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Massage Therapy

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and joints. It is a clinically-oriented healthcare option that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions. The registered massage therapist (RMT) will use specific techniques that guide the body to heal itself and will most often use their hands and fingers, but may also use their forearms and elbows during the treatment.

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Massage Options

Massage therapy promotes healing and overall health. It guides the body to supply cells with oxygen and nutrients the body requires to function and heal.

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Standard Massage

A massage that utilizes Swedish techniques for optimum flow. This massage can be relaxing, but is available in a variety of pressures to be decided on between you and the therapist.
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Gua Sha Massage

A standard massage that incorporates the use of a tool and technique from ancient Chinese medicine. The tool is used to scrape the skin to improve circulation and promote the healing process. This technique is used on those tight, ropey muscles that have a hard time relaxing with regular massage.
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Stamina

A full body massage that tests, aligns and strengthens the muscles through particular massage techniques and exercises. The main difference between stamina and standard massage is the technique used; it incorporates an abrupt tapping technique that works along the muscles fibres.
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Raindrop Massage

This form of massage uses essential oils and Vita Flex techniques to help align, balance and detoxify the body from within.
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Prenatal Massage

A standard massage, but modified for expecting mothers. We use a prenatal table which allows the mother to lay face down comfortably. Alternative positions are also available.
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Cupping

Cupping is the use of various cup-like instruments to apply suction to the body’s tissues; this stimulates the blood and lymph circulation to help lift, release and hydrate tight muscles and fascia. This treatment feels similar to massage thought it is somewhat more aggressive and may also leave discoloration (like bruising) after the treatment.
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Rattan Massage

Rattan is a therapeutic massage that uses Thai techniques and incorporates heated solid pieces of bamboo, enabling myofascial release without stress to the body. The bamboo is held by the therapist and rolled over the tissue with the same way they would with their hands. This style of massage allows the therapist to dig in to some tissues deeper than they could with their hands alone.

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Reflexology

Similar to a standard massage, but the practitioner also incorporates reflexology points in to the treatment to maximize the benefits of both treatment types to the most effective advantage of the client.
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Thai Massage

Thai massage is very interactive and incorporates aspects of stretching and resistance while along with massage. Techniques used include compressions, rocking, traction and stretching and are applied with hands, feet and knees. For this style of massage, no oils are used and you are required to wear athletic clothing.
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Therapeutic Hot Stone

This massage uses the heat from the stones to relax and soothe the muscles. This process will also be used to aggressively dig in to the tissue to alleviate muscular tension.
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Student Massage

Student Massage Therapy is a standard massage performed by a student currently completing their 2200 hours and initial formal training. We are unable to direct bill for this service.
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Healthcare with Heart

East Meets West’s integrated, multidisciplinary team enables us to provide comprehensive and individualized care to our patients.

Massage Therapy Team

LESLIE MARTIN

LESLIE MARTIN

Registered Massage Therapist

Massage Director

Expertise: Chronic upper back and neck issues.

AMANDA FOX

AMANDA FOX

Registered Massage Therapist

Expertise: sciatica/low back pain, rotator cuff injuries

ANNA WALL

ANNA WALL

Registered Massage Therapist

Expertise: Foot pain/reflexology, TMJ and jaw pain, neck/shoulder tension.

ARIETTE DE LEEUW

ARIETTE DE LEEUW

Registered Massage Therapist

Expertise: Piriformis Syndrome/sciatica, wry neck syndrome, work-out related injuries.

 

BREANNE KIEMELE

BREANNE KIEMELE

Registered Massage Therapist

Expertise: Headaches and migraines, chronic upper back and shoulder tension.

JULIE HAYNES

JULIE HAYNES

Registered Massage Therapist

Expertise: Rotator cuff and frozen shoulder, plantar issues using cupping, and motor vehicle accidents.

KEATON CRAIG

KEATON CRAIG

Registered Massage Therapist

Expertise: Deep tissue, sports related injuries, piriformis syndrome/sciatica

KELSEY AUSTIN

KELSEY AUSTIN

Registered Massage Therapist

Expertise: Chronic neck tension and headaches.

KITANA ISFELD

KITANA ISFELD

Registered Massage Therapist

Expertise: Headaches, sciatica, whiplash.

NICOLE KARL

NICOLE KARL

Registered Massage Therapist

Expertise: Runners including legs and hips, headaches with focus on the neck, shoulders, face, and scalp.

SARA GILLIS

SARA GILLIS

Registered Massage Therapist

Expertise: runners’ legs, headaches, tennis elbow/carpal issues.

SARAH AUGUSTUS

SARAH AUGUSTUS

Registered Massage Therapist

Expertise: Sciatica, chronic shoulder issues, headaches.

TYSON PONCELET

TYSON PONCELET

Student Massage Therapist

Expertise: chronic low back issues, TMJ dysfunction, and piriformis syndrome. 

Massage Therapy FAQ

How will I feel after my massage?
Massage Therapy can affect everyone a bit differently. The most common reactions include minor soreness for up to 24 hours following a therapeutic massage, feelings of fatigue, and dizziness or nausea immediately following the treatment. Drinking lots of water will lessen the negative reactions.
What can massage therapy do for you?

Massage therapy promotes healing and overall health. It guides the body to supply cells with oxygen and nutrients the body requires to function and heal. It also encourages the brain into a state of optimized relaxation.

Aside from relaxation and mental wellbeing, massage aids healing for the following issues and conditions:

Headaches, neck/shoulder tension
Back pain
Sciatica
Golfer/tennis elbow
Plantar fasciitis
Frozen shoulder
Overall muscle tension
TMJ and Bell’s palsy
IT band tension

How can Massage Therapy help me?
These are some of the many benefits of Massage Therapy:

-Improve circulation
-Aid in relaxation for those suffering from anxiety and depression
-Reduce stress
-Decrease muscle pain
-Stretch and exercise weak, tight or atrophied muscles
-Pre or post workout performance and recovery
-Spasm and cramp reduction
-Discomfort related to pregnancy
-Aid in recovery of injuries such as sciatica, frozen shoulder and tendinitis

Does it hurt? What if I only want a relaxation massage?
Communication is key! Do not hesitate to communicate your requests and expectations with your therapist before treatment and during treatment.
How frequently are treatments?
We have three classifications and base frequency of visits that range from:

-Relief care: for acute injuries or conditions. Once every week or two.
-Corrective care: for rehabilitation of injuries/conditions. Once a week for 2–3 weeks.
-Maintenance/Wellness: prevent recurring injuries and/or reduce symptoms of conditions. 4–6 weeks

Your therapist will discuss a plan treatment specific to you and your goals.

What should I wear?
Swedish massage is typically performed with skin on skin contact for best palpation of muscles. You can disrobe completely or to your underwear, whichever is most comfortable. Draping of a sheet and blanket is practiced during the massage, exposing only the areas being worked on.
What kind of lotion do they use?
We use Bon Vital Organica formula and Myo-ther lotions.
What if I have a cold/flu? Do I still come?
No. Massage Therapy could worsen the symptoms, spread the illness faster through your body and make recovery time longer. You also put others at risk of getting ill as well.
What training has a registered massage therapist (RMT) received?
In Alberta, an RMT needs a minimum of 2200 hours of schooling at a post secondary level. Once that is complete, they register with one of the associations such as the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada, Massage Therapy Association of Alberta, and Remedial Massage Therapy Association. As a member of these associations, they are required to complete courses and keep their training updated throughout their practice.

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Is it time to get that massage you’ve been putting off? We look forward to having you visit for your next treatment.
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