Massage Therapy
at We Thrive
Massage Therapy is a primary health care profession that manipulates soft tissues of the body such as muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints, and helps alleviate the discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, over-use and many chronic pain conditions.
Our patient-centered, holistic approach is unique, fully-customized and focused on quality care. We give you individualized attention and honour you as the resident expert of your own body. We listen with our hearts, and share our knowledge with deep compassion.
Massage Therapy Services
with Catherine Walton, RMT
Lymphatic Massage
(The lymphatic system is a vital part of the body’s immune and circulatory system. It consists of a network of vessels, tissues, and organs. Fluid balance is maintained in the body by collecting excess fluid, fats, proteins and cellular waste from tissues. Which is either filtered into the bloodstream or exits the body as waste. The lymph system makes white blood cells which fight off infection and illness.
A lymphatic massage is a gentle technique which helps improve healing by bringing oxygen and nutrients to compromised areas. Rhythmical, circular and precise hand movements are performed. Skin is stretched towards lymph flow, or re-directed to a more viable area in the body. It helps remove harmful substances, and assists with softening scar tissue and pain-causing chemicals.
If you are curious about this technique, a combination of lymphatic and traditional therapeutic massage can be combined for an individualized treatment depending on your needs. The Vodder style of massage is usually oil free, Brazilian massage uses lotion.
Which conditions can benefit from lymphatic massage?
- Post-operative cosmetic surgery.
- Pre- and post-mastectomy care.
- Lymphedema management.
- Bloating and water-retention.
- Skin conditions: Psoriasis, acne, and eczema.
- General relaxation and improved circulation.
- Migraines, whiplash, and face pain.
Who should avoid getting a lymphatic massage?
There are some conditions and circumstances where lymphatic massage is not recommended. For example, when you have a heart condition, kidney failure or blood clots.
In your first visit with Catherine, you will have the opportunity to discuss which type of massage is best for your needs. Given her wide depth of knowledge and experience, she can tailor your treatments to your specific health goals.
Lymphatic Massage Fees:
30-Minute Treatment | $75 + HST
45-Minute Treatment | $90 + HST
60-Minute Treatment | $105 + HST
Post-Operative Massage
Orthopedic surgeries (hip replacement, knee surgery, etc.) and cosmetic surgeries (breast augmentation, liposuction, etc.) can have significant recovery periods. Post Operative Massage can promote faster healing and a smoother return to health following surgery.
A post-operative massage is different than a relaxation or therapeutic massage, as there is specialized training to ensure specific care is taken to protect vulnerable areas of the body. Catherine will offer support and listen to your specific concerns in order to help you achieve your best results. Some goals include achieving a mobile and flat scar, managing lumps, reducing swelling, and preventing puckering, lines and fibrosis.
Each stage of your recovery will require different modalities, including lymphatic massage, deeper techniques and taping depending on the type of surgery and your specific goals. Incisional wound drainage is not performed.
The Benefits of Post-Operative Massage Can Include:
- Faster healing.
- Reduced inflammation.
- Minimization of soreness or pain.
- Prevention of subcutaneous fibrosis.
- Prevention of capsular contracture after breast augmentation.
- Minimization of bruising.
Discuss Post-Operative Massage with your therapist.
There are some post-surgery conditions where post-operative massage is not recommended. Discuss your specific circumstances with your therapist to determine whether massage treatment is appropriate for you.
Post-Operative Massage Fees:
45-Minute Treatment | $90 + HST
60-Minute Treatment | $105 + HST
75-Minute Treatment | $135 + HST
90-Minute Treatment | $160 + HST
Wood Therapy Massage
Wood Therapy, or Maderotherapy, is a popular style of massage in Europe and South America. Clients often say, “it sounds like someone is blending margaritas,” because the tools make a rhythmic and relaxing noise. Hand-made wooden tools are used in a light, quick-paced way over areas of the body, such as the stomach, back (love handles), legs, buttocks and under the arms. In between the wooding, massage directs fluid towards the lymph nodes. The technique is usually pain free, but sometimes cellulite can be tender.
The Benefits of Wood Therapy Massage Can Include:
- Reduced fascial restrictions.
- Easing of muscle tension in the legs and glutes.
- Reduced fibrosis after liposuction (6-8 weeks post-op, once pain and swelling is gone).
- Temporary changes to the texture, tissue health, and appearance of cellulite.
- Reduced abdominal bloating and water retention.
- Increased relaxation and general circulation.
Who should avoid getting wood therapy?
There are some conditions and circumstances where wood therapy is not recommended. For example, when you have fragile skin, are pregnant, have open skin or wounds, or have varicose veins, inflammation or edema. In your first visit with Catherine, you will have the opportunity to discuss which type of massage is best for your needs. Given her wide depth of knowledge and experience, she can tailor your treatments to your specific health goals.
Wood Therapy Massage Fees:
(Note: Treatment times and areas of the body are a suggestion, and will be customized to your specific situation.)
30-Minute Treatment | $90 +HST (Abdomen & flank)
45-Minute Treatment | $110 + HST (Legs & buttocks)
60-Minute Treatment | $130 + HST (Belly, flanks, buttocks & legs)
Sculptural Face Lifting Technique Massage
Catherine is thrilled to offer the Sculptural Face Lifting Technique (SFL) from world-renowned Esthetician and Instructor Yakov Gershkovich. The intent of this technique is to naturally stimulate under-toned muscles, calm over-toned structures, and visibly relax the face. Our psycho-emotional states (meaning our feelings), are similar to a repetitive posture in the body, in that they show themselves on the face daily. Over time, this can increase the natural aging process.
During a session including the SFL Technique, you will experience both external and internal massage focusing on the mimic muscles that express emotions and moods (like frowning, smiling, contempt, sadness, worry, anger, etc.) on the face, through their movements. The external massage is generally 40 minutes long, while the internal part includes gentle kneading and stripping of the muscles around the mouth and cheeks. Sterile gloves are worn for protection of the client and practitioner. Additional lymphatic drainage can be added after the SFL technique, if needed.
The benefits of Sculptural Face Lifting Technique can include:
- Deep relaxation and support for mindfulness.
- Increased blood and lymphatic circulation.
- Improved tissue nourishment to the platysma of the neck and facial muscles, skin and ligaments.
- A more balanced appearance of the face.
- Improved skin texture and the prevention of wrinkles with better nutrient metabolism.
- Reduced tension associated with TMJ Syndrome, droopy facial appearance and tones post-stroke.
- Reduced muscle spasms and releasing of psycho-emotional blockages often associated with everyday stress.
Who should avoid getting SFL Technique massage?
There are some conditions and circumstances where this technique is not recommended. For example, if you are pregnant, have acne, or certain other skin irritations. In your first visit with Catherine, you will have the opportunity to discuss which type of massage is best for your needs. Given her wide depth of knowledge and experience, she can tailor your treatments to your specific health goals.
Sculptural Face Lifting Technique Massage Fees:
60-Minute Treatment | $130 + HST
Therapeutic Massage / Massage Therapy
Whether sitting long hours at the office or pushing yourself a little too hard at the gym, a therapeutic tissue massage is a fantastic way to deal with aches and pains. Treatment breaks down adhesions between skin, fascia, muscle fibers, ligaments and tendons, without continuous, heavy pressure. Instead, quick and deeper stripping motions are used to reduce unhealthy restrictions and knots in deep and superficial muscle tissue. This improves blood flow to the muscles, relieves pain, improves muscle function and movement. Therapeutic massage can also be deeply relaxing and stress-reducing. Clients are encouraged to communicate their goals for treatment, so the massage therapist can adjust pressure and techniques to provide an individualized experience.
Which conditions can benefit from therapeutic massage?
- Chronic and acute pain.
- Restricted movement and muscle/postural imbalances.
- Headaches and general muscle tension.
- Sports and motor crash injuries.
- Stress and stress-related conditions.
Therapeutic Massage Fees:
45-Minute Treatment | $90 + HST
60-Minute Treatment | $105 + HST
75-Minute Treatment | $135 + HST
90-Minute Treatment | $160 + HST
Catherine Walton
Registered Massage Therapist, RMT
Catherine graduated in 2007 as a Registered Massage Therapist from the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy in Vernon, British Columbia. She has additional training in Vodder’s Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Wood Therapy, and Sculptural Face Lifting Technique.
Catherine is fortunate to have helped people from all walks of life live their best life in both spa and clinical settings. Catherine believes regular massage integrated with healthy lifestyle choices will reduce stress and promote a more balanced life. For fun, she enjoys travelling, journaling, and salsa dancing.
Your Treatment Plan
Your treatment will include the following elements:
Before Your Appointment
You will be asked to fill in an intake form before your first appointment to share information specific to your problem and prior medical history. This form will be sent to you by email shortly after you make your booking. You can fill in your intake form using a computer or mobile device. When you submit the form it goes electronically into your chart to be reviewed by your Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).
Consent
Your RMT must obtain informed consent before performing any assessment or treatment on you. Informed consent means that your Massage Therapist has explained the proposed treatment, any risks and benefits, and that you’ve had a chance to ask questions. As the client, you can choose to stop the treatment, or request changes to your treatment plan at any time, for any reason. You should always feel empowered to ask questions and raise any concerns you may have before, during or after your massage therapy treatment.
Your First Visit
At your initial appointment, you and your Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) will discuss your concerns, goals and health history. Your RMT will assess the condition of your muscles and joints and propose a personalized treatment plan based on their assessment findings.
All Massage Treatments
Various specialized movements of the hands, over the skin or clothes, make up the Massage Therapy treatment. The Massage Therapist will work with your level of tolerance and comfort during the treatment, and treatment can be stopped at any time should you become uncomfortable.
What to Expect
from your massage therapy treatment:
Do you direct bill?
Yes! We do direct bill when a client’s extended health benefit policy allows for it, and if your insurance provider is one that works with our billing system. We are pleased to provide this value-added service for our clients, wherever possible. Please share your policy information with us on your intake form and we will try to direct bill on your behalf. We advise that you access your policy information before booking your appointment, to learn about the terms of your coverage.
Do I have to completely undress?
You undress to your comfort level. Massage Therapists are trained to massage with or without clothing. Many people prefer to keep their underwear on during a massage, while others choose to remove all clothing. Your massage therapist will leave the room so you can undress and lie on the massage table under a top sheet. Regardless if you choose to maintain some clothing or not, your massage therapist will always ensure that you are properly covered.
Will my massage hurt?
In general, massages shouldn’t hurt. Speak up right away if the pressure becomes too much so your therapist can make adjustments. In most cases, you won’t feel discomfort during or after your massage, although some techniques may cause soreness in the days following your treatment.
Will the therapist touch sensitive areas?
If you visit your Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) for treatment of a sensitive area, such as your breast, chest wall, buttocks, upper inner thigh or gluteal region, or if after initial assessment your RMT determines that treatment of a sensitive area is recommended, your RMT will initiate a discussion of the benefits, risks and alternatives to treatment of the sensitive area. If you want to proceed with treatment of a sensitive area, your therapist will go over the informed consent process and have you sign a written consent form before starting the treatment.
Do I need to talk during my massage?
Your treatment time is just for you. If you wish to be quiet, or if you wish to talk – either way – your Massage Therapist will follow your lead.
What if I forgot to shave?
Registered Massage Therapists are medical professionals that are experienced at treating all types of bodies. They are focused on creating a therapeutic and relaxing experience for you. They do not want you to stress about whether you have shaved or other types of similar concerns.
What if I fall asleep or snore?
It is very common for clients to fall asleep during their massage. If you snore or drool, don’t worry. Your Massage Therapist has experienced this many times before and will not judge. They love seeing you so relaxed.
Do I need to wear a mask?
Currently, mandatory masking has ended, except for long-term care and retirement homes. As a result, we have adopted a personal choice policy when it comes to masking. Clients and We Thrive staff do their own personal risk assessment, and choose to wear a mask or not wear a mask accordingly.
Some of our staff continue to wear masks each shift, and some of our staff choose not to. We are a client-centred business, so if a client wishes for our staff to wear a mask, we encourage this communication, and are happy to donn a mask at any request.
We all have different levels of risk, for a variety of reasons, and each individual is encouraged to make the decision that is in their best interest. We will continue to support personal choice, as long as it remains safe to do so. Should the situation change, and it be advised by health authorities that we adopt a new masking policy we will quickly adjust to meet the new level of risk. The health of our staff and clientele is our top priority.
What about other COVID practices?
The health and safety of our clients and staff is our top priority at We Thrive. All massage treatment rooms are properly sanitized between clients. All treatment surfaces are disinfected as per infection control and COVID best practices. Every linen that a client touches has been properly laundered and sanitized. Hand sanitizer and handwashing signage is provided throughout the center. Our staff continue to screen for COVID symptoms and COVID-test where needed.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept cash, visa, mastercard and debit transactions.
We are here for you.
Please reach out if you have questions or need help booking your appointment. For convenience, we offer online booking. But are always happy to receive your calls!