Ryan Hayes Updated Bio

Happy new year everybody! As a kick off to 2022 I wanted to post an updated biography along with different aspects of my education so that people interested in coming in for treatment have an idea of the different modalities that I weave together to create a comprehensive and therapeutic experience.

I graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island with a BSc in biology before moving to Toronto and enrolling in the internationally recognized Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic. I subsequently completed the 2200 hour massage therapy diploma program in 2002. Two years later I learnt craniosacral therapy from Sutherland-Chan co-founder, Grace Chan. I am presently finishing my diploma in the science of osteopathy at the Canadian College of Osteopathy in Toronto. I have completed all five years of the program and will graduate after completion of my thesis: The effect of global osteopathic treatment on subjects undergoing PTSD rehabilitation as measured by HRV (heart rate variability).

I have garnered an extensive range of experience through my two decades of practice. My knowledge and application of massage therapy techniques reflect my broad scope of education. I believe that simplicity and awareness is the path to healing. With a strong foundation of anatomy and physiology, combined with years of exploring how to effectively dialogue with the body, I provide an effective, therapeutic, and informative treatment experience. I find that continued observation and personal reflection are key ways to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Following are the four main modalities that I combine in my massage therapy treatment:

1. Massage therapy uses a combination of dynamic strokes, stretching, gentle joint mobilizations, and pressure points to release tension held within and between muscles, joints, and tendons. However, the body is more than just a muscular system. Therefore, it is worth exploring the other physiological systems that may be contributing to the presenting symptom picture. Different anatomy and different tensions require different techniques. The trick to unlocking tension is utilizing the right key in the right lock. Pain manifests in numerous ways. It is important to decipher the dysfunctional anatomy that is contributing to the pain pattern.

2. Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on therapy that, in a massage therapy appointment, primarily involves treating the cranium. The fingers are placed on the different parts of the skull that correspond to the different cranial bones. These hand positions are used for evaluation and for treatment. While the pressure used for these techniques is quite light, the depth and effect of this modality can be quite profound. Craniosacral therapy can be effective for migraines, headaches, vertigo, tinnitus, TMJ issues, sinus issues, PTSD, muscular tension, and digestive issues to name a few. It is a non-invasive modality that may sometimes be paired with breathing to enhance the effect of the techniques.

3. Reiki is a Japanese energy technique primarily used for stress reduction and relaxation, but also promotes healing, balance, and grounding. Energetic stasis is also a contributor to congestion and disease. It can be received while fully clothed and independent of a massage therapy appointment. Reiki is a combination of hands on and hands-off therapy. It is extremely beneficial for releasing tension that may be present due to either past, present, or anticipated stress or trauma. Reiki is therapeutic, meditative, and spiritual in nature. Its origins come from Rei (the higher power) and Ki (life force energy) meaning “spiritually guided life force energy.” While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. Reiki promotes harmony between mind and body.

4. Osteopathy is a reductionist form of therapy that observes a symptom and attempts to trace it back to its origin. This modality considers the integration of the different systems of the body (muscular, skeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, etc.) in an attempt to optimize the physiological efficiency of the individual. Where many therapies treat locally to the presentation of a symptom, osteopathy aims to discover and remove significant blocks that inhibit full function of all anatomy in dysfunction. Osteopathy delves deeper into the anatomy to reinforce the idealized state of health for the whole body, rather than only treating observable outward presentation.

I hope this provides a historical overview of myself and what I offer as a massage therapy service. I look forward to seeing you in 2022.

Your Spirit Animal is a Puffer Fish! How we are chemically prone to be emotional.

Over the past few months, I have been going back to some of the research that I have collected to increase the ability of the brain to be optimal. Ever since spending a bit of time with Dr. Norman Doidge for a course that we were both taking called Matrix Repatterning, I have kept my eyes and ears open to new approaches or old methods that can keep the mind finely tuned. Over the years and hundreds of articles and books to keep up to date it seems that having awareness about the mind is more important than ever. We are chemically prone to be emotional. We react to stimuli that create sadness, anxiety, happiness, and such that our phones are able to evoke.

(photo by James Lee)

For the brain to seek change something drastic has to happen. According to research for someone trying to change a habit such as smoking greatly increases when someone close dies or gets diagnosed related to smoking. We ignore or choose the possibility of cancer or death happening to us or the people we are around. Once it does come in contact within our circle a higher chance of quitting a habit occurs. We are operating only at a minimal percentage when we react through emotions and stressors. The emotional or if it was to be mapped on the brain, the limbic system is great for fight or flight but you probably know this is not so great for everyday living. The number #1 killer for humans is not stress but instead inflammation. When the nervous system responds like a blowfish by expanding to protect itself every day leads to a decrease in circulation and proper firing in the body. If you want a body that performs better must first start in the brain. We have to be diligent in how we let things in our thoughts for this can lead us to make costly mistakes. Guess what though it’s not your fault. The increase of sugars in everything and of course genetically modified products are one of the main causes for the brain to not respond at the highest peak. Here’s a little trick for you. According to research by having fats in the morning, GOOD FATS such as MCT (coconut oil), avocado, olive oil (cold), and other high-performing fuel for the brain keep you from not snapping at the person that just cut you off in line.

So from now till that next person that cuts off….pause…..breath……and like Mr. Castanza say these words, ‘Serenity NOW!!’ or increase your intake of some Good Fats to keep your brain and emotions in check.

Keep it Balanced

Garnet