Massage Therapy in North York – Finch West

Massage therapy at Keele and Finch

Welcome to Finch West. Dong Li, Epifania Mildred Millora, Jackilyn Pulido and Li Su are our Registered Massage Therapists here, and they see everyone from York University students with screen-tight necks to warehouse workers with backs that have had a long week. Come as you are; the first visit starts with a conversation, not a table.

New to this treatment? Learn about registered massage therapy and what to expect.

Our North York clinic is at 1275 Finch Avenue West, just east of Keele Street, within reach of Downsview, York University Heights, Jane and Finch, Sheppard West and Weston. It is among the most transit accessible clinics we run, which matters here more than at most of our locations.

The patients reflect the area. A significant share are students and staff from York University, and a large proportion of appointments are for the neck, upper back and forearm tension that comes from long hours at a laptop. We also treat shift workers, which is what the evening slots exist for.

Types of massage therapy we offer in North York

Different problems call for different techniques. You do not need to pick one in advance. Your therapist will assess you first and explain what they intend to use.

Myofascial release

Fascia is the connective tissue wrapping every muscle, and when it tightens it restricts movement in ways stretching will not undo. This work uses sustained, gentler holds rather than repeated strokes. It is the technique we reach for most often here, because desk and study postures tend to produce stiffness rather than acute soreness.

Deep tissue massage

Slow, firm pressure through the deeper muscle layers. Frequently booked for upper back and shoulder tension held over a full term of study or a long stretch of shift work. Firm should mean useful, not unbearable. Say so if it crosses that line and your therapist will adjust.

Swedish massage

Lighter, flowing strokes through the surface layers, improving circulation and settling the nervous system. A sensible first massage, and the right choice when an area is too sensitive for deeper work or when stress is doing as much damage as posture.

Relaxation massage

Related to Swedish but aimed at the nervous system rather than a specific injury. Students book this most heavily around exam periods, and it is a perfectly legitimate reason to come in.

Sports massage

For recreational and university athletes. Shorter and brisker before an event to prepare tissue, slower afterwards to support recovery and catch the small restrictions that turn into injuries.

Lymphatic drainage

A very light, rhythmic technique encouraging lymph movement, used for swelling and post-surgical recovery where deeper pressure would be inappropriate. Not every clinic offers it. Ask when booking and we will confirm availability.

Pre and post natal massage

Delivered with proper support and side lying positioning as pregnancy progresses. Common reasons are low back and pelvic discomfort, and afterwards the neck and shoulder strain of feeding and carrying. Tell us when you book so the room and therapist are right.

What massage therapy actually does

• Reduces muscle tension and pain, especially neck, shoulder and upper back.
• Restores movement that stretching by itself does not recover.
• Relieves tension headaches arising from the neck and upper back, which is a frequent complaint here.
• Eases forearm and wrist strain from keyboard and laptop use.
• Supports training recovery for recreational athletes.
• Lowers stress and improves sleep, which is often what finally prompts the booking.

Massage will not permanently undo a problem your desk setup keeps recreating. If that is what your assessment shows, your therapist will say so and tell you what needs changing.

Your registered massage therapists in North York

Treatment here is delivered by Registered Massage Therapists regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. The team is Dong Li, Epifania Mildred Millora, Jackilyn Pulido and Li Su.

Li is both a Registered Massage Therapist and a registered acupuncturist, useful if you are weighing the two or would benefit from both. Several of our North York team speak languages other than English. Ask when you book and we will tell you honestly what we can arrange.

What happens at your first appointment

Your first appointment opens with a conversation. What is bothering you, how long it has gone on, what aggravates it, what you need to get back to. Your therapist will look at your posture and movement before anything else.

Treatment happens in the same visit. You stay draped throughout with only the working area uncovered, and you set the pressure. You will leave with something practical to do between visits and a realistic view of how many you need.

Coverage and direct billing

Most extended health plans cover registered massage therapy, and student plans at York University often include it, which people regularly do not realise. Bring your details and we will check before treating you.

We direct bill most major insurers where the plan allows, so you usually pay only the balance. Otherwise we issue a receipt carrying your therapist’s registration number.

No referral is needed. Treatment connected to a car accident or a workplace injury is funded separately, so tell us when you book.

Questions we get asked in North York

Can I get here on the TTC? Yes. Finch West station is close, and the Finch West and Keele routes both stop nearby.

Does my student plan cover massage? Many do, including York University plans. Bring the details and we will check first.

Which type should I book? Just book massage therapy. Your therapist decides after assessing you.

Are there evening or weekend appointments? The clinic is open until 7pm Monday to Thursday, until 5pm on Friday and 9am to 2pm on Saturday; closed Sunday. Massage times depend on each therapist’s schedule, so ask when you book.

Can I be treated in a language other than English? Sometimes, depending on the therapist. Ask when booking and we will give you a straight answer.

Is this the same as your Jane and Sheppard clinic? No, separate locations. This one is on Finch Avenue West just east of Keele.