WSB Massage: What We Do

Massage Therapy

Massage is the manipulation of soft tissue structures of the body. It can be beneficial to treat, prevent and manage a variety of health concerns; as wide-ranging as sports related injuries, alleviating pain and stress symptoms, chronic muscle strain resulting from postural fatigue to that ‘kink in your neck because you slept funny.’

Our therapists are trained to use traditional Swedish massage techniques including deep-tissue work, myofascial release, lymph drainage, trigger point therapy and hydrotherapy to name but a few approaches. However, beyond just considering your physical body, we prefer to apply an integrative view. Research has shed more light on the complexities of mediating pain. We can all agree that touch is therapeutic, but maybe not solely for the reasons we once thought. There is a strong mind-body connection (a.k.a. the nervous system) that shouldn’t be ignored. By keeping an open dialogue, listening to both your words and your body’s responses and teaching body awareness, we believe that we can help to manage your stress and pain more effectively.

Since everybody is different, there’s no set massage technique or formula that will magically work for all. We recognize that there isn’t one ‘right’ therapist for everyone, but welcome you to come in and see if we might be the right fit for you.

Therapists: Cindy Won, Cindy Won,Devin Sauso-Bawa, Devin Sauso-Bawa, Joanna Rogowska,Joanna Rogowska,Roberta (Robbie) Gaundroue,Roberta (Robbie) Gaundroue,Rosalee Brown Rosalee Brown

Sports/Athletic Massage

This massage modality is geared towards patients engaged in ANY level of physical activity looking to maintain or improve their musculoskeletal condition. This approach is best for folks recovering from a sports related injury, tackling new muscle soreness, or balancing work/school and recreational activity. This maintenance treatment considers the active user and aims to release painful tension without compromising the integrity of the joint, so one can return to physical activity that same week without extra risk of injury.

During a typical session, patients can expect to receive massage treatment in our devoted open gym space. We ask that patients wear loose fitting or athletic clothing for easy stretching, therapeutic exercise, hydrotherapy and manual modalities like general Swedish massage while remaining fully clothed. This treatment is easily paired with a Kinesiology session, focusing on relearning repetitive motions to improve joint health and pain free range of motion.

Therapist: Rosalee Brown Rosalee Brown

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM) is made up of many modalities including acupuncture, herbal therapy, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, and tuina. Your TCM practitioner will be able to assess which are best suited to you and your goals; be it pain relief to improving sleep, and that’s just the beginning! Rather than focusing solely on disease, TCM balances the underlying systems and forces of your entire body; helping to integrate the parts that may be struggling and restore harmony.

Acupuncture is the safe insertion of fine needles to specific anatomical points which work with your own body’s energy to find homeostasis or a yin/yang balance. Needles can be used to promote circulation, clear blockages in chi pathways and to activate an immune response which can aid reparation of muscles, tendons, nerves and fascia. Acupuncture can also mediate the nervous system and help bring our bodies into a place of deep relaxation which aids internal processing where it is needed the most. For example, using the system of meridians, we can stimulate a point on your hand to affect your digestion.

Our bodies and minds are much more integrated than some of us learned in school. In addition to addressing the physical, acupuncture can also have great impact on our mental and emotional health. When we understand the interconnectedness between mind and physical body, we can work with physical medicine to find emotional and mental balance.

Therapists: Jordan Ramsay, Jordan Ramsay, Kirstienne Lam, Kirstienne Lam, Susanda Yee, Susanda Yee,Jen Bower, Jen Bower, Mike Park Mike Park

Chiropractic

The term "cracking" is commonly associated with a chiropractic adjustment and there is a general misconception that this is a necessary part of successful treatment for everyone. However, the goal of chiropractic is simply to create movement in a restricted joint. This can be achieved in many ways - whether it is via gentle joint mobilizations, acupuncture, instrument-assisted (use of an Activator), manual soft-tissue manipulation, exercises or likely a combination of these methods. Through a comprehensive initial examination consisting of health history review, functional and orthopedic testing and goal setting, you and your chiropractor will determine what modalities are best suited for your treatment.

Therapist: Richard Yu Richard Yu

Kinesiology

Unlike typical athletic training, kinesiology prescribes specific exercise to be used as medicine for injury prevention/rehabilitation, pain management and disease management. Kinesiologists are highly trained in human movement, nutrition, exercise psychology, accessibility and ergonomics.

maintain and improve cardiovascular health
strengthen specific muscles, muscle groups and joints
cope with symptoms related to systemic illnesses (e.g. diabetes, cancer, MS, etc.)
cope with symptoms related to mental illnesses and mood disorders

During a typical session, patients can expect to be challenged to move their body in both familiar and novel ways with the end goal of completing activities of daily life pain free. This can take many forms and is tailored to each individual. We begin with a detailed health history, movement assessment and a physical activity readiness survey. Understanding that not all forms of exercise are particularly fun - we try to bridge the gap so that clients find ways to move their bodies that are fulfilling. Furthermore, when paired with other manual therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic, physiotherapy and/or massage therapy, we can increase the efficacy of your kinesiology appointment by guiding you to relearn ergonomic movement during a pain-free window. Our hope is that, with practice, you will acquire the tools to maintain these positive physical changes independently.

Therapist: Rosalee Brown Rosalee Brown

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists are specialists in human anatomy and the understanding of how and why movement and function take place. They possess a keen eye and skill for identifying joint and neuromuscular deficiencies and imbalances that could be contributing to not only the pain from injury but any that you experience in your day to day life. No matter your age, your physiotherapist will be able to diagnose the source of your discomfort based on a detailed clinical history of your symptoms and the results of specific physical tests and measures. A treatment plan will then be designed which is consistent with your goals and unique to you. This frequently includes take-home exercises which with be taught along with how to perform them with proper form. Essentially, it empowers you to be an active participant in your own recovery process!

Therapists: Kanchan Masand, Kanchan Masand, Trang Bùi Trang Bùi

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Did you know that leaking while jumping, laughing or sneezing is NOT a normal part of aging? Or that Kegel exercises after childbirth are NOT the solution to control the sudden need to urinate or empty one’s bowels? Or that persistent low back pain could be STRONGLY connected to a pelvic floor dysfunction? Pelvic health physiotherapy can help!

The pelvic floor is a complex system of muscles, ligaments, and nerves that create a ‘hammock’ or ‘bowl’ for our organs. This system works unnoticed, to assist with breathing, organ support, sexual function, and waste elimination. The pelvic floor is also engaged in maintaining our core strength, and stabilizing the low back, pelvis and hip joints. Pelvic floor dysfunction is an all-embracing term for a range of pelvic health conditions, but it is medically defined as the inability to correctly contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles interfering with the body’s normal elimination process via the bowel or bladder.

A pelvic health physiotherapist has specialized training to perform an internal assessment (vaginal and/or rectal) of your pelvic floor to determine its level of function. An external assessment of your spine/pelvis/hips and breath mechanics also provide valuable insights into the cause of your pelvic floor symptoms. Your pelvic health PT will further explore the contribution of lifestyle factors, relationships, trauma, stress, etc. on your nervous system regulation and its impact on the pelvic floor.

Our pelvic health team understands the delicate and sensitive nature of your pelvic health concerns and strives to provide professional and compassionate care in a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.

Therapists: Trang Bùi, Trang Bùi, Kanchan Masand Kanchan Masand

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a hands-on, holistic treatment that views the patient as whole. An osteopathic manual practitioner does not treat dysfunction; they treat the individual. Practitioners focus on restoring balance within the body by identifying the root cause through precise assessment, palpation and treatment. Once the restrictions have been addressed, the body will move towards optimal physiological function including the ability to heal itself.

This modality is based on the understanding that all systems of the body operate together to create and sustain health. An appointment starts by obtaining a thorough medical history and performing postural and orthopedic assessments, as well as other manual tests. Treatment is then based on this information and consists of gentle manipulation of the skeletal system, soft tissues (muscle, ligaments, tendons and fascia), the viscera (organs) and the craniosacral system.

People seek out osteopathic manual treatment for a variety of reasons ranging from pain, mobility issues, digestive problems, respiratory difficulties, postural concerns, pregnancy, and wellness. Everyone can benefit from osteopathic treatment, from newborn babies to older adults.

Therapist: Kanchan Masand Kanchan Masand

Naturopathic Medicine

Simply put, naturopathic doctors are medically trained and naturally focused.

We look at the current medical evidence and the clinical experience of our peers and predecessors to offer our patients the best possible care. An evidence-informed naturopathic practice draws on current medical research, clinical experience and traditional knowledge to find the optimal treatments for each patient.

Like all medical doctors, our first commitment is to do no harm. In our efforts to meet this commitment, we seek to work with the body’s systems – to guide them back on the right track when they’ve gone astray.

To achieve lasting results, NDs work to resolve the root of the problem and to remove any impediments that are inhibiting the body’s ability to heal itself. We aim to treat the cause rather than merely appease the symptoms of disease.

We want to help resolve problems, rather than suppress them. We want to help you build up your resources so that you’re equipped for what life throws at you. That’s what makes NDs great at both treating and preventing illness. In order to do this well, NDs develop individualized treatments because every person develops and expresses illness differently.

NDs have a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary studies, including 4 years of accredited naturopathic medical education, where we learn medical sciences and naturopathic treatments. We are trained in-depth on how to incorporate physical medicine such as hydrotherapy, massage and naturopathic manipulation, treatments such as acupuncture, traditional Asian medicine, homeopathy, botanical medicine, as well as counselling and nutrition.

Therapist: Dr. Kristen Mark Dr. Kristen Mark

Relational Psychotherapy

You may be thinking about therapy because you’re struggling, perhaps in a way that is new to you, or in a way that is all too familiar. You may have experienced a sudden change or transition that you’re finding challenging or you have a nagging feeling that something isn't right. Perhaps you’re having issues in your relationships or feel blocked from your emotions. No matter what the issue, therapy can help you make sense of what you are going through and ease emotional distress by working with a curious, empathic therapist who will champion the changes you wish to make.

At the heart of relational therapy is the relationship: the relationship with oneself, with important people, as well as the relationship between client and therapist. Our sense of self is formed by the experiences we have and the societal context in which we live. These experiences form beliefs, patterns, and ways of coping that may not be serving us any longer. In relational therapy, it is through the co-creation of a new kind of relationship between therapist and client – a relationship based in empathy, support and genuine presence - that healing from past relational trauma can take place. In this way, patterns of relating can be loosened and let go, allowing for freedom and authenticity to flourish.

Therapists: Sarah Flanagan, Sarah Flanagan, Leah Sherry Leah Sherry

Mixed Modality Psychotherapy

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

- Carl R. Rogers

In humanistic psychology it is believed that every human being knows deep down what they need to heal. They just need the space and safety to discover it and allow it.

In these sessions we will explore current situations and feelings, as well as your past when appropriate. The therapeutic space provides an environment of non-judgment and compassion. It is a place to voice what seems impossible to say in everyday life and to explore and envision new possibilities and change.

Identity in all its various forms (personal, familial, social, cultural) can also be explored with curiosity and intention. The world around us, both immediate and global affects us. This can be a place to re-connect with the self and discover how you connect to others and the world.

In addition to talk-therapy, these sessions will also incorporate how emotions and thoughts feel in and affect the body through tension or nervous system activation. Mindfulness activities, nervous system regulating exercises and relaxation techniques can all help to re-create safety in ourselves and give us tools to help ease high intensity emotions.

As well, creative arts therapy methods can be utilized: whether through drawing, embodiment or story/metaphor. Sometimes it is hard to verbalize our deep feelings. Creative means can help to create a safe distance in which to explore difficult topics and can foster new perspectives. The amount of creative incorporation is always up to the client.

Therapist: Fiona Green Fiona Green

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a type of massage that originated in Japan and has roots in traditional Chinese medicine. What differentiates it from other massage therapies is that Shiatsu practitioners attribute diseases and physical health conditions to imbalances and blockages of the energy flow throughout the body.

Shiatsu is a unique, non-invasive manual therapy that stimulates the body’s inherent ability to heal and balance itself. Literally translated, the word shiatsu means “finger pressure.” The therapy involves the systematic application of pressure, using the fingers, thumbs and palm, to different points on the soft tissues of the body in order to promote energy flow and correct disharmonies. Shiatsu treatments have a regulatory influence on the body’s autonomic nervous system thus making it a deeply relaxing experience. In addition, the circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems are stimulated thereby improving organ function and reducing muscle tension. Shiatsu can helps relieve stress, treat pain and illness and contributes to a patient's overall health and wellbeing. Poor posture, joint problems, sprains, arthritis, sciatica, acute and chronic neck and back pain, sinusitis, and bronchitis can all be addressed through Shiatsu.

People of all ages, including infants and children may benefit from therapeutic shiatsu treatment. Used as either a primary or complementary therapy, it can play an important part of a preventative or rehabilitative health care program.

Therapist: Joanna Rogowska Joanna Rogowska

Reflexology

Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet and hands that map to glands, organs and other systems of the body. Unlike other therapies which manipulate bones or muscle tissue, a trained reflexologist can detect imbalances and through the application of pressure to these points, this therapy can help the body restore balance and facilitate healing to the corresponding area.

Some studies indicate that reflexology may reduce psychological symptoms such as stress and anxiety. It may also enhance relaxation and sleep as well as manage and reduce musculoskeletal pain, increase mobility and strength, not to mention improve body function such as hormonal or digestive issues.

Reflexology may also effectively be combined with other modalities such as regulated massage therapy and/or Shiatsu.