It is hard to put into words how
huge the changes have been since seeing you. It has been
nothing short of a miracle ... the only way I can describe
it is an opening of my heart... it feels like all the dead
weight I've carried for so many years is gone and my spirit
is light ... it seems for the first time I'm experiencing
love, joy and true contentment .. Just one short month
before I didn't know if it was possible. .. Now I feel that
anything's possible. I'm getting to know the real me and it
feels so amazing .. I don't know how I'll ever thank you,
K.M.
Thank you SO much for the
transforming treatment. Remember I told you about the pain I
get ( HAVE HAD FOR 8 YEARS !! ) when I chew crunchy foods or
chew at the wrong angle ? .... Well, today I really tested
the waters. I had very crunchy toast, some crackers, and a
granola bar with nuts ..... NO PAIN !!... Thank you my
friend. Eating had become a frustration because I love good
food but was sick of being in pain when I chewed ... and you
can only eat so much pasta !..M.F.
Thank you so much for helping me and
my children. I gained so much from the time I was able to spend
in your presence - a deeper connection with my children and a
more solid understanding of why they and I are together in this
life. My son had lost his infectious giggle since the trauma in
our world. The giggle has re emerged since spending time with
you last weekend. I love it. It is priceless to me. This is all
such a validating gift for me. Thank You, B.A.
Since I saw you I've had major
shifts, including going off thyroid meds completely, and having
some huge breakthroughs in therapy. Thank you and looking
forward to seeing you soon,
B.S.
I am a completely different person
since you worked with me in Sedona. My home life has completely
shifted. My physical balance is also totally different, and,
like all of the other alumni of Hugh's work , my work world has
improved tremendously. I'm contracting for two companies at the
moment and am enjoying the work immensely.
A certain time ago, I
had an unfortunate fall in which I was rammed from behind by another
person, causing a concussion and later many problems with ligaments,
muscles, alignment, and overall extreme pain and discomfort
throughout my whole spine. Over the course of five years I went to a
number of physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists in
hopes to not only relieve the discomfort and pain, but to actually
correct the original problem, so that I may continue with the rest
of my life, normally!
I continually was disappointed in the treatments I was getting and
truly did not feel that anyone was really listening to what I was
trying to explain to them. I did not feel that my injuries were
taken individually, because no two injuries are exactly alike. Even
those who seemed to understand disappointed me still by funneling
back into the routine of sticking machines and hot packs on me.
There were no significant results that had yet occurred.
Strengthening was not only painful but only seemed to solidify my
discomfort. Everything seemed to slip back quite quickly. It was
very repetitive and exhausting, and if you are like me, you hate the
idea of going to a chiropractor once a week for the rest of your
life! There was something still missing, but I could not describe
what it was. I just knew there was something not happening.
By the course of a mere fluke, I was lead to hear about Myofascial
Release Therapy, a treatment that works on the connective tissues of
the muscles. Although prepared for disappointment, I was willing to
try this treatment.
After one session with Hugh, I was absolutely amazed. The feeling
you get while doing myofascial release is a knowing feeling and a
feeling of letting your body heal its self gently. To me, it was
that something, that missing link. Furthermore, myofascial release
therapy eventually becomes more than healing your body, it also
becomes emotional healing. That feeling in your mind, of what no
discomfort would feel like and what your abilities would be without
these problems, starts to become a reality. You begin to actually
realize that there is an end to this and a while emotional and
mental change occurs.
After treatment everyday for just over a month and a half, I was at
a place where in my mind I could imagine being, but only a short
time earlier didn’t really know if I would ever get there.
I would recommend myofascial release therapy to anyone, especially
those who have suffered long term problems from any trauma or
trauma’s and can relate to what I have just said.
The only advice I would give someone prior to coming to myofascial
release therapy is to really come to this treatment as you came to
your very first treatment a long time ago; hopeful, uninhibited, and
open. I say this simply because the majority f people who come to
this kind of treatment have most likely already been through a
number of different treatments and are frustrated, disappointed and
exhausted from it.
Myofascial Release therapy is truly the ultimate in my mind. This
work produces results and you will see that this work speaks for
itself.
B.D.
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is H.H., I was born February 28,1953 in Northwestern
Ontario, Canada. I have been bothered with bronchitis for as long as
I can remember, however around my twentieth birthday I was told that
I had asthma and was put on my first inhaler. It was Venteline if I
recall correctly. Over the next 28 years I used one form or another
of prescribed inhalers. At the present time I am on Flovent,
Combivent, singular, Serevent, Flonase, Losec, Adivan, monthly
injections to become immunized against insect stings, plus any other
prescribed drug or injectiol1 that the doctor orders. At the present
time, I have been diagnosed with having advanced emphysema (three
years ago), acid reflex degeneration and a Hyannis hernia.
About six months ago my family doctor prescribed Physio for my right
shoulder. It appeared to have locked up and I was unable to lift my
arm above my head or reach behind my back. I selected the Ogden
Physiotherapy because it was located dose to my residence and its
reputation throughout the community is good. After several months of
therapy on my shoulder it seemed that it just wasn't going to heal.
The Doctor wrote a prescription for 1cc of cortisone to be injected
into my shoulder. He told me that whenever I was ready to have the
shot, to get the prescription filled and he would inject it. Around
this time Hugh Gilbert from the Ogden Physiotherapy Clinic asked me
if I would be interested in a "new" technique that he recently had
acquired. This technique was Myofascial Release. The first time that
he used this technique on me I was surprised with the outcome. I was
asked to lie on a stretcher/massage table. The lights were dimmed,
soft/relaxing music was played and I was instructed to close my eyes
and relax. Hugh came in, took my right wrist and it felt like he was
gently pulling, stretching but most of all I felt like something
else was happening. I remained relaxed and let him do his thing,
after all I've been playing with doctors for 28 years and the only
result I got is an increase in medications, a thinner pocket book
and a terminal illness. I had nothing to loose and everything to
gain if this method worked for me. The first night after this
therapy I found myself awake and vomiting in the early hours of the
morning. A fluid, almost the color of neon green/yellow came out, I
would estimate that at least a half of liter came. I had my regular
monthly appointment with my family doctor the following day so I
told him what had happened with the vomiting and at therapy the
previous day. He suggested that my sinuses had drained into my lungs
during the night and I had to get it out, so I vomited. Then later
on in the conversation when we were discussing this therapy he said
that they have been trying for three years to get my lungs to
discharge this stuff.
Since starting this therapy I have been able to reduce the amount of
drugs that I take, I have better skin tone color, my mood has
definitely been better and I have less attacks, where I use to cough
until I passed out.
It was recently suggested that I attend a MyoFascial Release
Treatment Center in Sedona, Az. to be treated by John F Barnes, P.T.
Our Provincial Health Insurance does not cover this treatment and
private insurance will not agree unless the doctor(s) agree. My
doctor told me that it would be a nice vacation if I could afford
it. I do not have a whole lot of time to play political games with
the bureaucrats; my first focus is to live life to its fullest with
the least amount of pain. I would like to get better, but in
reality, I would just like to feel better and slow the process down.
Sincerely yours,
H.H.
To Whom It May Concern:
I am an MFR patient of Hugh’s. For many years I have lived my life
like a turtle and have missed out on so much until I started my
healing. MFR helps and individual begin a journey of self-discovery.
I no longer let the memories of my past consume me. I go to them,
each one of them and deal with them as an adult that needs the power
to let them go. I have started to live again. I could not say when I
stopped living; all I do know is that I am living now. I used to
live in a self-created shell that kept me safe. However my quality
of life was very poor physically and emotionally.
To bottle things up creates a tangled web, and an incomplete self is
not healthy.
Some days have been clear as mud while other days have been crystal
clear. Yes, I have struggled with many issues, but I have learned
from them. How can I live if I cannot forgive?
In a nutshell, MFR has done the following for me:
-improved my bladder and bowel function
-eat healthier
-deep thought
-proceed with caution
-enjoy silence
-learning how to play
-reaching out to those I care about
-loving my family more than ever
-stronger bond with my husband
-trust, honesty with myself
-forgiveness
Before MFR, I used to write, “Help me!” Now I am writing
“Thank-you!” You be the judge. There is no point in leaving the cage
door open if you are too afraid to come out. Maybe we all could use
a little understanding and compassion to get us on our way.
N.M.
Over the last 15 years
I have had continual pain and burning in the left side of my body –
particularly my neck, shoulder, hip, and leg. For several years, I
was unable to sleep – sometimes as little as 1-2 hours over a period
of two or three days. I have been to several different medical and
alternative doctors in both the U.S. and Canada, with diagnosis
being anything from Fibromyalgia to hormonal imbalance.
I have undergone everything from blood tests to MRI’s with no
definitive answers. I went through times when I was so medicated
that I did not really know or care about why I could not do many of
the things I enjoyed doing.
Since beginning recent Myofascial Release Therapy, I have
experienced more relief from my pain than anything I have tried in
the last fifteen years. I now have periods of time when I am totally
without the burning and aching that I have endured for so long.
I am confident I have finally found something that will let me start
enjoying a level of health and energy that is free of pain.
Thank you.
S.M.
To Whom It May Concern:
Since my wife has been in Ogden Physiotherapy with Hugh and
especially in the last little while, she is a new person. We as a
couple enjoy our time together more and have more quality in our
relationship. Thank-you for all that you have done. I, to be honest
with you never believed in these alternative medicines until now
when I have proof that the result speaks for itself.
Yours truly,
C.M.
(husband of patient)
I am 52 years old and
have had health problems much of my life. I have been to a countless
number of Doctors over the past 30 years.
My problem was always the same. “If you could just get rid of the
rock under my rib cage, I am sure the tightness across my chest and
the dizziness would disappear. These attacks would at times be so
debilitating that I would be too weak to do anything for days at a
time.
I remember one particular time, being send to emergency from work
because I had nearly passed out. The physician on duty said I
probably just had a chest cold. He ordered X-Rays but nothing showed
up so I was told to go home and rest.
On another occasion, I had seen a Doctor and ofcourse he ordered
numerous tests. Naturally the tests all came back negative. His
reply was “Well we can not find anything right now. However if
anything serious comes up later we will be able to find it.” Now
that was a real consellation.
And so my life continued. More Doctors, more tests. I was getting so
tired of having tests done and redone, but the outcome was always
the same. Nothing showed up so it was always attributed to irritable
bowel, nervous stomach, or panic attacks. So they would send me home
with more pills and the hope that this would be the answer to my
problems.
Finally this year I went to visit Hugh Gilbert for MFR treatments. I
explained to him about the surgeries and auto accidents I had
earlier in my life. I also told him about the rock I felt under my
rib cage. I was getting so tired of telling this story again and
again. I was positive nobody was listening to what I was saying.
Hugh explained to me about the web that surrounds our bodies and how
trauma can affect it. He began working on me and after a few
treatments I could hardly believe what a deep breath I could take. I
don’t even remember being able to do this. The rock was gone. It was
like a weight had been lifted of my chest. I continued with my
treatments for a few more weeks. I could not believe how good I was
feeling. This is a new beginning for me. I have newfound energy.
People I know even comment on how different I am.
I owe all this to Hugh and MFR treatments. My only regret is that I
could have received this help many years ago.
A certain time ago, I
had an unfortunate fall in which I was rammed from behind by another
person, causing a concussion and later many problems with ligaments,
muscles, alignment, and overall extreme pain and discomfort
throughout my whole spine. Over the course of five years I went to a
number of physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists in
hopes to not only relieve the discomfort and pain, but to actually
correct the original problem, so that I may continue with the rest
of my life, normally!
I continually was disappointed in the treatments I was getting and
truly did not feel that anyone was really listening to what I was
trying to explain to them. I did not feel that my injuries were
taken individually, because no two injuries are exactly alike. Even
those who seemed to understand disappointed me still by funneling
back into the routine of sticking machines and hot packs on me.
There were no significant results that had yet occurred.
Strengthening was not only painful but only seemed to solidify my
discomfort. Everything seemed to slip back quite quickly. It was
very repetitive and exhausting, and if you are like me, you hate the
idea of going to a chiropractor once a week for the rest of your
life! There was something still missing, but I could not describe
what it was. I just knew there was something not happening.
By the course of a mere fluke, I was lead to hear about Myofascial
Release Therapy, a treatment that works on the connective tissues of
the muscles. Although prepared for disappointment, I was willing to
try this treatment.
After one session with Hugh, I was absolutely amazed. The feeling
you get while doing myofascial release is a knowing feeling and a
feeling of letting your body heal its self gently. To me, it was
that something, that missing link. Furthermore, myofascial release
therapy eventually becomes more than healing your body, it also
becomes emotional healing. That feeling in your mind, of what no
discomfort would feel like and what your abilities would be without
these problems, starts to become a reality. You begin to actually
realize that there is an end to this and a while emotional and
mental change occurs.
After treatment everyday for just over a month and a half, I was at
a place where in my mind I could imagine being, but only a short
time earlier didn’t really know if I would ever get there.
I would recommend myofascial release therapy to anyone, especially
those who have suffered long term problems from any trauma or
trauma’s and can relate to what I have just said.
The only advice I would give someone prior to coming to myofascial
release therapy is to really come to this treatment as you came to
your very first treatment a long time ago; hopeful, uninhibited, and
open. I say this simply because the majority f people who come to
this kind of treatment have most likely already been through a
number of different treatments and are frustrated, disappointed and
exhausted from it.
Myofascial Release therapy is truly the ultimate in my mind. This
work produces results and you will see that this work speaks for
itself.
To Whom It May Concern:
I have known Hugh Gilbert for several years, both as a
colleague in Calgary’s Occupational Health Community, and
also as a patient. His physiotherapy treatments and most
recently the Myofascial Release Therapy I received from Hugh
have been effective, completely painless, and useful in
providing increased mobility and relief from fatigue.
Hugh’s high standard of professional competency has always,
in my experience, provided positive results for the numerous
clients I have referred to him over the years, and also for
me.
I am writing to inform you of the
progress that has been made over the last month.
Mr. Gilbert of Ogden Physio has been doing new stretches and
maneuver to my legs. This has been the best. In fact in two
years my last appointment was February 9th. I feel rather
disappointed when just as I am feeling better the treatment
stops. Surely the whole thing is to make me feel 100% better
so that I can do my job.
It is now February 22nd and it is starting to hurt. I am
starting to have problems putting my socks on. If I carry
anything too heavy, I start to hurt, one to two hours later,
in the groin area. If I go up a ladder to change lights I
can only do so many and then I have to stop.
I would like the Worker’s Compensation Board to let me
continue having treatments until I am better. I feel Mr.
Gilbert is making a difference because I feel great when I
leave his place. I now feel it is going to be a waste of the
Worker’s Compensation Board and my time if the treatments
stop.
Yours Truly,
J.E.
To Whom It May Concern:
I have been a client of Hugh’s since July, 2000 and have
been receiving MFR treatments for several months now.
I have found Hugh to be completely professional during all
of my treatments. He has become a mentor to me and from
reading Hugh’s wall at him office, he is to many other
people as well. He is a caring and gentle man, whom I have
the utmost respect for.
Regards,
D.J.
Disability Management Coordinator
My name is S.S.; I have been a patient at the Ogden
Physiotherapy clinic since approximately the middle of July.
When I first went there to see Hugh Gilbert, I was unable to
walk without my cane. It was very difficult for me for I had
chronic back pain and was on morphine patches to help reduce
the pain. I had back surgery last year and my back had
flared up making it impossible for me to do anything without
assistance.
On my first visit with Hugh I found his mannerism very
comforting as he asked me questions on what my problem was.
Hugh did not rush into his treatment right away for he could
see how much pain I was in and could hardly move. He then
proceeded to assess what the problem was and what he needed
to do. He worked with me for a while and some of the pain
was relieved by his gentle touch and with some heat. After a
couple of days I was able to walk without my cane, and a lot
of the pain was gone. It was a relief to have no pain after
a week of treatments. Hugh doesn’t push you so you feel all
the pain again he asks you to go as far as a person can
without pain.
In my opinion he is a miracle worker, for he was able to
help me start living a normal life once again, which I
haven’t done for fourteen months since my injury to my lower
back. I have been on WCB for fourteen months and they
couldn’t help me with the pain, and the cortisone injection
was not working. I would recommend Hugh to anyone with a
disability or severe pain. He works with you and not against
you, and does the utmost to help those in need. His
treatment with me has been a blessing and my family and I
thank him for all he has done for me. I am ready to go back
to work part time on light duties and feel great. In the
future if I have any problems with my back I will not
hesitate to go see Hugh. I will continue receiving treatment
until I am totally recovered.
Yours Truly,
Since my recent finding and
introduction to Myofascial Release:
I have developed a new way of looking not only myself and
situations but my existence and purpose in the journey of
life. This therapy has given me my life back, the freedom to
just let go and be myself, not to judge or question my
existence and the situations that arise.
I have come to realize that there are healthy stressed we
endure and unhealthy stresses that take their toll on the
body and mind.
I am able to recognize the differences between the two and
eliminate the harmful pressures with my new (to me)
wholeness. Through my efforts, my often spoken “hunger for
healing” has made me whole.
I guess the key to survival is to maintain one’s wholeness.
For me it is still a fight but one which leaves me feeling
alive and not merely existing (going thorough the motions);
living in harmony with myself, my emotions, my world.
I have always been in-tuned to my body amazingly well, even
before MFR. I knew about my own sensitivities, my triggers
and my own unwinding, I just wasn’t sure how it all pieced
together. For that, I needed assistance from a therapist to
support me, keep me safe to just unwind and of course
reassure me to ease the fears. We all have different stress
factors and ways of handling our situations but the
uniqueness of each individual’s stories don’t differ in the
way the body/mind responds to them, rich, poor, weak,
strong, the situations differ and the end results are all
the same.
I have developed colors which symbolize areas of my body.
For instance, I know emotional stresses represent the area
below my diaphragm affecting my colon, bowels, ovaries,
bladder, spleen, intestines, gall bladder. These areas are
affected by fear, anxiety, unnecessary worry, un-acceptance
that is not dealt with, and self-doubt caused by lack of
wholeness.
I know when I am whole (complete, centered) I am untouchable
by negativity, rejection, abandonment, uncertainty and for
me the color of those emotions is yellow. Physical exertion,
stresses, lifting, hauling, anxiousness, is black and red.
The diaphragm and chest area feeds and houses one’s soul,
still working on that one; it’s the toughest area for me. So
far I am better at recognizing when I am in or out of my
body and working on staying in. This is developed through
one’s trust in themselves and the ability to maintain one’s
self with wholeness long enough to get comfortable.
J.C.
I started seeing Hugh for myofascial
release treatments in July 2001. I was experiencing
significant pain from my ankles and through to my neck and
shoulders. In the mornings I was so stiff I could barely
roll out of bed. I was unable to reach around to the side to
zip up my skirts. My neck and shoulders were extremely tight
and painful. I had been to my doctor and was tested for
arthritis or other causes and told him there was nothing
wrong. I had practiced yoga and had massage treatments. Both
offered me temporary relief, but it was not lasting.
The myofascial release treatments I am receiving from Hugh have
changed all of the above. I no longer have significant pain
in any area of my body. I roll out of bed easily and can
garden all day without needing to spend the evening dosing
on painkillers and taking a hot bath. I easily reach around
to do up my skirts and no longer have pain in my neck and
shoulders. I can turn my neck completely to each side. It’s
made a huge difference in what I see when I turn to shoulder
check while driving. The MFR treatments not only helped my
physical symptoms but have also helped my mental condition.
I experienced emotional release as well as physical release.
I am now a proponent for MFR and highly recommend the
therapy.
Over the last 15 years I have had
continual pain and burning in the left side of my body –
particularly my neck, shoulder, hip, and leg. For several
years, I was unable to sleep – sometimes as little as 1-2
hours over a period of two or three days. I have been to
several different medical and alternative doctors in both
the U.S. and Canada, with diagnosis being anything from
Fibromyalgia to hormonal imbalance.
I have undergone everything from blood tests to MRI’s with
no definitive answers. I went through times when I was so
medicated that I did not really know or care about why I
could not do many of the things I enjoyed doing.
Since beginning recent Myofascial Release Therapy, I have
experienced more relief from my pain than anything I have
tried in the last fifteen years. I now have periods of time
when I am totally without the burning and aching that I have
endured for so long.
I am confident I have finally found something that will let
me start enjoying a level of health and energy that is free
of pain.
Thank you.
S.M.
For more information, or to schedule an
appointment, call
888-255-3639,
or Email
info@journeysend.ca.
In Calgary, contact the Ogden
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center at
403-236-0106.
