My previous profession in business economics first shifted to studies in sports massage and then continued to naprapathy, as a strong interest in well-being and body functions inspired me to change fields.
I have gained work experience from both top sports (Finnish men’s alpine ski team, young alpine skiers, and KTP-Basketball’s men’s team) as well as diverse clinic work. I have also gained experience with sports injuries while working as the first aid manager for the Helsinki Cup. I am particularly interested in effective treatment techniques, symptom diagnosis, exercise therapy, and overall human well-being. I find a counterbalance to work from family, sports, and being in nature.
I also design and instruct exercise therapy/gym training for clients as well as physical training for athletes.
Education: Sports Medicine and Coaching (in progress) Naprapath NLP Practitioner Sports Masseur Gym Instructor Business Tradesman
A naprapath is a Valvira-registered title-protected manual medicine professional. The education is a 4-year higher education degree that delves deeply into the musculoskeletal system. The training is based on the latest research in the field. We operate as part of the cooperation network of medical specialties and rehabilitation. Naprapaths are the largest professional group of manual therapists in the Nordic countries.
People often ask, “Are you the ones who crack joints?”. Manipulation is indeed often the only thing known about naprapathy. Fortunately, we also know a lot more. In our field, clinical examination skills are emphasized. Often, just interviewing the client gives a good idea of the possible cause of the symptoms. After the interview, the diagnosis is approached through clinical tests. We have a wide range of orthopedic and neurological tests at our disposal. Diagnosis requires a good understanding of the musculoskeletal system. Only after a thorough examination can appropriate treatment begin.
Naprapathic treatment is symptom-based and solution-focused. The content of the treatment can vary greatly between clients. Based on real client cases, a day’s content could look like this:
The first client of the day suffers from foot pain caused by a pinched nerve between the foot bones, so the possible causes of the symptoms are investigated, the foot is mobilized, and instructions are given on the use of an arch support.
The second client comes for rehabilitation after an anterior cruciate ligament surgery. In addition to the knee joint’s range of motion, the hip and ankle movements, as well as foot muscle strength and nerve function, are checked. Mobility restrictions are treated with mobilization, and an exercise program is made for the client. Mobilization continues for a few more sessions.
The third client suffers from lower back pain radiating to the calf and causing severe muscle tension. The interview and tests point to sciatica symptoms. The pain is alleviated by treating the pelvic area trigger points, mobilizing the nerve tissue and hip flexor muscles. This type of symptom usually requires several treatment sessions, so a series of 5 sessions is agreed upon with the client. The client is informed about the possible causes of the symptoms, the recovery prognosis, and instructed on exercises to alleviate the symptoms at home.
The fourth client describes a stabbing pain and stiffness in the upper back. The symptoms indicate a facet joint lock. Muscle tension is relieved with electrotherapy and muscle energy techniques, after which thoracic spine mobility is restored through manipulation. This further relaxes the muscles in the area. The client is given instructions for improving thoracic spine mobility.
The fifth client suffers from neck pain radiating to the arm. A cervical disc herniation is ruled out with tests, and the symptoms point to a pinched nerve in the lower cervical spine. The lower cervical spine is manipulated, and to reduce nerve bundle irritation going to the arm, a plexus taping (taping that reduces nerve tension) is applied to the shoulder. A follow-up appointment is scheduled for a week later.
The sixth client has been suffering from shoulder pain. The client does CrossFit, and the back of the shoulder gets painful during e.g. snatches or hanging from a bar. The client’s internal rotation of the arm, scapular stability, and shoulder joint stability are somewhat deficient. The findings and symptom pattern point to posterior internal impingement of the shoulder joint, which occurs in athletes whose sport involves a lot of overhead arm activities (“overhead athlete”). The treatment involves releasing internal rotation restriction and strengthening stability.
Too often, people seek out naprapaths only after trying all other possible treatments, expecting the naprapath to instantly relieve the pain in one session. Naprapathy is an effective form of treatment, but if the symptoms have persisted for a long time, it usually takes a few treatment sessions for lasting symptom relief. The client is typically also given exercises to do on their own, and completing them aids recovery. It is good to keep in mind that the treatment prognosis is often better the sooner treatment is sought.
Our task is not only to examine and treat the cause of the symptoms but also to help the client understand the nature of the symptoms and assist our clients in managing the symptoms themselves. It is beneficial for the client to know what is going on and how the symptoms behave in many ways. The body has an effective ability to heal itself when given the opportunity. That is our common goal. A naprapath is a musculoskeletal expert, and as an expert, my task is to help my clients move and function as pain-free as possible to the best of my ability.
The next time your back hurts, knee pain hinders your jog, or your fingers go numb, come see me, and let’s see how we can move your situation in a better direction.
