Marlies Russell, RMT, BA

Marlies finally found her dream career later in life but since graduating from the 3000-hour program at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in December 2012, she has happily maintained a thriving and busy practice.  Her work history in the fields of customer service, business, and finance laid the groundwork for becoming a small business owner.

An active lifestyle has always been important to her and although she doesn’t participate in rowing, volleyball, squash, scuba diving, self-defense or marathon anymore, she is still busy with golf, yoga, curling, running, and kickboxing.  She is eager for the opportunity to share with you her passion for all things health-related:  exercise, work/life balance, nutrition, stretching, self-care and healthy living.  Positive change starts with awareness and intention.  Whatever your goal is, Marlies will help you formulate a plan of action and will work with you to ensure the outcomes meet and exceed your expectations!

Marlies is a member in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of BC.

My philosophy

Marlies is

  • Inspired to offer you enthusiasm and passion for the work I do
  • Devoted to expanding my knowledge to offer evidence-based treatment
  • Committed to giving you the best of my creativity, innovation and knowledge
  • Passionate about healthcare, a balanced life, and the mind/body connection
  • Dedicated to providing quality, innovative, and integrated healthcare
  • Enthusiastic as I continuously strive for excellence in my work

Massage Therapy …

has become an integral part of alternative health care in Canada, and has been utilized all over the world for centuries with a common goal, to restore health & wellness to the body, mind and spirit.  Massage Therapy uses a variety of techniques that have been proven effective based on research trials and clinical application.  Massage Therapists are highly trained in many areas of alternative medicine including orthopedic and postural assessment, remedial exercise, neurology, pathology, anatomy and physiology.

Massage Therapists are also trained to recognize when treatment may be contraindicated or when precautions should be taken with certain health conditions. For example, applying heat to the torso of a person with hypertension can cause blood pressure to rise and therefore increases risk of stroke and heart attack.

The demanding educational training standards for Massage Therapy in BC were modified in 2012, moving from a 3000 hour program that included 1000 hours of clinical hands-on experience to a competency-based program.  The purpose of this change was to allow more national transportability of the field and a regulated standard of education across the country. In addition to the extensive training, all practitioners are required to complete a provincial board-certified examination, administered by the College of Massage Therapists of BC in accordance with the Health Professions Act of BC.  These rigorous standards are in place to ensure that only qualified and knowledgeable healthcare professionals may use the designation “Registered Massage Therapist.”  Massage Therapists are also mandated to participate in continuing education courses to ensure current learning and skills.  These high standards ensure that you will always receive safe, smart and effective health care.

Continuing Education Credits

An integration of evidence & clinical expertise applied to the neck, thorax and shoulder girdle – Facilitated by Mark Finch & Diane Lee

Integrated assessment and treatment of the thoracic spine and ribs – Facilitated by Scott Larke

Human anatomy pro-section: post cervical and back – Facilitated by Chris Hagy

Clinical reasoning and practical integration of the hip and lower extremity – Facilitated by Dr. Nikita Vizniak

Health care records: Standard for patient records and privacy legislation – Facilitated by the College of Massage Therapists of BC

Clinical meets Functional: A Dual Perspective to Approaching the Chronic Foot – Facilitated by Dr. Emily Splichal and Dr. Courtney Conley

Dermoneuromodulating: Manual therapy model for persistent pain – Facilitated by Michael Reoch

Social media awareness for Massage Therapists – Facilitated by the College of Massage Therapists of BC

Lumbar spine assessment and treatment – Facilitated by Scott Larke

Clinical pain science for the low back, pelvis and hips – Facilitated by Eric Purves

Boundaries & Consent – Facilitated by the College of Massage Therapists of BC