviting ease, greater range of motion, and the ability to respond to the world and its stresses with balance and integrity.
Visceral Manipulation (VM) is used to locate and solve problems throughout the body. Organs can lose mobility due to trauma, surgery, diet, posture, infection, pregnancy etc. When an organ is restricted and fixed to another structure, the body is forced to compensate. This can create abnormal points of tension and chronic irritation causing functional and structural problems throughout the body. VM is a gentle manual therapy that encourages your body's own natural mechanisms to improve the functioning of your organs, dissipate the negative effects of stress, enhance mobility of the musculoskeletal system through the connective tissue attachments, and influence general metabolism. VM increases proprioceptive communication within the body, thereby revitalizing a person and relieving symptoms of pain, dysfunction and poor posture.
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Neural Manipulation (NM) examines the mechanical relationships between the cranium and spine to the dura and neural elements. It provides assessment and treatment to address restrictions of the dural and neural components of the body not commonly focused on with musculoskeletal symptoms. Local fixations in these structures can create global dysfunctional patterns in the body. Treatment of the neural system is gentle and precise. NM has the ability to affect the nerves, the membranes surrounding them, the surrounding tissue throughout the system to the nerve roots exiting the spinal column and the central nervous system.
Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround, protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch CST releases restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve function of the musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems.
I believe that a combination of manual therapy and patient education, including stretching and strengthening exercises as well as hydrotherapy are key in helping clients achieve their health care goals and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.