Hello, my name is Ryan.
Manual therapy has been a part of my life since my childhood, I remember spending lot's of time at my mother's Physiotherapy clinic and learning various exercises and stretches. Fast forward to high school, I thought I was indestructible but ended up sustaining injuries in football and wrestling, and I didn't take the time needed or seek the right therapies to help my injuries.
Going into University, these previous injuries had morphed into chronic conditions that had impaired my learning and left me prone to getting a concussion in my second year. This time, I knew things needed to change, so I tried massage therapy and that is when things started to change for the better!
Sound familiar? I hear many similar stories every day in the clinic from people in all age groups who suffer and have not yet found success in dealing with these injuries and conditions. Fortunately, my experience with chronic pain has helped me to understand how to treat these conditions and many people have found success in my treatment room!
I'm Passionate About Caring for Others
I was born and raised in Saskatchewan and have grown up with a passion for learning new ideas which had eventually led to me wanting to study Anatomy & Physiology. I graduated from Professional Institute of Massage Therapy with a 2200-hour Advanced Massage Therapy Diploma with Distinction in 2017, among the top in my class.
I have had a history of sport injuries and can identify with and understand injuries from both my own experience and the textbook knowledge I have learned. Before becoming a Massage Therapist, I had been studying to become a teacher, but my University studies ended with a concussion in my second year. The pain I experienced helped to soften my heart and give me a desire to help others. When I discovered the many benefits of massage therapy first hand, I knew that I needed to share these benefits with others and help those who are suffering as I have. Many patients see my work as authentic and unique, often times saying that they had tried many other forms of therapy with no results until they were recommended to me and found success!
These words may be hard to take in, and please forgive me for mentioning this, but I believe that pain and suffering often help us to improve ourselves, that overcoming challenges can help turn us into better people. Perhaps our suffering helps us to make more wise decisions like eating healthy foods, exercising more, drinking pure water, remembering to take care of ourselves, seeking forgiveness for our wrongs, spending more time with loved ones and learning how to be still. When we experience pain or discomfort, our initial reaction is to sometimes run away from the problem and turn to habits of escapism, such as: pharmaceutical drugs to block the nerve sensations, TV & movies, video games, and procrastination. We think these behaviours are normal or that's just the way we are, yet if we were to stop and be still, maybe we begin to feel the ache that we buried deep down away from our awareness. My treatments subtly help to bring us back to our own awareness and to deal with the underlining issues that we have long forgotten about as maybe the root-cause of our present symptoms.
After His resurrection, Jesus instructed his followers and said “They will place their hands on the sick and they shall recover.” (Mark 16:18). Now, I'm not saying that Jesus told his followers to become massage therapists, but that he shows compassion for the sick, and all are made better with Him. Pain and illnesses of the body seem to have a connection to pain and illnesses of the soul, and may serve to help us. The pain and discomfort that we feel may be a blessing if we can accept whatever problems we are dealing with St. Paul reminds us in his Epistle to the Romans: “suffering produces patience, and patience produces character, and character produces hope.” (Rom.5:3-4).
I have a passion for exploring outdoors and traveling to new destinations. I always carry a new book to read and enjoy practicing martial arts. I study the Chinese kung fu called WIng Chun, where I learn the importance of ergonomics and effortless strength. I continue to take new courses and expand my range of manual therapy expertise.
CREDENTIALS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
2017 - 2200-hour Advanced Massage Therapy Diploma with Distinction from Professional Institute of Massage Therapy
Aug 26-27, 2017 - John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Mobilization Workshop
Sept 3, 2017 - College of Acupuncture & Therapeutics’ Cupping Massage Workshop
May 4-6, 2018 - John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release I Seminar & Workshop (MFR1)
May 30-June 2 2019 - Upledger CranioSacral Theray’ CranioSacral Therapy 1 (CS1)
