Massage Therapy

Shaina Loos

Shaina’s calling to care for others started early. As a child, she loved babies and animals, and with three younger siblings, she was always mama’s helper with the little ones. This gift for nurturing others planted the seed to hold space for people via massage therapy. Even her first career as a chef focused on nourishment with healthy food. A back injury in Shaina’s early 20’s turned into chronic back pain, and led her to many therapies in a quest to heal herself. Massage and yoga were the practices that helped the most, and Shaina followed these paths to become both a massage therapist and a yoga teacher. She attended the West Coast College of Massage in New Westminster, graduating in 2013, and has been practicing in Vancouver since then. During massage school, and in her practice afterwards, she noticed that some clients responded well to massage and healed quickly, but other people, including herself, had chronic tension and pain that was only helped temporarily by massage. Through a variety of professional training and her own healing journey, Shaina has found that chronic tension and pain responds to a reassuring and gentle hands-on approach, with the addition of mindful movement and focused breathing. This way of working allows holding patterns to unwind naturally, and helps the nervous system settle and release stress. Shaina’s massage practice aims to create a safe and welcoming space for all people, and she works slowly and mindfully, encouraging feedback and communication. She combines Swedish Massage, Trigger Point Release, Myofacsial Release, assisted stretching, and guided breathing and relaxation. She enjoys working with pregnant and post-partum parents, those recovering from car accidents and other physical trauma, chronic pain and headaches, and anyone who is curious about feeling ease in their body.

Testimonial

“I had the pleasure of experiencing Somatic work with Shaina. The combination of massage to bring the physical body into a relaxed state and then the deeper somatic touch work was a benefit to me working through some physical/emotional trauma I experienced in my past. Shaina provided a safe and comfortable place to express and experience healing work in a very unique and effective way. After my sessions with Shaina I always felt calm and ready for the day. The pain seemed to subside miraculously and lasted for quite some time. Every session brought greater peace and relief. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to experience what Shaina has to offer. I would recommend this work to anyone looking for relief from pain and trauma.” – Leah Austin, business owner and mom

Rebekka Brandli

Rebekka has been fascinated by alternative healing arts from a young age, learning from her mother how to use herbal medicine and poultices for ailments and minor illnesses. After giving birth to her first child at home with a doula and midwife, her interest in women’s health was ignited and she took the birth doula training at Douglas College. Rebekka supported a handful of women and their partners through their birth experiences before taking some time to travel abroad extensively with her family. After giving birth to her second child, her interest for supporting people on their paths of healing was sparked again, and she completed her schooling at the Vancouver School of Massage Therapy (VCMT). Rebekka started her career as an RMT in 2016. It is her goal to support her clients in healing injuries as well as providing space for relaxation and peace from daily stresses. She has experience working with children and teenagers, and enjoys working with people during pregnancy and post-partum. In her practice she uses a combination of manual techniques such as myofascial release, neuromuscular tenchniques, muscle energy techniques, trigger point release, joint mobilization, Swedish relaxation massage, as well as manual lymph drainage techniques.

Testimonials

“Amazing experience! Rebekka’s approach was very professional and caring. She asked many questions to understand what my body needed at that moment. I was able to understand more about scar tissue and how you can work on it to prevent more pain. The space makes you feel that they really want to focus on your body and help you to release tension. I can’t wait to my next appointment!” – Paola Q. C. “Hi Rebekka, I’m writing this to offer you my appreciation for the treatments I’ve received recently. Not knowing if they would be helpful beyond the immediate release of painful tensions has turned to considerable surprise. The loss of range of motion that restricted painfully many everyday activities has begun to improve. The often great discomfort stretching my arm has begun to ease, and reaching , as when closing a car door or picking up things doing dishes and cooking is much improved. The overall discomfort in my upper back has lessened noticeably too, especially around the shoulder blades where you have been working. I like that you offer your perspective on what you find and your willingness to listen to my comments about what is happening for me, and that you let me know what you want to work on in response to my comments. I’m really pleased with these changes since receiving the treatments and want to continue hoping for further improvements.” – Willie “I saw Rebekka for recurring pain in my shoulder, from which I had been suffering for 10 years. Rebekka is extremely thorough and professional. She took care and time during our consult to determine possible causes for my pain and discussed options with me really clearly. The following massages dealt with the issue better than any treatment I had sought out in the 10 years prior. Rebekka is an excellent massage therapist and I have no issue with recommending her whole heartedly. My shoulder has never been as bad again, and if I need to see a massage therapist for it ever again I will absolutely choose to see her.” – Caitlin Hertzcarrick

Lorisa Strachan

Lorisa chose to pursue a career in Registered Massage Therapy because she wanted to understand the human body at a deeper and more educational level. She graduated from Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2013 learning that the most effective way of treating the human body is as a whole unit.

Her training consisted of two years of intense study of anatomy, physiology, clinical sciences, orthopedic assessment and massage therapy techniques. These styles of treatment include Swedish massage, neuromuscular therapy, fascial release, sports injury treatment and pregnancy massage. She is knowledgeable and precise with lower back and neck injuries as well as treatments working with mothers during their childbearing years. Lorisa also has a passion for working with children and infants and is continuing to gain knowledge and experience working with them. As a mother of two young children she has seen the positive effects that massage can have on their mental and physical wellbeing.

Lorisa uses myofascial techniques that progress into focused deep tissue massage followed by fluid, flushing strokes. Her intentions are to slowly unwind and release restrictions in muscle and connective tissue as the pain we feel in one place may be caused or reinforced by a pattern somewhere else. She tailors her treatments and depth of pressure specifically to the individual needs of the patient.

Lorisa has since continued to build knowledge and skill through continuing education courses and her hands-on time at work.

Paula Jaspar

Paula Jaspar is a Registered Massage Therapist. She is a member of the College of Massage Therapists of BC and the Massage Therapy Association of BC and graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 1997. She completed her doula training in 1998. She completed her Masters of Education from Simon Fraser University in 2015. Paula has worked at a variety of places such as medical clinics, care facilities, spas and schools. She currently teaches at Langara College in the Registered Massage Therapy Program and continues to teach multiple postgraduate courses. She has taught at The West Coast College of Massage Therapy, Vancouver School of Bodywork and Massage, Douglas College and by invitation. Paula also does guest speaking for the local Health Units (in Vancouver, Richmond and Burnaby), community centers and special interest groups. She has been invited to speak at conferences in Canada (Vancouver, British Columbia; Toronto, Ontario) and the US (Millbrae, California; New Orleans, Louisiana; San Diego, California). Her work has been published through International Journal of Massage and Bodywork, the DONA International Journal, the BC Massage Practitioner Journal, Today’s Parent and have been featured in the Vancouver Sun and National Post. She has spoken on radio (Dr. Don show and Trying To Be Good). She is focused in education about massage therapy, perinatal health, pediatric massage, post surgical treatment (post cesarean, breast reconstruction, mastectomy, orthopaedic) and pain management. Paula has had a variety of experiences in the health care field and is constantly improving her skills and knowledge base. You can find her at interdisciplinary conferences around Vancouver, BC. Paula’s philosophy to treatment is that massage therapy is a commitment from her patient and herself. If you want to reach optimal function, she will help you. She has provided care to women in the APHC (Antepartum Home Care Program) and to women diagnosed with high risk pregnancies at BC Women’s and St Paul’s Hospitals. She also provides postpartum care for post cesarean section complaints, breast care and general fatigue, swelling and pain. She has a special interest in the perinatal care, pediatric care, post-surgical, pain, transitions and self discovery. Paula believes in balance of the mind and body, collaboration and clear communication. Your treatment may be through massage therapy, lifestyle changes, stress reduction, exercise or another form of therapy. Paula was born in Newfoundland, raised in Waterloo, Ontario and moved to Vancouver, British Columbia in 1989. She has 4 curious, stubborn, intelligent and joyful children and menagerie of rescue animals.

Testimonials

“Paula has been my therapist for a decade. She is an amazing practitioner who not only knows how to assess and provide what my body needs, she always listens with intent and care. Paula is extremely knowledgable in pre- and postpartum treatment and is a smorgasbord of invaluable advice and information” – Lena L. “I did a continuing education course with Paula last year. She was amazing! Very informative, easy to understand, clear communication, course was laid out nicely for the two days. On time and well organized great at initiating discussions, practical advice, techniques that could be used to a target group of patients or diversified. I’m counting the days till I can attend another course with Paula. I would highly recommend going to see her and learn some new skills or how to adapt a skill in a new way!” – Samantha P.

Rhiannon Dawson

Rhiannon treats with a slow calm pace, always moderating pressure and technique to try and tailor treatment for each individual. She uses a variety of techniques including myofascial, Swedish massage, ligament articular strain (LAST), dermoneuromodulation (DNM), and stretching. She has worked to help people during the pre and postnatal period, during recovery from motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, for stress management, supporting people managing chronic pain as well as with general aches and pains that occur from daily life. Before becoming an RMT she earned her BFA from UBC and then spent 3 years teaching English in Japan. She then realized that she wanted to combine her desire to help others, work with her hands and interest in anatomy and biology together, graduating from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2007. She has been giving back to her profession as a teacher since 2012 and currently teaches at Langara College. While not a particularly gifted athlete she loves to keep active. She currently does kickboxing to keep fit, but has also in the past practiced Jujitsu (earning a black belt), windsurfed for several years, and worked as a lifeguard. Always interested in learning, she is always happy to answer questions to the best of her ability and to work with people to determine the best way to support them as a massage therapist.

Tania Haqq

Tania has a keen passion for the healing arts. She is sensitive to the needs of not only the body, but also of the mind and spirit, believing that none can be separated from the others. She encourages healing on a holistic level. Tania graduated from the massage therapy program at Utopia Academy in 2010. She is passionate about her practice and is excited by the current research pointing to the many benefits of massage therapy. She is a very compassionate, calm, grounded and gifted therapist.

Tania believes every individual is unique and tailors each treatment specifically to each client. Tania enjoys treating individuals with a wide variety of conditions. She employs several massage therapy techniques in her practice, but her primary practice involves use of myofascial techniques, including Course of Applied Tensegrity (CoAT). This is a very gentle, subtle, yet effective technique.

Client education is also integrated into her sessions, as she strives to empower each individual to take charge of their health.

Prior to being a massage therapist, Tania worked in a variety of medical and scientific settings. She has an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from the University of Waterloo and a master’s degree in Biological Sciences from Stanford University. With her unique combination of education and work experience, Tania plans to ultimately contribute to clinical research in massage therapy.

She acknowledges that she provides her services on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.

Testimonial

“Last summer I was enjoying a Cuban at English Bay and a good book. After 3 engrossing hours of Vancouver beach and waves, I was a little stiff and tender. I thought nothing of it. The next day I went for a quick run around the Olympic Village seawall. The Vancouver sun glistened off the water. Amazing. I love this city. Next stop, Grouse Mountain. I completed the accent in under 1 hour and I felt amazing. The view…spectacular.

The next day, my body was not happy. I was stiff and sore. As a trainer, no problem. I can figure this out. I stretched out, got on my foam roller; hamstrings, quads, glutes, IT bands, and other muscles only a few know of. I will be fine. No problem.

Next day…even worse. I called Dr Paul up. I need help, my back is not working well. I can’t move well. I need help. Dr Paul, adjusted, worked his magic and gave me some exercise. After a few session, he said, “Your back is angry with you. It needs to relax.” Immediately I thought Tania, she can help this.

In our first session, she went through an initial assessment. Asked questions. Really got to know the problem, the issues, and the potential cause. She determined, my back was not happy as well. After 1 hour or treatment. I felt amazing. My back was relaxed. I could move again. Tania gave me a few stretches, which I was not aware of, and sent me on my way. I see you in a few days.

Second session. I showed up to Serene Massage Therapy, on Broadway, stressed. Work was overwhelming. 16 hours days. “Tania,” I said, “I am stress. Can we forget about my back and just decompress? I need to relax.” No problem was her response. 5 minutes later, I was sleeping. 50 minutes later show woke me up saying we were done. I had felt like I had been sleeping for hours. I was refreshed, energized, and more importantly, my back felt amazing, best it had felt in a long time. She’s a wizard I thought!

Tania, was exception in my treatment and is phenomenal in her craft. Some words I would use: exception, attentative, accommodating, healing, and intuitive. She paid close attention my concerns, and was aware and addressed issues I didn’t know I had. Her intuition allowed her to work through my requests as well as treat my physical issues I had. I always left her felt relaxed and energized.

Tania is amazing, and unique in what she does. A great quality in the health industry. Amazing!!!”

“Tania is a great listener and has the training and experience to help with any issue you may be experiencing. For me, she has helped increase my range of motion since I now suffer from arthritis. With Tania’s help, and the fascial release technique that she practices, I have been able to regain some range of motion in my shoulder. Her technique is very effective. I noticed the results right away, with a lessening of the pain in the joint and the tightness in the muscle tissue. In addition, Tania has helped improve the functioning of my lymphatic system and has lessened the build-up of scar tissue I have, following breast cancer surgery years ago. I highly recommend Tania if you are looking for a skilled, experienced RMT!”

Katherine Batho

Katherine no longer works at Family Center Therapeutics

Denise Korol

After over 25 years of working as a Registered Massage Therapist Denise is still enthusiastic about her work. A strong desire to learn about the human body is what attracted her to massage therapy and that quest for knowledge is still there. Since graduating from WCCMT she has studied cranial-sacral therapy, visceral manipulation, myofascial release and lymph drainage, all of which contribute to how she approaches treatment.

Myofascial release is a manual therapy technique used to alleviate pain and discomfort by releasing tension in the fascia, which is the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and organs in the body. This technique is often used in physical therapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic care.

Fascia can become tight or restricted due to factors such as injury, pregnancy, overuse, poor posture, or stress, which can lead to pain, limited range of motion, and decreased flexibility. Myofascial release aims to restore the natural flexibility and function of the fascia by applying sustained pressure and stretching techniques to the affected areas. There is no use of oil in her treatments with the primary focus towards the fascial system.

Some of the conditions commonly treated with myofascial release include:

• Muscle Tension and Pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic Back Pain
• Neck Tension and pain
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
• Headaches and Migraines
• Scar Tissue Adhesions
• Postural Imbalances
• Sports Injuries
• Repetitive Strain Injuries
• Lymphedema

Danielle Main

Danielle is a therapist with a unique perspective and skill set that she brings to every treatment. In 2012 she graduated with certification as a spa therapist from the Vancouver School of Bodywork and Massage. It was during the following years while doing massage in a holistic wellness setting that Danielle became motivated to become an RMT. In 2019 she graduated from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy where she cultivated her passion to provide therapeutic treatment for adults and children with disabilities. Danielle believes that her own journey with vision loss has influenced her desire to develop the unique skills and knowledge needed to work with patients who have special needs. As a blind therapist and advocate for the disabled community, Danielle strives to bring awareness to inclusivity both in and outside the treatment room. Over the last 10 years her personal life has paralleled this passion, running a nonprofit organization, Leash of Hope Assistance Dogs, where she trains rescue dogs as guide or service dogs to pair with disabled individuals in order to improve their independence. Along with her extensive experience working with both children and adults with a variety of needs, Danielle has worked with both able bodied and adaptive athletes. Danielle’s own personal knowledge and participation in adapted sport include equestrian sports, blind hockey, guided running, and competitive rowing. So, what can you expect when you book an appointment with Danielle. She is versatile in her ability to utilize a variety of techniques to accommodate any patient’s individual needs. Working tissue deeply while still providing a relaxing treatment is what comes naturally to Danielle as a therapist. As a patient you should expect to spend a few minutes at the beginning of the appointment receiving a thorough assessment {that may be more hands on} and determine a treatment. At the end of the appointment she will provide you with a home care plan. If you’re lucky your treatment may include some dog therapy from Starling, Danielle’s guide dog.

Tips for helping your session go smoothly with a blind therapist.
Danielle will guide you through what she needs, but please note the following:

• Be communicative and specific. Avoid pointing and saying things such as “I have pain here”.
• Inform Danielle of any open wounds, rashes or areas on the body that should be avoided. A sighted therapist will avoid these concerns automatically however since Danielle cannot see them she needs your help to be conscious of where to avoid.
• Don’t move furniture or items around. It can be hazardous and impede Danielle’s ability to move around the room smoothly during your treatment.
• Leave all your belongings in the designated area. Do not bring your cell phone onto the treatment table. Avoid leaving your shoes around the table, or let Danielle know they are there.
• Remove any dangly jewelry.
• Be courteous to her guide dog Starling (during your session she may be in the treatment room.) It is understandable that not everyone likes dogs, however Starling is specially trained to assist Danielle get around safely. It is important not to feed or distract Starling from doing her job, especially when in harness. When Starling is off duty on her dog bed, you might be able to interact with her if you ask first.