Davison Massage - Relaxing down in Evergreen

It has not been a common thing for me to return to see the same therapist twice, but I allowed myself this luxury with Kalin at Davison Massage, located down in Evergreen (SW Calgary). Luckily, I was able book in with Kalin on both occasions, although she is only onsite one day a week (Wednesdays).

Davison Massage is a recent fixture in the community of Evergreen, having just opened in January 2013. The location is definitely unique. It does not look like a clinic, at first glance, but once you enter one of the treatment rooms, it doesn't seem to matter. Located in a professional portion of a residential/office style building (I have never seen these type of buildings before anywhere in Calgary), you walk into a long hallway, and almost every room is either the reception office or a treatment room.  Each massage room is individually decorated and styled to maximize relaxation and minimize any feeling of an office space. Each room is carpeted, has beautiful windows and stylish furniture. To add to the coziness of the treatment spaces, each massage table is heated and has added blankets to ensure warmth.  Individualized playlists of customized music really add a unique touch.

I was first greeted by Kalin at the reception office, where I filled out a health history form, and then was escorted back to her room for an interview and then to get ready for my massage.

To review Kalin's massage would be difficult. I think I fell asleep once or twice. What I did like is that the tone for the whole massage started as soon as she began the treatment. There was some initial conversation, but it did not distract from the focus of the massage, but rather allowed for some chatting, and then it died off, and into a deep relaxation I fell. I did have some muscles and areas that needed more work, but those were definitely addressed without needing to engage in accentuated deep breathing or even holding my breath. I felt totally rejeuvenated and refreshed at the end of the session (and this happened at both massages that I enjoyed with Kalin!).  Kalin did not have a very deep style of massage, however, she was able to achieve the relief in my muscles without needing the depth. Anyone who might like a deeper session might feel like the session is too superficial, but this was not so in my case.

I am very glad to find a therapist in the deep south who can provide a complete, all around successful treatment, as I have had great difficulty in finding such a spot up to date.

Kalin Ulsh, RMT is a 2200 hour therapist having trained here in Calgary at MH Vicars School of Massage Therapy.  She practices at Davison Massage on Wednesdays and also in the city's NW throughout the rest of the week.

Davison Massage

3101 - 230 EVERSYDE BLVD SW

CALGARY, AB

T2Y 0J4

PHONE: 403-873-9200

www.davisonmassage.com

info@davisonmassage.com

Westbrook Family Chiropractic - A wonderful surprise!!

I am very pleased to be able to write a posting for my blog again, after so many months away, especially since I was desperate for a massage.
Since Calgary has been enjoying beautiful winter weather, with all of the white fluff and slush, and now that my Canadian Gym Membership is in full force (pushing out stuck cars, shoveling and the good ol' slip n' slide), I was in some dire need of massage the other day.  After a cursory search online, I was able to find a little clinic located in Westbrook Mall, which was only located 10 minutes from the university where I was stationed for the whole day, save the afternoon.  I called Westbrook Family Chiropractic and was lucky to find that a spot was open with one of their therapists.

Located at the corner of the food court in Westbrook Mall, I was not encouraged to find it next to the public washrooms, however, I was very happy to be proven wrong.  The little clinic, is just that.. quite little. The reception area is minimal, but does make best use of the small space. After filling out my health history form, I was welcomed into one of the treatment room (which happened to be directly at the front door of the clinic) and met Susan, my therapist for the hour. After she went through my file, and asked me some questions about my health and main concerns, I was left to get ready for my massage. The room was quite spacious, considering the overall appearances of the clinic. With stone tile flooring and a space heater/fan in the room, it was quite comfortable and did minimize the ambient sounds of the bustling surrounding mall environment. The one sound that was not quite covered was the shell chimes found at the front entrance of the clinic, which would "chime" in often throughout the session.  Not too annoying, but very noticeable.

When Susan returned, the room transformed. She immediately dimmed the lights, and the music started and the session began.  I was very impressed on how comfortable the room became and how the massage was extremely natural and easy to absorb.  Susan has a very gentle, yet focused approach to her massage, and is very gifted at encouraging a sense of ease in her client.  A light conversation easily transitioned into a calm and focused session.

I tend to find that a balance between relaxation and therapy can be a difficult achievement for most therapists to attain. In previous sessions at other clinics, I have encountered very determined therapists who need to dig and dig to deal with EVERY knot or those that cannot seem to spend enough time in any one location to even relax the muscles. What was phenomenal about Susan's massage was that it was the perfect balance of these two necessities in overall massage.  I was able to have relief from the sore muscles in my upper back, with very focused and accurate treatment of the shoulder muscles, and then had areas treated with more relaxation techniques, helping me forget the more intense therapy from minutes before.

Needless to say... I was kinda frustrated at the end of my session. Frustrated that I had not booked a 90 minute session, and thinking that maybe I should consider revisiting Susan again... well... the clinic is close to the university, and it would be quite convenient.  I really enjoy finding little gems like Westbrook Family Chiropractic, and hopefully they realize the diamond that they have in their midst in Susan!

Susan Parker, RMT
Susan is a graduate from Mount Royal University's 2200 hour therapeutic massage program. Susan welcomes the chance to assist everyone with their massage requirements. Susan has had particular success treating conditions such as TMJ, repetitive strain injuries, fibromyalgia, and neurological degenerative disorders.

Westbrook Family Chiropractic

Westbrook Mall, #23 --- 1200 --- 37 Street SW

Calgary, AB T3C 1S2

www.chiropractorscalgary.com

Telephone: 403-663-0555