Helping clients move more freely and live with less pain has been the focus of Marisa’s teaching since 2006. Years ago, she discovered that referring clients with stubborn conditions to her acupuncturist made their bodies more receptive to her rehabilitative movement instruction, sped up their recovery time, and got them to their performance goals faster.
Now a Registered Acupuncturist with a focus on sports medicine, Marisa uses orthopedic and myofascial needling techniques to calm cranky muscles, down-regulate the nervous system to reduce pain, and activate the muscles needed for support. When this style of acupuncture is combined with exercises and breath work, clients can enjoy longer lasting results. .
Marisa approaches sessions as a collaborative effort, relying on client feedback in real time to meet each individual where they are and let that drive the treatment. Being an active participant in one’s own healing process promotes empowerment and wellbeing. Her knowledge, trained eyes and hands continually nudge and encourage clients in the right direction, but it’s the client who does the work. Marisa sees herself as a helper, not a healer. .
She received her Diploma of Acupuncture from Pacific Rim College where she took particular interests in orthopedic and myofascial acupuncture and orthopedic assessments. Her training in rehabilitative movement includes the Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist Certification, Threes Physiyoga Method Advanced Teacher Training, and 500-hr Yoga + Backcare Teacher Training in New York City. She is currently continuing her studies in Kinesiology at Camosun College. .
Empathy and non-judgment are essential in treatments, so let it be known that Marisa has been humbled by her fair share of injuries from dance, yoga, running, momming, and simply sleeping wrong.
