OPEN YOUR BODY'S VAST ABILITY TO HEAL
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy can be used to address a broad spectrum of health concerns such as:
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Headaches
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Migraines
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Concussion
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TMJ Syndrome
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Back, Neck and Knee Pain
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Sciatica
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Scoliosis
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Chronic Pain
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Fibromyalgia
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Chronic Fatigue
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Acid Reflux
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Neurological Disorders
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Stiffness or Inflammatory Conditions
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Endocrine and Immune Disorders
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Sinus Problems
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Vertigo
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Tinnitus
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Eye and Vision Issues
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Orthopedic Trauma and Dysfunction
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Spinal Cord Injuries
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Whiplash and Injury from Motor Vehicle Accidents
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Depression/Anxiety/Insomnia
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Stress-Related Disorders
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Memory Problems
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Sleep Disorders
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Post-Surgical Recovery
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Pre-Surgical Preparation
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Surgical or Trauma-Related Scar Tissue Release
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Enhancement of Athletic Performance
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Fine-Tuning of Biomechanical Alignment
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Injury Prevention and Recuperation
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Poor Posture
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Health Maintenance
How does Craniosacral Therapy work?
Our bodies function as deeply interconnected networks, so any imbalance or strain that exists in any part of the body can affect our whole being. Craniosacral Therapy helps ease tension that exists at a structural level, shifting our bodies toward optimal functioning and alignment across the entire biological network.
Using a gentle hands-on technique, Craniosacral Therapy identifies and facilitates the release of structural strains and core patterns in our fascia that contribute to chronic pain and dysfunction. These are the areas in our body that do not move well. Many of my clients come in with unresolved issues, having “tried everything without success.” These issues can range from persistent concussion symptoms, to chronic pain and dysfunction, to general stress, depression or anxiety.
Other modalities, such as massage, usually address abnormal patterns in the body through the musculoskeletal system. This approach has its own value, but for some clients, problems will continue to persist even after trying these modalities.
Craniosacral Therapy and Myofascial Release, on the other hand, address disturbances through the craniosacral, fascial and central nervous systems, offering a more global and holistic approach that focuses on finding root causes rather than chasing symptoms.
Special attention is paid to the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord—known as the dura mater. All nerves and blood vessels going to the brain and spinal cord must pass through this membrane. Releasing tension in the dura and other associated connective tissues can therefore have a profound effect on body function, cellular fluid exchange, and brain and spinal cord health and vitality.
As your therapist, I engage the fascia with a gentle touch. A sense organ within the fascia then responds to this gentle mechanical stimuli, causing a relaxation of the fibres. As a result, the central nervous system is engaged, and responds by encouraging muscles and fascia to find an easier, more relaxed and more balanced position.
My Work
Craniosacral Therapy and Myofascial Release
I call my work “Craniosacral Unwinding”—a gentle, holistic approach that combines the techniques of Craniosacral Therapy and Myofascial Release. Through a process of deep listening, I feel the whole body structure for fascial restrictions, then engage the tissue with a “light touch,” noticing the form my hands are drawn into. I wait, then follow the tissue as it self-corrects. The 3-dimensional fascial network responds and self-corrects when “listened to,” not forced or pushed. The Craniosacral “touch” is the perfect pressure to facilitate this self-correction. The body knows what to do. I just need to listen, then witness the tissue do a sacred unwinding dance to fascial freedom!
Other healthcare modalities such as massage typically address abnormal patterns in the body through the musculoskeletal system. Though these modalities can be effective, there are many cases where symptoms are addressed only temporarily and the underlying chronic connective strain pattern persists. This contributes to issues not resolving completely or reoccurring persistently over and over again, due to the fact that the fascial connective matrix strain patterns are not being addressed.
Craniosacral Therapy and Myofascial Release address disturbances through the craniosacral, fascial and central nervous systems, offering a more global and comprehensive approach that focuses on finding root causes rather than chasing symptoms.
Seeking care and advice from a doctor is always recommended, but some things can be done outside of the doctor’s office to help manage or rid of symptoms and get to the root cause of issues.
Light & Love,
Karen
TRAINING & CERTIFICATES
Certified Craniosacral Therapist – Upledger Institute
Training in Neuromuscular Therapy and Myofascial Release
30+ years of experience working with clients
Medallion Member, International Association of Healthcare Practitioners
Personal Trainer – YMCA
Fitness Instructor – Trained with American College of Sports Medicine
Services
What to expect at your session
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Sessions are 1 hour long
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During the initial assessment and treatment session, we will go over your intake form and review your history and health concerns. This is an opportunity to discuss your needs and any questions you may have.
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A Craniosacral session takes place in a quiet, private setting. You are lying fully clothed on a comfortable massage table with fresh linen. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably not jeans. The therapy is a gentle, hands-on modality using "light touch."
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As your therapist, I start a session by using a light touch to assess and monitor various parts of your body that are not moving well or are restricted. These restrictions can be found in our musculoskeletal system, organs, fluid systems, nerves and craniosacral system, and can cause imbalances, pain and dysfunction. This process allows me to locate bound and immobile fascia that can be the source and cause of our symptoms.
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Craniosacral and Myofascial Release techniques of support, traction and/or unwinding are applied to these areas, facilitating the release of tensions and allowing the body to return to a more optimal state of functioning and wellbeing.
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The sessions are generally deeply relaxing.
After your session
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I recommend that you rest and drink lots of water.
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While some patients experience relief quickly, others may require multiple sessions to fully integrate the changes in their connective tissue and relieve their symptoms. Please talk to me for more details.
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This work can have a profound effect on the body’s habitual connective tissue patterns. This can sometimes create a temporary “disorganization,” which can make symptoms worse until the body integrates these changes. This may last 1-2 days. Please talk to me for more details.
Policies & Booking
FREE CONSULT
I offer a complimentary 15-30 minute phone consultation to those who are curious about the work and are wondering if Craniosacral Unwinding would be a good fit for them.
Please use the get in touch form below with the subject heading “Consult Request” to set up your free consultation, making sure to include your phone number and a list of times you are available.
BOOKING
The cost of a regular one hour session is $150.00 (including GST).
Initial assessment and treatment for one hour and a half is also $150.00 (including GST).
Payment is due at time of service (cash, cheque or e-transfer).
To book an appointment:
Please call (604) 862 1676
email karen@karenwrinkle.com
or fill out the Get In Touch form below.
Messages regarding bookings or phone consultations can expect a reply within 24 hours during office hours.
CANCELLATION
A broken appointment is a loss to three people:
You – because you miss your scheduled treatment.
Another client – who could have used your appointment time.
Your therapist – who could have been treating someone at that time.
If cancellation is not given 48 hrs prior to your appointment, full payment for the session is due.
Get in Touch
Kerrisdale Location:
Wednesdays & Thursdays
Ridgepoint Wellness
5445 West Blvd
Vancouver BC V6M 3W5
West Van Location:
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Suite #14 285 17th St
West Vancouver BC V7V 3S6
108 Mile Ranch
4864 Gloinnzun Place
108 Mile Ranch, BC V0K 2Z0
Phone: (604) 862-1676
Email: karen@karenwrinkle.com
message me quick & easy by filling out form
My Story
My Passion is to Help People.
In 2014 I moved back to Canada after spending most of my life in The Bahamas, where I practiced for 25 years as an Upledger Certified Craniosacral Therapist and a Licensed Massage Therapist.
My Own Health Crisis.
When I was in my early twenties, working as a travel agent and fitness instructor / personal trainer, I began to experience severe, debilitating headaches. For three years, I pursued every conventional medical avenue with no success. My life basically crashed. My work began to suffer. I had to stop teaching aerobics because I couldn’t jump anymore.
The pain got worse and worse, to the point where I could not even stand up without holding onto my head. Going over a bump in a car caused excruciating pain. Searching desperately for a diagnosis, I tried everything—CAT scans, MRIs, encephalograms, orthodontics, and chiropractic. I was relieved when tests revealed that the pain was not caused by a tumor or aneurysm, but I was still suffering horribly. Near the end of these three years, a neurologist suggested that perhaps I should see a psychiatrist, saying, “There is nothing wrong with you.”
Finding a Solution.
Finally, when I was nearly ready to give up, I met Dallas Hancock, a chiropractor who also did Craniosacral Therapy. I had a two-hour Craniosacral session with Dallas, during which he asked me, “What happened to the left side of your face?” I considered the question, and remembered that when I was 13 years old, I had sustained an injury while horseback riding—the horse I was riding at the time reared back, and his head struck mine full force. Though I had not thought about the incident for years, I remembered that it was the left side of my face that had been struck, because my left front tooth was knocked out. “Yup,” replied Dallas. “That’ll do it.”
Dallas explained that several of my cranial bones were compacted, and my maxilla was jammed up into my sphenoid bone. When he released these bones and made several other adjustments, my pain disappeared entirely.
This was the beginning of my enthusiastic journey into bodywork. I was so intrigued and impressed by what had happened to me in that single two-hour session that it changed the course of my life. Delving more deeply into my work as a personal trainer, I began to learn more about stretching and fascia. This in turn inspired me to become a Massage Therapist, and to study Rolfing, Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release and Craniosacral Therapy.
Today, I work with a wide range of clients—from seniors, to young adults, to high-level athletes. I see people who face challenges related to chronic or acute pain, dysfunction, post-concussion symptoms, trauma and injuries. I also work with people who have issues around athletic performance, aging, immunity and wellness.
Love & Light,
Karen
Migraines
“Suffering from cluster migraines and neck pain for many years, I had exhausted seeing doctors, dentists, chiropractors and many other healthcare professionals in the pursuit of being able to live my daily routine of work and play without pain. I love my work as a hair stylist and I was told that I would have to reconsider my occupation. For me, that was like knocking the wind out of my sail.
My prayer was answered when a client recommended Karen. Karen’s healing hands saved me and made me pain free. She was so tuned in to my body that she was able to tell me what was happening before I even mentioned it to her! Even better than that, she taught me how to help myself through stretching and exercise and be able to listen to my body in a way that was all new to me. I have been seeing Karen as a therapist since the early 1990’s and feel blessed to have found her. I surely miss her magic! There is no one like her!”
– Kathryn Lightbourn, Hair Stylist
Chronic Pain in Shoulders & Neck
"Almost 20 years ago, I was suffering terribly from bulging muscles in my shoulders and neck. The pain was so bad I could not work or even drive a car. After seeing a few doctors and taking all sorts of medicines, none of which helped, I sought out the help of Karen. Her work was painful to begin with (I called her ‘fingers of steel’) but through several sessions I improved steadily until I was back to my normal self again. I had my life back, which was a huge thing to me and my family.
I have never stopped seeing Karen since then for monthly sessions. If I have any kind of issue, she works on that, otherwise I have the most wonderful stretching, massage or reflex sessions. When she does the laying of hands (I think it’s called facial release) on me, I am so relaxed and tuned in to her fingers that I literally drift off the table into a sort of trance. It’s magical is all I can say. You can barely feel her fingers, yet you can feel all these things moving around inside you. WOW! I have such complete trust in what she is doing that I become an extension of her hands.
Karen, Nassau has lost its best therapist and Canada is lucky to have you. I really miss you, not only for my body but for your never-ending calming advice when I’m frustrated or stressed over stuff. You always made me realize things were not nearly as bad as I thought them to be. Luckily I can still benefit from that advice with emails or over the phone."
Thank you for everything you are. Love,”
– Donna Mabon
Nerve Pain After Spinal Injury
“I came to Karen suffering from extreme nerve pain due to breaking my back. I had tried surgery, acupuncture, physical therapy and massage; nothing worked. After talking to Karen, I decided to give her therapy a chance. I was not hopeful, but was open to anything.
After my first visit, I was dubious she had done anything that would really help, and that night I was actually worse. I was so dejected, but Karen was there to encourage me and hear my worries. She was right. After a few days, the pain subsided and suddenly there was minimal improvement. Each time I’d go in, there was a flare-up followed by improvement, until suddenly there was no flare-up and only improvement. Even my pain management doctor noticed the change.
Karen was always available to me and was always listening. You could hear the concern she had when I would tell her I was hurting. I was happy that she left to follow her dreams in Canada, but disappointed she would no longer be available to work with me.
I believe you will be in good hands with Karen. It is not just a job for her. She truly cares and will be honest if she cannot help, though I believe she will most likely be able to help.”
– Sheree Pyfrom
Back Pain Recovery
“Karen Wrinkle has been my massage therapist for the past 10 years. For many years I had disc pain. Karen’s expert techniques have kept my injured discs supple enough to be able to play golf and do Pilates again, relatively pain free. She is an amazing woman with a kind, helpful and concerned nature. Best of all, her hands and the way she delivers her therapy are the best I have ever experienced.”
– Nancy Kelly
Body Integration
“Karen’s work harmonizes with the deepest layers of my body. From the moment she laid her hands on me, I felt her listening to the whispers of my inner world. From this initial contact, she rides the waves of my tissues, unraveling deeply anchored tension patterns with a caring presence and level of patience that speak to her expertise. Karen’s state of ‘awe’ with the human body translates into her approach of addressing the body as a whole, making sure that every part is communicating adequately with the others . . . Weeks later after a session with her, I am still reminded of places she addressed and brought back to my integral ability to unify body, breath and soul.”
– Mylène Bergeron
Founder of Deep Flow Bodywork
Recovery from “Incurable” Headaches
“I was told ‘cluster headaches are not curable’ and then along came Karen Wrinkle—for years I have been headache free. Her remarkable ability to determine an injury without being told and her uncanny sense to read the body are preventative medicine at its best.
The absence of Karen as a friend and therapist has left a vacuum in our lives, which will not be easily filled. If you are fortunate enough to avail yourself of her treatment, consider yourself a blessed person.”
– Dana, Lawyer
Neck Issue – Surgery Avoided
“Ten years ago, I was told to stop exercising and immediately have double disc-replacement surgery in my neck, a diagnosis confirmed by three separate neck specialists. I never did have the surgery, but I have since competed in countless triathlons, several marathons, an Ironman, a handful of 4-mile ocean swims, a dozen or so century rides and a Goruck Tough event.
What made the difference? Karen Wrinkle. She opened up my neck and unlocked opportunities for me. She has an uncanny ability to find and release constrictions in the body. Her healing hands and calm encouragement have allowed me to live an active and pain-free life. She will be sorely missed by me and so many in The Bahamas.”
– Stephan, Financial Executive and Athlete
Colleague & Client
“I have known Karen Wrinkle for over 18 years both as a colleague and as my therapist. As a colleague, I have had uncountable opportunities to work with the same patients [as Karen], which puts me in a privileged position to witness her talent and knowledge. As a patient, I have experienced her encompassing care and solid knowledge, which have helped me to overcome a variety of health issues in a very holistic and profound way.”
– Cairo, OMD Ph. D
Prevention & Maintenance
“Karen has been my biweekly therapist for over 20 years—she has magical hands and is intuitively drawn to the ‘hot spots,’ but also knows when all that is needed is some soothing and calming work. I am missing her outstanding skills, her friendship and her wonderful sense of humour, and as no stranger to the world of ‘body and energy work,’ I can say without reservation that she is absolutely the best.”
– Judy, Lawyer
Chronic Sinus Infection Recovery
“I suffered from sinus infections for 12 years. At the onset of winter would come sinus problems that would last until spring—not to mention the horrible sinus headaches. Conventional medicine couldn’t help me. Reams and reams of antibiotics, endless saltwater rinses, humidifiers and nasal decongestants never worked. Karen gave me three treatments. My joints and body in general felt more lubricated, more energetic, lighter, younger.
Even the lifelong experience of having headaches before impending thunderstorms stopped. But the best thing of all happened that winter when I nervously awaited the onset of my sinus problems—they just never came. I had a glorious winter of no pain, no drugs, no problems. It was wonderful and has stayed that way ever since.
When Karen treated me (completely painlessly, by the way), she spent a lot of time working on the head area. Not sure at the time that I even mentioned my winter sinus problems as it was August, but she seemed to know exactly where to work and what would make me well.
Thank you—thank you. Life is good.”
– Eleanor
Sports & Aging
“I had always been an active sportsperson (including mini-triathlons), and would inevitably get stress injuries to my knees and elbows. These problems would usually heal reasonably quickly if I used ice packs, and rested sufficiently.
However, when I reached the age of 60, I developed chronic right elbow pain that forced me to stop playing tennis and golf, and I even had to stop swimming. Over the next three years, I tried all sorts of treatments (e.g., cortisone injections, acupuncture, ultrasound, etc.) and tried many therapists. Some of these treatments worked for a short time, but the problem would always eventually return. In desperation, I sought the advice of a sports injury doctor in Miami. He wanted to operate, but I decided that had to be a last resort and continued looking for a non-invasive solution.
I went to see Karen with the MRI results for my elbow, and she said that as there were apparently only minor muscle tears, she felt she could get me playing sports again. It took a while, and she gave me plenty of stretching / strengthening exercises to do in between sessions, but I am now back to playing tennis and golf two or three times a week, and swimming most days.
Without her, by now, I would probably be a fat and grumpy fellow who sat in a bar and talked to anyone who would listen about my previous glory sporting days. . .
Karen is extremely knowledgeable about sports injuries, and is very passionate about her work and about getting people better again.
On top of that she is a really nice person. Our small community was very fortunate to have her, and she is greatly missed.”
– Mike Keating
Supportive Approach
“About Karen . . . this cannot be summed up in two lines!
An amazing woman and one of those people that I am lucky to have met and had as a part of my life.
A therapist and a healer who knows as soon as she touches/reads me what is going on and where, and would ask me questions in such a way that—even if I may not have wanted to say the full truth—my body seemed to trust instinctively and open up to the healing work. A friend; one of those precious ones that can help you face your truth and be honest with yourself, and be supportive at the same time—never negative, in any way.
A woman that is able to let me look at things in a different way so I could recognize destructive patterns that were not helpful anymore, and through her many words of wisdom, remind me of my strength to acknowledge and change them. Someone close to my heart, who is dearly missed, for I do not think there is anyone here who could fill her shoes.
All this . . . just scratches the surface of who and what she is.”
– Kerstin