OMT · RMT · EMF
I’m Nana.
I’m Nazanin “Nana” Vala Jam, a manual therapist and movement specialist. My work brings hands-on care and somatic movement into the same conversation.
About NanaManual therapy · Movement · Somatic practice
Move with
greater ease.
Assessment led manual therapy, osteopathic care and somatic movement shaped around your body, needs and goals.
Book an appointment Explore eight servicesWatch Nana · Coming soon
Movement studies · Nana Jam
Trace a gesture.
Choose a study to see how its lines move.
Touch
Follow a point of contact as its signal spreads through neighbouring lines.
Movement
Trace the arc of a gesture as the lines lengthen, turn and return.
Breath
Watch the space between the lines open on the inhale and soften on the exhale.
Begin with what you feel
What brings
you here?
You do not need to know which technique you need. Begin with how you feel, what has changed, and what you would like to do more comfortably.
Book an appointment
Head, neck and shoulders
Neck pain and cervical stiffness
Tension headaches and migraines related to muscular tension
Shoulder pain and rotator cuff dysfunction
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and jaw tension
Back, hips and pelvis
Low back pain and lumbar strain
Sciatica and nerve-related leg pain
Hip, knee, and other joint stiffness or osteoarthritic discomfort
Pelvic pain and muscular tension alongside massage therapy.
Menstrual pain, endometriosis or irregular periods
Posture and physical strain
Postural imbalances and repetitive-strain conditions (e.g., RSI, tendonitis)
Sports injuries and overuse syndromes
Muscle tension, spasms, and chronic myofascial pain
Postural Dysfunctions & Poor posture
Recovery and stress
Post-surgical rehabilitation support
Stress-related tension and somatic symptoms
Care may support comfort, movement and symptom management. Nana does not diagnose or cure arthritis, endometriosis or other medical conditions, and will recommend medical assessment or collaborative care when indicated.
MPT
Manual Physical Therapy (MPT)
Clinical note
Manual physical therapy is a hands‑on, assessment‑driven approach to musculoskeletal care that uses skilled techniques, such as joint mobilization, soft‑tissue mobilization, myofascial release, and gentle traction, to address restrictions in joints, muscles, fascia, and neural tissues. It is delivered after a clinical assessment and is typically combined with individualized exercise, education, and self‑management strategies to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve function. In Ontario, manual therapy is most commonly provided by regulated clinicians working within their profession’s scope of practice.
Care shaped around you
Eight ways
to begin.
Sessions may combine hands on care, movement and education. The approach is chosen with you. It is not decided before you arrive.
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Touch · Attention · Response
Manual care
Osteopathic Manual Therapy
Osteopathy is a manual health approach that emphasizes the relationship between the body’s structure (bones, joints, fascia, muscles, fluids) and its function. Practitioners use palpation and hands‑on techniques (osteopathic manipulative treatment, myofascial release, joint mobilization, cranial techniques, etc.) to identify and address restrictions that may contribute to pain or reduced function.
Explore Osteopathic Manual Therapy
Manual care
Registered Massage Therapy
The Massage Therapy Act 1991 in Canada defines the practice of massage therapy as the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body including history …
Explore massage therapy
Manual care
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
A gentle, rhythmic technique that helps support the natural movement of lymph fluid in the body …
Explore Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual care
Myofascial Therapy
Myofascial techniques are gentle, hands-on methods that help release tension and improve mobility in the body’s connective tissues (fascia)…
Explore Myofascial Therapy
Movement and mobility
Thai Yoga Techniques
Thai Yoga Techniques (often called Thai Yoga Massage) is a traditional healing system from Thailand that blends assisted yoga, acupressure, energy-line work (Sen lines), and rhythmic stretching into a single, flowing therapeutic practice...
Explore Thai Yoga Techniques
Movement and mobility
Stretching Therapy
Stretching therapy is a structured, therapist-guided approach to improving flexibility, mobility, and ease of movement...
Explore Stretching Therapy
Somatic practice
Expressive Movement Facilitation
Expressive Movement Facilitation (EMF) describes practices that use guided movement, breath work, and somatic techniques to help people explore movement patterns, improve body awareness, and support emotional or functional goals.
Explore Expressive Movement FacilitationManual care
Myofascial Cupping Therapy
Myofascial Cupping Therapy combines myofascial techniques with suction cups that gently lift the skin and underlying soft tissues. Sessions are tailored to your needs and comfort.
Explore Myofascial Cupping TherapyScope, safety and consent
Clear care begins
with clear boundaries.
Every session starts with information, questions and consent. The plan can change at any time according to your comfort, response and goals.
Assessment and consent
Notice: All treatment and assessment sessions must be conducted only after obtaining the patient's informed consent.
Failure to obtain and properly document informed consent before providing assessment or treatment services may constitute a breach of applicable professional, ethical, regulatory, and legal requirements. Practitioners are responsible for ensuring that consent is obtained, documented, and maintained in accordance with relevant laws, licensing standards, and organizational policies.
EMF is educational
Expressive Movement Facilitation is educational and experiential. It is not medical treatment and does not replace medical or psychiatric diagnosis, counselling or regulated mental-health care.
Children and minors
Sessions use age-appropriate adaptations. Screening, emergency contact information, consent from a parent or authorized decision-maker, and the chaperone policy are discussed before care begins.
Collaborative care
Services may support comfort, mobility and function but do not promise a cure. Referral or collaboration with a physician or another regulated professional is recommended when a concern falls outside scope.
Technique follows attention.
Tools are selected according to your assessment, comfort and goals. They support the session. You do not need to choose them in advance.
MET
Muscle Energy Technique
A gentle active technique in which the client uses a light, controlled contraction while the practitioner provides resistance and guides a comfortable change in range.
Used within an agreed treatment plan, not booked as a separate service.
PNF
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
A contract-and-relax technique that may be incorporated into stretching or movement work to support flexibility and neuromuscular control.
Used within an agreed treatment plan, not booked as a separate service.
Somatic movement · Gradual change
From protection toward possibility.
What to expect
A session is a conversation.
01
Observe, Listen, Assess
We begin with your history, movement, comfort and goals.
02
Plan, treat and explore
Hands on or movement based care is adapted as your body responds.
03
Learn and progress
You leave with understanding and practical ways to continue between sessions.
Presence before prescription
Meet your practitioner
Nazanin “Nana”
Vala Jam
OMT, RMT, EMF
Nazanin “Nana” Vala Jam is a multidisciplinary manual therapist and movement specialist, founder of Aura Art Group, theatre director and author. She is a member of PEN Canada, PEN America and Exile Writers. Her practice brings clinical assessment, skilled touch and embodied learning into one compassionate approach.
Nana’s work is collaborative, non judgmental and grounded in practical self management. The aim is to help clients move forward with greater confidence, clarity and resilience.
About NanaProfessional affiliations
Contemporary pain Meaning
Pain is real. Its meaning is shaped by more than tissue alone. Explore how movement, touch and context influence the experience of pain.
Read articleThe next movement is yours
Ready to begin?
Start with a conversation and a personalized assessment. You do not need to know which treatment to choose.
Book an appointment