Types of Massage We Offer
Our patient-centred, 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.
Therapeutic Massage / Massage Therapy
her 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.
The Benefits of Therapeutic Massage Can Include:
- 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 | $70 + HST
45-Minute Treatment | $85 + HST
60-Minute Treatment | $100 + HST
75-Minute Treatment | $125 + HST
90-Minute Treatment | $150 + HST
Offered by:
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 | $70 + HST
45-Minute Treatment | $85 + HST
60-Minute Treatment | $100 + HST
90-Minute Treatment | $150 + HST
Offered by:
Pre-Natal 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 | $70 + HST
45-Minute Treatment | $85 + HST
60-Minute Treatment | $100 + HST
90-Minute Treatment | $150 + HST
Offered by:
Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage is a treatment that focuses on massaging acupressure points along the head, neck, and shoulders, often using circular massage strokes.
It originates from an Indian alternative medicine system called Ayurveda, whereby it is believed that the mind and body are intricately connected and thus can influence one another. Through this theory, is is understood that Indian Head Massage cannot only reduce headaches and improve physical well-being, but it can also improve mental and emotional wellness too.
Indian Head Massage is an ancient therapeutic practice that has been used in India for over 2000 years, and requires no oils or equipment, making it a very accessible treatment, perfect for newcomers to massage.
The benefits of Indian Head Massage can include:
- Releases built up tension in the head and neck area.
- Reduces headaches and migraines.
- Soothes sinuses reducing pain.
- Promotes hair growth.
- Relieves muscle stiffness.
- Renews and balances energy levels in the three higher chakras.
- Stimulates lymphatic drainage.
- Relaxes the body and reduces stress.
- Improves circulation of cerebral spinal fluid.
Indian Head Massage Fees:
30-Minute Treatment | $70 + HST
Offered by:
Our Massage Therapists
Kim Harding
Registered Massage Therapist, RMT
Kim enjoys working with people and loves being a massage therapist. She has experience with pregnancy massage, treating sciatica, TMJ dysfunction, scar tissue, carpal tunnel syndrome, whiplash and many more common issues. She offers relaxation, deep tissue, pre-natal and cupping massage.
Kirsten Munro
Registered Massage Therapist, RMT
As an RMT, Kirsten Munro listens to the body, offers thoughtful communication and a collaborative approach to reaching clients’ specific goals. Kirsten provides her clients with a therapeutic touch, getting deeper into their muscles as needed, but also giving them an experience of deep relaxation.
Your Treatment
Massage therapy treatments provided by an RMT can offer significant benefits for a variety of conditions. Your treatment plan will be created to meet your needs, and will include the following elements.
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).
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.
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.
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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about what to expect of your treatment with our Registered Massage Therapists? We have your answers.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Do I need to wear a mask?
Currently, mandatory masking has ended. 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 forms of payment are accepted?
We accept cash, visa, mastercard and debit transactions.
