Massage

Our Registered Massage Therapists offer 60 minute sessions for therapeutic massage, deep tissue massage, and relaxation massage.  They also provide enhanced massage techniques, such as manual lymphatic drainage massage and fascial technique.  

Our physiotherapists offer regional therapeutic massage, which means they focus on one region of your body (30 minute sessions).

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your massage therapists licenced?

Yes, our massage therapists are Registered Massage Therapists, licenced by the Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba (MTAM).  Massage therapy in Canada requires at least 2200 hours of training before being eligible for a Registered Massage Therapist designation.  

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

A referral from a doctor is not required, but it is always welcome. You may need a written referral from a doctor if your insurance plan requires one for reimbursement.  Learn more about insurance coverage here.

Does your massage therapist do a “deep tissue” massage?

Yes, our massage therapists provide relaxation and deep tissue massage, based on what is appropriate for you and your condition. We encourage you to direct the massage therapist to the degree of pressure you prefer.

In contrast, our massage therapists also provide massage for rehabilitation. That means the massage techniques are designed to help you recover from your injury or condition. 

How much does massage cost?

Our reception will provide you with our current rates for each massage therapist. 

We also offer enhanced massage services for an additional fee, including manual lymphatic drainage massage, Gua sha technique, scar tissue massage, face cupping, cupping, jade stone massage, TMJ massage, and fascial treatment (read more about these below).  Speak to your massage therapist about whether these enhanced services may be right for you.

How and when do I pay for my massage?

We accept cheque, Debit, Visa and MasterCard. Payment for massage therapy is due at your appointment.

NEW: We now direct bill to private insurance companies for both massage therapy and physiotherapy. Learn more here about insurance coverage.

Should massage be painful?

NO! A massage should be soothing and painless. Direct your massage therapist to provide more or less pressure, to your preference.  Good communication is an important part of any massage therapy treatment.

I have a painful body area. I don’t know whether I should see a physiotherapist or a massage therapist. What’s the difference?

Registered Massage Therapists have a diploma in massage therapy from an accredited massage therapy college.  The large majority of their training focuses on massage. 

Massage treatment involves hands-on therapy for muscle injury, chronic disease, pain management, and impaired mobility and also to help relieve stress and maintain well-being.

Given that Registered Massage Therapists specialize in massage, they are trained in a much wider range of massage therapy techniques than physiotherapists.

Physiotherapists have university degrees in their medical rehabilitation. Physiotherapists will assess your condition, confirm a physical diagnosis and set up a treatment program with you. Massage may be one of the treatments they recommend as part of your treatment plan, and they'll refer you to a massage therapist if so.

In addition, physiotherapists may use "modalities" (such as heat, ice, ultrasound, electrotherapy), acupuncture, dry needling, therapeutic exercise, and joint mobilization.  Physiotherapists will help you understand your condition and how to manage it.

I would like a massage, but my insurance only covers physiotherapy.  Can a physiotherapist do the massage?

Physiotherapists don't do relaxation massage at our clinics, but they can do a 30-minute regional massage. That means they would focus on one region of your body, such as your low back, your shoulder, or your lower leg, for example.

Physiotherapists may also advise you if other physiotherapy treatments (like exercise or acupuncture) may be appropriate for your condition or injury.

I have been in a car accident. Does MPI cover the cost of massage therapy?

MPI does not cover the cost of massage therapy treatments with a massage therapist.

When are your massage therapists available?

For your convenience, we offer massage therapy services at a variety of times throughout the week, including evenings and Saturdays.

NEW: We have added more availability with our Registered Massage Therapists!  That means you can get in quickly, when you need it.  Phone us for a schedule of our massage therapists’ upcoming availability.

What are your enhanced massage services?

Our Registered Massage Therapists each have unique training to provide enhanced services.

Liana Stecky's enhanced services include:

  • Manual lymphatic drainage massage,
  • Scar tissue massage,
  • Gua sha technique,
  • Facial cupping,
  • Cupping therapy,
  • Jade stone massage,
  • Fascial treatment, and
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) massage.

Yulia Agarkov's enhanced services include fascial treatment.

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Massage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) massage is a unique, gentle type of skin massage technique that promotes lymph to drain out of a limb and into an area that drains normally.  It is mainly used to treat lymphedema.  The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from the body's tissues.  Some health conditions can cause lymph fluid to build up. 

Lymphatic drainage massages can benefit people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, and other conditions.  Some people also choose lymphatic massage because they believe it will improve their immune system.

Our Registered Massage Therapist Liana Stecky has completed extensive training and certification to provide MLD.

What is Scar Tissue Massage?

Scar Tissue Massage is a common method used to help remodel scar tissue that has developed in injured tissue.  It is a treatment used after surgery, fracture, or soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains.  Scar tissue management is often beneficial after knee surgery, especially for making skin less sensitive.  Scar tissue massage is also known as scar mobilization or scar tissue mobilization.

What is Gua sha Technique?

Gua sha Technique is used with a small tool which scrapes the skin with short or long strokes.  It aims to stimulate microcirculation in the soft tissue - increasing blood flow.  The tool is a smooth-edged instrument known as a Gua sha massage tool.  

What is Facial Cupping?

Facial Cupping is an alternative therapy that uses very small suction cups to stimulate your skin and muscles.  It can be done on your face (or body).  The suction promotes increased blood circulation, which may help to relieve muscle tension, promote cell repair, and aid in other types of tissue regeneration.

What is Jade Stone Massage?

Jade Stone Massage incorporates heated and cooled jade stones that are placed on the body and used for massage.  These stones have been cut to various shapes and sizes and then polished, providing a very smooth feeling on the skin.

What is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Massage?

TMJ massage can be an important component of treatment for jaw pain and dysfunction.  The Registered Massage Therapist will work on the muscles around the temporomandibular joint (the jaw joint) to help relieve pain and tension. This sometimes includes intra-oral massage.

The therapist will start by releasing the muscles in the upper back and shoulders. They may also work around your collar bone, chest, and neck to help relax all the areas surrounding and connected to the temporomandibular joint.

A TMJ massage is often incorporated in a regular massage therapy session.

What is Fascial Treatment?

Fascial Treatment is a hands-on technique that can be used when you suspect fascia restriction is causing your pain.  Fascial treatment targets fascia specifically, not muscles or joints.  It can be used in the same massage therapy session as techniques that target muscles or joints, but it’s a separate technique.  

Learn more about fascial treatment in this interview with our RMT Yulia Agarkov.

Interested in massage?  Call us now to book!