Welcome to the Blog
TWO SECTIONS. ONE PURPOSE: BETTER UNDERSTANDING.This blog is designed to educate, inspire, and broaden awareness of how integrative orthopaedic medical massage therapy can influence recovery, resilience, and quality of life.
Ask the Expert
Adapted from my long-standing column in the Okotoks Western Wheel since 2004, these updated articles tackle common concerns, frequently misunderstood pathologies, and treatment strategies that often get overlooked in traditional healthcare.
Each entry begins with a client-style question and ends with an evidence-informed, experience-based response — like a “Dear Abby,” but for therapeutic bodywork.
Case Studies
With over two decades in clinical practice, I’ve seen more clients than I can count — each with a story worth telling. These selected case studies highlight memorable recoveries, unusual presentations, and real-world results. They are written to share insights with fellow practitioners & healthcare collaborators, and to offer hope to those navigating complex or unresolved physical challenges.
What Your Body is Really Saying—How Orthopaedic Assessment Guides Effective Massage
Orthopaedic assessment is more than just testing movement—it’s your body’s way of communicating with your massage therapist. By using standardized, evidence-informed tests, an RMT can pinpoint the true source of pain, collaborate seamlessly with other healthcare providers, and create a treatment plan that delivers faster, longer-lasting results.
First Rib Rotation vs. Rotator Cuff Injury
This case study follows a patient who spent seven years seeking answers for chronic shoulder pain—until a rotated first rib was revealed as the real culprit.
IT-Band Symptoms
Think foam rolling your IT Band is helping? Think again. ITB pain is often a symptom of deeper postural and muscular dysfunction — and rolling it may be making things worse. Learn what to do instead to find real relief.
Chronic Foot Pain May Not Be Plantar Fasciitis
Still struggling with foot or heel pain despite months of treatment for Plantar Fasciitis? The problem might not be your fascia — but referral pain from overlooked muscles in your lower leg. Learn what could really be causing your symptoms and how to resolve them with a smarter, assessment-driven approach.
Groin Injuries: Why Recovery Takes More Than Rest
Groin pain that won’t go away? Learn why dancer adductor injuries are complex, often misdiagnosed, and what it really takes to heal and return to performance.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Or Something else?
A collection of clinical trigger point referral diagrams highlighting muscles such as the pectoralis minor, latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior and posterior, and triceps brachii — all of which can cause referred symptoms to the 4th and 5th fingers. These patterns help differentiate true Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and other soft tissue causes of hand numbness and tingling.
Hip, Knee and Foot Pain Connection
Experiencing pain that travels from your hip to your knee and foot? Discover how kinetic chain dysfunction and muscle imbalances may be the hidden cause — and how orthopaedic assessment and targeted massage therapy can help resolve the root of the issue.
Winter Driving Back & Leg Pain
Do you experience back and leg pain only during winter driving? Learn how seasonal stress, seat heaters, and posture may be triggering muscular issues — and what you can do to feel better behind the wheel.
