Although once viewed as simply a way to relax, in recent years registered massage therapy has become much more mainstream. If anything, the practice is now so broad—offering treatments that increase circulation, relieve tension, improve sleep, and reduce stress—that it can be difficult to decipher just what exactly you’re looking for. In fact, you may not even know where to start.
Fortunately, Niverville and the surrounding area is flush with registered massage therapists (RMTs), each their own areas of specialization. In this article, we provide you with a breakdown of a few licensed local professionals, in their own words.
Stephanie Enns, RMT
Time in field: Three years
Education: I took a three-year program at Wellington College, which allows holders to obtain the appropriate liability insurance to safely practice Swedish Relaxation Massage and charge for it. I took advantage of this opportunity and worked part-time at various multi-modality wellness centres for two years leading up to my graduation as an RMT from the full three-year program.
Areas of specialization: Due to the nature of my training, I specialize in osteopathic assessment and treatment principles. Simply put, I am trained to assess from an osteopathic-based standpoint to figure out the root cause for a client’s musculoskeletal dysfunctions and therefore treat the cause first rather than chasing after the signs and symptoms. Aside from enjoying the challenge of discovering the root cause of any client’s complaint and treating it accordingly, I also love working with pregnant women, offering massage from conception to birth. I also love working with kids and I have experience working with children of all ages.
Where to find her: I run my own private practice out of Niverville Family Chiropractic, at 106 Main St, Unit 102. I am a separate entity from the two other businesses in that space, Niverville Optometry and Niverville Family Chiropractic. However, we all work together as a team to offer multiple disciplines in one place for all the clients that come through our doors.
Direct-billing/coverage details: I do not offer direct-billing. Since I have a private practice and no support staff or receptionist, the added administrative time and duties that comes with offering direct-billing is something that I’ve chosen to leave for another time in the future perhaps. Instead, I help educate clients on how to submit their receipts to their insurance companies for direct reimbursement. With apps and online submission, the time it takes most companies to reimburse clients is often faster than if they sent the funds to the RMT.
Contact: (204) 388-6195 or info@nivervillefamilychiro.com
Lisa Buck, Chirapsia Therapeutics
Time in field: Six years
Education: I graduated from a two-year diploma program six years ago from the Massage Therapy College of Manitoba and have been a registered member at Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba ever since.
Areas of specialization: Mainly I specialize in deep-tissue treatments. Deep-tissue rehab is far more aggressive than your typical massage, but extremely effective for speeding healing, decreasing pain, and increasing range of motion long-term. Coupled with the right stretches and exercises, deep-tissue can often resolve most chronic problems within two to three weeks.
I mainly use relaxation to treat symptoms of anxiety and depression, busy lifestyles, and a means to break up intense treatment plans.
Reiki, where the use of energy is the main healing modality, is particularly enjoyable for those wanting to explore alternative healing.
Mini-classes are also available—elimination communication, guided group meditation, and my favourite, group stretching. Group stretching is like yoga, except fundamentally more specific to balancing the posture and reducing chronic pain through specific static stretching.
Birth doula services are also available, where I attend births as a support to labouring mothers, helping them stay calm and focused, providing comfort measures and massage therapy, helping them in making informed decisions throughout their experience, and advocating for them.
Where to find her: Currently I have a home-based practice.
Direct-billing/coverage details: I bill directly to two of the most common benefit providers, Great West Life and Blue Cross, and I provide submittable invoices for the others. Overall, it doesn’t usually take more than a few days to receive your money back when you submit a claim online.
Contact: (204)391-3302 or chirapsia@icloud.com.
Bobbi-Jo Castenada, Refresh Mobile Therapy
Time in field: Thirteen years
Education: I graduated from the Massage Therapy College of Manitoba in 2006 from the three-year program.
Areas of Specialization: Originally, I created Refresh Mobile Therapy to reach aging adults who had mobility challenges. Over time, I have broadened, and I now work with all demographics. I work with a lot of pregnant clients. They grow to love and appreciate the sessions, and often continue after their babies are born. Many young families love to book an appointment during nap time or have a friend or family member watch their little ones. I allow added time in each session for feeding and/or tending to children, and parents really appreciate the flexibility. Many parents include time for their little ones to have their own session. It’s nice, because they are in their home environment and often feel comfortable with Mom and Dad close by.
Where to find her: Currently, I am a mobile therapist travelling to homes, businesses, as well as assisted living and nursing homes. In the future, I hope to work from home as well as continue to serve those who prefer in-home treatments.
Direct-billing/coverage detail: Yes, I provide direct-billing.
Contact: (204) 793-2097 or bobbi@refreshmobiletherapy.com
Billie Fontaine, Niverville Massage Therapy
Time in field: Nineteen years
Education: I graduated with a Massage Therapy diploma in 2000 from the Professional Institute of Massage Therapy.
Areas of Specialization: Trigger point therapy, myofascial release, cupping, gua sha, hydrotherapy, and pregnancy massage. I offer an effective treatment massage based on my assessment, which may include deeper techniques. “Deep tissue” can mean many things to different people—some people want elbows and an aggressive massage, [so] I will refer them. When a client comes to me asking for deep tissue, I will get verbal consent from them to give a preview of what that means, and 90 percent will decline that sort of pressure. Most of the time people say deep-tissue massage, as they just don’t want the therapist to be “moisturizing” their backs and necks for an hour.
Where to find her: I have a beautiful studio space in my home in Niverville.
Direct-billing/coverage details: I direct bill to Blue Cross, Medavie, and Great West Life. I provide a receipt that my clients can submit to their plans for reimbursement, as some insurers prefer that the client submit.
Contact: (204) 293-3411
