Dr. Karen Quinn

01/31/2024

I love helping women realign their bodies (and minds) through chiropractic care and deep conversations.

That’s why I was honored to share the ups and downs of my entrepreneurial wellness journey on the Unbound Turnarounds podcast. Please tune in, share with the women in your life, and/or leave a review if my story resonates with you!

Listen now at https://content.unboundboss.com/podcasts/unbound-turnarounds. or on Apple or Spotify.

11/16/2023

🐶🐱🐰

11/07/2023

Seems simple…sometimes we could use the reminder. 🩷

10/17/2023

Climbing a mountain can often be used as a metaphor for health and healing. It takes time, there is a destination goal, and it can offer challenge and ease along the way.

Often the summit is seen as the destination. Years ago I recall reading a book written by a woman who had summited the 7 highest peaks (and notably skied the north and south poles 😳). She described how important it was to incorporate the descent into the mental and physical plan, which many failed to do. In fact, 56% of this who reach the 29 000 ft Everest summit succumb on their descent. My point has less to do with mountains though than it does for your healing journey.

Sometimes, we do need to focus on just putting one foot in front of the other, however when we think about the big picture, get clear on what is to come after the ‘summit’…after your pain has resolved or you’ve healed your injury. What activities do you want to prepare for? What lifestyle do you want to engage in? What people and habits will support you in the days/ weeks/ months/ years to come? What new behaviors will be required to not revisit this issue?

Be an active participant in your health & healing and you will not just climb mountains, you will move them.

✌🏼🩷🏔️

09/28/2023

Curating our retreat playlists!

Every detail is carefully and intentionally considered in the planning of our retreats.

Checking the boxes for all five senses is an fun way to evaluate if we are creating the experience we want.

Sound- what is the energy of the music? Are lyrics thought-provoking or relevant? Do we want to energize or calm?

Taste- healthy and delicious meals, snacks, and beverages to warm and nourish the mind and body.

Smell- from the distinctive smells of autumn…wood burning, warmth, grounding spice

Sight- choosing a venue that offers sanctuary and beauty. To feel like the city and the to-do-list is set aside for at least this day

Feel- from the cozy and grounding energy of the space, to the feeling of our personal power through movement.

This is such a great check-in for our regular spaces we occupy too. Live intentionally, and take responsibility for your energy! Live on-purpose.

Interested in exploring this day with us? Click the link in highlights! Early bird tickets on sale through Sunday Sept 30 and only a few tickets remain!

# yoga

09/16/2023

I often wish people could see what I see. This person came for their monthly spinal check-up and reported how good they were feeling, with no symptoms or concerns to report. He laid down and as you can see, there is dramatic asymmetry in the upper back.

I took these two photos to show him the visible change that was made after his adjustment.

Changes in the body (both good and bad) can be so subtle. The Brain does a phenomenal job of compensating, much of which goes under-the-radar of our awareness.

There is a place in Chiropractic for addressing pain and injury, but there is also a case for optimizing before it gets to that point. Want to see what is possible for you? Contact me and I am happy to connect you with someone in your community!

09/13/2023

I knew this was my path when I recognized I would read physiology textbooks for fun. 🤓

That my thirst for greater understanding of the human body, performance, health and healing was insatiable. 🤪

Every person I get the honour to see presents with their own unique history, psychology, biomechanics, life stress, goals, health paradigms, personality, wants & needs. I am committed to finding the right solution to move people through the other side of pain and exceed their expectations for what’s possible for their health (thus their life). 🤩

I’m constantly learning new skills, techniques, tools and perspectives to facilitate optimal nervous system expression. Afterall, life is lived through our nervous system! 🧠

If you are curious if there is more to improve upon your body function and performance, let’s talk! You are your greatest asset. 🫵🏼

09/12/2023

🌲Happiest in the trees🌲

08/21/2023

Let’s face it, when we are overwhelmed and stressed it can be really hard to see solutions or to believe it will get better. In a stressed state, our instinct is to fight, run from it or freeze.

I remember a time where I was going through the thick of it. It hit me though…if my life was a movie, it wouldn’t be over. I was taking inventory of things mid-story. I had an opportunity to turn things around and change the path.

If you are struggling with pain, are facing the destruction of the many wildfires, or have other situations that are weighing you down, trust that this is mid story. Uncertainty can be debilitating…look for the helpers, seek gratitude, visualize what you want and get honest with what’s out of your control. Life (and healing) is a process not an event. It’s going to be ok. 🩷

healing

02/27/2023

😎

02/20/2023

Ooh yes! We’ve upped the ante on this one. A few spots remain! Get ‘em while you can!

Imagine having a day to:
-- slow down
-- breathe
-- get away from the stress
-- not worry about your to-do list
-- focus on yourself
-- refill your cup

My friend Dr. Karen Quinn and I have put together this day, just for you!

Join us for an in-person, daylong retreat on March 11.

The day will include:
- Gentle yoga (no experience necessary)
- 2 guided workshops
- Fireside journaling
- Connection with yourself and others
- Guided meditation
- Healthy catered lunch

Saturday, March 11, 2023
9am - 4pm
Redwood Meadows
Space is limited so register today! (deadline is March 4)

Register here: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/spring2023retreat

You deserve this!

02/20/2023

There are 12 cranial nerves and these two are doozies. The yellow/ lime is showing the Trigeminal nerve (CN V) and the blue/ green is showing the Facial nerve (CN VII). Covering a similar distribution of the head, forehead and face, each nerve branch has a combo of motor (output oriented) and sensory (input oriented) roles.

CN V is the largest of all cranial nerves and is responsible for face sensation, biting and chewing. When you burn the inside of your mouth, CN V let’s you know. When you have brain freeze from eating ice cream (or headaches that simulate this), it is the trigeminal nerve at play. Pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth can be helpful to both warm and stimulate the nerves in this area.

CN VII is responsible for facial expression, swallowing, dampening extra loud noises and provides the sense of taste to the front 2/3 of the tongue.

Depending on which of these nerves are aggravated, one may experience intense facial pain, headaches, migraines, or a lack of facial control (drooping, lack of control over blinking, etc).

Our neurology is literally a roadmap to our body and what we experience.

Input - Interpretation - Output.

Nothing works in isolation.

02/11/2023

This day will be like no other & we want to share it with YOU!

Join us, gift this day to someone you love or share this with someone you feel could use a day of recharging!

https://www.eventcreate.com/e/spring2023retreat

01/25/2023

Strength can create opportunities not only for fun and adventure but for independence, better injury recovery (and even prevention). Addressing your foundation regardless of where you are at in your fitness journey is also crucial. Want to more or have guidance around increasing your strength (safely)? Contact me. But first, read below!

So how does this apply to muscles?  Well, imagine getting to a time in your life where you have to make the decision to watch instead of participating, or that you have stayed back because there are too many stairs where your family is going for dinner or you can’t play on the floor with your gra...

12/23/2022

🫶🏼

12/20/2022

Chiropractors are trained to find and detect Subluxations. We understand healthy physiology (how the body works) and the complex role our nervous system has with body function. If you break down the word subluxation, it literally translates to ‘ less light’.

We look to the spine, due to the relationship the spinal alignment has with the nervous system. A subluxation is an area of resistance to optimal nerve flow - a misalignment, an area of less movement, an area affecting optimal nerve function - an area that may be dimming one’s ‘light’.

The beauty of Chiropractic is that it honours the intelligence of the body, the brilliance of nature, and removes resistance to expressing anything less.

12/19/2022

Sunsets are my favourite.

They, along with sunrises are such a great reminder to embrace the moment you’re in (because this too shall pass), and that regardless of the many things we all have to juggle (and drop) the world will continue to spin.

I’ve felt a chaotic energy lately…is it the deep freeze we are in? Approaching holidays? Is it my energy or those around me? I’m not sure. Probably a combination of all of the above. So for now, I’ll remind myself of this sunset and to be present with all that is right now.

12/08/2022

A thumbs up is made possible by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve, which originates from the C8 and T1 nerves (base of the neck/ very top of the back). This nerve innervates the extensor pollicis longus muscle (that’s a big name for a small muscle)! In total EIGHT muscles attach to the thumb alone, one of the distinguishing factors of being human.

In some cultures, this gesture is offensive, however most countries use this as a sign of approval. More than anything it is a great example of a simple daily movement that involves a number of bones, muscles, nerves, and brain input to execute…because (my mantra)…nothing works in isolation.

Anatomy is 😎.

&p

12/04/2022

Not a bad view for a run. Grateful for blue skies, cleared paths, a good playlist, and trusting my instincts that this is exactly what I needed. ❄️

10/22/2022

I was recently interviewed for a ‘Wisdom of’ series podcast with Practical Wisdom Coaching. Check it out!

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sparking-action/id1561168880?i=1000583514677

In my third "Wisdom Of" series, I chat with Dr. Karen Quinn, a Family Wellness Chiropractor and holistic lifestyle educator, whose mission is to help people feel in their health choices, inspired to live active, healthy lifestyles and harness the innate wisdom of their body.

In our conversation, Karen and I chat about:

✓ the importance of being proactive in your health
✓ that having physical symptoms is a gift
✓ the healing potential of our bodies
✓ the definition of health, including social wellbeing
✓ the power of breathing
✓ the mind/body connection
✓ how to look after your spine health and why it's so critical

When we take the time to slow down, filter out the noise around us, and deeply listen to our body, it's amazing the insight and wisdom we will find.

💕💕💕 How can you create some time today to listen to what your body needs? 💕💕💕

10/21/2022

Things I love:
The human spirit
Chiropractic
Nature
Mountains
Ocean
A sweaty workout
Alignment
Smiles
Authenticity
Learning
Music
Belly laughs
City lights at night
Hugs
Mountain air
Fresh starts
Clean sheets
Feeling in flow
Connection
Hope
A sense of purpose
Aha moments
Community
Love

10/15/2022

Shoulders for shoulder season 🤷🏽‍♀️

These shallow joints are designed for mobility, therefore are inherently less stable. Innervated by nerves from the cervical spine, T1, and comprised of the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle (collar bone).

There are many muscles that help to support this joint. The subscapularis is shown here and is part of what is known as the rotator cuff. It sits between the scapula and the ribs, and attaches to the humerus. It helps to stabilize the shoulder blade and internally rotates the arm.

Want to stretch this muscle? Eagle pose is a great one!

09/29/2022

09/15/2022

The body is in constant communication with the brain. Continuous checks and balances are required to keep us functioning and we are conscious of a very small portion of these messages.

When our spine is functioning well (why I see a Chiropractor), and our lifestyle is supporting our health (eating real and healthy foods, moving our body regularly, building strength, connecting with those we love and who support us, and honoring our mental health needs), our nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) can work most efficiently.

Health is holistic & nothing works in isolation. ✌🏼

09/05/2022

, you’re gorgeous! Nothing takes my breath away like our beautiful backyard.

If you ever doubt miracles, all you need is to look to nature.

08/17/2022

Podcasts, my feet in the water and sun on my face. More of this, please!

08/04/2022

Hamstrings…complex and yet simple.

Knowing the joints a muscle (or in this case a group of muscles) crosses gives insight into what actions they take. The hamstrings flex the knee, extend the thigh and rotate the lower leg side to side when the knee is bent.

When we sit, the far end of the hamstrings is shortened yet the end attached to the pelvis is lengthened. When we lower in a deadlift with straight legs, the knee attachment is lengthened as well as the hip. As we rise, the knee remains lengthened and the hip end shortens. The combination of hamstring positions varies with position and is worth considering when training for strength and mobility (or even just daily function).

There are also a variety of roles a muscle may assume, requiring versatility to function at its best. A muscle (or group of muscles) can act as agonists (primary movers), antagonists (opposing or resisting primary movers), synergists (helpers of the primary movers) or fixators (acting to stabilize a muscle’s origin).

It is wise to consider a variety of exercises and movement patterns to support the hamstrings. The number one exercise I see people getting injured with is the deadlift. I have nothing against deadlifts, however if done improperly, if there is spinal/ pelvic subluxation and/ or if the hamstrings require greater strength in their various positions, something’s going to give.

08/01/2022

🎶 ‘Make it up as we go along
Feet on the ground
Head in the sky
It's ok I know nothing's wrong... nothing’ - Talking Heads 🎶

07/16/2022

I ❤️ Ramsay

It’s the final weekend of Stampede, tell everyone you know! Our fundraiser really is the best deal around (that we can find) and all proceeds go to support Ramsay school students. Win, win.

06/23/2022

It was long overdue for me to take space to exhale. This week was exactly what I needed to recharge…out of the city, into nature. As they say, you can’t pour from an empty cup- my cup is now full!🌲