About

bio pic Alison Coolican

 
“Alison is a warm and gentle practitioner, who creates a safe and supportive environment for her clients. She is deeply knowledgeable in her field and her way of being combined with her knowledge really supported my body in its healing process”.   K. G., Vancouver
 
“Of the many massage therapists that I have tried I have liked working with Alison best.  Her knowledge of the body and her strong but gentle touch are very helpful with the things that plague me. And on top of that she is such a nice person!”    A. W., Vancouver
 

Alison is a skilled and caring Registered Massage Therapist in Vancouver, BC.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Anatomy) from the University of Saskatchewan in 1996, Alison said a fond goodbye to the prairies to build a life on the West Coast.  She decided to further pursue her interest in movement and anatomy by attending the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in New Westminster, BC. She earned her diploma and became a Registered Massage Therapist in 2005.

Upon graduation from WCCMT, she was honoured with the Joe Koscak Memorial Award from her classmates. This annual award is presented to the student who demonstrates integrity, perseverance, a passionate heart and caring soul, and these are all qualities that Alison brings to her practice.

Her treatments are often deep and specific, with as little discomfort as possible. She studies with local and international leaders in the area of myofascial, visceral and neurofascial manual therapy.  This type of treatment helps to alleviate strains and snags within the web of connective tissue in the body, involving the facial covering of muscles, viscera, and nerves.  Furthermore, she provides a component of movement re-education to help change conscious or unconscious habits that perpetuate painful movement.

Since 2008 she has been an educator in the massage therapy profession:  she has instructed in the RMT programs at Langara College and the West Coast College of Massage Therapy,  assisted Mark Finch with his myofascial release courses, assisted craniosacral courses with the Upledger Institute and taught stretch therapy classes to the public. She is continually inspired by the growing body of science-based knowledge and wisdom in her profession and enjoys the challenges and rewards of teaching.

In 2018, Alison was involved in the Human Fascial Net Plastination Project.  This was an international exploration of the anatomical nature of fascia spearheaded by the Fascia Research Society.  For more information visit https://fasciaresearchsociety.org/plastination.   In 2013 she traveled and worked with the athletes competing in the BC Bike Race, and has also volunteered at Ironman Canada, various marathons and the Squamish Test of Metal.

Alison comes from an athletic background involving competitive running and cycling. She is grateful to live in a place where the beauty of our natural surroundings remind her of the amazing connection we have to each other and to the earth.  To celebrate this she skis, climbs, bikes, and practices yoga.

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