Christine McCurran, RMT
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about Massage Therapy

 

With one of the highest standards of training for the profession in the world, BC Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) can do so much more than relaxation massage. We are trained in everything from human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and kinesiology to pathology, neurology, basic pharmacology, nutrition and research. We are certified and overseen by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of British Columbia and regulated by the same legislation that governs the administration of most other healthcare professions in the province such as nursing, medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy and more.

Massage therapy can be effective in treating dysfunction related to back pain, muscle aches, whiplash, sprains and strains, as well as digestive issues, respiratory conditions, circulatory problems, joint disorders, swelling, menstrual pain, discomfort related to pregnancy and just plain old stress. It has been proven in scientific, peer-reviewed research to be one of the most effective forms of chronic back pain management and to play a critical role in the management of mental health and improving immune function.

 

About me and my practice

 

As a massage therapist I believe that every time I treat someone I am working with all the body’s systems: the muscles and connective tissues, yes, but also the circulatory, digestive, respiratory, lymphatic and nervous systems. 

Practically speaking in my clinic room, this might look like incorporating breathing techniques into pain management, neurological techniques to reduce muscles spasms, or addressing stress and rapid breathing as a key part of reducing pain.

While I treat most conditions that present themselves in my practice, I find it particularly rewarding working with people during major life events, transitions or illnesses that are manifesting in physical discomfort and affecting their ability to cope and function every day. I enjoy helping people find comfort and relief within the boundaries of what is possible for their bodies during those times. I also believe that massage therapy plays a role in managing mental health and focus much of my private study on understanding the link between mental health and the body. 

Alongside the common complaints treated by massage therapists such as muscle tension, nerve compressions and joint pain, I have experience treating pregnancy-related discomfort, reduced range of motion due to surgical and other scar tissue, lasting neurological effects of early HIV

medications, stress related to addictions treatment/detoxification, lung congestion, and other systemic conditions. My hope is to expand my patients’ view of how massage therapy can fit into their healthcare and self care regime and help them live their lives in as much comfort as possible.

My practice is rooted in science and research, because those are the systems of knowledge I’m trained in. And they’re good ones. But they have their limitations and are not the only systems of knowledge that exist. I strive to make room for others, especially those my patients value.

Enabling people to have access to massage therapy care if and when they need it is important to me. This means doing my best to create a space that is safe and welcoming for people of all races, cultures, genders, body types, levels of comfort with physical touch, and other backgrounds and demographics. It also means accepting help along the way in that process as I learn. I am flexible in the way I treat and the positions or techniques I use depending on the patient’s comfort level. Please don’t hesitate to ask. I also aim to find ways to make care affordable to people for whom massage therapy care would otherwise be financially out of reach. For more on this or on referring patients in need please visit the “All Walks” portion of my website.

 
 
 
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Rates

 
 

Initial appointment

75 mins...     $135.00 + GST

All first-time patients must book an initial 75 minute appointment to allow for a full intake and health history before beginning treatment. This allows me to understand your whole health picture and for us to develop some goals and a treatment plan together, allowing us to move forward much more efficiently and effectively. 

Subsequent visits

60 mins...     $135.00 + GST
75 Mins...      $168.75 + GST
90 mins...     $202.50 + GST

MOBILE APPOINTMENTS

Mobile appointments—appointments that take place outside my studio, in the patient's home or work environment—depend on availability. Please contact me directly.


All walks patients

60-90 mins...     varied pricing

Through my All Walks Welcome program I provide a limited number of treatments at a discounted price or free-of-charge on a per-need basis to people with low incomes. To learn more about the program see the "All Walks" page at the end of my website. To apply to become an All Walks patient or to refer a patient, please contact me directly. 

 

Direct billing to most insurers AVAILABLE

 
 
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Contact

 
 

Booking

For initial and subsequent visits, please book online at the link below. For mobile appointments or to become/refer a new All Walks patient, please contact me by phone or email.  

Phone: 778-231-8081
Email: contact@christinemccurran.com

* Please note that a 48 hour cancellation policy is in effect. Cancel online or by phone. As a courtesy for cancellations within 48 hours, or if you will arrive late to your appointment, please also call or send me a text message.

Waiting list patients will be notified about schedule openings as soon as possible. 

LOCATION

My studio is located on the corner of Hastings and Cambie Streets at the meeting point of Downtown, Gastown, Chinatown, and the Downtown Eastside. 

The Dominion Building
207 W Hastings St, Unit 615
Vancouver, British Columbia

V6B 1H7

BUZZER #46

* If you have trouble entering the building, please call me.

 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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All walks program

"Change, like healing, takes time" - Veronica Roth

 

More than ever, a mounting body of scientific evidence tells us that massage therapy is not a luxury, but rather a key piece in the puzzle of complete and holistic health care. Yet today, massage therapy remains accessible primarily to those lucky enough to have extended health benefits or those who have few financial barriers. Prohibitively expensive for many others, the private business model of massage therapy naturally leaves many out. Arguably, many of these people are those who need our care the most.

I hope that one day Canada’s healthcare system will afford every Canadian access to paramedical health services such as physiotherapy, dentistry, optometry and many others, including massage therapy. In the meantime, All Walks is my attempt to make a small dent in a great need.

Through All Walks, I work with people for whom massage therapy care would otherwise be financially out of reach by providing care at a discounted price or free-of-charge on a per-need basis. It is an informal, sliding scale system that is adaptable to the needs of the patient within the boundaries of what I can provide.

All Walks is funded primarily by personal cross-subsidization from my own practice with contributions from MSP, when available (for those with Premium Assistance or premiums covered by the First Nations Health Authority), and private donations. While I do not accept tips in my practice, those who wish to show gratitude can do so by contributing to All Walks to help others access the same quality of care they enjoy. To do so, speak to me at your next appointment about purchasing an Access Card.

I primarily accept All Walks patients through referrals from other healthcare practitioners but also accept private requests, when availability permits.
 

To refer a patient, or to request to become an All Walks patient,
please contact me directly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Credits

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With thanks, for the beautiful photos that grace this website

Sherwood411, via Flickr Creative Commons (Rainbow Crosswalk)
Moni Smith, via Flickr  ("Our shoulders, necks...")
Roland Tanglao, via Flickr Creative Commons (Dominion Building)
Jim Simandl, via Flickr (Some Colourful Buildings)
Andrew McCurran
All photos used with permission

 

I make my living on the traditional and unceded territory of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam First Nations. They have stewarded this land for generations, and for that I am forever in their debt. I am committed to ongoing learning about how I can exercise this commitment through my practice.