Therapeutic Massage Rooted in Real Experience
Our registered massage therapists (RMTs) have been practising at Spinal Solutions for close to 26 years. That kind of tenure means they know your body, understand the community, and bring a depth of hands-on experience that is genuinely hard to find anywhere in St. John's.
Massage therapy at our clinic is therapeutic and results-focused. Whether you are dealing with chronic back pain, recovering from a motor vehicle accident, or working through a repetitive strain injury, our RMTs build each session around your specific needs rather than a one-size-fits-all routine.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment is always booked at 45 to 60 minutes. The session opens with a 10 to 15 minute assessment and case history review so your RMT understands what is going on before any treatment begins. The rest of the appointment is dedicated entirely to hands-on care.
Follow-up sessions are available in 30 to 60 minute blocks depending on your goals and treatment plan.
Types of Massage We Offer
Our RMTs are trained in a range of massage techniques and select the right approach based on your presentation:
Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes to improve circulation, ease muscle tension, and support relaxation.
Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It is especially effective for chronic tension, postural strain, and areas of restricted movement.
Therapeutic massage combines manual therapy principles with clinical assessment. It is well suited for sports-related injuries, motor vehicle accident (MVA) recovery, and ongoing musculoskeletal conditions. If you have been referred by a healthcare provider or are working through a rehabilitation plan, this is the approach your RMT will most likely use.
Conditions We Treat
Our registered massage therapists work with a wide range of presentations, including:
- Back and neck pain
- Repetitive strain injuries from desk work, manual labour, or athletic training
- Muscle tension and restricted range of motion
- Headaches and tension-related symptoms
- Motor vehicle accident (MVA) injuries (direct billing available for many plans)
Note: Our RMTs do not currently bill Workers Compensation Board (WCB) directly. Please speak with our team if you have questions about your coverage.
Specialty Techniques
Cupping Therapy
Both of our RMTs offer cupping therapy as part of their practice. Cupping uses suction to lift soft tissue, increase blood flow to targeted areas, and release deep fascial restrictions. It is commonly used for back and neck tightness, headaches, and stubborn muscle knots that do not respond as well to direct pressure. Many patients in St. John's experience noticeable relief after a single session.
Our acupuncturist also offers cupping as part of their treatments if you prefer that approach or want to combine modalities.
Gua Sha and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
Both RMTs also offer gua sha, a technique that uses a metal instrument to apply firm, directional pressure along muscle fibres and fascia. It is sometimes called instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) in clinical settings, and works similarly to the Graston technique. It is particularly effective for releasing deep chronic tension, breaking up adhesions, and improving range of motion in areas that are slow to respond to conventional massage.
The sensation is firm and can be intense, but it is adjustable based on your tolerance. Most patients notice improved mobility and reduced tightness within a session or two.
Direct Billing and Booking
We offer direct billing to most major insurance plans and use Jane App for online booking so you can schedule at a time that works for you. If you are unsure whether your plan covers registered massage therapy, your insurer can confirm your RMT benefits directly.
Our massage therapy team works alongside our chiropractors and acupuncturist at Spinal Solutions. Many St. John's patients see two or three practitioners at the clinic, and our team communicates across disciplines so your care plan stays coordinated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deep tissue massage focuses on applying sustained pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, making it effective for chronic tightness and postural tension. Therapeutic massage (sometimes called medical massage) combines clinical assessment with manual therapy techniques and is used to address specific injuries, post-MVA recovery, or conditions where a structured treatment approach is needed. Your RMT will recommend the right approach after your initial assessment.
Yes. Both registered massage therapists at Spinal Solutions offer cupping therapy. It can be incorporated into a standard massage session or used as a focused treatment on its own. If you are interested in cupping, just let us know when booking and your RMT will plan accordingly.
Gua sha, also called instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), involves applying a metal instrument with firm directional strokes along the muscle and fascia. The pressure is adjustable and your RMT will work within your comfort level throughout the session. Some patients find it intense at first, but most report significant improvement in mobility and tension relief afterward.
Yes. Our RMTs regularly treat patients recovering from MVA injuries including whiplash, muscle guarding, and soft tissue damage. Many extended health plans and MVA insurance policies cover registered massage therapy in Newfoundland. We recommend contacting your insurer directly to confirm your coverage and whether a referral is required.
Ready to Book with an Experienced RMT in St. John's?
Our registered massage therapists have been caring for patients at Spinal Solutions for close to 26 years. Whether you are dealing with back pain, recovering from an injury, or looking to add massage to your current care plan, we are here to help.
Book online anytime using our Jane App booking portal, or call us directly to find a time that works for you. First appointments are 45 to 60 minutes and include a full assessment so your RMT can get straight to work.
