MY WORK EXPERIENCE AND MASSAGE PASSIONS
As a Registered Massage Therapist I have been treating and helping people strengthen their mind, body and soul for over ten years.
I received my Bachelors of Arts from the University of Toronto in 1992. During my time of study at the University, I began to develop a passion for bodybuilding and began training. Eventually, I began competing and subsequently started experiencing related muscle injuries. In researching ways to treat my injuries, I discovered the power of massage therapy and grew an affinity for the profession. I was excited by the idea of discovering more about the human body and how I could also help others.
I then completed the RMT program at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in Ontario. Upon completion, I moved to Alberta and immediately began my clinical career treating clients at a sports rehab clinic for two years.
Over my career I have gained considerable experience in my designation of Swedish massage. In addition to the most common reasons for getting a massage like stress relief, sports injury and headaches - many of my clients have also had pathologies and conditions which I have treated.
My real passion is treating people with diseases and certain conditions that involve teaching, listening and comforting people in the challenges they may face. As such, below, I have outlined five diseases/conditions which I have experience treating. They are Multiple Sclerosis, Asthma, Fibromyalgia, Whiplash and Pregnancy.
Multiple Sclerosis
- A chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system in which gradual destruction of myelin occurs in patches throughout the brain or spinal cord or both, interfering with the nerve pathways and causing muscular weakness, loss of coordination, and speech and visual disturbances.
- Common symptoms include weakness and fatigue, sensory disturbances in the limbs, bladder or bowel dysfunction, problems with sexual function, and ataxia (loss of coordination).
- The skin is the largest organ of the body and is packed with nerve endings that respond to touch. Massage works by soothing the skin and relaxing tense muscles. Regular massages can help a person with MS to better manage muscle pain.
Asthma
- A chronic respiratory disease, often arising from allergies that are characterized by sudden recurring attacks of labored breathing, chest constriction and coughing.
- Wheezing, nocturnal breathlessness, coughing, and chest tightness often relieved by expectoration are highly suggestive of asthma.
- Triggers can cause the asthmatic's lungs to release chemicals that create inflammation of the bronchial lining, constriction, and bronchial spasms. A cough producing sticky mucus is symptomatic.
- Massage therapy may reduce anxiety associated with asthma, improve symptoms, and even improve lung function.
- For congestive type asthma, massage can help promote circulation in the chest
Fibromyalgia
- A syndrome characterized by chronic pain in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding joints, fatigue, and tenderness at specific sites in the body.
- Symptoms include headaches, painful menstrual periods, numbness or tingling of the extremities, restless legs, temperature sensitivity, and cognitive and memory problems (sometimes referred to as "fibro fog").
- Only 10 to 20% of people with Fibromyalgia are men.
- Massage therapy can really reduce the pain, stiffness, and tender points caused by Fibromyalgia.
- Common techniques involve stroking, kneading, and palpating the muscles.
Whiplash
- It is an injury to the cervical spine caused by an abrupt jerking motion of the head, either backward or forward.
- Whiplash can also be termed neck sprain or neck strain or, more technically, cervical acceleration/deceleration trauma.
- The most common muscles that are most often injured during an impact are the sternocleidomastoids and the longus colli. Sometimes the facet joints in the anterior of the neck and the anterior longitudinal ligament are also injured.
- Massage should not be applied until 72 hours post injury. Once treatments begin, helping the muscles to relax and loosen will allow more blood and oxygen into the affected area and assist in the healing.
- Massage also reduces stress associated with physical trauma.
- Massage can also address Trigger Points that develop in muscles due to whiplash
Pregnancy
- The period during which a developing fetus is carried within the uterus.
- "Never use the tables with the whole cut out for your belly, these cause undo stress to your lower back, it may seem like a great idea, but it isn't."
- Massage Therapy can help to provide:
- Tranquil relaxation and reduce stress. Relief from muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips, and legs.An increase in blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling. Reduced stress on weight-bearing joints. Improved outcome of labor and eases labor pain. Enhanced pliability of skin and underlying tissues.
- Provided support for the new mother with physical and emotional strains of mothering.
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