Tel: 250 802 1813
NEW or CHRONIC
ACHES & PAINS
Early treatment makes life easier for both client and therapist. Persistent pain causes compensatory patterns. This underuse/overuse creates suboptimal muscular and joint function and fatigue which all perpetuate pain.
An individualized treatment plan is essential to improve joint biomechanics and muscular function. Dysfunctional patterns can be corrected with training in posture and body mechanics and consistent performance of a personalized stretching, strengthening and conditioning program.
Emphasis is placed on self-management techniques including breathing strategies, pacing of activities and the correction of habituated patterns.
Hands on, one on one treatments of head, neck, back, or limb symptoms include myofascial release, massage, stretching, strengthening, joint mobilizations, cupping and kinesio taping.
LYMPHEDEMA & EDEMA
If you’re concerned about swelling, consider coming in for an assessment to determine the likely cause and best course of action.
Early detection, ongoing professional guidance and the implementation of consistent healthy lifestyle choices and daily routines will provide the best long-term outcomes.
To reduce limb and trunk edema, sessions may include stretching, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), conditioning exercises on a Bellicon Rebounder, and bandaging or compression garment use.
Head and neck cancer related lymphedema often requires compression and specialized manual therapy.
Swelling may require the temporary use of multi-layer bandaging or reduction kits. Guidance on acquisition of compression garments will be provided, with recommendations on local garment fitters.
I am a certified Lymphedema Therapist with the Lymphedema Association of North America with over 185 course hours in the Vodder and Leduc approaches to lymphedema management.
LIPIDEMA
Assessment and professional guidance on management of this chronic condition is important for minimizing joint and tissue discomfort, reducing stressors on connective tissue and controlling edema.
Sessions include guidance on compression garment use for edema and pain control as well as instruction on stretching, strengthening and conditioning programs.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach of evaluating and treating restrictions in the membranes of the skull and spine as well as within muscles, fascia and other tissues. Light touch therapeutic techniques are used to release tension patterns that create pain and dysfunction. As tissue restrictions release, the bodies’ efficiency and self-corrective abilities improve which enhances a person’s state of health and well being.
CranioSacral techniques specifically calm nervous system overactivity resulting in less physical, mental and emotional tension.
CST is especially effective in the treatment of anxiety, headaches, migraines, TMD, PTSD and complex, chronic pain.
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I am a Techniques Certified CranioSacral Therapist through the Upledger Institute International. Access my profile here: https://www.iahp.com/Laurie-Ottenbreit/
BREAST CANCER, HEAD & NECK CANCER & OTHER CANCERS
Starting treatment early in your cancer journey can reduce how much you are affected by pain, fatigue, brain fog, numbness and reduced mobility and strength. Early intervention will help the body recover faster from cancer treatment side effects. Manual therapy will improve scar tissue pliability and reduce tension patterns to help optimize your postural alignment and ease of movement.
As the intensive phase of cancer treatment ends, a gradual return to usual activities can be attained through a wisely progressed strengthening, flexibility and conditioning program
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Note that pre-operative assessments are recommended to acquire baseline measurements and provide education on post-operative care to reduce the risk of complications such as seromas and lymphedema. Learning the signs and symptoms of lymphedema and adopting lifestyle changes are important preventative steps you can take.
Sessions include:
1. Comprehensive physical assessment.
2. Comprehensive assessment and treatment of post operative or chronic swelling.
3. Manual therapies to improve scar tissue pliability, joint flexibility and muscle health.
4. Gradually progressed stretching, strengthening and conditioning program.
5. Individualized home program
6. Recommendation on compression garments as needed
I take a holistic approach to treatment that focuses on both your physical and emotional well-being. My quest to understand the human body led me to attain a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and a Bachelor of Science with distinction in Physiotherapy. For 23 years, a passion for travel led me to work in the U.S.A, U.K, Southeast Asia, China, the Middle East, Africa and South America. This diversity in life and therapeutic perspectives resulted in an eclectic approach to patient care, with a strong focus on identifying the root cause of dysfunction. Working with minimal resources in developing countries and in foreign languages necessitated the development of keen observational and manual skills to identify and treat causes of dysfunction. Understanding that the body is a representation of a person’s habits, injuries, usage, temperament and genetics, I place a strong emphasis on carefully listening to each client and to attentively assessing their bodies' patterns. Each session involves individualized treatment to address the causes of dysfunction. I’m a strong believer that a collaborative approach delivers the best outcomes. As such, all of my clients receive a tailored home exercise program and self-management strategies to holistically support their quest for wellness.