Yes. All Registered Massage Therapists are eligible.

Each insurance plan is different and we recommend reaching out to your provider to get clarity on the detailed coverage of your plan. Bodywork is non-registered so some plans will not cover but Kendall is a Certified Bodywork Therapist, Life Coach, Somatic and Craniosacral Practitioner and a lot of plans are adjusting to coverage these types of alternative treatments.  

Massage has been around for centuries.

The Chinese developed massage as a therapeutic tool over 4,000 years ago

There are Egyptian wall paintings estimated at ~2,330 BC that depict a physician’s practice of massage.

The ancient Greeks and Romans used massage as one of their principal means of healing and relieving pain.

In the early 5th century BC Hippocrates- the father of medicine- prescribed its use and wrote “The physician must be experienced…in rubbing…for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose and loosen a joint that is too rigid.”

After the fall of Rome in 5thC AD the western world lost touch with the use of massage.

The Arabians continued to study classical teachings of the healing arts.

Shiatsu was introduced to the Japanese Buddhist monks in the 6thC.

Ancient Tibet developed its own style of massage.

Western massage was revived in the 6thC through the work of a French doctor, Amrobise Pare.

At the beginning of 19thC, a Swedish fencing master named Per Henrik Ling combined his knowledge of gymnastics and physiology with ancient techniques, creating smooth kneading manipulations, small circular movements and brisk rapid blows.

Massage therapy has evolved greatly in the last century combining ancient techniques with current understandings of anatomy and physiology. There are new modalities and styles evolving constantly combining all different approaches.

Massage Therapy now is defined as a combination of art and science.

Bodywork is a term used to describe various therapeutic practices that involve working with the body to promote health, relaxation, and well-being. It encompasses a wide range of techniques and modalities aimed at addressing physical, emotional, mental, and sometimes even spiritual aspects of a person’s health.

Bodywork is a broader term that encompasses a wide range of therapeutic techniques and approaches beyond massage. While massage may be a component of bodywork, bodywork can also include practices such as Reflexology, Craniosacral therapy, energy healing, and more. Bodywork modalities may focus on manipulating the body’s structure, energy systems, or both, and can have varying goals such as pain relief, stress reduction, emotional healing, or spiritual growth. Registered massage is regulated and lives within a specific scope of practice while bodywork is typically more integrative and holistic.  

Yes. Some of our therapists offer this option for booking.

Yes. We are mandated by our governing body the College of Massage Therapists of BC to follow a set of safety standards. These standards are in accordance with the Provincial Health Officer of BC. We are also following the recommendations of the Massage Therapy Association of BC and Worksafe BC to meet to ensure public safety and meet liability requirements.

The benefits of massage are innumerable. Massage can help you maintain physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Massage may be the oldest of health treatments, many discomforts can be recognized and treated by direct contact with skin.
Working with the body to release physical holding patterns and tension has had proven positive results for all kinds of conditions and symptoms, including and not limited to:

• Headaches
• Migraineshronic Pain
• Acute Pain
• Whiplash
• Fibromyalgia
• Depression
• Sleep Disturbance
• Low Back Pain
• Sciatica
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Sprains
• Strains
• Frozen Shoulder
• Carpal Tunnel
• Tendonitis
• TMJ
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Digestive Disorders
• Respiratory Conditions
• Stress
• High Blood Pressure
• Chronic Fatigue
• Chronic Myalgia
• Osteoarthritis
• Postural Discrepancies
• Post Surgery
• Pregnancy

There are many different modalities that massage therapists can train in to hone their skills, that is what makes each therapist unique and different from each other. Please refer to the biographies of each of our therapists to get a more clear understanding of what experience and techniques the therapists at Phi have to offer.

Each person’s need is very individual. It will depend on the reason for your visit and how active you are in potentially recreating injury. As an example, an office worker will have very different needs compared to a mechanic. Your therapist can advise you on the regularity of treatments.

Massage has the greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often a person gets a massage, the better he or she will feel and the more quickly one’s body will respond. If you are getting a massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed, so be prepared to schedule several sessions.

Each guest is unique. Please let us know in advance of special conditions we should be aware of such as pregnancy, HBP, heart conditions, etc. This will allow us to further personalize your service.

Yourself!
Sometimes it is advised to bring a pair of comfortable shorts and for women a sports bra.

Please ensure you have filled out your Intake Forms prior to arrival and arrive at your scheduled time.

You can expect to fill out a waiver form upon arrival.
At your initial visit, your therapist will review your Intake Form with you to assess your goals for treatment. Once this is determined, you will be asked to get onto the table for your massage experience.
At the conclusion of your massage experience, you can expect to feel changes for up to four days. It is important to drink lots of water after a massage and you are encouraged to call if you have any questions or concerns.

Not all forms of massage require oil and there are many types of oil used for massage.
Many are a blend of a number of different carrier oils. Therapists at Phi primarily use Grapeseed or Coconut oil. It is found to have a very low allergic response. Therapists at Phi also use Essential oils.

• Grapeseed oil is rich in linolic acid (an essential fatty acid) – important for skin and cell membranes. It is purported to have regenerative and restructuring qualities and has great skin moisturizing properties. This is a fine, non-greasy, textured oil with a slightly sweet hint of a nutty aroma and with a satiny finish. It contains vitamins, minerals, and protein, GLA and a small amount of vitamin E.
• Coconut oil is an excellent massage oil because of its high saturated fat content. It contains no chemicals or toxins that may irritate sensitive skin. It can be scented or unscented and is very moisturising.

• Essential Oils are essences and scents derived from all-natural ingredients that have varying effects on the body. Essential Oils are only used when no allergies are present and specifically requested or indicated.

There are many Complementary Therapies that work very well in conjunction with Massage Therapy.
Some highly recommended therapies are Allopathic Medicine, Acupuncture, Chiropractic Care, Physiotherapy, Kinesiology, Naturopathic Medicine, Counselling, Pilates, and Yoga.

Many people consider massage a pampering experience, but it has important health benefits. In fact, you get the most benefit when it is part of your regular wellness routine.

Let’s face it, most people spend more time on their cars than on themselves. Wellness Centers provide stress-free, non-competitive experiences in settings that promote rest and relaxation. They offer a time all too rare these days – to focus on you, take better care of yourself and totally unwind.

Ultimately a massage experience is unique for each person. Massage therapists cater to people who want to improve their mind, body and spirit, all you need to do is start looking for the right therapist for you. Just remember, despite their variety of offerings, they all have one thing in common – they all specialize in wellness.

Hot stone massage offers various benefits, including:

Muscle Relaxation: The heat from the stones helps relax tense muscles, allowing the massage therapist to manipulate tissues more effectively.

Improved Circulation: The warmth of the stones promotes increased blood flow, aiding in better circulation and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

Stress Reduction: Hot stone massage induces a deep sense of relaxation, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety. The soothing warmth contributes to a calming experience.

Pain Relief: The combination of heat and massage can effectively reduce muscle pain and discomfort, making it beneficial for individuals dealing with chronic pain conditions.

Enhanced Joint Flexibility: Hot stones can help improve joint mobility and flexibility by reducing stiffness and increasing range of motion.

Improved Sleep: The relaxation induced by hot stone massage can positively impact sleep patterns, helping individuals achieve more restful and rejuvenating sleep.

Release of Toxins: Heat encourages the body to release toxins through improved circulation and increased sweating, contributing to detoxification.

Balancing Energy: Hot stone massage is believed by some to help balance the body’s energy flow, promoting a sense of harmony and well-being.

It’s important to note that individual experiences may vary, and people with certain medical conditions should consult with their healthcare provider before receiving hot stone massage therapy.

Ultimately a massage experience is unique for each person. Massage therapists cater to people who want to improve their mind, body and spirit, all you need to do is start looking for the right therapist for you. Just remember, despite their variety of offerings, they all have one thing in common – they all specialize in wellness.