#dermoneuromodulation

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Massage Therapy for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a complex issue affecting millions of people, often lasting months or even years. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning for injury, chronic pain can persist even after the underlying injury or condition has healed. For those dealing with ongoing pain, managing daily discomfort and maintaining quality of life can be challenging. Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) play a key role in supporting those living with chronic pain, using a range of therapies designed to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall wellness. One such approach, called Dermoneuromodulation (DNM), is increasingly recognized for its effectiveness in managing chronic pain conditions.

Understanding Chronic Pain

Chronic pain often extends beyond physical injury and can affect emotional well-being and mental health. Conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines, and persistent low back pain are common forms of chronic pain that many individuals experience. These conditions don’t just cause discomfort—they can limit mobility, reduce energy, and disrupt daily life. The goal of massage therapy for chronic pain is not only to manage physical pain but also to support holistic well-being, enabling patients to live more comfortably and confidently.

How Massage Therapy Helps with Chronic Pain

Massage therapy offers several benefits for individuals with chronic pain:

Reduces Muscle Tension: Chronic pain can lead to muscle guarding, which is when muscles remain tense to protect an area of the body. Massage therapy helps release this tension, allowing muscles to relax and restoring natural movement patterns.

Enhances Mental Health: Chronic pain often leads to anxiety, depression, and stress. Massage therapy promotes relaxation by stimulating the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which can decrease stress hormones and improve mental well-being.

Encourages Body Awareness: By working with an RMT, individuals can become more attuned to their body’s ’ needs, patterns, and postural habits, which can be transformative in managing chronic conditions.

What is Dermoneuromodulation (DNM)?

One specific approach gaining attention in the world of chronic pain management is Dermoneuromodulation (DNM). Developed by Canadian therapist Diane Jacobs, DNM is a gentle, non-invasive technique that focuses on the nervous system and skin (dermis). Unlike traditional massage techniques that target deeper muscles and tissues, DNM works on the skin to interact with the nerves and receptors that play a crucial role in chronic pain perception.

DNM is based on the concept that the skin and nervous system are intricately connected. By gently mobilizing the skin, RMTs can reduce nerve sensitivity, which can alleviate pain. This technique can be highly effective for individuals with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and nerve-related pain, as it addresses both the sensory and neural components of pain.

Why DNM is Effective for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is often associated with an overactive nervous system, where nerves become hypersensitive to stimuli. DNM directly targets this hypersensitivity by focusing on the skin’s nerve endings, influencing how the brain perceives pain. This unique approach can help “reset” the nervous system, leading to reduced pain levels and improved comfort.

Some key benefits of DNM for chronic pain include:

Gentle on Sensitive Areas: For individuals who experience discomfort with traditional massage techniques, DNM offers a gentle alternative that’s less likely to trigger pain.

Reduces Neural Tension: By working with the skin, RMTs can help reduce neural tension, which can have a significant impact on overall pain levels.

Increases Nervous System Modulation: DNM supports the nervous system in modulating its response to stimuli, making it a powerful tool for chronic pain management.

Conditions that Benefit from DNM and Massage Therapy

Massage therapy, including techniques like DNM, is beneficial for a variety of chronic pain conditions:

Fibromyalgia: Known for causing widespread pain and fatigue, fibromyalgia is often accompanied by sensitivity to touch. DNM’s gentle approach is ideal for managing fibromyalgia pain, as it doesn’t over-stimulate sore areas.

Migraines and Headaches: Massage therapy can address the muscle tension and stress associated with chronic headaches, while DNM can reduce nerve hypersensitivity in the head and neck regions.

Arthritis: Massage therapy relieves stiffness and increases joint mobility, while DNM can ease pain by reducing nerve sensitivity in affected areas.

Low Back Pain: Chronic low back pain often involves muscle tension and nerve sensitivity. Massage therapy and DNM together can target both muscle tightness and neural elements for a comprehensive approach to pain relief.

What to Expect in a Massage Therapy Session for Chronic Pain

At your first session, an RMT will discuss your pain history and goals for treatment, helping to determine the best approach. DNM, for example, may be used in conjunction with other techniques such as myofascial release or joint mobilization, depending on your needs. Sessions are typically designed to be relaxing and focused on areas where pain or tension are most present.

Your RMT may also provide guidance on at-home exercises and stretches to further support your progress between sessions. Building body awareness and integrating mindful movements can help individuals manage chronic pain more effectively, making massage therapy an essential part of a holistic pain management plan.

Embracing Long-Term Pain Relief with Massage Therapy

For those living with chronic pain, massage therapy offers more than just temporary relief; it supports long-term healing and comfort. Techniques like DNM can create meaningful change in pain perception, helping individuals regain control over their bodies and their lives. By integrating massage therapy with other healthcare interventions, RMTs in Kamloops, BC, are committed to helping patients manage chronic pain and achieve improved wellness.

If you’re ready to explore how massage therapy, including DNM, can help manage chronic pain, reach out to schedule a consultation. [Link to Book a Session]

For more on massage's therapeutic benefits, check out our article on Understanding the Role of a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), where we discuss how RMTs are trained to provide specialized care for various conditions.

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Neurocentric Approach to Mechanical Pain - DNM in Vancouver, BC April 4-6, 2025

It is a two-and-a-half-day workshop that will teach the philosophy, methods and techniques of DNM, which stands for Dermoneuromodulating. The course aims to help people understand pain and the nervous system and includes a hands-on, practical application.

Introducing DNM: Unlocking the Potential of Dermoneuromodulation. Are you an RMT looking to expand your skills, enhance your practice, and deliver exceptional results to your clients? Look no further; we are thrilled to present an exclusive opportunity for RMTs in beautiful Golden, BC, at 806 10th Ave S! DNM: The Complete Integration of Philosophy, Method, and Techniques We are excited to introduce DNM, Dermoneuromodulation, a groundbreaking approach that can revolutionize how you treat your clients. Led by the esteemed Michael Reoch, RMT, our course will take you through the philosophy, method, and techniques of DNM, empowering you to achieve remarkable outcomes for your clients. Why DNM? Unleash Your Full Potential DNM is not just another technique; it's a comprehensive system that allows you to go beyond the ordinary and create profound changes in your client's well-being. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a fresh face in the industry, DNM has something unique to offer: 1. Holistic Philosophy: By understanding the intricate connections between the person, the dermis, the nervous system, and the musculoskeletal system, DNM gives you a holistic perspective that can lead to lasting results. 2. Effective Method: DNM revolves around the concept of gentle, intentional touch. This helps you establish a deep connection with your clients and facilitates the body's natural healing mechanisms. It also ensures that each treatment is uniquely designed for your client's needs. 3. Incorporate your already established Techniques: From myofascial release to neural mobilization, positional release, and sensory integration, DNM equips you with a robust philosophy of care that you can apply to your favourite techniques. This allows you to address a wide range of conditions and deliver exceptional outcomes that resonate with your clients. About Michael Reoch, RMT: You Instructor Leading this transformative course is none other than Michael Reoch, an RMT with extensive experience in DNM. Michael's passion for teaching and commitment to excellence have made him a trusted name in the industry. His expertise and dedication will ensure you receive the highest quality education and guidance throughout the course. Join Us in Vancouver, BC: Beautiful Surroundings for a Transformative Experience

Don't Miss Out - Secure Your Spot Today: Click the link below!

In the field of Manual Therapy, there are many techniques used to treat people in pain. These techniques involve pushing, pulling, and twisting skin and soft tissue. DNM uses techniques that change the state of the nervous system in the skin, spinal cord and brain to make it less painful and reactive.

Studies have demonstrated that touch has significant psychological and physiological impacts, with the nervous system regulating these effects. To effectively use Manual Therapy as a pain treatment, it's important to comprehend pain physiology through a social, biological, and psychological perspective. Research has indicated that establishing a non-threatening treatment environment for the patient is vital.

The skin is closely tied to the nervous system, which makes up around 2% of our body weight but uses 20% of our O2 and glucose at all times. Nerves do not respond well to sustained mechanical deformation, specifically compression and stretch. Dermoneuromodulating is a method that considers the nervous system of the patient to treat from "skin cell to sense of self." Techniques are usually light, and holds are slow.

DNM is a form of personalized manual care that targets nervous system signals to reduce discomfort and pain. This approach involves collaboration between therapist and patient to alleviate tenderness and improve well-being. Regardless of the damage in the affected area, DNM can effectively reduce pain.

The term DNM Stands for Dermo (skin), Neuro (nervous system) Modulation (a change from one state to another). It is a method of manual therapy/massage therapy used to change the state of the nervous system from a painful hyperactive state to a less painful and reactive one through receptors in the skin.

In Manual Therapy (MT), hundreds of techniques and methods attempt to approach treating people in pain. These maneuvers' speed, duration and force may differ, but the underlying mechanistic effects all follow the same rules. They can all agree that we push, pull and twist skin directly and soft tissue indirectly.

Lately, there has been considerable growth in research around the mechanisms of massage and other manual therapies, with a drift into the neuroscience involved in pain.

Two processes seem to be apparent when we look at the research: 

First, the effects of touch have strong psychological and physiological effects. 

The nervous system controls these effects. 

If we use Manual Therapy as a treatment for pain resolution, we should look at understanding pain physiology within a social, biological and psychological framework. 

What we know from studying the non-specific effects of physical medicine is that we should strive for a treatment environment that creates the least amount of threat to the person being treated; therefore, We should act, dress and keep the treatment space in a way that won’t put the patient on the defensive. 

We know that we touch the skin primarily in manual therapy and that the skin is intimately tied into the nervous system embryologically as both arrive from the ectoderm. 

We know that the Nervous System makes up around 2% of our body by weight but uses 20% of our O2 and Glucose at all times.

The nervous system carries impulses from the peripheral (and from within), which are processed in the spinal cord and Brain to create an output response. If the impulses are deemed dangerous enough, the output is pain. 

We know that pain is a complex process that depends on contextual, psychological and biological factors that mostly happen without our conscious perception and that pain can’t happen without a nervous system. 

The human body has 72 kilometres of nerves, intimately connected to the vascular system millimetre by millimetre.

Nerves do not respond well to sustained mechanical deformation, specifically, compression more than stretch.

Dermoneuromodulating is a method that attempts to take these facts as an underlying framework for an interactive, hands-on approach to treating the experience of pain. It considers the nervous system of the patient to treat from “skin cell to sense of self.” Techniques are usually light, and holds are slow. Limbs and trunk are positioned to affect deeper nerve structures in combination with skin stretch. This is done to potentially shorten and widen a nerve's container, thus reducing mechanical deformation of the nerve. 

DNM is a method of manual care that puts the patient and their needs first. Instead of operating a recipe treatment, the treatment is an interaction between the patient and the therapist. The therapist and patient work together to find the areas that need attention and remove the tenderness and pain felt in that area. The focus is on changing the signalling within the nervous system to decrease discomfort. Pain does not happen in the muscles and other tissue but in the nervous system itself; therefore, whether or not the area of pain is damaged, we can reduce that pain with DNM.

[wellandable]

Neurocentric Approach to Mechanical Pain - DNM in Vancouver, BC

It is a two-and-a-half-day workshop that will teach the philosophy, methods and techniques of DNM, which stands for Dermoneuromodulating. The course aims to help people understand pain and the nervous system and includes a hands-on, practical application.

Introducing DNM: Unlocking the Potential of Dermoneuromodulation. Are you an RMT looking to expand your skills, enhance your practice, and deliver exceptional results to your clients? Look no further; we are thrilled to present an exclusive opportunity for RMTs in beautiful Golden, BC, at 806 10th Ave S! DNM: The Complete Integration of Philosophy, Method, and Techniques We are excited to introduce DNM, also known as Dermoneuromodulation, a groundbreaking approach that can revolutionize how you treat your clients. Led by the esteemed Michael Reoch, RMT, our course will take you through the philosophy, method, and techniques of DNM, empowering you to achieve remarkable outcomes for your clients. Why DNM? Unleash Your Full Potential DNM is not just another technique; it's a comprehensive system that allows you to go beyond the ordinary and create profound changes in your client's well-being. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a fresh face in the industry, DNM has something unique to offer: 1. Holistic Philosophy: By understanding the intricate connections between the person, the dermis, the nervous system, and the musculoskeletal system, DNM gives you a holistic perspective that can lead to lasting results. 2. Effective Method: DNM revolves around the concept of gentle, intentional touch, helping you establish a deep connection with your clients and facilitating the body's natural healing mechanisms, ensuring that each treatment is uniquely designed for your client's needs. 3. Incorporate your already established Techniques: From myofascial release to neural mobilization, positional release, and sensory integration, DNM equips you with a robust philosophy of care that you can apply to your favourite techniques, allowing you to address a wide range of conditions and deliver exceptional outcomes that resonate with your clients. About Michael Reoch, RMT: You Instructor Leading this transformative course is none other than Michael Reoch, an RMT with extensive experience in DNM. Michael's passion for teaching and commitment to excellence have made him a trusted name in the industry. His expertise and dedication will ensure you receive the highest quality education and guidance throughout the course. Join Us in Kamloops, BC: Beautiful Surroundings for a Transformative Experience

Don't Miss Out - Secure Your Spot Today: Click the link below!

In the field of Manual Therapy, there are many techniques used to treat people in pain. These techniques involve pushing, pulling, and twisting skin and soft tissue. DNM uses techniques that change the state of the nervous system in the skin, spinal cord and brain to make it less painful and reactive.

Studies have demonstrated that touch has significant psychological and physiological impacts, with the nervous system regulating these effects. To effectively use Manual Therapy as a pain treatment, it's important to comprehend pain physiology through a social, biological, and psychological perspective. Research has indicated that establishing a non-threatening treatment environment for the patient is vital.

The skin is closely tied to the nervous system, which makes up around 2% of our body weight but uses 20% of our O2 and glucose at all times. Nerves do not respond well to sustained mechanical deformation, specifically compression and stretch. Dermoneuromodulating is a method that considers the nervous system of the patient to treat from "skin cell to sense of self." Techniques are usually light, and holds are slow.

DNM is a form of personalized manual care that targets nervous system signals to reduce discomfort and pain. This approach involves collaboration between therapist and patient to alleviate tenderness and improve well-being. Regardless of the damage in the affected area, DNM can effectively reduce pain.

The term DNM Stands for Dermo (skin), Neuro (nervous system) Modulation (a change from one state to another). It is a method of manual therapy/massage therapy used to change the state of the nervous system from a painful hyperactive state to a less painful and reactive one through receptors in the skin.

In Manual Therapy (MT), hundreds of techniques and methods attempt to approach treating people in pain. These maneuvers' speed, duration and force may differ, but the underlying mechanistic effects all follow the same rules. They can all agree that we push, pull and twist skin directly and soft tissue indirectly.

Lately, there has been considerable growth in research around the mechanisms of massage and other manual therapies, with a drift into the neuroscience involved in pain.

Two processes seem to be apparent when we look at the research: 

First, the effects of touch have strong psychological and physiological effects. 

The nervous system controls these effects. 

If we use Manual Therapy as a treatment for pain resolution, we should look at understanding pain physiology within a social, biological and psychological framework. 

What we know from studying the non-specific effects of physical medicine is that we should strive for a treatment environment that creates the least amount of threat to the person being treated; therefore, We should act, dress and keep the treatment space in a way that won’t put the patient on the defensive. 

We know that we touch the skin primarily in manual therapy and that the skin is intimately tied into the nervous system embryologically as both arrive from the ectoderm. 

We know that the Nervous System makes up around 2% of our body by weight but uses 20% of our O2 and Glucose at all times.

The nervous system carries impulses from the peripheral (and from within), which are processed in the spinal cord and Brain to create an output response. If the impulses are deemed dangerous enough, the output is pain. 

We know that pain is a complex process that depends on contextual, psychological and biological factors that mostly happen without our conscious perception and that pain can’t happen without a nervous system. 

The human body has 72 kilometres of nerves, intimately connected to the vascular system millimetre by millimetre.

Nerves do not respond well to sustained mechanical deformation, specifically, compression more than stretch.

Dermoneuromodulating is a method that attempts to take these facts as an underlying framework for an interactive, hands-on approach to treating the experience of pain. It considers the nervous system of the patient to treat from “skin cell to sense of self.” Techniques are usually light, and holds are slow. Limbs and trunk are positioned to affect deeper nerve structures in combination with skin stretch. This is done to potentially shorten and widen a nerve's container, thus reducing mechanical deformation of the nerve. 

DNM is a method of manual care that puts the patient and their needs first. Instead of operating a recipe treatment, the treatment is an interaction between the patient and the therapist. The therapist and patient work together to find the areas that need attention and remove the tenderness and pain felt in that area. The focus is on changing the signalling within the nervous system to decrease discomfort. Pain does not happen in the muscles and other tissue but in the nervous system itself; therefore, whether or not the area of pain is damaged, we can reduce that pain with DNM.

[wellandable]

Revolutionizing Manual Therapy: The Rise of Dermoneuromodulation

Introduction: Manual therapy has undergone a transformation in recent years, with the emergence of innovative approaches like Dermoneuromodulation (DNM). Initially conceptualized by Diane Jacobs and further developed by practitioners like Michael Reoch, DNM represents a paradigm shift in how we understand and treat pain through the interaction of the nervous system and the skin.

Understanding Dermoneuromodulation (DNM): DNM, derived from "Dermo" (skin), "Neuro" (nervous system), and "Modulation" (change), focuses on altering the activity of the nervous system using gentle skin-based techniques. Unlike traditional manual therapy methods, DNM emphasizes creating a safe environment with minimal side effects, making it a valuable adjunct or standalone approach in pain management.

The Evolution of Manual Therapy: Reflecting on the evolution of manual therapy, practitioners have transitioned from conventional biomechanical models towards a deeper understanding of neurology and pain mechanisms. This shift, epitomized by the introduction of DNM, highlights the importance of considering the role of peripheral nerves and cutaneous sensations in therapeutic interventions.

Exploring the Nervous System: An integral aspect of DNM is its focus on the sensory nervous system, which often receives insufficient attention in traditional training programs. Understanding the intricate network of cutaneous nerves and their role in conveying external stimuli is crucial for effective communication with the nervous system and addressing pain.

Unveiling the Truth About Pain: Central to DNM is a nuanced understanding of pain, which goes beyond nociception to encompass cognitive, emotional, and sensory components. By acknowledging pain as a complex phenomenon, manual therapists can employ techniques like DNM to provide novel stimuli and facilitate self-correction within the nervous system.

Harnessing the Power of Manual Therapy: DNM offers several mechanisms through which it can alleviate pain and improve function. By providing new feedback to the nervous system, enhancing vascular function, and promoting comfort-inducing positions, DNM aims to modulate pain responses and restore optimal nervous system function.

The Essence of Dermoneuromodulation: At its core, DNM is an interactive and light form of manual therapy that empowers patients to play an active role in their healing journey. By fostering effective communication and utilizing gentle techniques, DNM practitioners aim to create positive changes in pain perception and motor function.

Conclusion: As manual therapy continues to evolve, approaches like Dermoneuromodulation offer promising avenues for addressing pain and optimizing patient outcomes. By embracing the principles of DNM and incorporating them into clinical practice, therapists can revolutionize their approach to pain management and enhance the well-being of their patients.

Audience: This blog post is relevant to any licensed manual therapist interested in exploring innovative approaches to pain management and improving their understanding of the nervous system's role in therapeutic interventions.

[wellandable]

Dermoneuromodulating in Kamloops- DNM - with Mike Reoch, RMT

It is a two-and-a-half-day workshop that will teach the philosophy, methods and techniques of DNM, which stands for Dermoneuromodulating. The course aims to help people understand pain and the nervous system and includes a hands-on, practical application.

Introducing DNM: Unlocking the Potential of Dermoneuromodulation. Are you an RMT looking to expand your skills, enhance your practice, and deliver exceptional results to your clients? Look no further; we are thrilled to present an exclusive opportunity for RMTs in beautiful Golden, BC, at 806 10th Ave S! DNM: The Complete Integration of Philosophy, Method, and Techniques We are excited to introduce DNM, also known as Dermoneuromodulation, a groundbreaking approach that can revolutionize how you treat your clients. Led by the esteemed Michael Reoch, RMT, our course will take you through the philosophy, method, and techniques of DNM, empowering you to achieve remarkable outcomes for your clients. Why DNM? Unleash Your Full Potential DNM is not just another technique; it's a comprehensive system that allows you to go beyond the ordinary and create profound changes in your client's well-being. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a fresh face in the industry, DNM has something unique to offer: 1. Holistic Philosophy: By understanding the intricate connections between the person, the dermis, the nervous system, and the musculoskeletal system, DNM gives you a holistic perspective that can lead to lasting results. 2. Effective Method: DNM revolves around the concept of gentle, intentional touch, helping you establish a deep connection with your clients and facilitating the body's natural healing mechanisms, ensuring that each treatment is uniquely designed for your client's needs. 3. Incorporate your already established Techniques: From myofascial release to neural mobilization, positional release, and sensory integration, DNM equips you with a robust philosophy of care that you can apply to your favourite techniques, allowing you to address a wide range of conditions and deliver exceptional outcomes that resonate with your clients. About Michael Reoch, RMT: You Instructor Leading this transformative course is none other than Michael Reoch, an RMT with extensive experience in DNM. Michael's passion for teaching and commitment to excellence have made him a trusted name in the industry. His expertise and dedication will ensure you receive the highest quality education and guidance throughout the course. Join Us in Kamloops, BC: Beautiful Surroundings for a Transformative Experience

Don't Miss Out - Secure Your Spot Today: Click the link below!

In the field of Manual Therapy, there are many techniques used to treat people in pain. These techniques involve pushing, pulling, and twisting skin and soft tissue. DNM uses techniques that change the state of the nervous system in the skin, spinal cord and brain to make it less painful and reactive.

Studies have demonstrated that touch has significant psychological and physiological impacts, with the nervous system regulating these effects. To effectively use Manual Therapy as a pain treatment, it's important to comprehend pain physiology through a social, biological, and psychological perspective. Research has indicated that establishing a non-threatening treatment environment for the patient is vital.

The skin is closely tied to the nervous system, which makes up around 2% of our body weight but uses 20% of our O2 and glucose at all times. Nerves do not respond well to sustained mechanical deformation, specifically compression and stretch. Dermoneuromodulating is a method that considers the nervous system of the patient to treat from "skin cell to sense of self." Techniques are usually light, and holds are slow.

DNM is a form of personalized manual care that targets nervous system signals to reduce discomfort and pain. This approach involves collaboration between therapist and patient to alleviate tenderness and improve well-being. Regardless of the damage in the affected area, DNM can effectively reduce pain.

The term DNM Stands for Dermo (skin), Neuro (nervous system) Modulation (a change from one state to another). It is a method of manual therapy/massage therapy used to change the state of the nervous system from a painful hyperactive state to a less painful and reactive one through receptors in the skin.

In Manual Therapy (MT), hundreds of techniques and methods attempt to approach treating people in pain. These maneuvers' speed, duration and force may differ, but the underlying mechanistic effects all follow the same rules. They can all agree that we push, pull and twist skin directly and soft tissue indirectly.

Lately, there has been considerable growth in research around the mechanisms of massage and other manual therapies, with a drift into the neuroscience involved in pain.

Two processes seem to be apparent when we look at the research: 

First, the effects of touch have strong psychological and physiological effects. 

The nervous system controls these effects. 

If we use Manual Therapy as a treatment for pain resolution, we should look at understanding pain physiology within a social, biological and psychological framework. 

What we know from studying the non-specific effects of physical medicine is that we should strive for a treatment environment that creates the least amount of threat to the person being treated; therefore, We should act, dress and keep the treatment space in a way that won’t put the patient on the defensive. 

We know that we touch the skin primarily in manual therapy and that the skin is intimately tied into the nervous system embryologically as both arrive from the ectoderm. 

We know that the Nervous System makes up around 2% of our body by weight but uses 20% of our O2 and Glucose at all times.

The nervous system carries impulses from the peripheral (and from within), which are processed in the spinal cord and Brain to create an output response. If the impulses are deemed dangerous enough, the output is pain. 

We know that pain is a complex process that depends on contextual, psychological and biological factors that mostly happen without our conscious perception and that pain can’t happen without a nervous system. 

The human body has 72 kilometres of nerves, intimately connected to the vascular system millimetre by millimetre.

Nerves do not respond well to sustained mechanical deformation, specifically, compression more than stretch.

Dermoneuromodulating is a method that attempts to take these facts as an underlying framework for an interactive, hands-on approach to treating the experience of pain. It considers the nervous system of the patient to treat from “skin cell to sense of self.” Techniques are usually light, and holds are slow. Limbs and trunk are positioned to affect deeper nerve structures in combination with skin stretch. This is done to potentially shorten and widen a nerve's container, thus reducing mechanical deformation of the nerve. 

DNM is a method of manual care that puts the patient and their needs first. Instead of operating a recipe treatment, the treatment is an interaction between the patient and the therapist. The therapist and patient work together to find the areas that need attention and remove the tenderness and pain felt in that area. The focus is on changing the signalling within the nervous system to decrease discomfort. Pain does not happen in the muscles and other tissue but in the nervous system itself; therefore, whether or not the area of pain is damaged, we can reduce that pain with DNM.

[wellandable]

Shoulder Pain: How to Find Relief and Feel Strong Again

Shoulder pain is a common issue that can make even the smallest tasks—like reaching for a mug or brushing your hair—feel frustrating or even impossible. Whether you're dealing with an old injury, overuse, or a new flare-up, there's good news: you don’t have to live with shoulder pain.

At Well+Able Integrated Health in Kamloops, we specialize in helping people move better and feel stronger. Our therapists work with you one-on-one to understand your shoulder pain and create a plan that fits your life.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Rotator cuff injuries (strains, tendinitis, or tears)

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

Shoulder impingement

Arthritis

Postural strain from work, parenting, or repetitive movement

Treatment Options at Well+Able

We take a hands-on and movement-based approach to help you recover. Treatment may include:

Manual therapy to reduce tension and improve joint function

Targeted exercises to rebuild strength and flexibility

Patient education so you understand what’s going on—and what to do about it

DNM (Dermoneuromodulation) and gentle techniques for sensitive pain conditions

Support for athletes, moms, and healthcare workers, tailored to your needs

We listen to your story and adjust care based on what works best for you.

Home Tips for Shoulder Pain Relief

You can often ease shoulder pain with simple strategies at home:

Ice for 15–20 minutes a few times a day to reduce inflammation Sleep on your back or the opposite side with a pillow supporting your arm Try pendulum stretches and wall walks to gently improve range Use resistance bands for light shoulder activation (without pain) Don’t wait too long—get help if pain lasts more than a week or worsens

Ready to Feel Better?

At Well+Able, we help people in Kamloops recover from shoulder pain with compassion and skill. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or managing chronic pain, we’re here to support you.

Book online now or give us a call at 250-317-2899 Visit us at 103–153 Seymour Street, Kamloops

Let’s get your shoulder working again—so you can do what you love, pain-free.

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Understanding Pain, Posture, and Movement for Well-Being

Debunking the Myth of Bad Posture

Have you ever been told that your "bad posture" is the root cause of your pain? While posture plays a role in how we move and feel, it’s not the villain it’s often made out to be. Pain is a complex experience, influenced by a combination of physical, emotional, and neurological factors. In fact, pain can shape how we move and hold ourselves rather than being caused by poor posture alone.

As Australian physiotherapist David Butler famously says, “The best position is the next position.” This means that staying in any one position for too long—no matter how "perfect"—is less ideal than keeping your body in motion. Let’s explore how pain, posture, and movement interact and how understanding this relationship can lead to better well-being.

The Complex Relationship Between Pain and Posture

Pain isn’t always a sign of tissue damage. Instead, it’s a signal from the nervous system, often influenced by factors like stress, fatigue, and past injuries. When we’re in pain, we naturally adjust our posture and movement to find temporary relief—a reminder of the body’s adaptability.

For example, someone with shoulder pain might unconsciously hunch or avoid certain movements. While these adjustments can provide short-term comfort, they might also lead to stiffness or overcompensation in other areas. By recognizing pain as a signal, we can start to address its root causes and prevent long-term issues.

The Power of Movement for Pain Relief

Movement is essential for keeping our bodies healthy and resilient. As the saying goes, “Motion is lotion.” Gentle, regular movement helps maintain joint flexibility, improves circulation, and engages the nervous system to reduce pain sensitivity. Staying static, on the other hand, can exacerbate discomfort.

This principle is central to DermoNeuroModulation (DNM), a gentle manual therapy created by Diane Jacobs. DNM focuses on calming the nervous system to address pain and tension, emphasizing non-invasive, patient-centered care. By encouraging mindful movement and nervous system engagement, DNM aligns with the idea that our bodies are meant to move.

For an in-depth look at DNM, read our blog on Revolutionizing Manual Therapy: The Rise of Dermoneuromodulation.

For more insights into relaxation and pain relief, check out our blog on Enhanced Relaxation and Stress Reduction Techniques.

Practical Strategies for Pain and Posture Management

Here are some simple ways to keep your body moving and reduce pain:

Take micro-breaks: If you sit for long periods, stand up and stretch every 30 minutes.

Change positions often: Avoid staying in one position for too long, whether sitting or standing.

Incorporate gentle exercises: Try activities like yoga, swimming, or walking to improve flexibility and strength.

Consider DNM: This therapy offers a non-invasive way to reset the nervous system and ease discomfort.

Personalized care can make all the difference. Learn about creating a customized plan in our blog on Personalized Treatment Plans Tailored to Your Needs.

How Well+Able Supports Your Pain and Movement Goals

At Well+Able Integrated Health, we take a collaborative approach to care. Our team combines manual therapy, patient education, and active strategies to help you understand and manage your pain. By empowering you with knowledge and practical tools, we aim to enhance your overall quality of life.

From chronic pain relief to addressing postural imbalances, our RMTs are experienced in tailoring treatments to your needs. Curious about our expertise? Read more in our blog on Expertise in Addressing Specific Health Concerns.

Embrace Movement and Redefine Posture

Remember, your body is resilient and adaptable. Pain doesn’t have to limit you, and posture isn’t something to perfect—it’s something to adapt. By staying curious, moving regularly, and seeking support when needed, you can take control of your well-being.

Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation with Well+Able Integrated Health today and discover how our personalized approach can help you thrive.

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Expertise in Addressing Specific Health Concerns

Life throws challenges at us, from nagging aches to chronic pain and even recovery after an injury. At Well+Able Integrated Health, we understand that every person’s health journey is unique. That’s why our Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) specialize in tailoring treatments to address your specific concerns and help you feel empowered on your wellness journey.

Understanding Specific Health Concerns

Massage therapy can be a game-changer for many common health issues. Here are just a few areas we focus on:

Chronic Pain: Whether it’s lower back pain, tension headaches, or arthritis, massage therapy can provide relief and improve your quality of life. Explore more about the benefits of massage in Improving Overall Well-Being and Quality of Life.

Sports Injuries: From strains to overuse injuries, our RMTs use targeted techniques to aid recovery and enhance athletic performance.

Postural Imbalances: Modern life often leads to poor posture, resulting in discomfort and dysfunction. Massage therapy helps correct these imbalances.

Check out How Massage Therapy Can Help Improve Mental Health: Insights from Research for additional ways we support overall well-being.

The Role of an RMT in Targeted Care

At Well+Able, our RMTs don’t just treat symptoms—we look for the root causes of your discomfort. Using thorough assessments and evidence-based techniques, we develop personalized plans to meet your unique needs. For example:

Women’s health: Specialized care during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and beyond.

Athletic recovery: Techniques to enhance mobility, reduce soreness, and prevent future injuries.

Chronic pain management: Combining manual therapy with education and strengthening exercises.

Discover more about the expertise of RMTs in Understanding the Role of a Registered Massage Therapist.

Benefits of Addressing Specific Concerns Through Massage Therapy

When health concerns are addressed with expert care, the benefits can be life-changing. Here’s what you can expect:

Pain Relief and Improved Mobility: Gentle, targeted techniques release tension and restore movement.

Enhanced Recovery: Massage speeds up the healing process, making it an ideal choice for post-injury care.

Long-Term Wellness Strategies: By addressing root causes, we help you prevent future issues and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

Evidence-Based Techniques at Well+Able

Our RMTs are trained in a variety of techniques, including:

DermoNeuroModulation (DNM): A gentle, nervous-system-based approach to pain relief.

Myofascial Release: Targeting connective tissue to improve flexibility and reduce discomfort.

Stretching and Strengthening: Exercises to complement your treatments and promote recovery.

These approaches aren’t just effective—they’re tailored to you, ensuring optimal results.

Why Choose Well+Able for Targeted Care?

At Well+Able Integrated Health, we pride ourselves on being a trusted partner in your health journey. Here’s why clients choose us:

Comprehensive Assessments: We take the time to understand your specific needs.

Personalized Plans: No cookie-cutter treatments—everything we do is tailored to you.

Expertise You Can Trust: Our RMTs are highly skilled in addressing a wide range of health concerns.

Ready to Take Control of Your Health?

Your health and wellness matter. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or looking to enhance your overall well-being, we’re here to help. Book a session with us today and experience the difference targeted care can make.

For more tips and insights, visit our blog on Enhanced Relaxation and Stress Reduction Techniques. Together, we can help you feel truly well and able.

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Managing Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: Evidence-Based Solutions

Hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. At Well+Able Integrated Health, we understand that living with osteoarthritis can be challenging, but evidence shows there are effective ways to manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being. Our Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) specialize in therapies that can help you feel and move better, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Understanding Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that occurs when the cartilage that cushions your joints breaks down over time. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected areas, especially in weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. While there’s no cure for OA, a combination of treatments can help you manage your symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle.

Why Exercise Matters

Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage osteoarthritis. It strengthens the muscles around your joints, improves flexibility, and reduces pain. Studies show that combining education about pain with a structured walking program can enhance physical activity levels and improve joint function. Our RMTs can provide guidance on safe and effective exercises tailored to your needs.

Benefits of Pool Exercise

If weight-bearing exercises are too painful, aquatic therapy can be a great alternative. Exercising in water reduces the strain on your joints while still allowing you to build strength and improve your range of motion. Many of our clients with knee osteoarthritis find that pool exercises help them stay active without exacerbating their symptoms.

The Role of Registered Massage Therapy

At Well+Able, our RMTs are skilled in manual therapy techniques, including DermoNeuroModulation (DNM). DNM focuses on gentle, pain-free treatments that aim to calm the nervous system and improve your body’s ability to move and heal. Here’s how massage therapy can help with osteoarthritis:

Reduce Pain: Gentle manual therapy can alleviate joint pain and stiffness.

Support Mobility: Massage therapy helps relax tight muscles and improve joint range of motion.

Personalized Care Plans

Your journey with osteoarthritis is unique, and your treatment should be too. At Well+Able, our RMTs work closely with you to create a personalized plan that may include manual therapy, exercises, and practical advice for managing your symptoms. This collaborative approach empowers you to take control of your health and see real results.

A Holistic Approach to Osteoarthritis

Managing osteoarthritis isn’t just about addressing the physical symptoms. It’s also about improving your overall quality of life. At Well+Able Integrated Health, we’re committed to supporting you through:

Education: Understanding how OA works and what you can do to manage it is a key part of your treatment plan.

Encouragement: We help you stay motivated to stick with your exercise routine and other treatments.

Compassionate Care: Our RMTs are here to listen and provide the care you need to feel your best.

Take the First Step

If you’re ready to take control of your hip or knee osteoarthritis, our team of experienced RMTs at Well+Able Integrated Health is here to help. We offer personalized treatments designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life.

Visit our website Well+Able Integrated Health to learn more about our services or book an appointment today. Let’s work together to get you moving again!

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Recovering After a Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) in Kamloops: How Well+Able Can Help

If you’ve experienced a motor vehicle accident (MVA), you know how disruptive it can be to your daily life. Whether you’re dealing with neck pain, back discomfort, or persistent headaches, finding the right support for your recovery is essential. At Well+Able Integrated Health in Kamloops, we’re here to help you navigate your journey to wellness with personalized care and therapies designed to ease your pain and support your recovery.

Understanding ICBC Coverage for Massage Therapy in Kamloops

Did you know that if you’ve been in an MVA, your treatments may be covered by ICBC? This coverage allows you to access care from a registered massage therapist (RMT) to address pain, improve mobility, and help you get back to your daily activities. At Well+Able, we work with ICBC to ensure your care plan aligns with your recovery goals, offering treatments tailored to your unique needs.

How Well+Able Supports MVA Recovery

Our approach to MVA recovery is grounded in providing individualized care that prioritizes your comfort and long-term well-being. Here are some ways we can help:

1. Gentle and Effective Pain Relief

We understand that post-accident pain can be overwhelming. Therapies like DermoNeuroModulation (DNM) provide a calming and gentle approach to addressing nerve-related discomfort, making it an excellent option for those dealing with whiplash or other soft tissue injuries.

2. Personalized Care Plans

At Well+Able, we believe that every recovery journey is unique. Our team of RMTs works with you to develop a care plan tailored to your needs, incorporating treatments that align with your goals and preferences. Learn more about how we create Personalized Treatment Plans Tailored to Your Needs in a past blog post.

3. Special Focus on Chronic and Complex Pain

For those experiencing lingering pain or stiffness, our therapists have a special interest in addressing complex pain patterns. Whether it’s persistent headaches or restricted movement, we’re here to help you feel supported every step of the way. Explore more about our Expertise in Addressing Specific Health Concerns.

4. Support for Stress and Mental Well-Being

Recovering from an accident often involves more than just physical healing. Massage therapy can play a significant role in reducing stress and supporting your mental health. Read about how our Relaxation and Stress Reduction Techniques can enhance your overall well-being.

Why Choose Well+Able in Kamloops for Your MVA Recovery?

We’re committed to empowering our clients to feel better—both mentally and physically—after every session. At Well+Able, you’ll find a supportive team that prioritizes:

A welcoming and inclusive environment.

Therapies designed with your comfort in mind.

A deep understanding of how to help MVA patients recover safely and effectively.

Book Your Appointment Today

Your road to recovery starts here. If you’re recovering from an MVA and need support, we’re here to help. Contact Well+Able Integrated Health in Kamloops to learn more about our services or to book your first appointment. Together, we’ll create a plan that empowers you to move forward with confidence.

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Personalized Treatment Plans Tailored to Your Needs

Introduction Personalized care is essential to finding real, lasting relief and improving your overall well-being. At Well+Able, our registered massage therapists (RMTs) create customized massage therapy plans by understanding your specific needs, health history, and wellness goals.

Why Personalized Care Matters Each person’s body is unique, so we believe in adapting our approach to fit your individual health journey. Personalized wellness plans are designed to address the root causes of pain, provide tailored relief, and support your lifestyle and long-term health. We also emphasize client input throughout the process, ensuring you have a sense of control and partnership in your healing journey.

You Have a Voice in Your Treatment At Well+Able, we believe that effective care is collaborative. You have a significant role in shaping your treatment plan, as we actively seek your input to make sure your goals and preferences are respected. Whether it’s deciding on the intensity of a massage technique, setting a pace that’s comfortable for you, or adapting exercises to your lifestyle, your preferences guide us every step of the way. This approach, known as “locus of control,” empowers you to be an active participant in your own care.

Custom Treatment Options at Well+Able Our personalized treatment plans may include a variety of therapeutic approaches such as:

DermoNeuroModulation (DNM) DNM is a gentle, science-based treatment approach that targets the skin and nervous system to help relieve pain and tension without invasive techniques. This method is especially beneficial in therapeutic massage for pain relief as it respects the body’s natural feedback and responses.

Therapeutic Exercises and Stretches We’ll guide you through specific exercises and stretches designed to support your recovery and prevent injury. These exercises are part of a customized massage therapy plan aimed at building strength, improving flexibility, and maintaining the progress achieved during therapy sessions.

Health Tips and Lifestyle Suggestions Your plan may also include tailored health tips, such as ergonomic adjustments, posture advice, and relaxation techniques for a holistic health approach with RMTs. These small changes can have a big impact on long-term wellness. [Link to “Enhanced Relaxation and Stress Reduction Techniques” post]

The Benefits of a Personalized Plan with Client Input A personalized treatment plan isn’t just about immediate relief. It’s about creating a roadmap for sustainable health improvements that align with your goals and preferences. When you’re involved in the planning, it creates a stronger connection to your healing process, helping to reduce pain, enhance mobility, and foster resilience and strength.

Start Your Personalized Health Journey Today At Well+Able, we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthier, pain-free life. Please schedule a consultation to learn more about our individual health assessments and personalized wellness plans tailored to your needs.

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Neurocentric Approach to Manual Therapy for Massage Therapists and other manual therapists - 2-day course 14PE credits with the CMTBC: CDI campus, South Surrey 9am-430pm

Learn how and when to treat your patients painful complaints

Put the nervous system first and start changing your patients painful conditions. Specifically, I’m looking at pain that originates from a mechanical deformation of nerve tissue and that can change with position or movement. It is important here to look at the origin of the painful experience as opposed to cause. What do I mean by that? By origin, I mean it as the point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived. With pain there are only four origins where pain may arise from. Cause, on the other hand, is something that brings about an effect or a result. To look for the cause of someone's pain can result in thousands of reasons each reason giving little illumination on how to proceed with treatments. Alternatively, the origins of pain give us a clearer path to resolution.

From Barrett Dorko the originator of Simple Contact:

“Almost without exception therapists interviewing a patient in pain begin to try and figure out how this patient came to be the way that they are. They work to create a story that explains this and then search for evidence. This is called looking for the cause, and I think it’s a tremendous waste of time. It’s a great black hole, and I suggest you stop doing this as soon as you possibly can.”

I find that if you understand the four origins of pain you will have the best chance of success with your patients. Specifically, I would like to look at pain that originates in the mechanical deformation of nervous tissue. This type of pain is an abnormal neurodynamic and can be changed with position or movement. If the mechanical stress on the nerve is not corrected it can result in neuritis or even a neuroma.

What I hope to achieve with this course is to provide my students with a way to better understand how painful conditions arise and how we can successfully treat these conditions with passive movements that target peripheral nerves and active movements that empower the patient to help themselves achieve a resolution of their pain. This active treatment is based on Barrett Dorko’s Simple Contact. An approach and method of treatment that attempts to remove the barriers of self-correction. With simple hand placements, we let the patient guide the movement towards unloading mechanically deformed nerve tissues in the body. This is achieved by allowing ideomotion to express itself. This may resemble other treatments such as fascial unwinding or Cranial Sacral Therapy but is based on a stronger base of plausibility and has greater outcome predictability.

The second part of the course looks at passive treatments that are based on Neurodynamics. Neurodynamics is a method popularized by David Buttler and Michael Shacklock who are two prominent Physios from Australia. Concurrently, here in BC, a very similar method called End Range Loading was developed by David DeCamimilis DC. These methods are well researched as Manual Therapies go.Learning Outcomes for Neurocentric Approach to Persistent Pain.

• Identify the difference between pain causes and origins

• Learn how the four origins of pain help us understand pain physiology

• Introduction to what ideomotion is in a pain resolution context

• Be able to better assess people in pain and use that assessment in a manual therapy interaction

• Be able to perform a neurodynamic test and use it in decision-making process

• Learn how the small skills of nonspecific effects, culture and context affect the experience of pain

SEPTEMBER 15-16 2022, 9AM-430PM

LOCATION:

14928 56 Ave, Surrey, BC V3S 2N5

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DNM April 16-17, 2022: A manual therapy approach for treating persistent pain with Michael Reoch, RMT

This course is held in the traditional and unceded Musqueam Territory. A donation of $10.00 per student will be made to Charitable donations in support of the IRSSS https://www.irsss.ca/donate

What Is Dermoneuromoduating?

an explanation for a new manual therapy approach

Work smarter not harder to save your body while improving your treatment outcomes. The term DNM Stands for Dermo (skin) Neuro (nervous system) Modulation (a change from one state to another). It is an approach of manual therapy/massage therapy used to change the state of the nervous system from a painful hyperactive state to a less painful and reactive one. Diane Jacobs, a Canadian PT with 40 years of experience, developed DNM to better treat people with chronic and persistent pain. I have had the lucky pleasure to directly learn from and work with Diane over the last four years.

In the world of Manual Therapy (MT) there seems to be hundreds of techniques and methods that attempt to approach treating people in pain. They all can agree that we push-pull and twist skin directly and soft tissue indirectly. The speed, duration, and force of these maneuvers may be different but the underlying mechanistic effects all follow the same rules.

Lately, there has been a large growth in research around the mechanisms of massage and other manual therapies with a drift into the neuroscience involved in pain.

Two processes seem to be apparent when we look at the research:

The effects of touch have strong psychological and physiological effects.

The nervous system controls these effects.

If we are to use Manual Therapy as a treatment for pain resolution, we should understand pain physiology within a social, biological, and psychological framework.

What we know from studying the non-specific effects of physical medicine is that we should strive for a treatment environment that creates the least amount of threat to the person being treated; therefore, We should act, dress, and keep the treatment space in a way that won’t put the patient on the defensive.

We know that we touch the skin primarily in manual therapy and that the skin is intimately tied into the nervous system embryologically as both arrive from the ectoderm.

We know that the Nervous System makes up around 2% of our body by weight but uses 20% of our O2 and Glucose at all times.

The nervous system carries impulses from the peripheral (and from within) which are processed in the spinal chord and brain to create an output response. If the impulses are deemed dangerous enough the output is pain.

We know that pain is a complex process that depends on contextual, psychological, and biological factors that mostly happen without our conscious perception and that pain can’t happen without a nervous system.

There are 72 kilometers of nerves in the human body and are intimately connected to the vascular system millimeter by millimeter.

Nerves do not respond well to sustained mechanical deformation specifically, compression more than stretch.

Dermoneuromodulating is a method that attempts to take these facts as an underlying framework for an interactive, hands-on, approach to treating the experience of pain. It considers the nervous system of the patient to treat from “skin cell to sense of self”. Techniques are usually light and holds are slow. Limbs and trunk are positioned to affect deeper nerve structures in combination with skin stretch. This is done to potentially shorten and widen a nerve's container thus reducing mechanical deformation of the nerve.

The course is hosted at : TBD

Coffee and snacks will be provided for you both days

Classes will be 9 am to 4:30 PM both days

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Waitlist for DNM in Vancouver February TBA: a manual therapy model for treating persistent pain

What Is Dermoneuromoduating?

an explanation for a new manual therapy approach 

  The term DNM Stands for Dermo (skin) Neuro (nervous system) Modulation (a change from one state to another). It is a method of manual therapy/massage therapy used to change the state of the nervous system from a painful hyperactive state to a less painful and reactive one. Diane Jacobs, a Canadian PT with 40 years experience developed DNM as a way to better treat people with chronic and persistent pain. I have had the lucky pleasure to directly learn from and work with Diane over the last four years.

 In the world of Manual Therapy (MT) there seems to be hundreds of techniques and methods that attempt to approach treating people in pain. One thing they all can agree on is that we push pull and twist skin directly and soft tissue indirectly. The speed, duration and force of these maneuvers may be different but the underlying mechanistic effects all follow the same rules. 

Lately, there has been a large growth in research around the mechanisms of massage and other manual therapies with a drift into the neuroscience involved in pain.

Two processes seem to be apparent when we look at the research:

The effects of touch have strong psychological and physiological effects. 

The nervous system controls these effects. 

If we are to use Manual Therapy as a treatment for pain resolution we should look at really understanding pain physiology within a social, biological and psychological framework. 

What we know from studying the non specific effects of physical medicine is that we should strive for a treatment environment that creates the least amount of threat to the person being treated; therefore, We should act, dress and keep the treatment space in a way that won’t put the patient on the defensive. 

We know that we touch the skin primarily in manual therapy and that the skin is intimately tied into the nervous system embryologically as both arrive from the ectoderm. 

We know that the Nervous System makes up around 2% of our body by weight but uses 20% of our O2 and Glucose at all times.

The nervous system carries impulses from the peripheral (and from within) which are processed in the spinal chord and brain to create an output response. If the impulses are deemed dangerous enough the output is pain. 

We know that pain is a complex process that depends on contextual, psychological and biological factors that mostly happen without our conscious perception and that pain can’t happen without a nervous system. 

There are 72 kilometres of nerves in the human body and is intimately connected to the the vascular system millimetre by millimetre.

Nerves do not respond well to sustained mechanical deformation specifically, compression more than stretch.

 Dermoneuromodulating is a method that attempts to take these facts as a underlying framework for an interactive, hands on, approach to treating the experience of pain. It considers the nervous system of the patient to treat from “skin cell to sense of self”. Techniques are usually light and holds are slow. Limbs and trunk are positioned to affect deeper nerve structures in combination with skin stretch. This is done to potentially shorten and widen a nerve's container thus reducing mechanical deformation of the nerve. 

This course will be held February 17 and 18th at WCCMT-NW WCCMT New Westminster Campus 613 Columbia Street New Westminster, BC, V3M 1A7 Coffee and Snacks will be provided both days

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Neurocentric Approach to Cranium Complaints and Pelvic Pain in South Surrey, June 13th and 14th 2020. DNM: A manual therapy model for treating persistent pain

This course can be taken as a stand-alone for people interested in focusing their knowledge on treating craniofacial pain and pelvic pain complaints or if they are looking to increase their knowledge in using a DNM lense in their practice.

DNM is a new way of interacting with a patient’s nervous system by gently stretching their skin. It uses a particular kind of light stretch that directly communicates with the brain to dampen the pain experience.

The nervous system makes up around two percent of our body by weight, yet needs over twenty percent of the oxygen and glucose delivered to all of our cells. The hypothesis is that DNM helps these nutrients reach our small nerve tissue, thus reducing our "cranky nerves".

The originator of DNM, Diane Jacobs states:

"DermoNeuroModulation is a structured, interactive approach to manual therapy that considers the nervous system of the patient from skin cell to sense of self. Techniques are slow, light, kind, intelligent, responsive and effective. The positioning of limbs and trunk affects deeper nerve trunks and is combined with skin stretch directed toward cutaneous fields of nerves that branch outward into the skin.

Manual handling of a patient's physicality is only a small part of developing a complete therapeutic context for change–while optional, it can also be optimal. Included are simple ways of explaining the nervous system and pain mechanisms to patients prior to treatment." About the Instructors: Jocelyn Kirton graduated from West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2013 and is a member of good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of BC and the RMTBC.

Jocelyn has taken an interest in treating patients with persistent pain, specifically in the abdominal and pelvic regions. Her foundation built around neurocentric treatments and Dermoneuromodulation has given her the unique opportunity to modify her knowledge in traditional visceral manipulation therapy to allow for a modern and evidence-based approach to persistent abdominal and pelvic pain.

Jocelyn has taught massage at CDI college, giving her students more confidence in treating patients with pelvic pain as she instructed with the women’s health in-reach the college offered to its patients. Alongside the women’s health in reach, Jocelyn also taught the introduction to sports treatment course and oversaw the sports outreach, bridging classroom comprehension and treating athletic patient populations together.

Michael Reoch is a Registered Massage Therapist from Vancouver, British Columbia. He graduated in 2007 from the 3000-hour massage therapy program at WCCMT. Michael was the chair of a special interest group called PPGPain which is for RMTs who have a special interest in treating persistent pain. He has helped develop Pain education programs for RMTs in BC through the RMTBC and PainBC. Also, Michael taught advanced clinical and academic classes at WCCMT. He has been a board member of the RMTBC for five years helping to advance the massage therapy profession through science-based education. Mike currently runs a private practice in British Columbia and teaches DNM classes regularly worldwide.

The course is hosted by :

CDI College South Surrey

105 - 15149 56th Ave.

Surrey, BC

V3S 9A5

Coffee and snacks will be provided for you both days