Meet Justine Pearson: Birth Coach and Newest addition to our team!

In 1999 while doing my BA in Psychology I discovered my love for all things pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum. This is when I first got certified as a Birth Doula and sat in the board of the Doula Services Association of BC. I have been serving families over the past 15 years in many capacities and continue to know this is my true calling. I have attended births from baby number one, two, and three for the same mom, twin vaginal births, primary support person to single mom in a cesarean birth, to the bush in Africa where we had no electricity and I was able to catch the baby of a beautiful young woman in a rural medical clinic wearing only a headlamp ;)

When I was 14 years old I had back surgery for scoliosis and have had an intimate relationship with pain ever since. This combined with my Psychology Degree and my Birthing From Within® training allows me to know the deep emotional impact labour, birth, breastfeeding, and the immediate postpartum can have on a family.

I currently serve families in the Fraser Valley through prenatal classes at New Leaf Massage and Wellness, where I challenge couples to go beyond the physical preparation for childbirth and embark on an emotional and even spiritual journey of awareness. I help women find what is important to them and to have the voice to share this with their support team.

I currently only attend a few births a year yet I am passionate about being available for mothers who are experiencing breastfeeding issues to help establish pain free feeding, as well as sleep training and other tips to ease into motherhood. Whether it is your first, second, or third baby I know I can be of assistance.

With my background in coaching I have learned how to set goals and achieve them. I love to serve as a Postpartum Doula in 3-6 hour in home shifts assisting women and their families to become established in many of the mundane activities that it takes to raise a baby. It is my joy to be able to work myself out of a job as I see families beginning to be equipped in the unique skills it takes to raise a family well and have harmony in the home.

For quick tips and daily encouragement you can visit www.facebook/prenatalclasses.ca or call to register for classes or set up your personal in home support 778-246-CARE

"Serving Birthing Families for Over 15 Years"

The Graston Technique

The Graston Technique: Therapy with the use of tools

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An effective therapy option offered by Dr. Rav Nagra:

The Graston Technique incorporates a patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables Dr. Nagra to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions that affect normal function.

Most athletes and long distance runners eventually suffer from injuries, aches and pains. Injuries to soft tissues like muscles, ligaments and tendons, play a significant role in pain and dysfunction if left untreated. While it may not sound like a serious injury, a simple muscle strain or torn ligament can cause excruciating pain and difficulty with movement.

When an injury within the soft tissue occurs, the tissue repairs itself in a haphazard pattern, forming scar tissue. While the scar tissue itself is not painful, it does tend to limit range of motion, and the ongoing stiffness may contribute to back pain or neck pain on an ongoing basis.

Dr. Nagra uses the stainless steel instruments to comb over and "catch" on fibrotic tissue, which immediately identifies the areas of restriction. Once the tissue has been identified, the instruments are used to break up the scar tissue so it can be absorbed by the body.

The Graston Technique is used to treat injuries in a variety of ways: 

• Separates and breaks down collagen cross-links, and stretches connective tissue and muscle fibers
• Increases skin temperature
• Facilitates reflex changes in the chronic muscle holding pattern (relaxes tight muscles)
• Alters spinal reflex activity (facilitated segment)
• Increases the rate and amount of blood flow to and from the area
• Increases cellular activity in the region, including fibroblasts and mast cells (decreases healing time)
• Increases histamine response secondary to mast cell activity

The Inside Scoop on Stretching

Dynamic vs Static

 It is important to “prime” your muscles prior to beginning an activity. Dynamic stretching is the best way to begin a workout – it uses controlled movements to improve range of motion, loosen up muscles, increases heart rate, body temperature, and blood flow. 
Static stretching (holding a muscle in a lengthened position for 30 sec or more) should be done after your workout.  If done prior, could lead to injury and hurt your performance.

Dynamic Routine – Runner specific

When doing your dynamic routine, start out slowly.  Focus on your form.  When it starts to get a bit easier, pick up your speed.  Start with smaller movements and slowly increase your range of motion.

       Leg Lifts
Swing one leg out to the side, then swing it back across your body in front of your other leg.  Repeat 10 times on each side.  If you feel unsteady, hold onto a steady object.

       Butt-kicks
While standing tall, walk forward with an exaggerated backswing so that your heels come up to your glutes.  When this is easy, try it while jogging.  DO 10 reps on each side.

       Pike stretch
Get in a “pike” position (hips in the air). Put your right foot behind your left ankle.  With your legs straight, press the heel of the left foot down.  Release.  Repeat 10 times on each side.

       Hacky-sack
Lift your leg up, bending the knee so it points out.  Try to tap the inside of your left foot with your right hand without bending forward.  Repeat 10 times on each side.

       Toy soldier
Keeping your back and knees straight, walk forward, lifting your legs straight out in front and flexing your toes.  Advance this by adding a skipping motion.  Do 10 reps on each side

       Walking lunges
Step forward using a long stride, keeping the front knee over or just behind your toes.  Lower your body by dropping your back knee toward the ground.  Maintain an upright posture and keep your abdominal muscles tight

Static stretching – muscles to focus on: 

Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Iliotibial band, Glutes, Hip Flexors/Hip Hikers, Piriformis and Low Back, Calf Muscles (gastrocs and soleus)

Hold your stretches for at least 30 sec.  Do not “bounce” a stretch.  Always finish your workout with static stretches while your muscles are still warm!

A complete stretching routine should take at least 5 minutes.

Allergies: A Natural Approach

Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Do anti-histamines cause you to feel drowsy? Are you looking for a natural alternative? Great! There are natural ways to treat seasonal allergies without the side effects that come with allergy medication. For many, this time of year can be unbearable as allergens spring up all around us. Symptoms of runny nose, sniffling, sneezing, low energy, itchy eyes, and headaches run rampant but don’t panic, there is hope! 

I recommend patients start a homeopathic and anti-oxidant program each year before or at the start of the allergy season. The homeopathics used in this allergy prevention program are easy to take, free from side effects, and safe for the whole family. Supplements and herbs can also be beneficial for seasonal allergies – such as are vitamin C with bioflavonoids, N-acetyl cysteine, essential fatty acids, Petasites hybridus and Urtica dioica. Another important factor in the treatment of seasonal allergies is to identify food sensitivities. Our diet tends to follow the seasons, so there may be certain foods you are eating more of in the spring that are aggravating your symptoms. Preliminary studies suggest that people with grass pollen allergies may also react to tomatoes, peanuts, wheat, apple, carrot, celery, peach, melon, eggs and pork. In addition, people with ragweed allergies may react to foods in the Cucurbitaceae family, such as cucumber and melon.

A simple blood test can be performed at New Leaf Massage and Wellness to isolate foods that may be aggravating your seasonal allergy symptoms. If a natural approach is what you are looking for, then book your appointment today with Dr. Nicole Cerf BSc, ND.  

Dr. Cerf's hours: 

Tuesday & Thursday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Saturday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Please Welcome our Newest Team Member! Haley Perechy, RMT

Haley received her education from West Coast College of Massage Therapy and graduated in 2010. For the past four years in practice she has been not only providing attentive care for her patients, but forming important professional relationships so that her patients can feel as comfortable as possible. An essential part of treatment is trust and communication between patient and therapist and she prides herself in communicating with clients so that they can receive the bet care possible.

Community is also a big part of not only her career, but her life. Haley volunteers and fund raises for Habitat For Humanity and various other charitable organizations. She hopes that she can continue serving the community by alleviating pain and promoting function in every patient.

Haley is trained to treat a wide variety of symptoms, the list is not limited:

• fascial tissue 
• fibromyalgia
• carpel tunnel
• pre/post natal therapy
• stress relief
• injury claims (ICBC/WCB)
• sports injuries
• infant and children massage

Types of therapy that Haley combines into her treatments: 

• trigger point release
• relaxation-Swedish
• full body
• deep tissue
• active release

Haley recommends, bringing a sports bra and or tank top, along with a pair of gym shorts or stretch pants, as she prefers to incorporate a lot of active therapy into her treatments. 

Haley is available to book appointments at New Leaf Tuesday - Saturday. She is now accepting new patients!  She is able to bill directly with WCB, ICBC, RCMP, MSP, and DVA. Please see reception for insurance eligibility. Call now 604-850-2511

Picture to come soon!

ANOTHER BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

WELCOME OUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBER, Dr. Nicole Cerf, Naturopath!

Dr. Nicole Cerf received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the Fraser Valley and went on to graduate as a Naturopathic Doctor from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Cerf is a strong believer in science-based holistic health care and uses cutting edge laboratory testing to aid in the diagnosis of a patient's condition. Dr. Cerf enjoys educating patients about their health and empowering them to achieve their health goals, thus making visits both informative and fun!

Dr. Cerf is a member of the British Columbia Naturopathic Association, Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors and is in good standing with the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia. Dr.Cerf has received further training in acupuncture, bio-identical hormone therapy, chelation therapy and is licensed to prescribe pharmaceutical drugs.

Dr. Cerf treats a variety of health concerns including:

-Allergies/Sensitivities                      -Hormonal Imbalances

-Autism/ASD, ADHD, PDD                   -Insomnia

-Auto-immune Disorders                    -Migraines

-Children's Health                             -Mood Disorders

-Colds/Flus                                      -Musculoskeletal Injuries

-Detoxification                                 -Skin Conditions

-Digestive Complaints                        -Thyroid Conditions

-Fatigue                                          -Weight Management

-Fertility                                         -Women's Health

Dr. Cerf's schedule at New Leaf Massage & Wellness is still TBD.  Prices will be announced when her schedule becomes available.  Dr. Cerf plans to join us at our new location in March 2014!