Integrated Care for Chronic Pain

My journey to wellness began two years ago when a well-respected sports physiotherapist recommended that I consult with Ryan. Years of participation in competitive and recreational sports left me with several chronic, recurrent injuries (knees, shoulder, and low back pain). Regular physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture treatments helped to manage the pain and allowed me to continue to exercise; however, my symptoms would always eventually return. After careful analysis, Ryan recognized certain postures and patterns of movement that I had adopted over the years that ultimately kept me mobile but continued to stress the same injured areas of my body. Ryan’s integrative approach involved breaking old movement patterns and retraining my body to move in a more balanced and harmonious way. Simply put, I had to relearn how to properly stand, walk, and run — and did so VERY RELUCTANTLY!

Eventually, I was able to start to integrate these new movement patterns into weight training, cycling, running, and skiing with great success when I suffered a serious setback: a diagnosis of cancer which required immediate and aggressive surgery.

The post surgical restrictions on my mobility and the subsequent damage to several core muscles left me feeling both physically and emotionally challenged.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, Ryan was able to provide me with “nutritional counselling” during my recovery period. His use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture were beneficial in addressing the hormonal changes that I was forced to deal with.

Once again, I had to return to basics (with the same reluctance) and relearn how to stand and move properly despite the limitations of significant scar tissue. Ryan’s ability to provide hands-on therapy (massage and soft tissue treatment) was so greatly appreciated when my post surgical posture brought a return of my knee and back pain.

Ryan’s integrative approach combined with compassion and a tremendous amount of patience has brought me a renewed sense of well-being and vitality.

Unfortunately, Ryan is the victim of my success as I now spend much less time in the gym and more time indulging in other activities (running, cycling, windsurfing, hiking, skiing, and yoga). Ryan now counsels me on Sports Nutrition, tweaks my half-marathon training program, and modifies my yoga postures in order to keep me injury free.

My new goal is to be fitter at 50 than I was at 40! With Ryan’s knowledge and guidance, I am completely confident that I can achieve it!!

~ Donna Mockler
Pacific Eye Doctors


Athletic Conditioning and Lifestyle Management

Ryan, as a former National Ski Team athlete, coupled with his extensive experience in fitness and nutrition and a holistic approach to physical conditioning, makes him an ideal advisor and personal trainer for anyone involved in ski or other sports or in choosing a healthy lifestyle.

Ryan was/is my personal trainer and under his guidance I lost over 40 pounds, regained my physical conditioning, can ski better than when I was much younger, and have a much healthier lifestyle. Ryan is the best I have seen in my 40 years involved in ski racing and ski sport.

~ Dave Pym
Managing Director, Canadian Snowsports Association


Athlete: Kiteboarding

I first met Ryan when I was just rehabilitating a serious shoulder, neck, and sternum injury. As an elite athlete I was concerned of my full recovery and how my injury would affect my performance in kiteboarding. My shoulder strength was good by normal standards but was nowhere close to what I needed with my sport. Working with Ryan’s immense knowledge of athletic therapy, physical therapy, elite performance and health, we were able to attack my sport specific weaknesses, enhance my athletic conditioning, and improve my lifestyle choices, such as my diet and rest habits. To me, Ryan has been the “ultimate personal trainer”. Not only has he raised my kiteboarding skills, but he has given me valuable tools to strive even farther. I can only hope other people benefit from what he has taught and shown me.

~ Richard Tamplin
Integrative Health Care

Ryan was highly recommended, by a good friend, as a personal trainer. After only a couple of sessions I realized I was getting much more. Ryan’s qualifications, education background and knowledge base are impressive and he is more of a healthcare and lifestyle consultant. He has excellent knowledge of diet and nutrition and how to incorporate it into a healthy lifestyle. His emphasis on strict form, movement and long-term function is inspiring. Ryan has developed well-balanced, efficient exercise programs for me that not only focuses on my physical weaknesses but are very enjoyable to perform. I would highly recommend Ryan to anyone who wants to make improvements to their overall health and lifestyle.

~ Trevor Shew


After working with Ryan for over a year I have a deep appreciation for his commitment to ensuring that the results I achieve are sustainable and healthy. Ryan does more than personal training — he does lifestyle management. Over time, we did several nutritional assessments and I learned permanent strategies to help with my weight loss goals. Through his training to be a naturopathic physician, Ryan understands how the whole body contributes to health and fitness, so he can incorporate that knowledge to help me have less back pain or headaches. Over time Ryan has become a good friend and I would recommend his services to anyone interested in developing a truly healthy lifestyle.

~ Wayne Rawcliffe, B.A., B.Ed., MBA, CHRP, RODC
Partner Senga Consulting Inc.


Back Problem: Weakness

During recent problems with the muscles in one leg due to back problems, I was referred to Ryan to aid in my recovery. His core-focussed workouts and training were very important in my recovery and his efforts to change my approach to how to use my core were fundamental to my body’s re-education and recovery. Ryan’s positive attitude and obvious enjoyment and belief in what he teaches were a joy, and I heartily recommend Ryan’s services.

~ David Taylor


Back Problem: Spondylolisthesis

Ryan has a full and complete understanding of the human body and how it works. Both his practical and theoretical knowledge has earned my complete trust in him. Upon informing Ryan of my back problems, he knew exactly what I was talking about and was able to build a comprehensive program around my particular needs. Ryan’s passion and care for his clients is clear. 100%. Never less.

~ Bruce Meli


Back Problem: Sciatica

With a prognosis of a herniated disc, still no choice of an operation, I was in for a long and tough recovery. I had to rest for an approximate ½ year and at the same time get stronger to be able to get back to my life the way I want to live. I got recommended from a physiotherapist to talk to Ryan. Ryan with his experiences with both being active in sports as well as being injured, understands what I am going through mentally and physically. Ryan has knowledge about all the muscle groups as well as in what sequence of movement that is correct. That in combination with the passion he is showing in his work with making ME feel better rubs off. He gives 110% with you! When I am down, he gives the pep-talk that I need. Not to forget — he makes it so much FUN! Thanks for the positive attitude you have given me. I am looking forward to having a few more sessions.

~ Sofia Lofstrom


Back Problem: Stenosis

I was referred to Ryan by a neighbour. At the time, I was waiting for surgery for a severe back condition which caused numbness in my feet and pain in my back. I was only able to walk about a block at a time. Ryan developed an exercise program for me that I could tolerate and motivated me to persevere, all with a wonderful sense of humour. He was instrumental in keeping me going until the surgery a year later, and is now helping me recover. Ryan is creative about building an exercise program tailored to one’s particular needs. This was my first experience with a personal trainer; initially I was anxious, but Ryan sets a non threatening climate. At the same time he is a firm coach. Ryan is very motivational, very positive and patient in his approach, which builds confidence.

~ Judy Carter Smith