Massage Therapy
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage the most commonly practiced and requested type of massage therapy. It is used for the treatment of acute and chronic injuries as well as general health maintenance. Specific techniques are used to achieve certain health goals and alleviate pain.
Relaxation Massage
Relaxation Massage is a light pressure massage that encourages you to unwind and de-stress. The gentle gliding techniques offer multiple health benefits such as; calming the nervous system, promoting lymphatic flow and improving circulation. This treatment is great for the sensitive client.
Deep Tissue/Sport Massage
Deep Tissue/Sport Massage is used to target sub-layers of muscles and fascia. It is commonly used to treat chronic pain, soft tissue injuries and tension using slow, even strokes to work deeply into the muscles. This type of massage is a great way to improve performance and prevent as well as recover from injuries.
Hot Volcanic Stone Massage
Hot Volcanic Stone Massage is the use of hot volcanic stones for healing purposes dates back thousands of years. Traditions have changed but the benefits of hot volcanic stone treatment remain! Here at the Hawthorn Clinic hot stones are used during every treatment from relaxation to therapeutic, and during our seasonal specials.
Cupping
Cupping uses suction to lift an area of skin, creating a negative pressure that elongates muscles and connective tissue. This can help improve blood flow, reduce scar tissue, relieve pain and promote mobility.
Prenatal
Prenatal massage is a wonderful way to reduce tension, stress, aches and pains associated with pregnancy. This is done by providing clients with the proper positioning and support while on the massage table using appropriate techniques. At Hawthorn Clinic, we have a high quality and supportive pregnancy pillow for your comfort.
Our Massage Therapy Team
Kayla Boudreau, RMT
Kalya completed a four-year Bachelor of Kinesiology Degree from Acadia University. She was a member and captain of the Women's Varsity Swim Team and it is the love of sport that drove her to pursue a career in Massage Therapy.
She is a graduate from ICT Northumberland College, a 2200-hour accredited Massage Therapy Program, and is a registered member in good standing with the Massage Therapy Association of Nova Scotia. To further her diploma, she completed a Myofascial Cupping training program and has also completed an Advanced Kinesiology Taping course.
Kayla has spent time volunteering with local sports teams including; Mooseheads, Hurricanes, Thunderbirds and Wanderers. She is currently working towards her Sports Massage Therapist Designation. Through experiences with the various teams, she has developed the skills to treat acute and chronic injuries, as well as injury prevention and management by taking a therapeutic approach. Although Kayla has primarily worked with athletes, the skills she has developed during these experiences can be transferred to all of her patients.
Every person has different needs and through assessments and communication Kayla is able to develop a treatment plan that best suits each individual patient. Her goal with every patient is to help them reach their optimal level of wellbeing and give them the tools necessary to sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Libby Tobias, RMT
Libby graduated from Northumberland College in June 2014.
She was awarded the most “Career Minded” by ICT. She is a member of good standing with MTWPAMS. Her expertise and specialties are:
• Evidence Based Massage Cupping
• Deep Tissue Hot Stone Massage
• Himalayan Pink Hot Stones
• Rapid Adhesion Release
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Meridian Acupressure
• TMJ Training Extensive
• Interactive Reflexology
• Assisted Stretching
She is inspired to further specialize in Medical Facial Rejuvenation.
Her training as a Can-Fit-Pro Certified Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer, Certified Hatha Yoga / Meditation Instructor, and Post Rehabilitation Specialist all further help her clients find long-term success in pain-free, fluid movement, and self-care home maintenance.
She also owned and operated her own beautiful wellness studio “Heartshine Wellness” for 15 years in West Lawrencetown, HRM, NS. Teaching classes in yoga, dance, kettlebell, kickbox, stability ball, and functional strength and stability. And offering massage therapy and personal training.
Mission Statement
Libby enjoys enriching her clients on their wellness journey to become more health-conscious, functional, and happy in their bodies, mind, and spirit. And to honor the “life in their years”
As a “Wellness Practitioner,” Libby also believes in honoring her own wellness path and energy with daily practice of meditation, yoga, qigong, fitness, dancing, and embracing mother nature with her beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback rescue, Minnie.
My Quote
“Through many years of experience guiding clients of all ages in fitness, yoga, and rehabilitation I wholeheartedly believe in the body's natural ability to heal when inspired to do so. As a Registered Massage therapist and Functional Fitness specialist, it is my intent to help restore my client’s functional movement and vitality.
Sarah Surette, RMT
Sarah completed the four-year Bachelor of Arts program focused on Theatre Performance from Acadia University in 2019. She was a member of the Acadia Cheerleading team for the duration of her studies. The hard work, dedication, and passion required for both study and athletics have transferred into Sarah’s everyday practices. The interest in blending theatrics, sport and holistic healing is the driving force that has led Sarah to Massage Therapy.
Sarah graduated from the accredited Massage Therapy program at Eastern College - Halifax Campus (‘23) completing the required 2200 hours and finishing in high regard. She is in good standing with The Massage Therapists’ Association of Nova Scotia (MTANS). She is looking forward to expanding her practice and knowledge through continued education during her career.
Having many assorted passions that span a wide spectrum of interests including music, the arts and athletics has enabled Sarah to understand the importance of building strong relationships that meet the diverse needs and goals of people. Finding solace in practicing massage, it is her goal to ensure clients feel safe and welcomed by creating a warm environment that focuses on intention, compassion, empathy, and communication to each individual goal-oriented treatment.
Logan Pye, RMT
Logan graduated with distinction from the accredited Massage Therapy program at Eastern College, Halifax (2023). She is in good standing with the Massage Therapists’ Association of Nova Scotia, and is looking forward to beginning her career, and having opportunities to expand her knowledge through continuing education courses as she grows as a Registered Massage Therapist.
She has always had a passion for helping others, which after years of working in healthcare has led her to Massage Therapy. She prides herself in her client care, drive to facilitate healing and wellness through massage, and creating a safe and effective treatment plan tailored to each client to promote healing and wellness. Her focus is to relieve the body of tension, pain, and increase body awareness, while creating a safe and relaxing environment.
Lacey McKenzie, RMT
Lacey was born and raised in the Annapolis Valley. She graduated from the ICT Northumberland College of Massage Therapy and is a member of the Massage Therapy Association of Nova Scotia (MTANS) Her therapeutic massage focus is utilizing deep tissue and trigger point therapy in combination with hot stones and gentle muscle release techniques.
Lacey is excited to provide personalized care, tailoring her treatments to address clients specific health concerns as well as promote relaxation and healing.
Jeffrey Allen, RMT
Jeff is a registered massage therapist with over 10 years of experience, having graduated from ICT Northumberland College's accredited 2200-hour program in 2013. He is a member in good standing of the Massage Therapy Association of Nova Scotia (MTANS).
Throughout his career he’s worked within multidisciplinary teams to provide positive outcomes for clients requiring care during rehabilitation, including those with Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) claims.
Understanding that every client has unique needs, he tailors each session to provide a personalized therapeutic treatment. His approach often combines myofascial release and deep tissue massage, utilizing cupping and rapid techniques when beneficial to ensure that each treatment is focused on achieving the best outcomes for his clients.
Residing in the Annapolis Valley for the past 5 years with his family, he values community connections and personal growth. Through workshops and seminars, he continues to develop techniques to better care for his clients. He believes in routine massage to improve well-being, he is dedicated to helping clients achieve their health goals. He looks forward to meeting our local clientele and helping you on your health journey.
Rapid Neurofascial Reset
Rapid Neurofascial Reset is a manual therapy technique designed to release tension in the fascia, muscles, and nervous system to alleviate pain and improve mobility. It combines elements of myofascial release, neuromuscular re-education, and functional movement patterns. The technique involves applying specific pressure to targeted areas of the body, with the goal of resetting the nervous system’s response to muscle and fascia tension. This helps restore proper function, reduce pain, and enhance overall movement efficiency. Rapid is often used to treat chronic pain, muscle stiffness, and musculoskeletal dysfunction.
Cupping therapy
Cupping therapy is an ancient healing technique that involves placing specialized cups on the skin to create a vacuum, which promotes blood flow, relieves muscle tension, and enhances overall healing. The suction from the cups lifts the skin and underlying tissues, increasing circulation and facilitating the movement of stagnated fluids, such as blood and lymph. Cupping is commonly used to treat pain, inflammation, muscle tightness, and promote relaxation. It can be performed using stationary cups or by moving the cups along the skin (known as "moving cupping"). It is often employed in traditional Chinese medicine and other holistic health practices.
Fascial release
Fascial release is a manual therapy technique focused on releasing tension and restrictions in the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, organs, and bones. Fascia can become tight or restricted due to injury, poor posture, repetitive movements, or stress, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Fascial release techniques use gentle pressure, stretching, or manipulation to target specific areas of the fascia, allowing it to regain its elasticity and promote better movement. The goal is to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and restore proper function by releasing fascial adhesions or tightness that may be limiting range of motion.
