RMT: SARAH THOMPSON

GRADUATING YEAR: 2023

PRACTICE LOCATION: Home-based practice in Port Williams, Nova Scotia, as part of a joint venture with husband, Ian, called Herb & Feather

What were you doing prior to attending CCMH?

I was in two very high-stress industries! I was in local politics for over 8 years and also was in the restaurant business with my husband for 10+ years. I am also a Mom to two children, daughter 7, Hailey and son Harvey who is 5.

What made you choose massage therapy?

My life drastically shifted when we discovered some prenatal news regarding our unborn son approximately 6 years ago. After Harvey was born, he had several musculoskeletal conditions and we slowly developed a team around him comprised of; Chiro, Physio, Massage, and OT (to name a few) who inspired him and us to embrace this new journey we were on, to explore different healing options and modalities, and ultimately find a unique treatment plan that was best suited for our son. We watched the most...

EVIDENCE INFORMED EDUCATION

How much pressure decreases SNS? by Jenn Stuart, Executive Director

CCMH is dedicated to evidence informed education by using current massage therapy research to update our curriculum every 5 years. One of the trusted sources of research studies was (and still is) the Touch Research Institute (TRI) which was established 20 years ago by Dr. Tiffany Field, to study the effects of touch on health. Up until 2018, TRI conducted over 100 studies on the positive effects of massage therapy on many functions and medical conditions in many different age groups. Their studies have shown that massage therapy: facilitates weight gain in preterm infants; alleviates depressive symptoms; enhances attentiveness; reduces pain; reduces stress hormones; and improves immune function. One study, published in the International Journal of Neuroscience (another trusted source), looked at the effects of LIGHT PRESSURE verses MODERATE PRESSURE on the AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM. It sho...