about

The Massage Therapist

My post-graduate education focuses largely on the highly researched world of “pain science”; essentially understanding how and why we feel pain and how we can use that knowledge to help us overcome pain, especially persistent pain. It is through this modern understanding of how and why pain manifests that I find the greatest value in providing healing touch. My keen interest and continued reading and education in the science of pain allow me to empower you on your journey towards a life in which persistent pain plays a smaller role. My aim is to facilitate your body’s own ability to heal from injury and to let go of pain that no longer serves a purpose by providing treatment and, where appropriate, education and self-care exercises designed to facilitate your recovery.

I firmly believe that you, my patients, are some of my most valuable teachers. I approach my practice with an evidence-based mindset, which means drawing on both quality, published research and practical, clinical experience. It is only by really listening to your experiences and ideas and by taking a collaborative approach to your healing that I am able to truly abide by the principles of evidence-based practice.

When you book a massage therapy appointment with me, you can expect a brief review of relevant medical history; discussion and brief assessment of your current condition; massage therapy treatment that focuses on your nervous system’s response; an individualized treatment; self-care exercises or recommendations as needed.

I am a graduate of the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy and recipient a 2018 Student Case Study Award granted by the Registered Massage Therapists of British Columbia.

My previous background includes an undergraduate degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from York University, UK and medical conference organisation at a not-for-profit society in Lausanne, Switzerland. It was a desire for understanding more about the human body and for helping people find lasting relief from pain, helping to enable people’s bodies to heal, and helping people find a state of well-being that motivated me to change my path to Registered Massage Therapy. 

Massage Therapy

British Columbia is home to some of the most qualified massage therapists in the world. In B.C., Registered Massage Therapists are healthcare professionals who undergo extensive training that in addition to manual techniques includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics, neurology, pharmacology, and research. They are required to pass extensive entry-level examinations that are overseen by the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (the same body that oversees the profession and enforces its professional standards). Like other healthcare professionals in B.C. (including medical doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and dentists among others) RMTs abide by the “Health Professions Act” and must pursue continuing education in order to remain in practice.

If you deal with pain or dysfunction in your body there is a good chance that your RMT will be able to help. In B.C. physicians regularly refer their patients to RMTs because massage therapy is both an accessible and effective component of their patients’ treatment. Massage Therapy is a non-surgical, drug-free treatment option that deserves to be explored as a component of many patients’ treatment plans.

By definition Massage Therapy involves the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, connective tissue, ligaments and joints. It is one of the world’s oldest forms of healing; in fact, it shows up in medical texts dating back over 4,000 years. The existence of massage as a method to facilitate healing through the ages is testament to the value attributed it to it by civilisations ranging from “The Yellow Emperor’s” China to Ancient Greece to our own civilisation today. Though the explanation as to how and why massage therapy is effective in reducing pain has evolved over the years, it remains an effective and safe method of care. 

RMTs are trained to be involved in addressing many disorders including autoimmune rheumatic disorders such as Raynaud’s disease, tendonitis disorders, impingement syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains & strains, anxiety, depression, shin splints, neck and back pain, plantar fasciitis, patellar tracking issues, jaw dysfunction (TMJD) among many others. The Registered Massage Therapists Association of British Columbia provides a full list of conditions that RMTs can help to address.

In addition to the training that I received in school I have completed several post-graduate trainings in persistent pain and pain science; jaw dysfunction (TMJD/TMD); and pregnancy massage.