What is registered massage therapy?

Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) is a regulated healthcare service provided by practitioners who have completed extensive training and are licensed by the College of Massage Therapists of BC. Treatments are tailored to your needs and may address pain, injury, stress, and overall wellness.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered Massage Therapist?

No, you do not need a doctor's referral to book an appointment with a Registered Massage Therapist. You can schedule directly with our RMTs based on your own health and wellness goals.

Is massage therapy covered by extended health benefits?

Many extended health insurance plans cover Registered Massage Therapy. We recommend checking with your provider about your specific coverage limits and requirements. Our RMTs can provide receipts for insurance claims.

What should I expect at my first massage therapy session?

Your first session will begin with a health intake to understand your medical history, current concerns, and treatment goals. Your RMT will explain the treatment plan, answer questions, and ensure you're comfortable before beginning hands-on therapy.

What should I wear for my massage appointment?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. During the massage, you will undress to your comfort level. Your RMT will provide privacy and proper draping throughout the treatment, ensuring only the area being worked on is exposed.

How often should I get massage therapy?

The frequency depends on your individual needs and goals. For acute injuries, weekly sessions may be recommended. For chronic conditions or stress management, bi-weekly or monthly treatments often work well. Your RMT will create a personalized treatment plan.

Does massage therapy hurt?

Massage therapy should not be painful. You may experience some temporary discomfort during deep tissue work or when addressing tight muscles, but it should feel like "good pain"—therapeutic rather than harmful. Always communicate with your RMT about pressure and comfort.

Can massage therapy help with stress and anxiety?

Yes, massage therapy is highly effective for reducing stress and anxiety. It promotes relaxation, lowers cortisol levels, increases serotonin and dopamine, and helps activate your body's parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" response).

Do you offer prenatal massage?

Yes, many of our Registered Massage Therapists are trained in prenatal massage and can safely treat pregnant clients. Prenatal massage can help with back pain, swelling, stress, and sleep issues during pregnancy. Please inform us if you are pregnant when booking.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

We require at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in a cancellation fee. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes to your appointment.

How long is a typical massage therapy session?

Treatment sessions typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with 60 minutes being the most common. The length depends on your treatment goals and areas being addressed. Your RMT can help determine the ideal session length for your needs.

Can massage therapy help after surgery or injury?

Yes, massage therapy can be beneficial during recovery from surgery or injury, helping to reduce scar tissue, improve circulation, decrease swelling, and restore range of motion. Your RMT will coordinate with your healthcare team and adjust treatments based on your recovery stage.

What's the difference between relaxation massage and therapeutic massage?

Relaxation massage focuses on stress relief and overall relaxation using gentle, flowing techniques. Therapeutic massage targets specific issues like pain, injury, or muscle tension with more focused techniques. Your RMT can blend both approaches based on your needs.

Are there any reasons I shouldn't get massage therapy?

Certain conditions may require medical clearance or special precautions, including acute inflammation, certain skin conditions, recent surgery, severe osteoporosis, or specific cardiovascular issues. Your RMT will review your health history and consult with your doctor if needed.

How do I choose the right massage therapist for me?

Consider factors like the therapist's specialties, experience with your specific concerns, treatment approach, and personality. We encourage you to review our practitioners' profiles, read their bios, and don't hesitate to call with questions before booking your first appointment.

Registered Massage Therapy

Professional therapeutic massage for pain relief, injury recovery, and overall wellness.

Registered Massage Therapy Practitioners at The Healing Oak

Nadine McFarlane, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Chilliwack, BC
Nadine graduated from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2017. She is a member in good standing of both the College of Massage Therapists of BC and the Registered Massage Therapists' Associat…
Landry Winkles, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Chilliwack, BC
Landry's journey with health and wellness started at a young age. She grew up as a high-level athlete, competing in gymnastics and rugby at both the provincial and national levels. Through her years o…
Jessica Paulus, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Chilliwack, BC
Jessica is a Registered Massage Therapist dedicated to helping her clients improve their physical and mental well-being. She graduated from the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy (OVCMT), wher…
Kelly Sandau, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Chilliwack, BC Specializes in: Chronic Pain, Stress Management, injury-rehabilitation, systemic-disorders
Kelly graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy, where she gained knowledge in a variety of techniques used throughout her treatments, including Swedish, fascial, manual release, active…
Miranda Green, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Chilliwack, BC Specializes in: Headaches, Iliotibial Band Friction (ITB), Plantar Fasciitis, Sports Injury
Miranda graduated from West Coast College of Massage Therapy in August 2022. She discovered a passion for massage therapy while living in Squamish, experiencing firsthand the benefits of regular visit…
Loxley McNeill, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Chilliwack, BC
Loxley McNeill is a Registered Massage Therapist and a graduate of the 3000-hr massage therapy program at West Coast College of Massage Therapy.Loxley enjoys treating such conditions as pregnancy, neu…
Sierra Janzen, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Chilliwack, BC
Hi! I’m Sierra, and I’m a recent graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (December 2024). I’ve had such a rewarding year breaking into my practice and truly enjoy creating a personalized…
Amber Crowder-Daniels, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Chilliwack, BC
Amber has over 15 years of experience as a Registered Massage Therapist and is a graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy.  She also received her Instructor Certification in Yoga fro…
Jason Scott, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Chilliwack, BC Specializes in: Motor Vehicle Accidents, Stress Management, Mental Health, Geriatrics
Jason Scott is a Registered Massage Therapist with nearly 20 years of experience helping people recover, move better, and feel more at ease in their bodies. He works with a wide range of concerns incl…
Nicholas Seaman, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Abbotsford, BC
Nicholas Seaman is a Registered Massage Therapist and a graduate of the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy (VCMT). With a strong background in health and movement from his time as a personal trainer…
Sabrina Beukens, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Abbotsford, BC
Sabrina has cultivated an active lifestyle, which has led to her passion for health, wellness, and the human body. Graduating from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in August 2023, she gained …
Taylor Deyette, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Abbotsford, BC Specializes in: Whiplash, Chronic pain, Headaches, Sprains
Taylor is a passionate Registered Massage Therapist who graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2015. With a strong foundation in both relaxation and therapeutic techniques, Taylor…
Saleen Lamoureux, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Abbotsford, BC
Fascinated by the human body, I studied Kinesiology at UFV in Abbotsford. I continued to graduate from the RMT program at VCMT. I am passionate about yoga, snowboarding, music & travelling.I belie…
Amanda Morgan, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Abbotsford, BC
Amanda, a graduate of the esteemed 3000-hour program at WCCMT in 2011, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our clinic. Her journey in massage therapy began at a sports medicine clinic in La…
Chrystal Peters, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Abbotsford, BC
Chrystal graduated from the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy in 2002. Whether you need some light relaxation massage to ease your stress-associated tension, or some deep tissue work to ease …
Danica Penner, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Abbotsford, BC
Danica graduated from West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2021. She found a passion for massage therapy growing up as a professional dancer and regularly seeing her own RMT.Danica is trained in a…
Karen Street, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Abbotsford, BC
Karen graduated from Utopia Academy Vancouver in 2012. She is certified in Rock Taping, and Smart Tools IASTM. Karen brings a wealth of experience and knowledge as she is a BCRPA registered Group Fitn…
Shannon Homme, RMT Registered Massage Therapy Abbotsford, BC
New patients may contact me directly (shannon.homme@gmail.com) for bookings or waitlist options. My new schedule is released monthly on the 1st of every month. Please do not book more than once a week…

Frequently Asked Questions

What is registered massage therapy?: Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) is a regulated healthcare service provided by practitioners who have completed extensive training and are licensed by the College of Massage Therapists of BC. Treatments are tailored to your needs and may address pain, injury, stress, and overall wellness.
Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered Massage Therapist?: No, you do not need a doctor's referral to book an appointment with a Registered Massage Therapist. You can schedule directly with our RMTs based on your own health and wellness goals.
Is massage therapy covered by extended health benefits?: Many extended health insurance plans cover Registered Massage Therapy. We recommend checking with your provider about your specific coverage limits and requirements. Our RMTs can provide receipts for insurance claims.
What should I expect at my first massage therapy session?: Your first session will begin with a health intake to understand your medical history, current concerns, and treatment goals. Your RMT will explain the treatment plan, answer questions, and ensure you're comfortable before beginning hands-on therapy.
What should I wear for my massage appointment?: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. During the massage, you will undress to your comfort level. Your RMT will provide privacy and proper draping throughout the treatment, ensuring only the area being worked on is exposed.
How often should I get massage therapy?: The frequency depends on your individual needs and goals. For acute injuries, weekly sessions may be recommended. For chronic conditions or stress management, bi-weekly or monthly treatments often work well. Your RMT will create a personalized treatment plan.
Does massage therapy hurt?: Massage therapy should not be painful. You may experience some temporary discomfort during deep tissue work or when addressing tight muscles, but it should feel like "good pain"—therapeutic rather than harmful. Always communicate with your RMT about pressure and comfort.
Can massage therapy help with stress and anxiety?: Yes, massage therapy is highly effective for reducing stress and anxiety. It promotes relaxation, lowers cortisol levels, increases serotonin and dopamine, and helps activate your body's parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" response).
Do you offer prenatal massage?: Yes, many of our Registered Massage Therapists are trained in prenatal massage and can safely treat pregnant clients. Prenatal massage can help with back pain, swelling, stress, and sleep issues during pregnancy. Please inform us if you are pregnant when booking.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?: We require at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in a cancellation fee. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes to your appointment.
How long is a typical massage therapy session?: Treatment sessions typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with 60 minutes being the most common. The length depends on your treatment goals and areas being addressed. Your RMT can help determine the ideal session length for your needs.
Can massage therapy help after surgery or injury?: Yes, massage therapy can be beneficial during recovery from surgery or injury, helping to reduce scar tissue, improve circulation, decrease swelling, and restore range of motion. Your RMT will coordinate with your healthcare team and adjust treatments based on your recovery stage.
What's the difference between relaxation massage and therapeutic massage?: Relaxation massage focuses on stress relief and overall relaxation using gentle, flowing techniques. Therapeutic massage targets specific issues like pain, injury, or muscle tension with more focused techniques. Your RMT can blend both approaches based on your needs.
Are there any reasons I shouldn't get massage therapy?: Certain conditions may require medical clearance or special precautions, including acute inflammation, certain skin conditions, recent surgery, severe osteoporosis, or specific cardiovascular issues. Your RMT will review your health history and consult with your doctor if needed.
How do I choose the right massage therapist for me?: Consider factors like the therapist's specialties, experience with your specific concerns, treatment approach, and personality. We encourage you to review our practitioners' profiles, read their bios, and don't hesitate to call with questions before booking your first appointment.

Trigger Point Therapy for Everyday Aches: From Desk Job Stiffness to Weekend Warrior Pain
Trigger points, commonly called muscle knots, are a leading cause of chronic tension, referred pain, and restricted mobility. Learn how registered massage therapists at The Healing Oak use targeted pressure techniques to provide lasting relief.
The Best Massage Therapy Techniques for Sports Injury Recovery in Abbotsford Athletes
Whether you're a weekend warrior pushing hard at the gym or a dedicated soccer player on one of Abbotsford's many recreational teams, sports injuries can disrupt your progress and impair daily functioning. Increasingly, both amateur and competitive athletes are turning to Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) for hands-on, evidence-informed care.
Massage Therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Finding Relief Through RMT
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a debilitating condition marked by unrelenting exhaustion, persistent pain,...

Related Services

Manual Lymphatic Drainage | Manual Osteopathic Therapy | Acupuncture | Naturopathic Medicine | TMJ Treatment

Duration: 30-90 minutes

How Massage Therapy Works

Registered Massage Therapy is a regulated healthcare profession in British Columbia. RMTs complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of training including anatomy, pathology, orthopedic assessment, and supervised clinical practice before registering with the CMTBC.

Treatment goes beyond relaxation. Your RMT assesses posture, joint mobility, tissue quality, and movement patterns to identify the source of dysfunction - not just the area that hurts. Low back pain frequently originates from hip restriction or thoracic immobility. Headaches often trace to the suboccipital muscles and upper cervical joints. An assessment-driven approach means the treatment addresses the driver, not the symptom.

Techniques Used at The Healing Oak

Deep tissue massage - sustained pressure through superficial layers to reach deeper musculature. Effective for chronic tension patterns, adhesions, and scar tissue.
Myofascial release - slow, sustained holds that address the connective tissue wrapping around muscles and organs. Particularly effective for post-surgical adhesions and chronic postural patterns.
Trigger point therapy - precise pressure on hyperirritable spots within taut muscle bands that refer pain to predictable locations.
Joint mobilization - passive movement of joints through their range to restore mobility after injury or chronic stiffness.
Prenatal massage - modified positioning and techniques for pregnancy-related low back pain, sciatica, swelling, and rib discomfort.
Sports rehabilitation - treatment aimed at returning to activity, combining soft tissue techniques with active movement and progressive loading.
Lymphatic drainage techniques - gentle, rhythmic strokes for post-surgical swelling, chronic edema, and inflammatory conditions.

Conditions Treated with Registered Massage Therapy

Pain and Injury

Chronic low back pain and disc-related symptoms
Neck pain and cervicogenic headaches
Tension headaches and migraines
Sciatica and piriformis syndrome
Whiplash and motor vehicle accident injuries (ICBC claims accepted)
Workplace injuries (WorkSafeBC claims accepted)
Rotator cuff injuries and frozen shoulder
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
Plantar fasciitis
Post-surgical scar tissue and adhesions

Postural and Repetitive Strain

Forward head posture and upper crossed syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome
IT band syndrome
Tech neck and desk-related upper back pain

Specialized

Prenatal and postpartum pain (low back, SI joint, rib pain, swelling)
TMJ dysfunction, jaw clenching, and bruxism
Concussion recovery (cervical and suboccipital component)
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue (modified pressure and pacing)
Stress, anxiety, and sleep disruption (parasympathetic nervous system engagement)

ICBC and WorkSafeBC

Massage therapy is a recognized treatment under both ICBC and WorkSafeBC claims. If you've been in a motor vehicle accident or sustained a workplace injury, RMT sessions can be part of your recovery plan.

ICBC claims require a claim number and may require pre-authorization depending on your adjuster. WorkSafeBC claims require an active claim number and authorization from your case manager.

Note: ICBC and WorkSafeBC are not direct-billed by the clinic. You pay at the time of your appointment and submit for reimbursement through your claim. Your RMT provides the documentation and receipts needed for submission. For extended health insurance plans, direct billing is available for most major providers.

Two Clinics, Sixteen RMTs

The Healing Oak has Registered Massage Therapists at both the Chilliwack and Abbotsford locations. Each RMT has different training and focus areas, so you can be matched to the right therapist for your specific issue.

Chilliwack clinic - #101, 7408 Vedder Road. RMTs with specializations including deep tissue, prenatal, sports injury, chronic pain, TMJ, and relaxation.
Abbotsford clinic - 2632 Pauline Street. RMTs with specializations including deep tissue, myofascial release, prenatal, sports rehabilitation, and lymphatic techniques.

If you are unsure which therapist to book with, call either clinic and the front desk can match you based on your condition, preferred pressure, and schedule.

Related Services at The Healing Oak

Acupuncture - for pain conditions with a neurological component, chronic tension, and stress
Naturopathic Medicine - for inflammation, sleep, stress, and systemic contributors to pain
Manual Osteopathic Therapy - for joint restrictions, cranial work, and visceral dysfunction
TMJ Treatment - for jaw pain, clicking, locking, and headaches from clenching
Buccal Massage - for intra-oral jaw work and facial tension
Registered Clinical Counselling - for chronic pain with psychological components
Manual Lymphatic Drainage - for post-surgical swelling, lymphedema, and inflammatory conditions

Offered at The Healing Oak - Multidisciplinary Health & Wellness Clinic in Chilliwack & Abbotsford, BC. No referral required. Direct billing available.