Leanne Sanders
Occupational Therapy
I take a holistic approach to helping individuals and families using evidence-based occupational therapy solutions and hands-on myofascial or craniosacral therapies. I have a special interest in posture, ergonomics, pain-management, neurodivergence and the connection between physical and mental health.
About Me
I know what it’s like to live with pain. I had chronic back pain for most of my life and was told I always would, however the pain was increasing exponentially as I got older. As my pain worsened, I learned about Myofascial Release (MFR) and Craniosacral Therapy (CST) through my colleagues.
Over time, I built a roster of practitioners that worked with me to realign and re-pattern my body, using these and other related modalities. I eventually became pain-free. I maintain this state by following up with my team of practitioners on a regular basis, and ensuring my body gets the movement and rest it needs.
It is a privilege to help others in the way that these practitioners helped me and I would be honoured to have the opportunity to work with you.
I graduated with a Masters of Occupational Therapy from the University of Manitoba in 2019. After graduation, I worked with in-patient and community mental health programs as both a crisis worker and an OT, then spent the next several years in community pediatrics, where I mainly worked with neurodivergent children and youth to manage sensory, emotional and developmental needs. I also assisted parents with school/daycare advocacy and individualized parenting strategies.
Since then, I have completed post-graduate training in the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach, as well as CranioSacral Therapy through the Upledger Institute International.
I am a graduate of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Professional Teacher Training program and have been teaching ballet and other forms of dance for the last 27 years. I have been a certified Stott Pilates instructor for the last 15 years and have also completed training in Physiologic yoga and the Kaivalya Yoga Method.
Treatments
All treatments and approaches are designed in collaboration with the individual to meet their needs and goals.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release (MFR) is a safe and effective hands-on technique involving the application of gentle, sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue to ease restrictions, eliminate pain and restore mobility.
A steady, slow pressure is applied to the skin for an extended period, allowing the tissue to lengthen and mobilize, easing restrictions and improving movement.
For more information click here.
Benefits of
Myofascial Release
Fascia is a densely woven tissue covering and penetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein in our bodies, as well as our internal organs. It is one continuous structure that exists throughout our entire body, therefore restriction in one area can have far-reaching effects, even in areas distant from the original area of injury/overuse. Trauma, inflammation, injury and medical/surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures. As these restrictions do not show up in most standard medical tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.), many people do not know they have them, making it difficult to get the care they need.
Common conditions that may benefit from MFR:
Migraines and headaches
Back pain
Shoulder and neck pain
Chronic Pain
Surgical scars
Arthritis
Plantar Fasciitis
Emotional Trauma
Anxiety
This list is not exhaustive. Please feel free to contact me about your needs and goals.
Craniosacral Therapy
Our central nervous system (CNS) is composed of the brain and spinal cord and is influenced by the craniosacral system. This system is made up of the fluids and membranes surrounding and protecting the CNS. As our body manages everyday stresses and strains, our tissues can tighten and distort the craniosacral system, causing restrictions.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method that engages the Craniosacral System. Using a soft touch, generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to restore the body’s natural rhythms.
For more information click here.
Benefits of
Craniosacral Therapy
CST has been shown to improve the functioning of the central nervous system by improving its resiliency. It has also been shown to improve the function of other systems of the body, such as digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and more. CST can also help ease the physical components of some somatic conditions, such as Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression and anxiety.
Common conditions that may benefit from CST:
Migraines and headaches
Concussion
Chronic Pain
Scoliosis
Learning differences, ADHD/ADD
Autism and sensory processing challenges
Connective Tissue disorders
Sleep challenges
Depression and anxiety
Post-injury and post-surgery
This list is not exhaustive. Please feel free to contact me about your needs and goals.
Craniosacral Therapy
Our central nervous system (CNS) is composed of the brain and spinal cord and is influenced by the craniosacral system. This system is made up of the fluids and membranes surrounding and protecting the CNS. As our body manages everyday stresses and strains, our tissues can tighten and distort the craniosacral system, causing restrictions.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method that engages the Craniosacral System. Using a soft touch, generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to restore the body’s natural rhythms.
Contact & Bookings
Summer Hours (June thru August)
Monday:
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Hours are subject to change
Thursday:
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday:
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM