Elements of Health - High River, AB

Although I initially planned to only peruse Calgary based clinics, I realized that many of my current clients are from some of the city's  beautiful surrounding communities. I ventured out on Monday, Janurary 31st (a very last minute appointment) to visit the Elements of Health clinic, in the downtown of High River, Alberta.  I have to admit, that the only other time that I have visited the town was to recently purchase our newest vehicle, and that I had to research using Google maps as to their exact location. With very little effort, I easily found my way to this precious gem of a clinic.

Elements of Health is suprisingly tranquil, and despite having to search a bit for the clinic front on the street, and learning that it was on a one-way street, I was in their welcoming waiting area. While being surrounded by shelves of products, for both the clinic and their therapists (Chiropractor, Acupuncturist and Massage Therapists), the ambiance is quite peaceful.  After being greeted by a very friendly front desk receptionist, I had filled out my health history form (which was a very detailed and descriptive form - always good to see!). I relaxed on their very comfortable waiting area furniture, while listening to their calming music, and was able to enjoy a good 5 minutes of my new novel, before meeting Amanda for my massage.

I was escorted back to the massage room and entered into the peaceful room. While not over-extravagant, was tastefully decorated, and very calming. The warm tones and lighting instantly made me relax (always amazing when it happens - even if you are waiting for it). After thoroughly going through my entire health history form, and asking detailed questions, I was left alone to get ready for my session and to make my way onto the table.

Now, I am usually very cold, temperature wise, and since having a horrible experience years ago, where I shivered throughout an entire massage, I have hated massages without heating pads. I have even purchased a table heater for my clinical space, as I believe you should always be toasty warm for your session, which increases your overall relaxation potential. ( I know that this sounds like some extreme temperature theory, but it has had the most positive effect and responses from my entire clientele).  Having said all of this, I had no table heater or electric blanket, and surpringly, I did not feel the need for one, and did not realize that I had enjoyed the entire session without one!! The room was without drafts or fans, and provided a great ambient temperature, that I felt very comfortable.

This photo is not of me getting a massage (and to come to think of, it would have been an amazing feat to achieve this in the first place!!), but this is my therapist, Amanda, and the photos in this blog, well, I sort of borrowed from their website.. gotta love the internet!

The session was quite blissful, and I can be a tough client to encounter.  I have had my fair share of thearpists who have difficulty in finding the happy medium. And by happy medium, I mean, those that can provide the right depth, while respecting that I am not there to feel their elbow pushing through my back and trying to reach the table beneath me. It is also a true gift for a therapist to recognize when their client is not too interested in chatting, and is wanting to relax.  With both of these concepts to take into consideration, Amanda was a great therapist. Asking just the right questions, without trying to over-communicate.

Overall, this was an extremely enjoyable experience, and well worth the non-stressful drive to this enchanting little town. The prices are very reasonable, and it was great to see a clinic take the initiative to give a price break to new clients, as the best way to discover the right therapist is to try a couple, and pick the right fit.  I am quite envious of those lucky regular clients in High River. I definitely miss living in a small town, and the comfy, cozy feel of this clinic makes me miss it that much more. 

Amanda Andrews graduated from the Foothills College of Massage Therapy with her 2200 hour Diploma in Massage Therapy, and has been practicing with Elements of Health for the past year. Prior to working in High River, she practiced in the town of Okotoks, but has been enjoying her short commute recently while working in her home town. 

Elements of Health is located at 122 4th Ave SW  High River, AB T1V 1M6
(403) 603-3299
www.elementsofhealthhighriver.com