Early in my career, I worked alongside one of my first mentors in a complex pain clinic, where I was exposed to challenging and persistent pain presentations from the beginning. With limited clinical experience at the time, I quickly learned to think critically, develop my clinical reasoning, and look beyond the immediate source of pain.
He also introduced me to osteopathically informed practice and directed me toward the Canadian College of Osteopathy, where I completed four years of coursework from 2016 to 2020.
My osteopathic training gave me a much broader way of understanding the body and its interconnected systems. My studies included:
Spine & Axial Skeleton
Lumbar spine and sacral mechanics, thoracic spine and rib cage, cervical spine, and the upper cervical complex.
Pelvis & Lower Extremity
Sacrum and pelvic mechanics, ilium, pubic symphysis and hip, knee and lower limb integration, foot mechanics, and global patterning.
Upper Extremity
Shoulder, elbow, and upper limb function, with integration into the thoracic and cervical systems.
Cranial & TMJ
Cranial relationships, facial structures, and temporomandibular joint function and dysfunction.
Visceral & Other Systems
Digestive, hepatic, respiratory, and lymphatic systems, fluid dynamics, and obstetric and gynecological considerations.
This training comes from a lineage that traces back through several generations to the early pioneers of hands-on practice, including A.T. Still, founder of osteopathy, and W.G. Sutherland, a pioneer of cranial work.
Gunn IMS
My first experience in British Columbia came through training at UBC in Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), a form of dry needling developed by Vancouver physician Dr. Chan Gunn.
Gunn IMS introduced me to a different way of approaching persistent pain. Rather than simply treating where something hurts, the approach considers the relationship between the nervous system, muscles, and movement. Learning within this lineage gave me a deeper understanding of neuromuscular sensitivity and how it can influence movement and recovery.
Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)
Certified 2016, with ongoing clinical application of the approach.
Bringing the Approaches Together
Osteopathically informed hands-on treatment helps me assess the body as an interconnected system and identify areas that may be limiting movement, breathing, or adaptation.
Gunn IMS gives me another way to address neuromuscular sensitivity, excess muscle tone, and persistent patterns of tension.
Together, they help me look beyond the immediate symptom and identify some of the barriers that may be keeping someone from moving forward.
From there, I use guided movement and breath work to help the changes created through treatment become more coordinated, functional, and sustainable.
Why Salt Spring Island
After more than 14 years in practice and working with more than 1,000 clients, I came to Salt Spring Island because I wanted to practice in an environment that reflected many of the things I value about health and recovery.
There is something unique about being surrounded by nature, good food, movement, and community. I wanted to incorporate more of these elements into my work rather than viewing treatment as something that only happens on the treatment table.
I now live and practice on Salt Spring Island, while also helping out at Chorus Frog Farm on Jasper Road. When appropriate, I incorporate farm walks and time outdoors into my work.