One of the many things I love about living in Coquitlam, BC, Canada is the access to stunning wilderness and all of the physical activities this mountain and coastal geography encourages. Whether you’re logging miles along the trails of Rocky Point Park, hiking the climbs of Buntzen Lake and Diez Vistas Trail, Dragon Boating on the Inlet or training hard on the erg, staying active is a huge part of life here in the Tri-Cities.
I hit 50 years old this year and even at this age I can’t keep still. But with activity comes wear and tear — and that’s where osteopathy can make all the difference.
Why Active Adults Turn to Osteopathy
Running, rowing, and hiking are repetitive, high-demand activities. And even though it is essential to stay consitently active to remain healthy, over time, these activities create small body imbalances which can lead to:
- Persistent tightness or stiffness
- Reduced performance
- Recurring injuries
- Compensation patterns elsewhere in the body
Osteopathy takes a whole-body approach — looking beyond the site of pain to understand why it’s happening in the first place.
Instead of just treating symptoms, osteopathy helps restore:
- Joint mobility
- Muscle balance
- Efficient movement patterns
- Overall health
Common Issues We See in Runners, Rowers & Hikers
Active adults in Coquitlam and Port Moody often come to me with:
Lower Body Injuries
- Runner’s knee
- Achilles tendon irritation
- Plantar fasciitis
- IT band syndrome
Hip & Pelvic Imbalances
- Tight hip flexors
- Glute weakness or inhibition
- Sacroiliac joint discomfort
Back & Rib Issues (especially rowers)
- Mid-back stiffness
- Rib restrictions affecting breathing
- Lower back fatigue from repetitive loading
Overuse from Hiking
- Knee strain on descents
- Ankle instability on uneven terrain
- Hip and low back tightness after long climbs
Systemic Symptoms
- Cervicogenic headaches and migraines
- Breathing problems
- Digestion issues
Why These Problems Keep Coming Back
One of the biggest frustrations that active people tell me is this:
“It feels better… then it comes back again.”
That’s usually because the root cause hasn’t been addressed.
For example:
- Knee pain may stem from hip restriction
- Foot pain may relate to ankle or calf mechanics or vertebrak restrictions
- Back tightness may be driven by breathing or rib mobility
Osteopathy connects the dots — so your body doesn’t have to keep compensating.
How Osteopathy Helps You Move Better
Treatment is hands-on, gentle, and tailored to you. It may include:
- Joint articulation to restore movement
- Soft tissue techniques to release tension
- Mobility work for key areas like hips, ankles, and spine
- Advice on movement, training load, and recovery
The goal isn’t just pain relief — it’s efficient, resilient movement.
Performance Benefits (Not Just Injury Recovery)
Many runners and active adults seek osteopathy not because they’re injured — but because they want to:
- Run more efficiently
- Improve stride and cadence
- Breathe more effectively
- Recover faster between sessions
- Reduce risk of future injury
In other words:
Move better, perform better, and stay consistent
Why This Matters Locally
Living in Port Moody and Coquitlam means easy access to some of the best outdoor activity in the Lower Mainland in the most sublime scenery you can find anywhere in the world.
From lakeside runs to mountain hikes, your body is constantly adapting to:
- Elevation changes
- Uneven terrain
- Repetitive loading
Staying on top of mobility and alignment isn’t a luxury — it’s essential for staying active long-term.
When Should You See an Osteopath?
You don’t need to wait for a major injury.
Consider booking if you:
- Feel tight or restricted during or after activity
- Notice recurring niggles in the same area
- Are increasing your training volume
- Want to improve performance and efficiency
- Are returning from a previous injury
- Prefer proactive health maintenance and injury avoidance
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a runner, rower, hiker, or just someone who loves to stay active, your body works best when everything is moving well together.
Osteopathy offers a proactive, whole-body approach to:
- Reduce pain
- Improve movement
- Support long-term performance
So you can keep doing what you love — without being held back.
Osteopathy in Port Moody & Coquitlam
If you’re looking for osteopathy in Port Moody or Coquitlam, this is a great time to take a proactive step toward better movement and recovery. Contact Max for a free consultation about how osteopathy can best support your active lifestyle or help ease you safely into a more regular exercise routine.
We hope you are having a pain free, stress free, relaxed and feeling-good-in-your-body day!
Max Edwards
Osteopathic Manual Practitioner & Bodywork Specialist
Owner
Ithaca Wellness
– Pain Relief – Stress Reduction – Wellness –
M: 778-929-6143
E: ithacawellnesscanada@gmail.com
To book appointments use the booking links below:
Mobile & Online Appointments https://ithaca.noterro.com
@ Dovira Clinic, Coquitlam https://dovira.janeapp.com/
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Providing manual osteopathy and therapeutic bodywork to the communities of Coquitlam, Anmore, Belcarra, Port Moody, Burke Mountain, Westwood Plateau, Tri-Cities, and Greater Vancouver
Professional osteopathic care – in-clinic and home visits!
Member of British Columbia Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (BCAOMP) – Fully insured and licensed.
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