Ethel Scherr, R.M.T. Ethel has been a registered massage therapist since 1992, when she graduated from WCCMT in Vancouver. Ethel still feels lucky that she is doing what she loves to do! She joined our clinic in 2004 and especially loves the fact that our talented front-end staff take care of the booking of clients and other clerical duties, which means she is left to do what she does best --- patient care! Ethel's experience includes being an associate in Kamloops and Comox, to owning her own home office in northern BC (when her children were small). Ethel has also had a variety of continuing education over her 14 years of practice and tends to combine and utilize any or all of the modalities, depending on what conditions each client presents. A few of her favorite modalities are (with which she has had some remarkable results): Fascial Mobilization Advanced Trigger Point Therapy Muscle Energy for the Pelvis Somatic Education Ethel plans to continue her education with more Somatic training, a modality which allows the client to regain control of muscle and be able to correct postural misalignments through a series of movements. She says that there is nothing as gratifying as having a patient with a headache at the beginning of a treatment leave pain-free following a treatment; or, a patient who can't lift their arm high enough to comb their hair, to be able to reach up and grab something off a shelf on their way out of the treatment room. Ethel looks forward to meeting new patients and seeing patients who require ongoing care as every day and every treatment presents its own set of possibilities and a new mystery to unravel. In fact, she looks forward to helping people learn to live in a functional and pain free body!

Lorraine Bruce, R.M.T. Lorraine Bruce graduated from the West Coast College of Massage therapy in Vancouver, B.C. in 1985. Lorraine has had extensive clinical experience as well as operating a home based massage therapy business for 10 years. Lorraine continues to learn new skills by taking accredited courses every two years, which includes: myofascial tissue release somatics baby massage Lorraine's caring and compassionate nature allows her to care for her patients by treating their problems and not just their symptoms. She is dedicated to help each individual to the path of pain-free movement.

Karin Jacobson, BASc R.M.T. Karin uses a combination of subtle and deeper techniques, based on the patient's needs, to re-balance the body, correcting posture, restoring soft tissue function and relieving pain. In addition to Swedish massage, Karin uses the following techniques: Myofascial Release - stretching of the connective tissue around muscles, bones and joints to restore normal length and function; Muscle Energy Therapy - positioning of the patient so that his/her own gentle muscle contractions will restore normal, pain-free movement at joints in the spine and pelvis; Lymphatic Drainage - reduction of fluid build-up and swelling after injuries such as sprains or fractures, or after surgery, to relieve pain and speed healing; Visceral Manipulation - release of adhesions between the abdominal organs that can arise from abdominal surgery or injury; these adhesions may contribute to reduced organ function or back pain; Craniosacral - gentle work around the skull and cerebrospinal fluid to relieve migraine and tension headaches; Hydrotherapy - the application of heat and/or cold to augment the other treatment modalities; and Therapeutic Exercise - the personalized 'homework' after each treatment, so the patient can continue stretching, strengthening and re-aligning between treatments, increasing the rate of recovery. Karin also enjoys providing maternity and infant massage for the health and well-being of both mother and child. Prior to studying massage therapy, Karin earned her degree as a Chemical Engineer and worked in that capacity for 16 years. Karin has also worked as a sea kayaking guide, first aid instructor and served as a part-time firefighter and ski patroller. As well, Karin has experience in yoga, martial arts, running and cycling, and delights in the year-round gardening made possible by Nanaimo's mild climate. Also Available: Hot Stone Massage - A deeply relaxing and pampering experience using hot ocean-smoothed basalt stones and cool marble to relieve muscle tension, increase circulation, promote sleep and increase overall health. The 90-minute session includes the use of aromatherapy oils and charka stones to enhance the effects; and Reiki - A form of Asian energy healing, Reiki uses universal energy to balance the body, mind and spirit, to allow the client's own healing process. Full-body treatments are usually 60 to 90 minutes in length.

Fee Schedule

Initial Visit: Subsequent Visits:

$48.25 $37.50 (30 minutes) $48.25 (40 minutes) $69.50 (60 minutes)

The initial visit consists of a 10 minute assessment and a 30 minute massage treatment.

M.S.P. provides partial coverage for 10 combined visits per year; i.e. chiropractic, massage, naturopathic, podiatry and physiotherapy (a combined total of 10 visits) for those on income or premium assistance. There is a $16.05 per visit fee.

ICBC and WCB may partially cover massage therapy fees. Extended heath insurance plans usually cover up to a yearly limit.