About Us

ALISON ASPEN, D.O.M.P., R.M.T.

Osteopathic Manual Practitioner & Registered Massage Therapist

   Alison Aspen graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2007. Since then, she has focused her practice on the rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries. In 2015 she felt the need to explore deeper into educating herself about the body. She enrolled and completed the 5 year Manual Osteopathy program in Vancouver, B.C.

Alison is now an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner and a Registered Massage Therapist in B.C.

   Alison is dually licensed and a member of Osteopathy B.C. and the CMTBC. This training has given her a much more complex understanding of the body and its connections. Her goal is to find the root cause of why pain or discomfort is present within the body. This approach looks at the body as a whole. Through a thorough assessment and evaluation, these techniques aim to create symmetry and mobility within the body.

   Alison uses techniques such as myofascial release, cranial sacral therapy, visceral release, joint mobilizations, muscle energy and direct muscular release techniques. Conditions that can benefit from this approach include headaches, sprains and strains, digestive issues, chronic pain, arthritis, asthma, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, postural issues, sciatica, concussions, whiplash, and many more. Alison has also spent time teaching at the Kootenay Columbia College of Integrated Health Sciences mentoring the upcoming BCRMT students..

   Alison uses a blend of techniques incorporating her education as a Registered Massage Therapist and a Manual Osteopath. Please note there is no oil used in her treatments. Please come wearing loose comfortable clothing for the assessment and treatment. Alison uses a more biodynamic approach while treating which can involve the movement of the body and limbs. The patient stays dressed throughout the appointment to ensure the comfort and efficiency of the treatment.

 Manual Osteopathy Explained:

       Osteopathic Techniques are a gentle, yet intentional approach to the body and systems within. Manual Practitioners learn to palpate not just superficially but also very deep within the body. This sensory information is received through touch receptors on the fingertips and palms. The therapist uses this information to guide their analysis and treatment of the body.

Manual practitioners look for indications within the tissues to help them with their course of treatment. These tissue “qualities” include congestion, dehydration, scarring, stiffness, density or loss of resilience. Through sensing the quality of the tissue, in combination with the position, mobility and vitality, Osteopaths determine the tissues or systems that need immediate attention.

Manual Osteopathy follows four main principles within the body:

1) Given the right tools the body has the capability of healing itself.

2) Proper flow of arteries, venous, lymph and nervous tissue is integral to health.

3) Correct structural alignment will allow for optimal function within the body.

4) The body is a unit, connecting mind body and spirit.

Osteopathy was founded in 1892 by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. He was protesting against the current medical system in which he had lost three of his children from spinal meningitis. A.T. Still believed the current system of medications, surgeries and other traditional regimes were causing more harm than good. He believed with manual intervention to the bodies bones, muscle and nervous system he could have a greater effect on healing.

“A natural medicine which aims to restore function in the body by treating the causes of pain and imbalance. To achieve this goal the Manual Practitioner relies on the quality and finesse of his/her palpation and works with the position, mobility and quality of the tissues.”

POST GRAD CREDENTIALS

Endocranial Spasm level 1- focusing on brain injuries and concussions.-Phillip Druelle, D.O.-2021

Osteoarticular adjustments by energetic impulses- Phillip Druelle, D.O.- 2021

The forgotten techniques of William Garner Sutherland- Jane Stark, D.O.-2022

Optimize part 1-Visceral release techniques- Robert Morelli, D.O.-2022

Specific Adjusting Technique (S.A.T.)-Gerald Lamb, D.O.-2024