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Welcome to WSB Massage & Wellness!
Please note:
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Unfortunately, due to the increased number of no-shows and last minute cancellations, we’re now collecting credit card info prior to booking appointments in case we need to apply cancellation fees. We understand that this may make folks uncomfortable but we promise we’ll do our best to contact you before any charges are made. Most importantly, we want you to know that ALL are still welcome here. If you don’t have access to a card, please contact the practitioner directly via email or call the clinic at 437-913-9208; we will always book you in.
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Please clarify with your individual practitioner about their cancellation policy as they vary within the clinic.
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We kindly request that you DO NOT use your credit card on file to pay for your appointment. Payments are taken in the clinic after your appointment is complete.
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We would appreciate it if all patients continue to wear a mask into the clinic as we treat folks who are immuno-compromised. It is up to the discretion of the therapist, through conversation with you, whether they will enforce mask-wearing during treatment.
Originally a clinic of 2 RMTs in the Annex, June 2020 brought on not only a pandemic but also an electrical fire in our workspace. This was all the convincing we needed that the universe wanted us on a different path. It was time for a move and a team in what we aim to be an inclusive, body neutral, brave space.
Now that we’ve settled into our Dundas St West location we are happy to be surrounded by these beautiful and talented family members. We offer Massage Therapy, Sports/Athletic Massage, TCM/Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Physiotherapy, Pelvic floor therapy, Kinesiology, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Osteopathy, Relational Psychotherapy and Mixed Modality Psychotherapy.
As always, we thank you and are grateful for your ongoing support..
For your wellness: spirit and body,
Cindy & Devin
Welcome to our online booking site
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.
Traditional Chinese Medicine / 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 body as a whole; to help 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 thus aiding internal processing and work in places that need it 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.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists are specialists in human anatomy and the understanding of how and why movement and function take place. Your physiotherapist will be able to diagnose the source of your injury 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.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
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. 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.
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.
Osteopathy
An osteopathic assessment begins with a thorough review of one’s medical history, psychosocial factors in one’s experience of pain, and a movement-based assessment incorporating orthopaedic and other manual tests. An osteopathic manual practitioner relies on his/her highly trained sense of touch to further identity restrictions in other systems of the body. Treatment is based on this assessment and consists of gentle manipulation of the skeletal system, soft tissues (muscle, ligaments, tendons, and fascia), the viscera (organs), and the cranio-sacral system.
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.
Life Coaching
Jen Bowers is a Chinese Medicine Practitioner and certified life coach. I specialize in working with people who are recovering from trauma. Life coaching is different from counselling. We don't spend a lot of time talking about your past experiences. Instead we focus on what you want your future to be like. Do you need help working with triggers? Do you want to work on better sleep or mood? Are you struggling with flashbacks or anxiety? Do you want to have better relationships with your partner, friends, family?
We talk about your specific goals and find ways together to help you achieve them at a pace that you are comfortable with.
Trauma can come from many experiences, not just a one-time terrible event. Many of us experience racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia, violence, discrimination based on our spiritual choices etc. Many of these obstacles occur simultaneously, leaving us vulnerable to trauma.
If you are open to the idea, I find combining the coaching with acupuncture to be very helpful. It allows us to tap into tough emotions with less discomfort and to process bodily sensations more quickly than with talking alone.
You can be more at ease in your body and mind, you can heal and you can grow into your best self. I look forward to working with you.
Virtual Physiotherapy
Virtual physiotherapy offers a unique opportunity for a real-time interaction with your physiotherapist through video calls (like Skype or FaceTime) using a platform that is safe, secure, and compliant with government privacy laws (PIPEDA). Virtual physiotherapy upholds the same safety, effectiveness, and ethical standards of care as in-person visits.
Cesarean Scar Release Therapy
Cesarean Scar Release Therapy involves the use of Microcurrent Point Stimulation technology (MPS), which is approved by Health Canada and FDA, and was featured on Today's Parents magazine. The treatment helps speed up the healing process, decrease pain, and tightness sensation due to fascia and muscle scarring. Your therapy session also includes a physical screening for abs separation and a comprehensive core strength recovery program.
Kinesiology / Athletic Therapy
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.
These tools are used to:
• 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.
Athletic/Sport Massage Therapy
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.
Shiatsu Therapy
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.
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.
Relational Psychotherapy
** Please email therapy@leahsherry.com to schedule an appointment.**
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, emphatic 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.
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 is 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. The therapeutic space is 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 the body 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 Fiona, is a creative arts therapist as well as a psychotherapist, creative means can also be incorporated: 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.
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Need Help? 437-913-9208 info@wsbmassage.com