Since 2005, Bryan has been dedicated to helping all people with chronic and acute pain caused by soft-tissue damage.
His training and experience make him uniquely qualified to treat a wide variety of pain and dysfunction and to give instruction on prevention and self-care.
Bryan is the only Massage Therapist in Manitoba — and one of the few in Canada — to be certified by the Certification Board for Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists (CBMTPT).
Bryan holds a degree as an Advanced Remedial Massage Therapist (ARMT) from the Massage Therapy College of Manitoba. Course work at MTCM includes
• over 2,000 hours of practice, as well as
• intensive course work,
• a supervised clinical practicum, and
• community outreach placements.MTCM has a credit transfer affiliation with the University of Winnipeg, ensuring that its courses are held to the highest level. When Bryan studied at MTCM, the college was the only massage therapy college in western Canada accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation. Today, the college is a member of the Canadian Council of Massage Therapy Schools.
Bryan is a member in good standing of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada.
Bryan also has a background in Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, and Sport Sciences from the University of Manitoba, and he has worked as a personal trainer and fitness leader.
He is an avid natural bodybuilder and fitness enthusiast, and has a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Back Pain
Meralgia paresthetica? Yeah, we know all about it.
Meralgia paresthetica is an often missed diagnosis for tingling, numbness, and burning pain on the front and outside of your thigh. The condition is caused by a pinching or irritation to the “lateral femoral cutaneous nerve” that supplies sensation to your thigh.
This nerve can be compressed beneath a ligament, tendon or tight muscle in your hip and pelvis. Pregnancy or being even slightly overweight makes this condition more likely. Tight clothing including girdles, compressive shorts, or tight belts may aggravate or cause this condition. Carpenters’ tool belts or police duty belts may compress this nerve. Prolonged sitting or lying in a fetal position may aggravate this problem. Diabetics are at greater risk.
In the early stages of this condition, your symptoms are usually mild and intermittent. Walking or standing may aggravate the symptoms, and sitting tends to relieve them. In more advanced stages, numbness and tingling changes to shooting pain that is unaffected by your position.
The central goal of treatment is to decrease any cause of compression. In some cases, simply wearing looser clothing or belts may help relieve your symptoms. Some men find relief by switching from a belt to suspenders. Avoid wearing a tool belt or duty belt that places pressure over the area. If you are overweight, begin a sensible weight loss program to avoid compression from excessive tissue.
Avoiding Back Pain At Sedentary Jobs
Some great tips on how to prevent back pain when working a sedentary job from our friends at Silicon Republic. Check out the article below.
1. Take regular breaks to stretch and walk around
Try to walk around for between three and five minutes every half hour.
2. Make sure not to hunch over while working
Everyone intuitively understands that hunching over the computer is bad for them, but it’s easy to fall into the most natural and comfortable – albeit unhealthy – sitting position while you’re in the flow of things.
3. Consider a standing desk
A standing desk offers you the opportunity to alternate your position throughout the day.
Right between my shoulder blades, Doc…..
Your spine is made up of 24 bones stacked on top of each other with a soft “disc” between each segment to allow for flexibility. Normally, each joint in your spine should move freely and independently. Our examination of your spine has shown that one or more of your spinal vertebra is slightly misaligned and restricted. We call this condition “spinal segmental joint restriction”.
To help visualize this, imagine a normal spine functioning like a big spring moving freely in every direction. A spine with a joint restriction is like having a section of that spring welded together. The spring may still move as a whole, but a portion of it is no longer functioning.
Joint restrictions can develop in many ways. Sometimes they are brought on by an accident or an injury. Other times, they develop from repetitive strains or poor posture. Being overweight, smoking, strenuous work, and emotional stress can make you more susceptible to problems.
Restricted joints give rise to a self-perpetuating cycle of discomfort. Joint restriction causes swelling and inflammation, which triggers muscular guarding leading to more restriction. Since your spine functions as a unit, rather than as isolated pieces, a joint restriction in one area of your spine often causes “compensatory” problems in another. Think of this as a rowboat with multiple oarsmen on each side. When one rower quits, the others are placed under additional stress and can become overworked.
Joint restrictions most commonly cause local tenderness and discomfort. You may notice that your range of motion is limited. Movement may increase your discomfort. Pain from a restricted joint often trickles around your rib cage or up & down your spine. Be sure to tell your chiropractor if your symptoms include any chest pain, shortness of breath, unusual cough, indigestion or flu-like complaints.
Long-standing restrictions are thought to result in arthritis – much like the way a slightly misaligned wheel on your car causes premature wearing of your tire.
You should recognize that your problem is common and generally treatable. Chiropractic care has been shown to be the safest and most effective treatment for joint restrictions. Our office offers several tools to help ease your pain. To speed your recovery, you should avoid activities that increase your pain. Be sure to take frequent breaks from sedentary activity. Yoga has been shown to help back pain sufferers so consider joining a class or picking up a DVD.
Suddenly my back was killing me!
Low back pain affects 80% of the population at some point in their life and one-third of the population on a yearly basis. One of the most common causes of low back pain comes from a slightly restricted joint in your spine.
Your lower back is made up of 5 bones stacked on top of each other with a soft “disc” between each segment to allow for flexibility. Normally, each joint in your spine should move freely and independently. Our examination of your spine has shown that one or more of the joints in your low back is slightly misaligned and restricted. We call this condition “lumbar segmental joint restriction”.
To help visualize this, imagine a normal spine functioning like a big spring moving freely in every direction. A spine with a joint restriction is like having a section of that spring welded together. The spring may still move as a whole, but a portion of it is no longer functioning.
Joint restriction can develop in many ways. Sometimes they are brought on by an accident or an injury. Other times, they develop from repetitive strains or poor posture. Several factors may make you more likely to experience low back problems. These include: being overweight, smoking, strenuous work, repetitive bending, twisting and lifting, prolonged exposure to whole body vibration- i.e. operating a motorized vehicle, stress, anxiety, depression, dissatisfaction with your job and even your attitude!
Restricted joints give rise to a self-perpetuating cycle of discomfort. Joint restriction causes swelling and inflammation, which triggers muscular guarding leading to more restriction. Since your spine functions as a unit, rather than as isolated pieces, a joint restriction in one area of your spine often causes “compensatory” problems in another. Think of this as a rowboat with multiple oarsmen on each side. When one rower quits, the others are placed under additional stress and can become overworked.
Joint restrictions most commonly cause local tenderness and discomfort. You may notice that your range of motion is limited. Movement may increase your discomfort. Pain from a restricted joint often trickles down to your hips or thighs. Be sure to tell your chiropractor if your symptoms include any radiation of pain below your knee, weakness, groin numbness or changes in bowel or bladder function.
Long-standing restrictions are thought to result in arthritis – much like the way a slightly misaligned wheel on your car causes premature wearing of your tire.
You should recognize that your problem is common and generally treatable. Chiropractic care has been shown to be the safest and most effective treatment for joint restrictions. Our office offers several tools to help ease your pain. To speed your recovery, you should wear supportive shoes and avoid activities that increase your pain. Be sure to take frequent breaks from sedentary activity. Yoga has been shown to help back pain sufferers so consider joining a class or picking up a DVD.
Trigger points in the Quadratus Lumborum muscle.
The quadratus lumborum muscle is a commonly overlooked source of low back pain and is often responsible for “pseudo disc syndrome”. This muscle originates on the inferior border of the 12th rib and lumbar transverse processes. It inserts on the iliac crest and iliolumbar ligament. The q.l.’s main actions are extension and lateral flexion of the spine. It also acts as a stabilizer of the lumbar spine. Trigger points in this muscle refer pain into the sacroiliac joint and the lower buttock. Pain can also spread anteriorly along the crest of the ilium into the lower abdomen and groin and to the greater trochanter. 
Why Posture Is So Important For Fitness
Why Posture Is So Important For Exercise & Fitness
Great article from http://www.brit.co on posture and fitness.
If you’ve ever rolled your eyes when your mom told you to “sit up straighter,” listen up! Turns out she was on to something. Good posture is important for more reasons than physical presentation. And for fitness fanatics, it’s actually critical. “Good posture impacts how you walk, jump, and lift,” says Aaptiv trainer Ackeem Emmons. “Proper alignment also eases strain or pain on your spinal cord.”
For runners and gym-goers, the impacts are even more specific. “When you’re running, having good posture allows you to breathe better,” Emmons says. “The more air in your diaphragm, the further you can go. The better your posture, the more fluid your form.” All of this translates to more efficient and successful running. In the gym, proper form and alignment help you isolate certain muscle groups and execute heavy compound movements, he adds.
Beyond the obvious physical gains, your posture can also impact you mentally as well. “Standing tall with proper posture gives the immediate impression of confidence and courage,” says Aaptiv trainer Ceasar F. Barajas. “You’re mentally setting the tone for success when you straighten up a bit.”
If you’re suddenly feeling hyper-aware of your spinal column, don’t worry. According to Aaptiv trainers Jaime McFaden and Benjamin Green, you can work every day to gradually correct limp posture. “Sit up straight and gently pull your shoulders back and down, stretching the neck. Press both feet firmly into the ground and lift your chest,” McFaden says.
“I’m on a bike anywhere from three to six days per week, hunched over with a rounded back,” explains Green. “Throughout the day, if I catch myself not standing up straight, I open up my shoulders.” If it helps, imagine a string attached to the top of your head, pulling you up, he adds.
For those looking for a more intense posture intervention, our Aaptiv trainers shared five exercises and poses that will help open up your chest, align your spine, and gradually correct poor posture. Keep reading for more moves and be sure to check out all of Aaptiv’s yoga and stretching classes in-app to support (pun intended) your good posture journey.
1. Planks — Aaptiv Trainer Kelly Chase: Lie on your stomach with your legs straight behind you. Bring your arms forward and rest your weight on your forearms. Your elbows should be directly below your shoulders. Your arms can rest straight and flat with your palms facing the ground or you can bring your hands together to form a triangular shape. Engage your core and keep your body as straight as possible, careful not to create any dip or arch in your lower back. Hold for 30 seconds. As you become stronger, you can increase your hold time.
2. Band Scapular Retraction Rows — Aaptiv Trainer Candice Cunningham: You’ll need a resistance band for this exercise. Sit upright on the floor with both feet extended in front of you. Keeping your legs straight together, wrap the band around the bottoms of your feet, holding the ends in your hands. Focus on holding your back completely straight as you gradually pull the ends of the band into your chest in a row-style movement. Your elbows should bend out to the sides at chest height. Straighten your arms and repeat.
Complete 10 reps.
3. Supermans — Aaptiv Trainer Benjamin Green: Lie straight and face down on your mat. Extend your arms in front of you with your biceps next to your ears. Exhale and simultaneously, raise your legs, arms, and chest off the mat, creating a U-shape in your body. Squeeze your lower back and hold for two deep breaths. Inhale and lower your limbs back to the mat.
Complete 10 reps.
4. Bird Dogs — Aaptiv trainer Ackeem Emmons: Start on your hands and knees with your palms directly below your shoulders and your knees below your hips. Put your weight on your left knee and left hand as you slowly lift your right leg and straighten it behind you, keeping it in line with your flat back. Lift your right arm and extend it forward in line with your back. Reach with your fingers, careful to maintain a straight line through your body from fingertips to toes. Flex your right foot so your toes are pointed toward the ground and hold for five deep breaths. Repeat on the other side.
Complete 10 reps on each side.
5. Tadasana (Mountain Pose) — Aaptiv trainer Ceasar Barajas: You can perform this pose standing or sitting (at your desk perhaps?). Take a deep breath in and roll your shoulders up towards your ears. Exhale and roll them back down. Continue consciously breathing deeply and engage your core. Imagine someone poured cold water down your back to further engage your core and move deeper in the stretch.
Perform this move as often as you need.
Exercise of the Month
Here is a great exercise that targets those upper back and shoulder muscles.
Reverse Butterfly’s – Keep in mind that all of the work in this exercise is done by your shoulder blades. Your arms are just along for the ride.
An Open Letter to our Medical friends.
In the past year, many trusted medical establishments including the FDA (1), CDC (2), Joint Commission (3,4), JAMA (5), and The American College of Physicians/ Annals of Internal Medicine (6) have encouraged medical providers to prescribe spinal manipulation as a first line treatment for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain.
Most recently, The Lancet echoed that endorsement, and provided a unique perspective:
The reduced emphasis on pharmacological care recommends nonpharmacological care as the first treatment option and reserves pharmacological care for patients for whom nonpharmacological care has not worked. These guidelines endorse the use of exercise and a range of other non- pharmacological therapies, including massage, spinal manipulation, and acupuncture.
Gaps between evidence and practice exist, with limited use of recommended first- line treatments and inappropriately high use of imaging, rest, opioids, spinal injections, and surgery. Doing more of the same will not reduce back-related disability or its long-term consequences. The advances with the greatest potential are arguably those that align practice with the evidence. (7)
Unfortunately, personal experience skews our perception of each other’s merit, i.e., we primarily see each other’s failures since the successes don’t need to seek additional care. Regardless of our professional degree, we all have failed cases mixed into our many clinical successes. We must not lose sight of the evidence supporting each other’s overwhelming proven value for a given diagnosis. If we judge each other by our successes rather than our failures, we will work toward an integrated model where the patient wins. Together, we will help more patients than either working alone.
We are honored for the opportunity to co-manage your patients.
References
1. FDA Education Blueprint for Health Care Providers Involved in the Management or Support of Patients with Pain. May 2017. Accessed on May 12, 2017
2. Dowell D, Haegerich TM, Chou R. CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain- United States, 2016. MMWR Recomm Rep 2016;65(No. RR-1):1–49.
3. The Official Newsletter of The Joint Commission. Joint Commission Enhances Pain Assessment and Management Requirements for Accredited Hospitals. July 2017 Volume 37 Number 7. Ahead of print in
2018 Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals.
4. Joint Commission Online. Revision to Pain Management Standards. http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/23/jconline_november_12_14.pdf
5. Paige NM, Miake-Lye IM, Booth MS, et al. Association of Spinal Manipulative Therapy With Clinical Benefit and Harm for Acute Low Back Pain; Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2017;317(14):1451-1460.
6. Qaseem A, et al. for the Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017;166(7):514-530.
7. Foster, Nadine EBuchbinder, Rachelle et al. Prevention and treatment of low back pain: evidence, challenges, and promising directions. The Lancet, Published Online March 21, 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/ S0140-6736(18)30489-6
Spring Cleaning Tips
If you plan on doing a bit of spring cleaning soon, here is our friendly safety reminder: Don’t forget that some chores are a workout, so stretch accordingly before and after. Also, be mindful of your posture throughout your cleaning.
Keep a neutral spine, bend at your knees when lifting heavy items, and never twist your back at unhealthy angles.
