BodyWell

BodyWell Registered Massage Therapy and Yoga Therapy clinic serving the Courtenay and Comox, BC

At BodyWell, we strive to create a space where motivated people come to learn more about their bodies, pain, and how to care for themselves. Through assessment, treatment and home care instruction, the BodyWell team aims to help people help themselves, and live to their best potential.

Well, it's been a couple of weeks since the Pigeon series wrapped up, and I'm curious!Did you participate?What did you t...
07/12/2024

Well, it's been a couple of weeks since the Pigeon series wrapped up, and I'm curious!

Did you participate?

What did you think about it?

Did you learn anything in particular about how your body is moving and handling different things, and notice any changes start to happen?

What did you think of the general process I created?

AND, what would you like MORE of?!?

Please feel free to share in the comments below, or email me at hello@getbodywell.com

I would LOVE to know how it went for you and get any feedback or ideas you might have for me.

I'm eventually going to start building a similar and slightly bigger program all about Downward Dog, but I'm open to other ideas and focuses as well!

Let me know!

- Heather

In the coming week, how could you expand your knowledge about movement OR more specifically, your body and movements it ...
06/27/2024

In the coming week, how could you expand your knowledge about movement OR more specifically, your body and movements it prefers and asks for?

- Perhaps some YouTube videos about a form of movement you are interested in.
- Maybe a 1:1 appointment with a professional in your area.
- You might even have a sore and limited joint in your body and choose to do some reading online about how that joint is designed to move and get a visual on what the musculature in that area looks like! (Ok.. that one might be a tad nerdy - but I love that stuff).

It's always good to keep learning and trying new things.

Just remember to listen to your body and stay within pain-free ranges! Especially if you're at home and don't have a professional nearby to refer to for some guidance or answers to questions that may come up.

🌿🌿🌿

Need to unwind? Our team of registered massage therapists and our yoga therapist can help you relax, rejuvenate and get relief from your symptoms to help you get back on track!

🌿🌿🌿

Now is a great time to get yourself on the schedule!

Alison works Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and will eventually be adding Fridays. View her schedule here: https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/6

Heather works Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays. View her schedule here: https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/3

Lorraine works Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. View her schedule here: https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/5

🌿🌿🌿

Interested in Yoga Therapy?

Book an appointment with Heather and see what it’s all about! https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/3

You can also visit the YouTube channel and get an idea there: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKIsmtHapTJfvoUn-g7YtOA

06/27/2024

Pigeon Series | Flow 7

This seventh flow incorporates what we learned in Set 4 Building Blocks:

- 100 Candles for a gentle and natural core engagement
- Three Legged Dog

Need a refresher? Find the Building Blocks video here: https://youtu.be/iY9_ZnswgIE

Take your time, use any supports you need to help you feel stable, supported and safe, and listen to your body.

Please feel free to repeat this practice or simply take inspiration from it and create your own little flow!

***

Want to go back to the beginning: https://youtu.be/TiFEsuOasKg

Playlist link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn_ypWetLh0HLXrY3z6YRPbmK67GOIeBh

We all have household tasks that we do every day.And then we have the household tasks that we put off for as long as pos...
06/26/2024

We all have household tasks that we do every day.

And then we have the household tasks that we put off for as long as possible, or try too avoid, or that simply don't need to be done as often... and maybe we sometimes wait to see if someone else will do it first...

either way, these tasks can add a bit more work to the day, they may require a little more effort, or they may ask for more reach through your arms and back...

What is something - even something simple - that you don't do everyday, that you could tackle today?

Just to mix things up a bit, add a bit of variety, AND feel some accomplishment ;)

🌿🌿🌿

Need to unwind? Our team of registered massage therapists and our yoga therapist can help you relax, rejuvenate and get relief from your symptoms to help you get back on track!

🌿🌿🌿

Now is a great time to get yourself on the schedule!

Alison works Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and will eventually be adding Fridays. View her schedule here: https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/6

Heather works Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays. View her schedule here: https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/3

Lorraine works Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. View her schedule here: https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/5

🌿🌿🌿

Interested in Yoga Therapy?

Book an appointment with Heather and see what it’s all about! https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/3

You can also visit the YouTube channel and get an idea there: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKIsmtHapTJfvoUn-g7YtOA

06/24/2024

Pigeon Series | Building Blocks: Set 4

This set/video will cover:
- Bridge (00:33)
- Candles (05:03)
- Three legged dog (12:04)

They have all been chosen because some part of them lends to, mimics, or helps prepare your body for some aspect of Pigeon pose.

The hope is that you will take what you feel and learn in these broken down movements and bring them into your daily life.
- Play with them daily, one at a time, in random free moments
- Notice how parts of your day and tasks you do use similar movements
- Observe how your body responds to these movements, both in practice and in life, and what kinds of sensations or reactions arise.

It's all about becoming more aware of your body!
- Is it moving the way you think it is?
- Is what you're trying to move what you're actually managing to move?
- Is anything extra moving that doesn't need to be?
- Are you holding tension and bracing?
- Can you find a ooey gooey flow in your body that's comfortable and feels good?

***

Want to go back to the beginning: https://youtu.be/TiFEsuOasKg

Playlist link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn_ypWetLh0HLXrY3z6YRPbmK67GOIeBh

Twisting is an important movement for the spine. It really helps 'wring out' muscle tension and keep the little joints a...
06/22/2024

Twisting is an important movement for the spine. It really helps 'wring out' muscle tension and keep the little joints all along your spine moving in a more comfortable and fluid way.

You might be surprised to notice how often you think you are twisting along your spine, and are really spinning through your feet, ankles and legs.

Maybe you're reaching your arm way back to grab something that is slightly behind you.

Perhaps you're relying entirely on your neck to rotate as much as possible to see over your shoulder (you CAN of course do this, but it can be nice when body parts work together too).

See if you can observe how you navigate situations that require you to turn or twist a little bit on the spot - see if you can detect where your body most naturally tries to move from.

🌿🌿🌿

Need to unwind? Our team of registered massage therapists and our yoga therapist can help you relax, rejuvenate and get relief from your symptoms to help you get back on track!

🌿🌿🌿

Now is a great time to get yourself on the schedule!

Alison works Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and will eventually be adding Fridays. View her schedule here: https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/6

Heather works Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays. View her schedule here: https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/3

Lorraine works Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. View her schedule here: https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/5

🌿🌿🌿

Interested in Yoga Therapy?

Book an appointment with Heather and see what it’s all about! https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/3

You can also visit the YouTube channel and get an idea there: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKIsmtHapTJfvoUn-g7YtOA

06/20/2024

Pigeon Series | Strength

Bringing your thigh to the sky... With a Pigeon-like leg.

Did you know that sometimes when a muscle feels really tight and stretching just isn't doing anything, it might actually want to be... engaged?!?

That's right. Sometimes improving your mobility requires less stretching and more strengthening.

Pigeon asks a lot of the hips, so I'm throwing in some bonus hip joint strengthening movements.
https://youtu.be/rYCCATTdvMs

Pssst! Did you miss the first one? Here it is: https://youtu.be/iafQPUjaeTc
And here's the second one: https://youtu.be/dH-krB056n8

You don't need to do the biggest, most challenging version of something to start getting results.

Enjoy!

***

Want to go back to the beginning: https://youtu.be/TiFEsuOasKg

Playlist link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn_ypWetLh0HLXrY3z6YRPbmK67GOIeBh

This is a great explanation and a great visual for why ‘it depends’ is the best answer for most things. It’s also a why ...
06/18/2024

This is a great explanation and a great visual for why ‘it depends’ is the best answer for most things. It’s also a why we could know something about your body but…. It may not really matter??? Because it may not be changeable, and it may not be different than it was before when you didn’t have pain or dysfunction.

Our bodies are amazingly adaptable and unique!

They are capable of functioning in many ways under many circumstances!

Rather than basing treatment plans on how something looks - statically - I prefer to focus on how the person moves through their daily actions. Whether if feels comfortable or fluid to them. Whether they have access to as many versions of movement as possible. - Heather

Trust me, I love a good day of sitting on the couch, binge watching a show while I knit or crochet or draw... You name i...
06/18/2024

Trust me, I love a good day of sitting on the couch, binge watching a show while I knit or crochet or draw... You name it.

But it's super important to get up and move.

It's amazing how quickly time can go by, and before you know it, your body has sat relatively still for a very long time.

This is not conducive to mobility, strength and balance!

How can you fill your day with a little more action? How can you take something leisurely and add a little bit of activity to it?

I sometimes like to do some stretches or simple exercises while I watch a movie! OR if I'm on a reading kick, I'll get my hands on an audiobook so that I can enjoy my stories while I'm puttering around the house or going on a walk!

🌿🌿🌿

Need to unwind? Our team of registered massage therapists and our yoga therapist can help you relax, rejuvenate and get relief from your symptoms to help you get back on track!

🌿🌿🌿

Now is a great time to get yourself on the schedule!

Alison works Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and will eventually be adding Fridays. View her schedule here: https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/6

Heather works Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays. View her schedule here: https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/3

Lorraine works Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. View her schedule here: https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/5

🌿🌿🌿

Interested in Yoga Therapy?

Book an appointment with Heather and see what it’s all about! https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/3

You can also visit the YouTube channel and get an idea there: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKIsmtHapTJfvoUn-g7YtOA

06/16/2024

Pigeon Series | Flow 6

https://youtu.be/fCh4BcyCXR4?si=jgAy2ftWTodiNbzy

This fifth flow incorporates things we covered in Set 3 Building Blocks:

- Cobra
- Seated figure four
- Lizard
- Camel

Need a refresher? Find the Building Blocks video here: https://youtu.be/eWrrbo40CvY

Take your time, use any supports you need to help you feel stable, supported and safe, and listen to your body.

Please feel free to repeat this practice or simply take inspiration from it and create your own little flow!

***

Want to go back to the beginning: https://youtu.be/TiFEsuOasKg

Playlist link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn_ypWetLh0HLXrY3z6YRPbmK67GOIeBh

Reaching down for something low is an important skill to have! Something as simple as putting on socks and shoes is a da...
06/14/2024

Reaching down for something low is an important skill to have! Something as simple as putting on socks and shoes is a daily occurrence thats requires this.

If you find yourself choosing particular types of shoes, avoiding activities that require getting to the floor, leaving things on the ground if they've fallen... You might want to re-familiarize your body with this action.

Of course, there are times where there is an extremely specific reason for this issue that might even have an impending end date - think of a heavily pregnant woman as an example!

But if this is just becoming your way of life, movements like this won't get any easier if you don't practice them.

If this is a particularly daunting tasks, start high - just below waist level - and ease yourself into more of a challenge over time. How long you take to progress is up to you.

🌿🌿🌿

Need to unwind? Our team of registered massage therapists and our yoga therapist can help you relax, rejuvenate and get relief from your symptoms to help you get back on track!

🌿🌿🌿

Now is a great time to get yourself on the schedule!

Alison works Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and will eventually be adding Fridays. View her schedule here: https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/6

Heather works Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays. View her schedule here: https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/3

Lorraine works Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. View her schedule here: https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/5

🌿🌿🌿

Interested in Yoga Therapy?

Book an appointment with Heather and see what it’s all about! https://getbodywell.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/3

You can also visit the YouTube channel and get an idea there: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKIsmtHapTJfvoUn-g7YtOA

It's going to require balance, strength in your back and legs, bend in your knees and ankles... All very important things to have on their own.

06/12/2024

Pigeon Series | Flow 5

This fifth flow incorporates things we covered in Set 3 Building Blocks:

- Cobra
- Seated figure four
- Lizard
- Camel

Need a refresher? Find the Building Blocks video here: https://youtu.be/eWrrbo40CvY

Take your time, use any supports you need to help you feel stable, supported and safe, and listen to your body.

Please feel free to repeat this practice or simply take inspiration from it and create your own little flow!

***

Want to go back to the beginning: https://youtu.be/TiFEsuOasKg

Playlist link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn_ypWetLh0HLXrY3z6YRPbmK67GOIeBh

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1507D McPhee Avenue
Courtenay, BC
V9N3A6

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BodyWell was opened in 2016 with the vision of helping people become more self-reliant and live with more ease. Healthy and safe movement looks a little different for every person, but is vital to our bodies carrying and transferring load well. By working together using massage for quick, temporary relief, and exploring healthy movement for longer lasting management, we can make magic happen!

For those not interested in the hands on work, especially following the changes 2020 brought us, appointments focused solely on movement therapy are available, however are not billable to insurance as massage therapy.