My goal as a massage therapist is to work with dedicated and grounded individuals who want to make their wellness a priority. I am currently accepting new clients and can direct bill through the following companies:
Blue Cross
Sun Life Financial
Manulife
Canada Life
GMS
Desjardins
Johnson
Maximum Benefit
Johnston Group
IA Financial Group
Cowan
Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance Plan
My name is Katherine (she/her) and I’m a graduate of the Grant MacEwan Massage Therapy Program. I work with my clients to develop a treatment plan that blends well with their goals and lifestyle. I firmly believe in creating a safe and inclusive atmosphere for all my clients.
While my initial training was in therapeutic and relaxation massage I’ve branched out since my graduation. Early on in my career I trained in Myofascial Cupping, a modality I incorporate into treatment depending on the desired outcomes. Shortly thereafter I trained in Schweitzer deep tissue therapy – a modality that changed how I offered deep tissue and therapeutic treatments. While living in Toronto I took a 300hr Yoga Teacher Training course, while I don’t teach yoga it did provide me with some new insight to working with my clients in a more active and engaged way. In 2016 I began studying Thai Massage, a great follow-up and tie in to yoga and massage therapy. Most recently I have been spending more time learning about oncology massage and branching out into new and innovative methods of cupping.
I’m registered with the NHPC and have been in practice since 2008. I can direct bill for many major insurance providers. The receipt you’re issued after your appointment can be used for insurance claims if you have massage coverage in your plan and are not able to make use of the direct billing option.
FAQ
Your First Massage
Prior to your first visit you will be asked to fill out a health history form, this is a form that will be sent to you via email through the online booking program I use. This provides relevant information about any health concerns past and present. After this we will assess how you are feeling at the time and any questions or concerns you might have.
You will be invited into the treatment room and the events of your appointment will be explained to you clearly. You may ask questions or provide feedback at any point during your session.
Your massage session
After reviewing your health history and discussing your concerns for this session I will leave the room to wash my hands and prepare any treatment items necessary. During this time, you will undress to your level of comfort, leaving any clothing and jewelry on the hangers and table/chair provided. At this point you can take some time to get comfortable under the sheets on the table.
When I return make sure to let me know if the table temperature or pillows need adjusting. I will communicate with you regularly during your session about pressure and comfort. Feel free to provide feedback, it is an excellent way to improve your session and ensure this massage is the best possible.
When the massage session is done I will leave the room while you get dressed. This is a great time to take a few sips of water before heading into the waiting area. Once at the front desk we will discuss your treatment. You will then pay for your treatment and be issued a receipt. The receipt issued has all the information you need to file a claim with your health insurance provider. This is also typically when you will receive any home care advice. After this you are free to sit in the waiting room to finish your water before you head out into the bright, busy world.
After your massage
After your massage therapy session, I recommend you give yourself a break from the stresses of home and work if possible, so that your body can continue the healing process from your treatment. Take a warm Epsom salt bath, drink a few extra glasses of water, and try to avoid strenuous physical activity. I’ve always chosen a good nap when possible!
For 24 to 48 hours after the treatment you may experience some muscle tenderness or a re-occurrence of symptoms as your body adjusts to the work done in the massage session. Feel free to apply a heat pack to affected areas for 10 to 15 minutes to aid in the relaxation of the tissues.
If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me via e-mail or by a phone call, I will respond by the end of the day.
Of Note
Upon returning to my massage practice in 2015 after a nearly two year hiatus I took it as a chance to start from square one in planning. I put a great deal of thought into how I offered massage and what I brought into our clinic space. I’ve taken this as an opportunity to focus on compassion for people and the world around us in all possible areas of my work. As such I’ve chosen products that I feel are the safest for us and the environment.
Sacred Earth Botanicals is my medium of choice. I chose to stock my room primarily with this brand over others for several reasons. A primary one being that I know many people these days have nut allergies or sensitivities and I appreciate that these products are made entirely without nut oils. Their company adheres to environmentally sound practices (recycling, alternative energy sources) and are unscented and free of parabens and synthetic fragrances (a concern in an age of increasing fragrance sensitivities). Please be aware that because essential oils are used in the office space it is not a scent free environment.
I also offer the coconut oil used by many of the massage therapists at our clinic as some people like the more traditional feel of oil and find that coconut oil works well for their skin. As always, if you have a specific cream or oil that you prefer over all others, let me know in advance and there is a good chance you can bring that in for use in your massage.
I have the following on hand:
SacredEarth Botanicals® Certified Organic Massage Oil is a blend of sunflower, safflower, olive, jojoba, and vitamin E oils. This is great for the person who likes a traditional massage medium and want the rich feeling of oil. This oil is free of nut oils, animal products, fragrance and harmful preservatives.
SacredEarth Botanicals® Paraben Free Cream is a rich cream well suited to deep massage work and provides a smooth massage overall (this cream comes in a refillable tube so we’re also helping cut down on recyclable wastes!). This cream is free of parabens, animal products, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, TEA (Triethanolamine) and ureas.
SacredEarth Botanicals® Paraben Free Lotion is a lighter sibling to the massage cream. This would be ideal for people who like a lighter feel to their medium or who have to get back to work or head out to run errands immediately after their massage and don’t want to worry about a heavy cream feeling on their skin or clothing. This lotion is free of parabens, animal products, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, TEA (Triethanolamine) and ureas.
SacredEarth Botanicals® Certified Organic Massage Gel is a new addition to my roster. This was one I picked up after a cupping course I took as the instructor really talked up the benefits of gel with cupping work. It does manage to have the glide of an oil with the control of a cream, which can come in handy. This gel is free of nut oils, fragrance, common allergens and harmful preservatives but please be aware it is not vegan as it does contain beeswax.
SacredEarth Botanicals® foot cream is a cream with a more mellow scent than the usual intense mint you might associate with a foot cream. It has a smooth glide and a variety of essential oils to help soothe achy feet and increase circulation. This cream is free of parabens, nut oils, animal products, propylene glycol, TEA (Triethanolamine) and ureas.
In addition to the base oils, lotions, and creams I have a variety of essential oils available with a new blend or single oil featured every month.