Bart Prinsen, Registered Massage Therapist
“Having studied various approaches to health and healing, Bart’s treatments are both art and science and are informed by a broad base of knowledge about health and the human body.
Earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Physics in 1999 has helped Bart establish a foundation in conventional science. Subsequent studies in disciplines of holistic health and manual therapy – which recognize and promote the body’s ability to self-regulate and heal – have broadened his perspective and strengthened his view of the body as a holistic, integrated system. Having practiced as a massage therapist since 2004 has given Bart the time and experience to develop a skill set and an approach to treatment that is unique and effective for a wide range of people and health conditions.
Bart does not see health as a static state of being, but as the ability to efficiently return to transitory states of balance and being able to adapt to stressors. In restoring proper mechanical qualities to the tissues Bart uses a number of techniques, from more common Swedish massage techniques to other manual therapy techniques, depending on the needs of the patient.
Some examples of manual therapy techniques include Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation and various kinds of joint mobilization. These are techniques that were developed by osteopaths and came out of the profession of osteopathy. Several of these techniques are relatively light and subtle and can often work deeper into the restrictions of the body because the body does not react and resist the input of the practitioner, but rather cooperates with what the practitioner offers. Deeper, longer-lasting effects can result.
In addition to looking at how restrictions can cause local symptoms of pain and discomfort, Bart views the body as a whole, integrated system. A restriction in one part of the body often causes the body to compensate in another. Thus, pain and other symptoms can show up in secondary sites within the body. In his treatments, Bart uses various approaches to assess the root cause of the problem and treats the primary site. When the primary restrictions are treated, it is possible for the secondary symptoms to resolve or be addressed in a way that produces lasting results. This approach allows for a more complete resolution of patients’ complaints.
Sara Robbins, Registered Massage Therapist
The top graduate of the intensive Massage Therapy program at Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario for the 2017 class. Sara also holds a graduate degree in medical anthropology, which emphasizes understanding how the individual experiences health and healing from a holistic and cross-cultural perspective. After working in this field for several years, Sara chose to pursue studies in massage therapy in order to take a more active role in helping people obtain their wellness goals.
Sara is interested in many styles of massage including lymphatic drainage, myofascial work, cupping as well as traditional Swedish massage. To date, she has completed additional training in manual lymphatic drainage and lymphatic taping, evidence-informed cupping, and neuroimmune mobilization. She looks forward to challenging herself as a therapist, and expanding her skills through continuing education.
In 2018, Sara completed her certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) through the internationally recognized Dr. Vodder School Training Program. MLD encourages the transport of damaged cells, inflammatory products and toxins away from area(s) of the body. As such, lymphatic drainage has a diverse range of applications including lymphedema and venous insufficiency; chronic tendinosis; pre- and post-surgical localized treatment; inflammation based conditions such as, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis; digestive issues; chronic pain and poor sleep.