January 3, 2023 10:12 pm

Defining moments in our life, may help us give our tomorrows meaning

Welcome to 2023!

Two Clichés come to mind when a new year rings in:

1. Opportunity knocks and
2. Things happen for a reason

I think we can all agree, we all have high hopes for 2023.

The thought that a new year alone will bring us health, wealth and a new you.....How does anyone actually believe this?

I think we are realists, you and I know just thinking about something, does not make it happen.

I like to think the only way change happens is by initiating action. It is not likely anyone suddenly becomes healthier or less stressed without a little action.

Sometimes change does happen without our participation, this is when many will say "things happen for a reason".

I am one person that believes this is actually an opportunity for us to "give reason" to things that happen.

Based in our beliefs, values and perception, we can create the reason that fuels the narrative of our story.

Defining moments in our life, may help us give our tomorrows meaning.

Once we can define what action is needed to take advantage of the opportunities that are knocking, we can grab a hold of that door knob and peak inside the open door.

For me, I want to be tethered to the idea of "selection attention" in 2023.

Instead of seeing my life as "time spent" doing, I want to be conscious of spending my energy on selected priorities.

As a Massage Therapist and owner of Apex Massage since 2006, one of those priorities is creating a massage clinic you trust, as well, you feel heard, respected and appreciated.

The pandemic is a moment I could easily say was out of our control and "things happen for a reason".

I prefer to give meaning to this event.

It has given me the opportunity to reflect on our 28 years of experience offering Massage Therapy and how we can continue to provide you the space to heal, find relief and create time for you to renew your energy.

We look forward to intentionally increase your energy, restoring your sense of wellness so all your tomorrows have meaning.

With many ideas and new offerings to come, we wish you a year filled with curiosity, action and a sense of community at Apex.

With Gratitude,
Shelly MacGregor
Owner of Apex Massage Therapy

March 22, 2021 4:58 pm

Why would I ever limit myself to one Massage Therapist?

I receive approximately 15 massages a year, over the last 25 years that could have been 375 different massage therapists.

With so many choices for Massage Therapy, how do you choose?

I have been serious about receiving at least a monthly massage for over 25 years. I would never have considered having just one therapist but I have asked myself why someone would limit themselves in this way.

My needs change, my moods changes, my emotions flow.

Some times I want to be nurtured, other times worked over or have an issue dealt with during a treatment plan. I want a Therapist with great decision making skills, confidence, excellent communication, strong palpation and an understanding of anatomy. They should know when an area has had enough treatment and when they should continue to manipulate, stretch and treat that chronic tension.

Some times during a massage treatment, I want to talk and sometimes I want to listen but most of the time I prefer to share my health history, past injuries and the goals I would like addressed during the treatment. I like participating in the initial pleasantries, followed by 90 minutes of no talking.

Meditation while being massaged gives me a focal point, allows me to focus on my breathe and the touch of the therapist. Knowing when to breath into an area being treated allows me to withstand more pressure while keeping my mind in the present moment.

I have a massage therapist I prefer for each of these.

I know every Massage Therapist may have the required 2 years of education to be registered in Alberta, to me this is the start to a great relationship.

I want to experience many types of treatments, including the therapists techniques, their energy, their stories, their niches, their specific reason to touch and heal for a living.

I love being referred to someone's favorite Massage Therapist and then discovering their treatment was not for me. It helps me define what I do like, setting me up for a successful treatment the next time I need or want a treatment.

The idea of only having one Massage Therapist often comes from being afraid of being disappointed or feeling like your time was wasted.

I have felt that way. When I am disappointed I get clearer on my ability to articulate my needs going forward. Time is never wasted when we spend it expanding our beliefs, learning who we are and sharing time with each other.

Gathering insights about my needs while growing my understanding of what kind of massage I need this month, has helped me find my team of Massage Therapists that now create the healing experience I deserve.

If you know what kind of massage you need or may be you want to see many therapists without hurting anyone's feelings, our admin team will ask you questions and choose a therapist for you based on the experience you are looking for.

Let someone help you find the massage treatment you deserve.

Shelly MacGregor

Owner of Apex Massage Therapy ltd

Est 1994

March 6, 2020 10:53 am

Sun Life interviews Shelly MacGregor for their Lumino Health platform.

As SunLife sees massage as an essential service to the well-being of their clients, we were very happy to answer questions related to massage therapy for their Lumino Health - a platform that connects Canadians with local health-care providers, offers health-related content and shares innovate health solutions to help Canadians live healthier lives.

Sunlife: Tell me about your journey to becoming a health-care provider. What experiences and education led you here?

Shelly MacGregor: I have first hand experience how soft tissue work can change someone’s life. I had an accident that left me in wheelchair and a back brace for a short period of time - I fractured both feet and two vertebrae. My surgeon thought I would walk with a limp and never run again, but after a year of rehabilitation I was able to walk without a limp and a few years later, I ran my first half marathon.

For me, soft tissue work was instrumental in my recovery. This is what inspired me to return to school to become a massage therapist. I wanted to help others recover from injury and for 12 years I did that but I also realized the effects of massage therapy are more than rehabilitative.

Sunlife: What is the best thing about your job?

SM: I am surrounded by humans that have chosen a career that helps people live their best life. Our clients often come to us with pain, stress and injuries, and it is wonderful to know we are providing them with solutions to these ailments. Once a client has felt the results of massage therapy, they often consider us essential to their well-being.

Sunlife: How do you maintain your health?

SM: I believe health is a journey. Physical, mental and spiritual health are all important to living your best life. I weight train, enjoy road biking, eat well, have regular massages, meditate and see other health providers for ways to live in line with my goals. Every day on our journey, we are making choices that impact our health.

Sunlife: If you could tell people to prioritize three things about their health, what would they be?

SM: Be proactive and advocate for yourself; pay attention to the changes you feel or see; and see experts in the field of your concern.

Sunlife: Are you involved in any charities?

SM: Yes, we support many local charities - donating thousands of dollars every year through donations and time.

Sunlife: What do you do for fun?

SM: I truly enjoy being with my husband, walking our dogs daily, visiting with friends weekly and taking care of the needs of my mom, who has dementia. I am also involved with other entrepreneurs - I am a volunteer coach and sit on the board of The Entrepreneurs’ Organisation.

Sunlife: In three sentences or less, describe what massage therapy is.

SM: Massage is the manipulation of soft tissue. It creates change not only in the tissue but in the clients’ body and mind. Massage techniques aid in treating chronic and acute conditions, and increase circulation to the specific area you are working on. It also sedates the nervous system, preparing the body for a rested state. I think when most people leave the room after a massage they feel an overall sense of well-being.

Sunlife: What kinds of things can massage therapy treat?

SM: Massage reduces muscle pain, helps correct repetitive strain injuries, postural alignment, headaches, stiffness, tightness or a sense of restricted movement, increase circulation/inflammation response, promotes relaxation and provides an overall sense of well-being.

Sunlife: How often should people get massages?

SM: In my experience, clients that want solutions to their concern/injury will need a treatment weekly, until they can go 10 – 14 days without a reoccurring pain or symptom. Depending on their condition, being treated every 2 weeks, with treatment intention to solve the recurring problem, then 3 or 4 weeks without pain or recurring. If clients are choosing massage therapy for stress management and prevention, I would suggest every 6 weeks.

Sunlife: What is your philosophy on how healing and massage therapy work together?

SM: I believe there are four stages to healing through massage:

· Relief

· Correction

· Strengthening

· Maintenance

First, it is about getting relief from the pain. This happens during the first few massage treatments.

Next - correction, the therapist can work on the underlying cause.

Now, the therapist can work on strengthening the surrounding tissue, enabling it to provide adequate support for the injured area.

Maintenance is the final stage and it is about preventative care. I recommend getting a massage every 4-6 weeks to help prevent other issues.

Sunlife: Are there any myths about massage therapy that you would like to debunk?

SM: It is hard to debunk what someone claims they felt or experienced. I support science-based research, but I also had a surgeon tell me I would never run again. I prefer to stay open to the possibilities of helping people. As different as people are, so will be their treatment.

Shelly in the room_copy1 Shelly Macgregor is the Owner of Apex Massage Therapy Ltd. and the Founder of Spagoes and Spa 901 in Fernie BC.

Defining moments in our life, may help us give our tomorrows meaning

Why would I ever limit myself to one Massage Therapist?

Sun Life interviews Shelly MacGregor for their Lumino Health platform.

Sunlife: Tell me about your journey to becoming a health-care provider. What experiences and education led you here?

Sunlife: What is the best thing about your job?

Sunlife: How do you maintain your health?

Sunlife: If you could tell people to prioritize three things about their health, what would they be?

Sunlife: Are you involved in any charities?

Sunlife: What do you do for fun?

Sunlife: In three sentences or less, describe what massage therapy is.

Sunlife: What kinds of things can massage therapy treat?

Sunlife: How often should people get massages?

Sunlife: What is your philosophy on how healing and massage therapy work together?

Sunlife: Are there any myths about massage therapy that you would like to debunk?

4 Parkdale Crescent NW

Calgary, AB T2N 3T8

Email us: bookings@apexmassage.com

Call us: 403.270.7788

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