Calgary Maternity Massage Therapy - NW

I had the great pleasure of receiving a massage at the Calgary Maternity Massage Therapy clinic this past week.  The interesting thing, is that this was my first visit to the clinic, but not the therapist.

About 10 years ago, when I first wanted to join the Massage Therapy profession, I asked my Aunt Cathy if I would be able to accompany her on her next visit to see her Massage Therapist.  I found myself sitting in the treatment room, watching this therapist relaxingly massage my aunt, mostly sidelying, while listening to my first relaxation music album.

One of the oddest things, is that before going to Massage college, I had never experienced a massage session... ever.

Back to my session...

I must admit, finding this location was a bit tough. Although easy enough for Google Maps to direct me to the building, I was a bit confused when I walked in the front door.  At first glance, you have 2 options, the staircase taking you directly upstairs, or the main floor behind the staircase. After a quick call to my aunt, I discovered that there were stairs taking you to the lower floor, right behind the main staircase. (I don't think that I am thick headed, but even looking at the building directory did not help my confusion.. thank goodness for aunts and cell phones!!)  I made my way to the lower level, and then into a clinic, and then the more confusing part, through some french doors into another clinic. I was not sure if I would ever arrive!  However, once I made it, I was welcomed by Linda, my massage therapist for the day, and brought into the treatment room.

Now, although I am not pregnant, Linda was kind enough to accept me as a one-time client, just for the experience. Her room was organized and created to give the ultimate sense of at-home comfort. There was a little desk, with an aromatherapy/humidifier, music, a comfy-cozy recliner in the corner, a large bookshelf with her collection of pregnancy/massage related books, and her massage table (at quite a high height) into the corner of the room.

Linda and I spoke about my health history and after filling out my brief health history form, I was informed about the differences between the sidelying and regular massage sessions.  Having been a therapist for the past decade, and having taught pregnancy massage, I have always enjoyed the versatility of sidelying massage.  The main differences from what I have known, and the style used by Linda is the active motion of the client's limbs.


After getting on the massage table (thank goodness for the step stool next to the table), Linda placed the pillows and cushions to help support my leg and arm. The massage included both of my legs, back, shoulders, neck and arms. She uses a great memory foam pad that supports the whole upper torso, and allows for the shoulder to have minimal pressure.

What I really enjoyed with this style of massage was the amount and freedom of joint movement. While having my legs massaged, it was very nice to have the hip joints moved, and then while having my shoulders and arms treated, to have the shoulder joint manipulated. There were a lot of techniques which would have required more pressure, if being performed while lying on my stomach, and yet, while in the sidelying position, my shoulder blade was moved, and it created the opposing action to provide muscle relief.   This was definitely a great learning experience.

However, one of my biggest pet peeves includes having the feet massaged at any time other than the end of the massage. I know that most people have clean feet, but I still have never felt good about touching someone's feet and then massaging the rest of their body without washing my hands. This was the first time that I have had my feet massage at the beginning of the session. I am sure that there are many people out there who enjoy it, but it is not really for me.

The only other thing that I could comment on with regards to my massage experience, is that I tend to have some sensitivities in regards to scents.   Although I really enjoy aromatherapy, the oils that were being diffused in the room seemed to be a bit strong for me. It could be that due to my headache that was starting at the beginning of the day, that I might have been a bit over-sensitive to the scent, however, most clinics try to be "scent-free" to prevent this exact problem.

The great thing about the variety of therapists available in the city of Calgary, is that you can choose your therapist, and enjoy the very specific experience that works best for you.  I completely understand why my aunt has been a very dedicated client of Linda's, and can see why she prefers the positioning of the massage over conventional methods. I really enjoyed her beautiful energy and thought provoking conversation, and her ability to work with the body's muscles and create such relaxation.

Linda Hickey  became a massage therapist in 1995 after a 20-year career working with families in social services. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, she relocated to Calgary to be near the Rocky Mountains, a landscape she loves. Linda graduated from Mount Royal College's MassageTherapy Program and established her private practice specializing in maternity care.
Now, over 10 years later she continues to delight in and learn from the changing, flowing bodies and energy of pregnant women and new mothers nurturing themselves, their babies and children.

2-4616 Valiant Dr NW, Calgary, AB T3A 0X9 (403) 251-3671 () ‎