Contact
Please feel free to use the contact form below for any questions you might have. To book an appointment, just use the the button in the header.
Is massage safe to get while pregnant?
Yes it is! Massage is generally very safe to receive during pregnancy. Research supports the beneficial effects on physical and emotional well being, specifically helping with anxiety/stress, lumbar & SI pain, hip pain, sciatica, rib pain, swelling and general mobility. I prioritize safe positioning and assessment in every appointment throughout your pregnancy. If you are having pregnancy complications that make you unsure about receiving massage while pregnant, please reach out and we can talk through what your options are for safe and effective care.
How soon after a surgery can I come see you?
This varies depending on the surgery and the person! Most surgeries I work with (c-sections, mastectomies, knee & hip replacements, tendon repair etc) can all benefit from massage in the first few weeks post op from a more global treatment (I.e I won’t be touching directly over the surgical site), we get you comfy on the table and then focus on swelling (manual lymph drainage), gentle passive movement, decreasing the sympathetic nervous system, and addressing compensatory pain. After an incision is fully closed (no scabs remain – typically 4-6 weeks depending on the surgery) I can start working directly over the scar and treatment gets more focused on regaining range of motion, nerve stimulation, soft tissue mobility and strength training.
What techniques do you use?
I use a wide array such as neuromuscular techniques (formally known as Swedish), trigger point release, myofascial release, joint mobilizations, passive stretching, manual lymph drainage, PNF stretching, muscle setting, and sometimes will sprinkle in IASTM tools.
Do I have to get naked?
You do not have to get naked. Most people undress down to their underwear. Some people get naked. Some people get 50% undressed depending on what areas we’re working on. It does not affect the treatment at all – I encourage you to undress to whatever level you feel comfortable receiving touch.
What even is “scar work?”
Scar work refers to a very gentle yet effective form of manual therapy techniques used to address the adhesions, restricted movement, and altered sensation that can occur in and around scar tissue. This approach aims to restore mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve the appearance and function of scars—whether from surgery, injury, or burns. Scar work can also help with pain and hypersensitivity, support emotional healing (particularly for patients with scars resulting from trauma or surgery – cesareans and mastectomies most commonly) and patient education.
Do you care if I have body hair?
NO. Your body hair does not affect your treatment. I do not care about it. Sometimes, just for fun, I don’t shave my legs for months. If you apologize for having body hair I will pull up my pant leg and show you mine just to make you feel more comfortable.
Do you offer extended health direct billing?
Yes I do! At this time I can direct bill Pacific Blue Cross, Greenshield, Sunlife, and participating insurers with Telus eClaims (Canada Life, Manulife, Claim Secure, Johnston Group, Coughlin & Associates Ltd, Desjardins, GroupHEALTH, etc). When you book an appointment with me you will have to input credit card information and extended health information (if you have it), this allows me to direct bill on behalf of you and collect any remaining deductible or amount not covered.
Can I tip you?
No you can not! RMTs in British Columbia are registered health care practitioners – we cannot ethically accept tips. Think of it like tipping your dentist, that would be weird. If you really want to express appreciation I will always graciously accept kind words or referrals.
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Hours of Operation
Mon – Fri — 08:40 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday — Closed
Sunday & Holidays — Closed
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Open Hours
Mon – Fri — 8:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday — Closed
Sunday — Closed
Paige Blaauw RMT
3831 9th Ave
Port Alberni BC V9Y 4T8
