Welcome!
After almost 17 years as a Registered Massage Therapist and having experienced many different clinic styles and locations, I am thrilled to be operating my massage therapy practice in my home studio in Chelsea. Covid times have helped me to refocus and reboot my business, keeping things simple and putting my energy where it counts most, being present in my practice and self care and in my home life with my kids and partner.
When you arrive to the home clinic you will find a clean, open massage room with an attached laundry room and bathroom. I take great care to keep the space clean, professional and separate from the (possible and probable) chaos of the rest of the house.
What to expect from a massage therapy session with me? After a full health history and initial assessment, we will decide together what the priorities are for your treatment. My focus is always on the unique needs of the individual client. Best described as a perfect balance between therapeutic and relaxation, I focus on designing a treatment plan specifically tailored to your mind & body's needs at each appointment. Sometimes we need that deep intense treatment to get rid of pain and sometimes we just need to chill, am I right???
Over time my approach to treating clients has evolved into a slower, more intuitive practice focusing on a wide variety of treatment modalities (see below), incorporating rehabilitative strategies for everyday life as well as strength & mobility to take home with you. I believe the human body wants to get back to health and balance, it just needs a little help to get there sometimes.
About me
I have always been fascinated by the human body and also by human connection. When I decided to go back to school for post graduate studies in 2004, I searched high and low for something that would fulfill my passion for connecting and helping people as well as my need to know more about the human body. I also wanted to find a career that would be flexible and allow me to build my own schedule and lifestyle around my work instead of the other way around.
I graduated with honors from the 3400-hour Massage Therapy Diploma Program at Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy in beautiful Vernon, British Columbia in 2007. Currently I am a member of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and I am also a member of the Quebec Association of Massage Therapists. I have completed many continuing education courses including clinical orthopedic massage therapy of the neck and spine and I continue to add new modalities to my treatment toolbox. I always adapt treatments to each individuals needs in the moment, be that focused therapeutic massage for injuries and pain or more general treatments focusing on helping the individual increase awareness in their body and balancing out the nervous system to reduce stress.
Latest Covid rules and mask requirements.
I'm leaving it up to individual patients if they would like to keep the mask on or not. I don't mind either way. I do have a Hepa air purifyer in the clinic space and we can open windows as well.
If you are concerned about mask wearing and would prefer me to wear one for your appointment, simply let me know in an email before or when you arrive for your appointment.
Important to note: Our 20 year old kitty, Tiny, passed away in October of 2023. She was very friendly and liked to greet clients at the door and is missed dearly by everyone. We quickly realized that our family has had cats for so long that the house felt too empty without her. When I saw two kittens that needed a home on Save a Pet Chelsea, we fell in love and adopted them. Johnny and Baby are great kittens and they stay upstairs for the most part. They sleep the day away and the rock and roll all night long. I'm being careful to train them to respect the treatment area although I don't have a door separating the rest of the house so they may walk by while you are having your treatment. I have a medical grade Hepa filter in the space and I'm careful to clean the space daily and so far the people with allergies don't seem to have any reactions. If you have questions about this or anything else, please don't hesitate to email me and ask!
VIBE /vìb/
a person's emotional state or the atmosphere of a place
as communicated to and felt by others.
Services
Services
treatment
Modalities
Hands on modalities include
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Swedish massage techniques
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Myofascial release
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Joint mobilizations
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Trigger point therapy
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Dynamic Cupping
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Facilitated stretch
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Heat, hot stones and Essential oils are applied on an individual basis depending on your needs:)
General Swedish techniques to meld it all together into the perfect treatment, modified to each client, each time you come in. Sometimes we need pain relief and sometimes we just wanna chill, I check in at the beginning of each session to make sure I am addressing your needs.
I've also started my training in a specific myofascial reset technique in November 2022 and March 2023 and am excited to continue with more courses.
length of treatment
I offer 60 and 90 minute massage therapy sessions.
Rates effective January 1st 2024
(prices include gst and qst)
60 - $117.42 plus tax - $135.00
90 - $165.25 plus tax - $190.00
What should you book?
If you need a more local treatment for a specific injury or pain 60 is perfect. If you want that specific work AND attention paid to other areas, then 90 works better.
Self care
My goal is always finding the best way to restore pain free function for my patients. That includes specific exercises and stretches as well as practical lifestyle advice.
I also often refer out to other skilled manual therapists in the community when I feel the need is there. My goal is always to restore you to your full pain free life!
I'm also happy to offer preventative and maintenance massage therapy as well. You DO NOT have to be in pain or be injured to benefit from this healing art.
17
Years of Experience
3400
Hours of training
HAPPY CLIENTS
“I've been getting massages for over 20 years and Gala is the most skilled massage therapist. Her new space is calming, warm and friendly.”
Lucie R.
I have had many massages in my life and Gala is definitely the best massage therapist I have ever had. She is quick to recognize areas that need special attention and applies the required pressure. I recommend her without hesitation.
Yves M.
Gala’s level of knowledge and targeted work on the areas I have been having challenges, is the best I have ever received. Would highly recommend!
Elly A.