Neuromuscular physical therapist Cyril fell in love with Ireland
TWENTY years ago, Cyril Canvaroue arrived in Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day from Brittany in northwest France to take up a hotel job in Cork, writes Tom Gillespie.
Since then he has moved to Castlebar, where he operaties as a qualified neuromuscular physical therapist - which allows him to treat people suffering from muscular and joint dysfunction.
He runs his Neuromuscular Physical Therapy clinic at Linenhall Street in the county town, where he carries out assessment, treatment and prevention of muscular dysfunction.
One of Cyril’s many clients was local athlete Nicholas Quinn, who competed in the men's 100-metre breaststroke event at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He also competed in the men's 200-metre breaststroke, finishing in 19th place.
Cyril studied fitness in France for three years and holds a degree in sport, fitness, resistance training and nutrition, plus a diploma from Weider, the leading fitness institution in the USA.
He has been involved in fitness for more than 20 years and has been registered as a self-employed personal trainer since 2004. Prior to that he worked in different gyms in France and also in Ireland.
Cyril took up the story: “In 1998 there were not many jobs in Brittany so I decided to go for some adventure to London and also to improve my English. I was nine months there when I found an ad on the tube about a hotel job in Cork. It looked nice in the picture so I thought I might try Ireland before going back to Brittany.
“I landed in Cork on March 17, 1999. I was surprised how busy and lively it was around the pubs.
“It was only the next day I discovered it was a special day and that the nice smell in the air came from the Beamish factory. I hated London but loved Cork as people were so friendly and relaxed.
“I went back to France for a year but was missing the Irish atmosphere, so I returned, this time further north, to Castlebar. I heard Mayo was scenic, but unfortunately I was not told about the weather.”
It was some years later that he met his fiancée, Virginia Heneghan, in Castlebar.
She now provides healing aromatherapy massage and one-to-one yoga classes at Cyril’s clinic at Linenhall Street.
Cyril went on: “After a few months I got a job in Breaffy House leisure centre as a gym instructor, just when it opened in 2002. I had previously studied sports and fitness for three years in France. I left Breaffy two years later to start my own personal training business.
“I was coaching people of all ages and fitness. One of the biggest satisfactions was to be a small part of Nicholas Quinn' success at the Rio Olympics.
“In 2009 I qualified as a neuromuscular physical therapist, which is now my main occupation.”
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), he explained, is a physical (or manual) therapy specialising in the treatment of soft tissue pain and injury (including changes in sensation). The main techniques used are deep tissue, trigger point therapy, soft tissue release and muscle energy technique.
Cyril added: “I was taught by clinical anatomist John Sharkey who is a world renowned presenter and authority in the areas of anatomy, bodywork and movement therapies. He is recognised as one of the world’s leading authorities on fascia and biotensegrity.
“My clientele is varied, mainly people with back, neck or shoulder pain, but also some athletes with tight muscles looking to perform their best in competition.
“Whether you are looking to lose weight, get fit, get rid of some muscular tightness or just feel healthier, we will do everything we can to exceed your expectations.”
The Neuromuscular Physical Therapy clinic at Linenhall Street, Castlebar, is open Monday to Friday.
Call Cyril on (087) 7666228 to book a session (appointments only). Treatments can be covered by Irish Health and Laya Healthcare.
For aromatherapy and yoga, contact Virginia Heneghan on (087) 2831400.
Do you have a story to tell about your business? If so, Tom Gillespie would be delighted to hear from you. Get in touch at (087) 9680780 or gillespietom49@gmail.com.