Walking is a man's best medicine. ~ Hippocrates I’ve always been a walker; it’s in my genes. Yours too. The commonly cited benefits of walking include cardiovascular fitness, weight management, diabetes prevention and enhanced cognitive function. In his video “23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?”, Doctor-Professor Mike ...
Self-Care
Relearning The Art of Eating
Our problem is not want of knowledge about the basic care and feeding of Homo Sapiens. Our problem is a stunning and tragically costly cultural reluctance – to swallow it. ~ David L, Katz, Director, Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center. We live in a world obsessed with food. Every day I see or hear something about what we should or should not eat. And I ...
Why Does Alignment Matter So Much?
When all parts of the human body are in line, we have perfect health. When they are not, the effect is disease. When the parts are readjusted, disease gives place to health. ~ A. T. Still, Founder of Osteopathy Clients often ask me why alignment matters and why I'm so focused on it. Here's the expanded version of my answer. Alignment is the foundation of ...
Alignment Snack: “Can’t Get Enough Shoulders”
Today I’m sharing something for you to do instead of something for you to read. “Upper back, neck and shoulder tension” is a common complaint from my clients. Not surprising since so many people work at a computer for hours each day. Or have jobs where they are lifting, carrying or doing other work with their hands - like parents! Plus so many of our favourite ...
Restorative Exercise — You Are How You Move!
I discovered Katy Bowman's 'exercise is not movement' platform after reading her "Katy Says" blog. It was the missing link I'd been looking for: safe, effective biomechanically correct natural movement for optimal health — for myself and my clients. The objective analysis of alignment and philosophy of movement fits with both my personal beliefs and the ...
Find It, Fix It, and Leave It Alone
Find it, fix it and leave it alone. ~ Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, Founder of Osteopathy One of the fundamental principles of osteopathy is that the body has self-regulating and self-healing abilities. When you come to my office with any problem, my job as an osteopath is to: Detect the source(s) of dysfunction - Find It. Release the obstacles preventing ...
Is Your Body “Under Pressure”?
I got hooked on Katy Bowman’s “Katy Says” blog back in 2011 after reading her posts on alignment and pressure-based problems - diastasis recti, pelvic organ prolapse, varicose veins, hernias, constipation, high blood pressure and more. I've been explaining these concepts to clients for many years, so was excited to see someone else sharing my views and passion ...
Make the Most of Your Osteopathy Treatment
Should I go to the gym after my treatment? Is a run OK? Will I be sore tomorrow? Common questions. When we're working together, I use a variety of strategies to help your body integrate the proposed changes and prevent adverse post-treatment reactions. But what can you do once you leave my office? Take it easy. Don’t rush off to do a strenuous cardio workout ...
Why Winter Walking Rocks!
You can't get too much winter in the winter. ~ Robert Frost I love walking in winter. It’s tranquil and beautiful; simultaneously calming yet invigorating. I enjoy the crunch of snow underfoot and the slight sting of flakes on my face. I appreciate having fewer people in my path and am surprised how I hear entirely different sounds than in summer. And it's much ...
The Best Calf Stretch Ever
Foot pain, especially when first standing in the morning, is a common problem. It's usually diagnosed as plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the thick band of connective tissue on the sole of the foot. This fascia is continuous with the Achilles tendon at the heel. Sitting for extended periods, and wearing positive-heeled shoes, can cause your calf muscles to ...