Book Online at Active Therapy Clinic

ICBC: We are accepting a limited number of ICBC patients for specific practitioners only: Acupuncture - David Malcolm and RMT - Sarah Marzabadi

WORKSAFE CLAIMS: We do not deal directly with Worksafe BC therefore any new clients or existing clients with a WorkSafe claim will have to pay for visits in full.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in the therapists’ day that could have been filled by another patient. As such, we require minimum 24 hour notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Patients who provide less than 24 hour notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged a full cost of the treatment as a cancellation fee.

DADA PALESOVA, RMT: Dada is currently not accepting new clients. Please book with other RMTs.

MICHAL KAPIC, DOMP: Michal is currently not accepting new adult clients. Please book with other Manual Osteopaths. For children 3 month - 12 years old, please choose Pediatric Assessment & Treatment from Michal’s list.

Treatments

Treatment

Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture is an age-old and time-honored system that is an effective treatment for a great variety of conditions. By stimulating your body's central nervous system, biochemical changes affect your muscles, spinal column, and brain, stimulating the body's natural healing abilities while quickly promoting a sense of physical and emotional wellness. Acupuncture can help you experience a pain-free life. There are a surprising amount of studies that demonstrate that many conditions are resolved with acupuncture to a greater extent than any other treatments or medication with the added benefit of no side effects.

Many people struggling with chronic pain seek the relief acupuncture brings. Benefits far exceed the mere provision of pain relief and can assist with the reduction of acute symptoms of disease and provide a sense of emotional well.

Acupuncture therapies can treat:
Sciatica, Back and Neck Pain, Sports and Motor Vehicle Injuries, Stress, High Blood Pressure, Insomnia, Fatigue, Migraines and Headaches, Depression and Anxiety, Chemotherapy Side Effects, Fibromyalgia, Eczema and Psoriasis, Gout, Diabetes Symptoms, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Shingles, TMJ, Knee Pain, Shoulder Pain/Frozen Shoulder, General Pain, Menopause, PMS, Impotence, Infertility, Diminished Libido, Asthma, Allergies, Immune Enhancement, Digestive Problems - IBS, Ulcer, Reflux etc.,s All Addictions, Weight Loss, Cesmetic Treatments, Dementia and Alzheimer's, Plantar Fasciitis

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a complete system of health care emphasizing a whole-person approach to medicine. It is based on the principle that is crucial for well-being - the good health and harmonious interrelation of the skeleton, muscles, ligaments, organs and connective tissue.
Osteopathic treatment involves using the hands for complete and sophisticated diagnosis and treatment. Orthopedic and other manual tests and techniques are used to find and treat the root causes of dysfunction It is suitable for almost anyone and can contribute to the treatment and management of a wide range of conditions. Osteopathic practitioners primarily focus on restoring optimal functioning to bones, muscles, fascia, nerves and organs.
**Please be aware that Osteopathy is not regulated, and Osteopathic practitioners may have different coverage depending on the association they are affiliated with. Always check with your benefits administrator for information about your group plan and benefits with respect to coverage for the services of Osteopathic practitioners. It is important to note that osteopathy treatment can not be billed directly to insurance companies. You will be given an invoice with the practitioner’s license number to submit to your insurance provider. In the event the claim(s) are declined by the insurer/plan administrator, you remain responsible for payment to the provider/practitioner for any services rendered and/ or supplies provided (Please do not book with Mehrdad Darvish, Jenna Mellor and Chelsea Harding if you have coverage through CanadaLife or Industrial Alliance and are hoping to get reimbursed)**.

Osteopathy & Rolfing

Structural osteopathy is a physical hands-on treatment involving fascia manipulation, muscle stretching and joint mobilization. After initial diagnosis of restrictions and a treatment plan, the actual treatment becomes very specific and directed to the tissues maintaining that problem. In a session, we use various techniques as are strain/country strain technique, balanced ligamentous tension technique, muscle energy technique (MET) and others. These techniques are gentle, safe, painless and very effective. Osteopathic practitioners develop a very sensitive sense of touch to master osteopathic palpation. Palpation is what makes manual osteopathy different from other forms of therapy.

Rolfing, also known as Structural Integration ( SI ) is a technique for aligning and balancing the body and its segments – head, shoulders, thorax, pelvis and legs through the manipulation of the fascia, strong connective tissue that envelopes and isolates muscles, covers bones, and surrounds the heart, lungs and other internal organs. Through direct pressure, Rolfing loosens and releases the fascia. It restores its flexibility and elasticity that can be lost through injury, accidents, illness, trauma, repetitive movement, ageing, and strain which can lead to chronic pain.

Please be aware that Osteopathy is not regulated, and Osteopathic practitioners may have different coverage depending on the association they are affiliated with. Always check with your benefits administrator for information about your group plan and benefits with respect to coverage for the services of Osteopathic practitioners. It is important to note that osteopathy treatment can not be billed directly to insurance companies. You will be given an invoice with the practitioner’s license number to submit to your insurance provider. In the event the claim(s) are declined by the insurer/plan administrator, you remain responsible for payment to the provider/practitioner for any services rendered and/ or supplies provided.

Rolfing & Massage Therapy

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is collaborative treatment approach to restore, maintain, and optimize a client’s mobility, strength, function, well-being, and overall quality of life. Physiotherapists are recognized for their expertise in non-surgical treatment of a wide range of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions and injuries.

Registered Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy is a clinically-oriented healthcare option that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with every day occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions.
Treatments are covered by most extended health care plans.

Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST)

Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) is a form of assisted stretching that focuses on the body's connective tissues, called fascia. Fascia surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs. What can you expect from a FST treatment? With the patient fully dressed in athletic wear on the table, the therapist moves the body through various pain-free movements to find restrictions and release them wh... Read More

Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) is a form of assisted stretching that focuses on the body's connective tissues, called fascia. Fascia surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs.

What can you expect from a FST treatment?
With the patient fully dressed in athletic wear on the table, the therapist moves the body through various pain-free movements to find restrictions and release them while focusing on the patient's breathing.

What are the goals and benefits of FST?
- Release tension in the muscle
- Improve flexibility
- Increasing range of motion
- Aid in recovery & rehab
- Benefit posture
- Boost athletic performance
- Reduce the risk of injury

*FST is unsuitable for anyone with a joint replacement or recent fracture/dislocation.

Cold Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a safe and pain-free way to treat injuries and many musculoskeletal conditions. This technology speeds up the body’s natural healing process through a cascade of complex physiological reactions; this results in increased cellular regeneration, increased ATP (energy) production, and the release of endorphins (the body’s natural... Read More

Homeopathy

Classical homeopathy refers to the original principles of Homeopathic system in which a single homeopathic medicine (also known as constitutional homeopathic remedy) is chosen according to the person as a whole (a person’s constitution – summary of physical signs and symptoms, emotional feelings, mood, sensations, subconscious patterns and person’s characteristics). Homeopathic constitutional care can elicit a profound healing response and can be extremely effective in treating chronic health problems that had seemed incurable.
Homeopathy penetrates deep into the root cause, relieving physical symptoms, mental and emotional imbalances, energy blockages, and correcting the effects this imbalance has had on the body, mind and spirit. It truly is holistic medicine. It can also help activate your essential center of pure potential and help you to function more from your true essence.
Classical Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine based on the philosophy that our body, mind and emotions are all interconnected. Based on this perspective, one of the primary objectives of a classical homeopath is to find the particular constitutional medicine that matches each person’s physical, mental and emotional symptoms and features. The constitutional remedy is selected based on the Law of Similars, taking into consideration the person as a whole, including past and present symptoms.
What can Homeopathy Treat?
Homeopathy can be effective in treating virtually any health issue - from allergies to deep-seated, chronic conditions - regardless of whether the origin is physical, mental or emotional. It is a medicine that is both life-enhancing and revitalizing, bringing harmony to stressed bodies, frazzled nerves and weary spirits.
A well-chosen homeopathic remedy can produce profound improvement in acute conditions by significantly reducing the intensity of symptoms and recovery time. Many common children's complaints, such as bedwetting, colic, earaches, and teething, also respond remarkably well to homeopathy. Many women find great relief with homeopathic treatment during pregnancy and childbirth and with menstrual irregularities, PMS and menopausal symptoms.
Homeopathic treatment can be particularly useful in deep-seated, chronic conditions that have developed over a long period of time, frequently accompanied by a general deterioration of health. Homeopathy can help reverse the limitations of chronic disease and maintain long-term health.

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A healing session with Classical Homeopath Jana Cimermanova consists of addressing any kind of deficiency, disharmony or imbalance of the system which maybe causing disease.

True service is to empower the individual to help him/her find the new strength or help to activate a pure potential.

A healing session with Classical Homeopath Jana Cimermanova consists of addressing any kind of de... Read More

Jenna is an Osteopathic Practitioner dedicated to helping her clients move and feel their best through personalized care. She was born and raised on the North Shore and spent four years in Victoria obtaining her degree in kinesiology. Following three years of experience in neurological physiotherapy clinics, Jenna pursued further training at the Manual Osteopathic College of Canada in 2023. Although she no longer practices kinesiology, her deep understanding of the human body has been instrumental in her success as an Osteopathic Practitioner.

As a former competitive dancer and current marathon runner, Jenna has a firsthand understanding of how the body adapts to physical stress. She focuses on identifying the root cause of injury or imbalance, working with clients to restore harmony and support long-term health.

Jenna is a member of the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association.

Jenna is an Osteopathic Practitioner dedicated to helping her clients move and feel their best th... Read More

David offers both Chinese Medicine and orthopedic type acupuncture. He is a honours graduate from Pacific Rim College in Victoria, where he obtained his Diploma of Acupuncture. Previous to this he completed a western herbal studies program and has a background in teaching yoga and offering yoga therapy. He has been recommending remedies and other lifestyle choices for many years, having spent hundreds of hours talking to people about their health as a nutritional supplements consultant for more than 12 years.

David has always had an interest in East Asian medicine, having discovered the benefits of it in his early 20’s. Through his various studies, David has come to see that the body’s state of being represents itself over and over in many spheres. From bone to skin to mind and emotion - it is all interrelated. Chinese Medicine has tracked and mapped these relationships and developed methods to bring the body and mind back to balance.

David has a special interest in treating body pain, injury recovery, other musculoskeletal issues, sleep and stress issues, depression, anxiety, digestive and gynecological issues, seasonal allergies, and working with people who want to optimize their health. In an initial meeting, a comprehensive evaluation is done. This involves conversation about your health and your goals from treatment. Diagnosis also involves a hands-on approach, feeling the uniqueness of your radial pulse, observing your tongue, palpating specific acupuncture points and energetic channel lines - looking for areas of soreness, weakness, robustness and everything in between. Chinese Medicine theory holds that the body can be read; the outer body will reflect the inner body. As a result, we can find signatures of internal malfunction represented on the outside.

In addition to acupuncture, treatment will typically involve other ancillary methods that fall under the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) umbrella. When we think of acupuncture we might consider it as a part of a whole bodywork system. TCM bodywork includes tuina (Chinese medicine massage); this form of massage uses specific and unique techniques on the body’s channels that alongside acupuncture regulate the body’s Qi (energy) and blood. Tuina opens the body, is deeply relaxing and lays the foundation for more potent acupuncture outcomes. It has a complete universe of techniques and has many dedicated practitioners. Moxibustion is the burning of prepared mugwort herb over acupuncture points that is essentially a form of infrared therapy. David uses a smoke-free hand-held device and a TDP lamp as alternatives to this practice. There is also the fascia releasing techniques known as guasha and cupping. Both are used to release pathology. Additionally acupuncture needling can be enhanced by the usage of a percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device, this practice is commonly known as E-stim among acupuncturists.

Visit David’s website for more information: www.davidmalcolm.ca

David offers both Chinese Medicine and orthopedic type acupuncture. He is a honours graduate from... Read More

Chelsea Harding is a Manual Osteopathic Therapist with a passion for enhancing the well-being of her clients. With a diploma in Massage Therapy (2019) and a diploma of Manual Osteopathic Practice (2024), Chelsea brings a depth of anatomical knowledge and dedication to her work. Chelsea graduated from the Manual Osteopathic College of Canada, and is a member of the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapist Association.

Originally hailing from remote Northern Alberta, Chelsea has honed her skills over several years of hands-on experience, first as an RMT in Edmonton, and now as an Manual Osteopathic Therapist. Her journey led her to the vibrant city of Vancouver, British Columbia, where she continues to strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those seeking relief and rejuvenation.

Chelsea works with diverse clientele, including those with chronic pain, migraines, sports injuries, and eating disorders. Chelsea’s approach to therapy is rooted in a holistic understanding of the body’s intricate relationships and great healing potential, aiming to address not only symptoms but underlying causes.

A typical treatment with Chelsea will involve special testing and assessment of movements and tissues, followed by the application of: craniosacral techniques, visceral motility techniques, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, osteoarticulations (joint manipulation/realignment), deep tissue manual therapy, and repeated re-assessment. Techniques are used to support the area of complaint, but may incorporate other areas as indicated in testing/assessments.

Known for her empathetic nature and compassionate, quirky demeanor, Chelsea creates a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients can embark on their healing journey with confidence. Whether it’s alleviating tension, restoring mobility, or just listening, Chelsea is dedicated to helping her clients reach and exceed their wellness goals.

Outside of her practice, Chelsea enjoys baking delicious treats, exploring the natural beauty of British Columbia, staying active with her husband and pets, and continuing her quest for knowledge in the fields of anatomy and manual therapy.

Chelsea is a member of the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association.

Chelsea Harding is a Manual Osteopathic Therapist with a passion for enhancing the well-being of ... Read More

Sarah graduated from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2022. She is well-versed in working with injuries and orthopaedic conditions. In her treatments, you can expect an advanced application of deep tissue techniques, sports therapy, neurological treatments, and joint mobilizations. Sarah also has experience working with pre and post-natal patients.

She is an active person, having played tennis, volleyball, and badminton from a young age. She also enjoys maintaining her fitness at the gym and hiking on the trails of the North Shore with her dog.

Sarah graduated from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2022. She is well-versed in work... Read More

Melanie Duncan RMT (Locum) is an empathetic person with a cheery personality who loves to help people work past their pain and get back to their normal or better lives. Melanie believes that massage therapy is just one step of many on the road to a healthy body, mind and lifestyle. She has experience treating office workers, weekend warriors and the occasional gym rat. Pain is her passion and she will help you get rid of yours.

Melanie Duncan RMT (Locum) is an empathetic person with a cheery personality who loves to help pe... Read More

The philosophy behind Brent’s work and the method of Rolfing Structural Integration in which he’s trained, is that our bodies have an inherent wisdom to find balance. Sometimes that natural progression towards harmony meets blockages, tissue restrictions or functional limitations, and the body needs a bit of help to remove those challenges.

Brent began experiencing these challenges first through the study and practice of yoga. He was able to feel how conscious, intentional movement combined with breath was able to change his postural patterns. This encounter led him to become a certified yoga teacher. His curiosity deepened which led him to become an RMT. He has trained in Cranio-Sacral, Thai Massage, Deep Tissue, and ultimately became a Certified Rolfer at the Rolf Institute in Boulder, Colorado.

In his studies of the body and more than ten years of experience, Brent’s found that our physical structure is incredibly fluid, constantly changing and connected as we move through gravity, even when we feel like we’re standing still. His work as an RMT and Rolfer focuses on understanding postural habits and how they can make and break us and be reconsidered. Ida Rolf, the mother of Rolfing SI described her approach as “the yoga you would do for yourself if you could”. Brent delights in sharing Rolfing SI, Ida Rolf’s “yoga”, for his clients. He looks at every session as an opportunity to continue answering the question of what’s possible and how we can move the obstacles that stand in the way of our balance, our comfort, and our lives.

The philosophy behind Brent’s work and the method of Rolfing Structural Integration in which he’s... Read More

Owner of Active Therapy Clinic

Michal became an Osteopathic practitioner and Certified Rolfer due to personal experience with sports injuries and the recoveries that followed. From playing soccer and tennis at highly competitive levels to working as a ski instructor every winter, sport keeps him active and has always been a huge role in his everyday life. With the intensity of high level sport, Michal contended with ongoing injuries and subsequent surgeries. From his personal injuries, he realized the role of physical health education in the prevention of further injuries. In Osteopathy and Rolfing he sees a unique process of soft tissue manipulation that balances and realigns the body by releasing tension and strain.

Thanks to the great specialists in physical health education in the Czech Republic, his home country, Michal became deeply involved in Bodywork. During his university studies that led to his Bachelor degree in Sports Management and a Masters degree in Sport Science in 2009, he pursued Sports Massage Therapy (2008) and became a successful massage therapist consulting mainly with recreational athletes. He also uses Kinesiotaping to supplement his clinical practice.

Michal graduated from the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration in Boulder, Colorado in the summer of 2013. In 2016 he successfully completed the National Academy of Osteopathy in Toronto and became an Osteopathic practitioner.

Michal had worked internationally in multi-disciplinary health centers, consulting with clients in the Czech Republic, USA and New Zealand before settling in Canada. In his technique, you can find a unique combination of Rolfing Structural Integration with Osteopathy that includes gentle joint mobilization, fascia manipulation, MET muscle energy technique, visceral manipulation, cranio-sacral therapy, strain/counter strain technique and facilitated positional release.

Michal came with his girlfriend to Canada in 2009 to work for the Czech Olympic Committee during the 2010 Vancouver winter Olympics. Michal now considers British Columbia his home, and when not working, he will be skiing, mountain biking, golfing or playing tennis on the North Shore, or travelling abroad.

Owner of Active Therapy Clinic Michal became an Osteopathic practitioner and Certified Rolfer du... Read More

With advanced orthopaedic manual and manipulative physiotherapy training, Matt specializes in hands-on manual therapy treatments consisting of soft tissue release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilizations, and active release technique (ART). Individualized home exercise programs consisting of functional mobility, stretching, strengthening, balance, and/or coordination movements, combined with manual therapy techniques, are what make these treatments so effective.

Matt really knows his way around a needle. Never any pressure of course, but for those open to or requesting needling, he also offers dry needling/intramuscular stimulation (IMS). Although he has been fully certified in anatomical acupuncture for over a decade, Matt predominantly uses the dry needling/IMS technique in his clinical practice, as he feels the results are so tangible. Please consider booking in with one of our amazing acupuncturists, to experience the powerful healing effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Whether you’re an athlete or have more of a sedentary lifestyle, Matt’s got your back (quite literally in some cases). For years Matt treated many professional athletes (NHL, AHL, NFL, & CFL) in their respective off-seasons, while practicing in Ontario. Although he’ll always have a space for you athletes and weekend warriors out there, his passion and caseload continue to grow with clients suffering from ongoing musculoskeletal issues. This can include the low back pain you’ve had for years, stiffness in your hips, tension headaches or just that pesky neck/shoulder tension that many of us carry around.

Ultimately, Matt is passionate about giving clients their power back. The experience you get with him will leave you with a whole toolbox of techniques that will serve you long-term. Whether it is a new injury or something you have been dealing with for years, Matt would love the opportunity to guide you along your path to feeling your best.

SERVICES & TECHNIQUES:

• Manual therapy (improving range of motion through joint mobilizations)

• Soft tissue release & active release technique (ART)

• Trigger point therapy

• Functional dry needling (FDN) & intramuscular stimulation (IMS)

• Individualized treatment plans promoting client-centered care

• Exercise prescription: strengthening, stretching, balance, and functional mobility (you will be emailed a digital and personalized home exercise program consisting of pictures, videos, along with a detailed description for your convenience)

• Holistic care: for ongoing issues we may need to address multiple factors and your body as a whole

• Sports injuries & rehabilitation - professional & recreational athletes

• Taping & bracing

• Multidisciplinary & integrated approach: to truly address the root cause of your concerns, referral to other practitioners to work as an team may be indicated

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor Degree Honours Specialization in Kinesiology - Western University

• Master of Physical Therapy - Western University

• Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy - Western University

• Acupuncture Certification - Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (CAFCI)

• Functional Dry Needling Certification - Kinetacore

• Concussion Management Certification - Shift Concussion Management Program

• Mulligan Concept Certification

• Custom Brace Fitting - DJO Canada

PERSONAL INTERESTS:

• Hockey and snowboarding in the winter

• Hiking, mountain biking, kiteboarding, and golfing in the summer

• Strength and conditioning, yoga, and mobility training

With advanced orthopaedic manual and manipulative physiotherapy training, Matt specializes in han... Read More

A North Shore resident, Brian’s interest in human anatomy and the musculoskeletal system, as well as his passion and enthusiasm for helping others, led him to pursuing a career in massage therapy. Since becoming an RMT in 2018, he has gained experience in treating a variety of conditions including chronic muscle tension and hypertonicity, ongoing recovery from various injuries, as well as providing treatments for general stress management, headaches and prenatal care.

Understanding that each individual has his or her own health and wellness needs, Brian treats his patients accordingly. His approach is from a comprehensive whole-body perspective incorporating a variety of techniques such as deep tissue, myofascial and dynamic release, trigger point therapy, and passive stretching with customized pressure targeting areas that will let patients feel better

Brian continues to educate himself and take courses to develop new techniques to advance patient care. In his spare time Brian enjoys the outdoors, hiking with his dog, tennis, golf, hockey, snowshoeing, photography, spending time with family and friends and coaching his son’s soccer team.

A North Shore resident, Brian’s interest in human anatomy and the musculoskeletal system, as well... Read More

Drahomira (Dada) believes that therapeutic massage is a great tool for helping patients with pain reduction, healing, and relaxation, which, in turn, leads to good health maintenance and injury prevention. She learned to look at the body as a whole unit and look for the origin of the problem rather then treating only the symptoms.

She has learned a lot about her body through sustaining small injuries and then watching the healing process take over. She has found that her passion for sport has helped her to understand her personal needs for self-care and it is this appreciation of the benefits associated with the maintenance of general well-being that she would like to share with other sporting enthusiasts. Enjoyment of the outdoor experience has been a big part of her life. She enjoys skiing, rock-climbing, mountaineering, hiking, running, paddle boarding. Her secondary passion in the field wellness lies is in nutrition and understanding body and mind as a whole complex.

Education

Dada’s graduation from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2016 grew out of her keen interest in anatomy and physiology which started her down the path to massage therapy, and never stopped exploring further more to myofascial and visceral manipulations.

Services Offered

• Deep Tissue Massage

• Myofascial Release Therapy

• Visceral manipulation

• Sports Massage

• Swedish Massage Therapy

• Prenatal Massage Therapy

• Post Traumatic Care Therapy

Drahomira (Dada) believes that therapeutic massage is a great tool for helping patients with pain... Read More

Select a treatment from the list on the left
to view available appointment times

Located at: 1221 Lonsdale Avenue, suite #300, North Vancouver
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Need Help? 604-973-1700 info@active-therapy.ca

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