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 Kim Harding, RMT
Therapeutic Massage
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:
30-Minute Treatment | $75 + HST
45-Minute Treatment | $90 + HST
60-Minute Treatment | $105 + HST
90-Minute Treatment | $160 + HST
Cupping Therapy
Cupping is a body treatment, which applies negative pressure on the skin using glass, plastic or silicone cups. The suction created stimulates and increases blood flow which can help relieve joint and muscle pain, reduce inflammation, accelerate recovery, increase the function of the lymphatic and circulatory system and increase overall relaxation and wellbeing. By creating suction, negative pressure cupping lifts and releases congested connective tissue, loosens adhesions and helps re-oxygenate old tissues that have been injured, while increasing healthy circulation to the targeted area.
After the assessment determines the source of the pain, or where the restrictions are, there are two techniques that will be used:
- Cupping massage: where the cup is applied to the skin with a lubricant and then glided over the tissues. This technique will bring a lot of blood flow to the area treated, making the tissues red and warm to the touch. Cupping massage is a great technique for increasing circulation, decreasing muscle tension, softening scar tissues and adhesions.
- Stationary cupping: where the cup is placed and left in a single position. This method will usually leave cupping marks and depending on the strength of suction used can lead to tiredness post treatment. This technique is great for treating trigger points and accessing deeper tissues with less discomfort.
Who should avoid getting cupping therapy?
There are some conditions and circumstances where cupping therapy is not recommended. For example, when you have fragile skin or other sensitive skin conditions, certain cardiovascular conditions, like deep-vein thrombosis, or if you are receiving active cancer treatments. These are some examples among others. In your first visit with Kim, you will review your medical history and discuss whether cupping therapy makes sense for you.
Cupping Therapy Massage Fees:
30-Minute Treatment | $75 + HST
45-Minute Treatment | $90 + HST
60-Minute Treatment | $105 + HST
90-Minute Treatment | $160 + HST
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage is customized for an expectant mother’s needs and is most often used to promote relaxation. Since many pregnant women experience low back pain and swollen ankles, prenatal massage is an effective and safe way to provide comfort. Kim Harding (RMT) has received specialized training and is certified in prenatal massage. She knows how to position and support your body during the massage, and use special techniques to allow you to rest comfortably and safety.
The benefits of Prenatal Massage can include
Deep relaxation and reduced stress.
- Reduced swelling.
- Improved insomnia.
- Reduced back, neck and joint pain and tension.
- Improved leg cramping.
- Relaxing before labour and delivery.
Prenatal Massage Fees:
30-Minute Treatment | $75 + HST
45-Minute Treatment | $90 + HST
60-Minute Treatment | $105 + HST
90-Minute Treatment | $160 + HST
Kim Harding
Registered Massage Therapist, RMT
Kim is a dedicated medical professional that listens intently to client goals and needs in order to help each client get the most from their treatment. She graduated from Trillium College in 2015, with her Diploma in Massage Therapy. The majority of Kim’s experience is in a clinical setting, specifically working alongside physiotherapists. She has experience with pre and postnatal massage, treating sciatica, TMJ dysfunction, whiplash associated disorders, arthritis, post-surgery recovery, tendinitis, injuries, strains and sprains among other issues.
Kim also enjoys helping clients maintain healthy function and low stress with regular maintenance and relaxation massage. Where appropriate, Kim incorporates cupping into treatments to clients reach their goals.
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.
After Your Treatment
After your massage, it is a good idea to drink water, have something to eat, stretch and rest. Kneading and working muscles gets fluid pumping out of the soft tissue and into your circulatory system, where it heads towards your kidneys. It helps to drink water to flush toxins out of your system, but also to rehydrate the body. Massage therapy also stimulates digestion, so you may find yourself wanting something to eat after your massage. A good stretch realigns muscle fibres and improves muscle recovery preventing tenderness, and resting helps prolong the relaxation and de-stressing benefits of a massage treatment.
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!