Top 5 Ways Exercise Helps Relieve Musculoskeletal (MSK) Pain
Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain—from nagging low back discomfort to chronic joint or tendon pain—affects millions of people and can seriously limit quality of life. While medications and passive treatments may offer short-term relief, exercise is one of the most effective, long-term strategies for managing MSK pain.
At Mountain Health & Performance, our team of chiropractors and massage therapists work together to create personalized, evidence-based movement plans to help you recover, stay active, and feel your best.
Here are the top 5 science-backed ways exercise can help relieve MSK pain:
1. Improves Blood Flow and Tissue Healing
Exercise enhances circulation, which boosts oxygen and nutrient delivery to injured or painful tissues. This helps accelerate the healing process and clear out metabolic waste products that contribute to inflammation and pain.
Low-impact cardio like walking, swimming, or cycling can increase circulation safely—especially during flare-ups or recovery periods.
2. Decreases Inflammation and Nerve Sensitivity
Regular physical activity helps regulate the immune system and reduces chronic inflammation, which plays a key role in many MSK conditions. Exercise also promotes nervous system adaptation, helping to calm "overactive" pain pathways and reduce hypersensitivity.
At Mountain Health & Performance, we use graded exposure techniques to help patients with persistent pain slowly build tolerance and confidence in movement.
3. Strengthens Supporting Muscles
Muscle weakness and imbalances often contribute to joint and tendon overload. Resistance training helps stabilize and support key areas like the spine, hips, and shoulders, improving posture and reducing mechanical strain.
Our practitioners often see reduced knee and back pain when patients incorporate glute, core, and scapular strengthening into their rehab.
4. Restores Mobility and Prevents Compensations
Restricted motion can lead to dysfunctional movement patterns and ongoing discomfort. Stretching, joint mobilization, and mobility exercises restore flexibility and range of motion, helping you move more efficiently and with less pain.
For example, limited thoracic spine (midback) mobility often contributes to neck and shoulder pain—an area we frequently address through individualized mobility work at the clinic.
5. Improves Mood, Sleep, and Pain Tolerance
Pain isn't just physical—it's emotional and mental, too. Exercise boosts endorphins, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality, all of which have a direct impact on how we perceive and cope with pain.
Why Choose Mountain Health & Performance?
Located in North Vancouver, Mountain Health & Performance offers a collaborative, sport-focused approach to MSK care. Whether you're dealing with a recent injury or persistent pain, our team creates tailored exercise plans that address the root cause of your pain, not just the symptoms.
Ready to Move Better and Feel Better?
If MSK pain is holding you back, you don’t have to go it alone. Our experienced practitioners are here to guide you every step of the way with compassionate, results-driven care.
Dr. Matt Wentzell
BKin, MSc, DC, FRCCSS(C)
North Vancouver Sport Chiropractor
New Team Member Announcement: Shyloh Carter RMT
Mountain Health and Performance is pleased to announce that starting September 4th, Shyloh Carter RMT will be joining the team!
Shyloh Carter is a Registered Massage Therapist dedicated to helping clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized, hands-on care. She combines therapeutic and relaxation techniques to deliver effective treatments that reduce pain, improve mobility, and support overall recovery.
Graduating from the Okanagan College of Massage Therapy in 2023, Shyloh brings a strong foundation in manual therapies and a passion for individualized care. Her approach focuses on understanding each client’s unique needs and tailoring treatments that facilitate both physical healing and mental relaxation. She has a special interest in working with individuals with neurologically-driven injuries and ailments, prenatal and postnatal care and working with TMJ injuries.
Shyloh believes that massage therapy plays an essential role in rehabilitation, injury prevention, and stress management. She enjoys incorporating a blend of techniques to address specific concerns while creating a calming and restorative experience. Techniques Shyloh utilizes includes, but is not limited to Active Release Technique, trigger point release, muscle energy technique, joint mobilizations, sport massage, and more.
Inspired by her own experiences with manual therapy, Shyloh discovered a passion for helping others through therapeutic touch. This personal journey motivates her to provide compassionate, results-driven care to every client she works with.
When she’s not in the treatment room, Shyloh enjoys staying active, exploring the outdoors, and continuing her education to expand her skills and better serve her clients.
Shyloh will be available for massage appointments Sundays, Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons/evenings.
To book with Shyloh, click here.
Massage Therapy for Neck Pain Relief in North Vancouver
Struggling with Neck Pain? Massage Therapy May Be the Solution
Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. Whether it's due to poor posture, stress, or injury, persistent neck discomfort can interfere with your daily life. At Mountain Health and Performance in North Vancouver, our registered massage therapists (RMTs) specialize in helping patients find long-lasting relief through evidence-informed manual therapy techniques.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Understanding what’s causing your neck pain is the first step to finding effective relief. Some of the most common contributors include:
Poor posture: Long hours spent hunched over a computer or phone can strain the muscles at the base of the neck and upper back.
Muscle tension and stress: Emotional or mental stress can cause people to unconsciously clench their neck and shoulders, leading to chronic tightness.
Injuries: Whiplash from car accidents, sports injuries, or slips and falls can result in soft tissue damage and inflammation.
Sleeping position: Unsupportive pillows or awkward sleeping postures can strain the cervical spine.
Repetitive strain: Daily activities that involve repeated head or arm movement can lead to muscular imbalances over time.
How Massage Therapy Helps with Neck Pain
Massage therapy is a safe, non-invasive approach that addresses both the symptoms and root causes of neck discomfort. Here's how it can help:
1. Reduces Muscle Tension
Massage works to release chronic muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back—areas often affected by stress and poor ergonomics.
2. Improves Circulation
Increased blood flow helps flush out metabolic waste, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in injured or strained tissues.
3. Enhances Range of Motion
By targeting shortened or overactive muscles, massage can help restore natural neck movement and flexibility.
4. Decreases Pain Sensitivity
Massage has been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine levels, which can help decrease pain perception and improve mood.
5. Reduces Headache Frequency
Tension-type headaches and some migraines can stem from tight neck and upper back muscles. Regular massage may help reduce their frequency and severity.
What to Expect from Massage Therapy at Mountain Health and Performance
Our RMTs tailor each treatment to your individual needs. Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
Swedish massage for relaxation and circulation
Deep tissue techniques to release trigger points
Myofascial release for chronic tightness
Stretching to restore mobility
Home care recommendations to support long-term recovery
Our RMTs often collaborate with our in-house chiropractors to ensure you receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of your condition.
Book Your Appointment Today
If you're experiencing neck pain—whether it's from daily stress, an injury, or chronic tension—massage therapy can be a powerful part of your recovery. Our experienced team at Mountain Health and Performance in North Vancouver is here to help you move better and feel better.
Call today or book online to schedule your massage therapy appointment.
Relieve Low Back Pain with Massage Therapy in North Vancouver
Massage Therapy for Low Back Pain in North Vancouver
Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting people from all walks of life—whether you're an office worker, athlete, parent, or tradesperson. At Mountain Health and Performance in North Vancouver, our experienced registered massage therapists (RMTs) provide targeted, hands-on treatment to help reduce pain, improve movement, and support long-term recovery.
Why Is Low Back Pain So Common?
Your lower back supports the weight of your upper body and plays a key role in nearly every movement—sitting, standing, walking, bending, or lifting. Because of this constant demand, it’s particularly prone to strain and injury.
Common causes of low back pain include:
Muscle or ligament strain from repetitive use, poor lifting technique, or sudden movements
Postural dysfunction caused by prolonged sitting or poor workstation ergonomics
Sedentary lifestyle, leading to weakness and instability in the core and back muscles
Sports injuries or overuse, particularly in activities involving twisting or impact
Stress, which often causes the lower back muscles to tighten and remain tense
Disc or joint issues, which can contribute to persistent or radiating pain
Whether acute or chronic, low back pain often results from a combination of these factors—and massage therapy can help address several of them effectively.
The Role of Massage Therapy in Low Back Pain Management
Massage therapy doesn’t just feel good—it’s a research-supported treatment that can play an important role in managing and reducing low back pain. Here’s how it helps:
1. Eases Muscle Tension
Tight or overactive muscles in the lower back, hips, and glutes can restrict movement and contribute to discomfort. Massage therapy helps release tension, reduce spasms, and promote relaxation in these key areas.
2. Supports Circulation and Healing
Increased blood flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues, while also flushing out inflammatory byproducts that can worsen pain.
3. Improves Flexibility and Mobility
Massage helps improve soft tissue extensibility, allowing for better spinal mobility and functional movement patterns.
4. Reduces Pain Signals
Manual therapy techniques can influence the nervous system, helping to reduce the sensation of pain through both mechanical and neurological mechanisms.
5. Complements Other Treatments
Massage therapy pairs well with physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and active rehabilitation to create a well-rounded plan for back pain relief and prevention.
What Makes Massage at Mountain Health and Performance Different?
At Mountain Health and Performance, we take a collaborative and individualized approach. Our RMTs assess each patient’s movement patterns, pain triggers, and lifestyle factors to create a treatment plan that’s tailored to their needs.
Depending on your case, treatment may include:
Deep tissue or trigger point therapy
Myofascial release for chronic tightness
Swedish massage for general relaxation and circulation
Passive stretching and guided mobility work
Advice on posture, movement, and ergonomics
Our multidisciplinary team often works together to provide coordinated care that supports your full recovery and long-term results.
Book Your Low Back Pain Treatment Today
If you’re tired of dealing with low back pain, massage therapy might be the missing piece of your recovery. Whether you’ve been living with discomfort for years or are dealing with a recent injury, our North Vancouver-based RMTs are here to help you move and feel better.
Book your appointment online today at mountainhp.ca, or give us a call to get started.
The Powerful Benefits of Combining Massage Therapy with Chiropractic Care in North Vancouver
In today's fast-paced world, many individuals are searching for natural ways to relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve overall health. Two treatments that have garnered significant attention for their ability to address a wide range of physical ailments are massage therapy and chiropractic care. While both of these therapies offer distinct benefits when used separately, combining them can provide even more powerful results. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of integrating massage therapy with chiropractic care and how this combination can enhance your health and well-being—especially at our clinic in North Vancouver.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to adjust the spine and other joints, aiming to improve mobility, relieve pain, and promote overall health. Common conditions treated with chiropractic care include back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, and more.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, to alleviate pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation. There are various types of massage, such as Swedish, deep tissue, sports, and trigger point massage, each offering unique benefits for different conditions.
The Power of Combining Massage Therapy with Chiropractic Care in North Vancouver
When combined, massage therapy and chiropractic care work synergistically to provide a more comprehensive and holistic approach to wellness. Let’s dive into the key benefits of integrating these two therapies:
1. Enhanced Pain Relief
One of the most significant benefits of combining massage therapy with chiropractic care is enhanced pain relief. Chiropractic adjustments are highly effective at addressing dysfunction in the spine and joints, which can cause pain and discomfort. However, massage therapy works to relax the surrounding muscles, reduce tension, and improve blood circulation. Together, these treatments can offer more comprehensive pain relief, especially for conditions like:
2. Improved Range of Motion
Both chiropractic care and massage therapy help improve joint mobility. Chiropractic adjustments physically move the spine and joints, while massage therapy helps to release muscle tension and tightness that may be restricting movement. When combined, these therapies can help restore your full range of motion, allowing for greater flexibility and improved physical performance.
3. Reduced Muscle Tension and Spasms
Massage therapy is known for its ability to target muscle tightness and spasms, which are often caused by poor posture, overuse, or stress. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, focuses on spinal alignment, which can indirectly reduce muscle strain through post-adjustment relaxation of the muscles that bridge the joint caused by a reflex loop at the spinal cord. By combining these therapies, you can experience faster relief from muscle tension, as both treatments address the root causes from different angles.
4. Stress Relief and Improved Relaxation
Massage therapy is well-known for its stress-relieving benefits, promoting relaxation and reducing cortisol levels. Chiropractic care also contributes to relaxation by improving nervous system function and reducing pain, which can help lower overall stress levels. When used together, these therapies can significantly improve your mental well-being, allowing you to feel more relaxed, centered, and balanced.
5. Faster Recovery After Injuries
Whether you're recovering from an athletic injury, an auto accident, or a chronic condition, combining massage therapy with chiropractic care can expedite the healing process. Chiropractic adjustments help foster improved motion at the spine and joints, while massage therapy works to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote lymphatic drainage. Together, these treatments enhance recovery, decrease inflammation, and help you get back to your normal activities more quickly.
6. Prevention of Future Injuries
Both chiropractic care and massage therapy focus on preventing future injuries. Chiropractic adjustments ensure proper spinal alignment and joint function, which helps prevent strain on muscles and ligaments. Massage therapy improves flexibility and reduces muscle tightness, which decreases the risk of overuse injuries. When combined, these therapies work together to support long-term musculoskeletal health and minimize the risk of recurring injuries.
7. Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness
Unlike traditional medical treatments that often focus solely on alleviating symptoms, chiropractic care and massage therapy offer a more holistic approach to health. These therapies work with your body's natural healing mechanisms, aiming to restore balance and improve overall wellness. By addressing both the physical and mental aspects of health, this combined approach can help you achieve a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Why Choose Our North Vancouver Clinic?
At Mountain Health and Performance in North Vancouver, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care through a combination of chiropractic treatments and therapeutic massage. Our team of experienced professionals works closely with each patient to design a personalized treatment plan that aligns with their unique health goals. Whether you’re seeking pain relief, stress reduction, or simply want to enhance your overall wellness, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
How to Incorporate Both Therapies Into Your Routine
If you’re interested in reaping the benefits of both massage therapy and chiropractic care, here’s how you can incorporate them into your routine at our North Vancouver clinic:
Schedule regular chiropractic adjustments: Start by visiting one of our expert chiropractors to address any musculoskeletal conditions as they are able to diagnose the issue.
Complement with massage therapy sessions: Follow up your chiropractic care with regular massage therapy sessions to relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce stress.
Consistency is key: For optimal results, make these therapies part of your regular health routine. Frequency will depend on your individual needs and goals, but many patients find that bi-weekly or monthly sessions provide lasting benefits.
Conclusion
The combination of massage therapy and chiropractic care offers a powerful, holistic approach to health and wellness, and our North Vancouver clinic is here to guide you on your journey to better health. By working together, these therapies enhance pain relief, improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, promote relaxation, and accelerate recovery. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to improve your overall health, incorporating both treatments into your routine can lead to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
If you're interested in experiencing the benefits of combining massage therapy with chiropractic care, reach out to our North Vancouver clinic today to schedule your consultation. Start your journey toward better health and well-being today!
Dr. Matt Wentzell
BKin, MSc, DC, FRCCSS(C)
North Vancouver Sport Chiropractor
The Top Benefits of Registered Massage Therapy (RMT)
Massage therapy has long been associated with relaxation—but today’s Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) do much more than help you unwind. At Mountain Health & Performance in North Vancouver, our RMTs are trained to assess and treat soft tissue dysfunction, injury, and pain using evidence-based techniques tailored to your health goals.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or looking to optimize athletic performance, here are the top benefits of RMT—and why it’s an essential part of our multidisciplinary approach to care.
✅ 1. Reduces Muscle Tension and Pain
One of the most well-known benefits of massage therapy is its ability to relieve tight muscles and reduce pain. By working on specific muscle groups, RMTs can improve tissue pliability, reduce trigger points, and ease movement restrictions—helping you feel and function better.
Common areas treated: neck and shoulder tension, low back pain, TMJ dysfunction, hip stiffness, and calf tightness.
✅ 2. Improves Circulation and Healing
Massage therapy enhances blood flow and lymphatic drainage, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing metabolic waste. This improved circulation supports the body’s natural healing process—especially valuable during injury rehab or recovery from intense training.
Bonus benefit: Better circulation can also reduce swelling and inflammation in targeted areas.
✅ 3. Supports Recovery from Injury
Our RMTs work closely with our chiropractors to support your rehabilitation plan. Whether you're healing from a sports injury, sprain, strain, or overuse condition, massage therapy can:
Reduce pain and guarding
Improve soft tissue flexibility
Support range of motion restoration
✅ 4. Helps Manage Chronic Conditions
Many clients find regular massage therapy helps manage chronic conditions such as:
Tension headaches and migraines
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
Arthritis-related pain and stiffness
TMJ disorders
Sciatica and nerve-related pain
At Mountain Health & Performance, your RMT will tailor each session based on your unique history, symptoms, and goals.
✅ 5. Reduces Stress and Enhances Well-Being
Massage therapy activates the parasympathetic nervous system—reducing stress hormones like cortisol and promoting a sense of calm. This can lead to better sleep, lower anxiety, and even improved immune function.
It's not just about relaxation—it's about whole-body health.
✅ 6. Improves Athletic Performance and Recovery
For athletes and active individuals, massage therapy plays a vital role in:
Enhancing mobility and flexibility
Reducing post-exercise soreness
Preventing overuse injuries
Supporting performance longevity
Our RMTs work with recreational and elite athletes to keep their bodies moving at their best.
Why Choose RMT at Mountain Health & Performance?
Located in North Vancouver, our clinic takes a collaborative, evidence-informed approach to care. Our Registered Massage Therapists are an integral part of our multidisciplinary team, working alongside our other practitioners to deliver personalized, effective treatment.
Whether you’re seeking pain relief, stress reduction, or injury recovery, our RMTs are here to help you move, feel, and live better.
Book Your RMT Appointment Today
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of massage therapy in a professional, patient-focused environment, we’d love to help.
👉 Book online here.
Dr. Matt Wentzell
BKin, MSc, DC, FRCCSS(C)
North Vancouver Sport Chiropractor
Post-Game Recovery: What Professional Athletes Do (and How You Can Too)
Why Recovery Matters as Much as Training
When you think of professional athletes, you might picture intense workouts or highlight-reel moments. But behind the scenes, post-game recovery is where real performance gains happen. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or training for a marathon, smart recovery can be your secret weapon. At our Mountain Health and Performance, we teach athletes of all levels how to recover smarter, prevent injuries, and boost long-term performance.
Here’s how the pros do it—and how you can too.
1. Active Recovery Is Essential
Elite athletes rarely go from full intensity to a complete stop. Light movement post-game will promote circulation and can speed muscle repair.
How to recover like a pro: Try 20–30 minutes of low-impact cardio like walking, cycling, or a gentle yoga session after a tough game, or try a lower-intensity cycling, swimming or mobility work-out the day after a tough workout or competition.
2. Contrast Therapy & Cold Immersion for Faster Muscle Recovery
Ice baths aren’t just Instagram hype (spoiler: a dedicated blog post on this is coming!). Many athletes use cold therapy or hot/cold contrast showers to reduce inflammation and aid muscle recovery.
At-home hack: End your regular shower with a 30-second blast of cold water. Gradually build up your cold tolerance and over time, increase the cold exposure while alternating with warm water.
3. Prioritize Soft Tissue Care
Massage therapy and myofascial work aren't luxuries — they’re essential for tissue health and injury prevention.
Pro tip: Book a recovery massage within 48 hours after a major competition or heavy training session. If a post-competition massage is not practical or feasible for you, try some post-competition foam rolling on major muscle groups which may hasten your recovery.
4. Sleep: The Most Powerful Recovery Tool
Sleep is when most recovery happens, including muscle repair and hormone balancing.
Quick win: Aim for 8-10 hours of high-quality sleep with a consistent bedtime routine. Aim for a consistent sleep schedule, dark bedroom, and no screens for least 60 minutes before bed.
5. Refuel Properly After Games
Nutrition is key to recovery. Most, if not all pro teams consult with nutritionists or dieticians and have a post-game nutrition strategy in place to replenish energy stores and hydration, and provide the body what it needs for tissue repair.
Winning combo: Eat a mix of carbs and protein within an hour after intense exercise — think smoothies, wraps, Greek yogurt and/or a banana. Not eating can seriously hinder your ability to recuperate following intense activity and increase your chances of injury over time.
Final Tip: Recovery will always happen in some capacity, but recovering optimally requires intent
Don't just train hard — recover smart. Mountain Health and Performance in North Vancouver offers massage therapy, chiropractic care, laser therapy, shockwave and other tools to help you recover. Book an appointment with one of our practitioners and recover like a pro.
Dr. Matt Wentzell
BKin, MSc, DC, FRCCSS(C)
North Vancouver Sport Chiropractor
Mountain Health and Performance Welcomes New Team Member
Mountain Health and Performance is please to announce the latest edition to the team; Callum Weekes, RMT!
Callum Weekes RMT
Callum is a graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT). He is passionate about helping people move better, feel better, and live with less pain. Whether you’re dealing with stress, recovering from an injury, or managing chronic tension, Callum takes the time to understand your goals and tailors each treatment to suit your needs.
With training in Swedish massage, deep tissue techniques, and myofascial release, Callum blends therapeutic and relaxation-focused approaches to support the body’s natural healing process. He’s dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive environment where clients feel heard, comfortable, and cared for.
Callum is excited to work with people from all walks of life, whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain or simply looking to prioritize your overall wellness.
Callum is accepting is available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. He is currently accepting new patients. To book with Callum, click here.