About Me

About Me, the RMT...

Life has its challenges and massage therapy has personally restored my wellness no matter what stage of life I am at.

The philosophy of my role:

I refute being labelled a “healer” or “fixer”, as that may praise my ego. That is not what I do.

You must accept the fact that there is no help but "self-help".

Then you will understand, I am a facilitator only.

A sort of quasi-catalyst to speed up healing, recovery and wellness.

== influences ======================

How, why did I end up as an RMT?

In 1985, after the first stage of the Tour of Grasslands bicycle race, I received a post-race massage from (the late) Anita Patrick RMT. The results were life changing, not because I felt that I could race again post massage. But more so, I had met someone who might be able to help me with the lingering results of a car-bicycle accident over a year earlier that changed my life forever. I exhausted ten months of physiotherapy, left partially rehabbed. Anita finished the rehab - allowing me to excel in competitive sport of road and velodrome cycling.

In 1992, as a result of a another accident that resulted in a complete career change. I contemplated massage therapy at that time but went into the field of computers and electronics. After about 15 years, I was tired of the technology rat race, and during that in-between time, as Anita's impression gave rise in the decision to pursue massage therapy.

When I returned to school in 2008, I knew I needed a physical outlet - I bought a bicycle and a gym membership - to counter balance all that studying. After about 20 years of a sedentary lifestyle, I wanted a healthier lifestyle too. And as it played out, I gained enough fitness to consider participating in the Grouse Grind Mountain Race and later the BC Masters Cycling series. I impart, that I met my personal goals....

==West Coast College of Massage Therapy

Why WCCMT school?

"WCCMT (New Westminster) is the birth place of massage therapy education in British Columbia with over 40 years of proven success. West Coast College of Massage Therapy's 3-year RMT program had the best reputation and offered many practical programs off campus and at its own public clinic.
Furthermore, WCCMT had talented instructors from UBC School of Medicine teaching us anatomy, kinesiology and physiology and senior hospital administrator (anesthesiologist) and surgeon from Europe. As well, many Registered Nurses, Chiropractors, and Registered Massage Therapists too.

My experience: of more than thirty-nine years of massage therapy experience...as a patient and over 13 years as a therapist.

== Competitive Sport and Career Pursuit =

Furthermore, I draw from my personal perspectives - National Coaching science and Kinesiology educations. As in Kinesiology, massage therapy is an effective part of preventative and rehabilitative medicine. As a health maintenance modality, it is sound preventative health care. Massage therapy coupled with other modalities and active rehabilitative activities offer more benefits than just massage alone.

In addition ...as my educational, athletic and involvement from SFU Kinesiology (Kin), SFU's The Institute for Human Performance, SFU Cycling Club President, Coaching Association of Canada flagship, "National Coaching Certification Program" (NCCP) Sports and Coaching Science with a Cycling Specialty; and finally the West Coast College of Massage Therapy RMT program and as a former member of the BC Cycling Team into a medically sound therapeutic treatment.

Many principles of athletic training and clinical sport medicine apply to everyone, this is where the science and art meet practice when meeting individual needs. I encourage clients to have some kind of recreation and activities that promote a healthy outcomes.

Over thirteen years of RMT experience:

I have been in good standing with both my College and Association since obtaining my licensing in March 2011.
Massage therapy is a physical therapy, a modality to treat soft-tissue disorders, pathologies, and syndromes supported by both clinical and medical research evidence.

Some 14 years ago (the pic), I started my RMT career in Vancouver worked out of the following clinics: the Massage & Therapy Centre, and Central Lonsdale Massage Therapy Clinic. Since returning to the Okanagan and working out of - Sea Escape Massage Therapy & Wellness and the Front Street clinic - I have modified my approach due to a different demographical needs. And finally, I opened my own clinic to better service my patients.

Whether sporty deep tissue or calming (relaxing) the nervous system approach without being spa massage.
Every person's treatment is individualized to suit their needs. I have worked with adolescents to the mature adults, from the sedentary to elite athletes....

How about you?

Ongoing Professional Education through our professional requirement as a health care professional.

Some of those technique related courses:

Armand Ayaltin’s Systemic Deep Tissue Therapy,
Dr. Travel’s trigger-point therapy,
Jim Bilotta’s soft-tissue release techniques,
a variety of orthopaedic (joint mobilizations) and
soft-tissue techniques - myofascial or connective tissue techniques, static pressure techniques, and friction to mention a few.
Diane Jacob’s dermoneuromodulation techniques peripheral and superficial nerves,
Dr. Vodder’s basic lymphatic systems for simple lymphatic issues.