EAST MOUNTAIN MASSAGE:

A Natural Approach to Health and Healing

Massage therapy is widely recognized as a highly effective treatment for many acute and chronic conditions, ranging from arthritis to asthma. This hands-on treatment can also improve sleep, reduce stress, and encourage overall wellness.

Melissa Madsen has been a self-employed RMT (Registered Massage Therapist) since 2005, rebranding her business as East Mountain Massage in 2012. “I can thank my aunt Linda for getting me interested in massage therapy,” says Melissa. “When I was 16, I was visiting her from out of town. She asked if I could massage her neck and said, ‘Oh my God, Missy, you should do this for a living!’ That sentence stuck in my mind, and in my mid-20s, I decided to pursue this career, and I haven’t looked back since.” In 2016, Melissa’s niece, Katy, became an RMT and started working with her aunt at the 136 E43rd location. A year later, Lisa, who went to massage therapy school with Melissa, joined them. They moved into a second location on Fennell in 2019, and last year they moved to 304 Brucedale Ave. E., which is more wheelchair-friendly and has a gorgeous storefront. They have a modest gallery down their long hallway, where they invite local artists to hang their beautiful paintings, drawings, and artwork.

While most people are probably familiar with Swedish massage techniques, East Mountain Massage also offers hot stone therapy, deep tissue massage, pregnancy massage, and bamboo massage, a hot therapy utilizing heated bamboo sticks to penetrate deeper into the muscles for enhanced and longer-lasting results. “Lisa has incorporated her wonderful massage routine with the heated bamboo canes, giving the patient a gentle introduction to heat,” says Melissa. “Hands are used to work over the muscles, and the cane focuses on knots.

Part of the treatment also includes a gentle percussion down the spine which is a perfect way to help calm nerves.”

Some treatments combine massage, hydrotherapy, and aromatherapy, creating a spa experience that’s approved by the CMTO (College of Massage Therapists of Ontario), which means it’s covered by most insurance plans.

Thai Stem Facial is great for those with sinus issues, headaches, and migraines. Foot exfoliation for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis, tired, achy feet, and ankle sprains. Chocolate Therapy massage adds aromatherapy to your massage treatment and can improve anxiety or depression. Adding paraffin wax to other hand or foot treatments is a great form of heat therapy to help with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and overuse injuries.

East Mountain Massage even has Bioflex Laser Therapy, a low-intensity light therapy that boosts energy and stimulates cells, creating energy that encourages the body’s natural healing process. Inflammation reduces quicker and prevents the muscles from contracting in an attempt to protect the injured site.

“We have such passionate therapists who work together to help with the community’s healing journey. We hope to add Osteopathy and acupuncture to bring additional healing hands to our clinic,” says Melissa. “We are hosting an open house on April 22, 2023, and invite the community to visit our clinic.