KRIS MIERIK RMT, MET

I am a Registered Massage Therapist with  30 years of experience.

After graduating from the College of Massage Therapy in Ontario in 1994, I moved to Vancouver in June 1995, and started my own  private practice.

Throughout  the 30 years of working as a RMT, I continued to evolve and seek out education related to treatment modalities, manual therapy, and further professional development. I am currently practicing at the Laurel Chiropractic and Wellness Clinic.

Outside of work, you can find me mountain biking, kayaking, skiing, and spending time with my family out in the nature. 

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The practice of Massage Therapy is the assessment, treatment, and prevention of soft tissue and joint disorders, dysfunction or injury using treatment methods which include but are not limited to manual techniques, hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercise and the patient's education to rehabilitate, relieve pain and promote health and well being.

The main massage/manual therapy techniques that I use are:
*deep tissue release

*myofascial release
* arthrokinetic therapy
* joint balancing and mobilization
* postural re-alignment

Alignment is a crucial element as it directly impacts performance, injury prevention, and recovery. Proper alignment ensures muscles and joints work efficiently, leading to improved movement, balance, and reduced risk of injury. 

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Here's why alignment matters:

• Enhanced Performance:

Proper alignment optimizes movement patterns, allowing for better speed, strength, and balance. It allows for efficient force production and reduction during movements. 

• Injury Prevention:

Misalignment can cause uneven stress on muscles and joints, increasing the risk of injuries like strains, sprains, and overuse injuries. Correcting alignment can help distribute weight evenly, reducing strain and preventing injuries. 

• Improved Recovery:

When the body is properly aligned, it can heal more efficiently, reducing soreness and fatigue, and allowing for faster recovery. 

• Enhanced Biomechanics:

Proper alignment ensures muscles and joints work in their optimal range, leading to efficient movement patterns. This can translate to better performance and reduced risk of injury. 

• Increased Proprioception:

Correct alignment improves the body's awareness of its position in space, which is crucial for activities requiring balance and precision. 

• Better Muscle Control:

Spinal alignment ensures even activation of muscles, preventing overuse and promoting smoother, more efficient movements. 

• Reduced Joint Pain:

Misalignment can cause excess stress on joints, leading to pain. Addressing alignment issues can alleviate joint pain and improve overall movement. 

• Better Posture:

Proper posture, a key component of alignment, improves muscle function and allows for more efficient movement. 

• Optimized Range of Motion:

Proper alignment promotes flexibility and mobility, which are essential for optimal performance. 

In essence, alignment is the foundation upon which athletes build their performance and protect themselves from injury.