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.
==page index ========================
This page gives general information about my role, my beginnings and influences upon my approach to massage therapy.
== my role ==========================
The philosophy of my role:
I refute being labelled a “healer” or “fixer”, as that may praise my ego. But 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.
== 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 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.
This page gives general information about my role, my beginnings and influences upon my approach to massage therapy.
== my role ==========================
The philosophy of my role:
I refute being labelled a “healer” or “fixer”, as that may praise my ego. But 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.
== 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 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 experiences 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.
Ongoing education through our professional requirement, continued education, as a health care professional.
Over thirteen years of RMT experience:
I have been in good standing with both my College and Association obtaining my licensing since 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 13 years ago (the pic), I started my RMT career in Vancouver (John Forsyth RMT) worked out of the following clinics: the Massage & Therapy Centre, and Central Lonsdale Massage Therapy Clinic to mention two. 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.
A variety of techniques listed on massage techniques section on my website, "RMT services..." page.
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?
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Massage Therapy is a health profession that operates under the Min. of Health as a private business.
John Forsyth RMT © from 2022. All rights reserved.
(image left or top) a beautiful flower, (image right or bottom, some 13 years ago) John Forsyth RMT © from 2022. All rights reserved.