I am Roger Walker MMT MLT RMT. I generally provide only a few types of treatments, though they can accommodate all types of issues (Pain, Posture, Mobility, Injury, Pre/Post-Natal, Sports, Lymphatic Drainage, Nerve Issues, Performance, Corporate Wellness, and much more). I no longer do treatments with instruments (Cupping, IASTM, Hot Stone, etc.) because with my modalities, they are no longer needed.
WHY CHOOSE ME AS YOUR THERAPIST?
1) RESULTS - I believe this should be the only real consideration. I tend to get many difficult cases, and still have successful outcomes. My modalities are very effective. As Canada's first Master Myoskeletal Therapist (MMT), I can treat anything a chiro, physio, or any other manual therapist can - just differently, possibly gentler and safer. I have never had a session without immediate results (though not always where the patient expects, due to having more issues than reported!).
2) TOP DOG - In a class of nearly 50, where 50% failed even though they were thoroughly vetted in an intake interview, and the minimum to pass was only 70%, I was Top Student with a raw average of >99.25% in practical and theory, while in the midst of the most stressful time of my life. There are many other classes, and many other top students, though I am confident in saying it is unlikely you will find one with a higher average score.
3) SKILL STACKING - If you can't be Top Dog, you can try to be close by stacking your skills. That is, you get training in more than just the basics. This is actually supposed to be built into the career, with our associations requiring 10 Continuing Education credits per year. I am likely Top Dog here, also, as I have some 400 CE credits of training (about 40 year's worth), in my first 4 years. Plus, I have a Graduate Degree in Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy. (Since I cannot carry all my credits forward each year, I still have to take more and more training!) Most therapists scramble just to take the bare minimum of training on time.
4) SELF TEACHING/LEARNING - It's one thing to learn from others in formal settings. It's something completely different to have the discipline to teach yourself new skills. I have probably done almost as much self-teaching/learning as I have formal training, greatly expanding my exposure to various modalities.
5) CREATING SOMETHING NEW - It is a great thing to learn new skills and put them to use. I believe it is the pinnacle to take those skills, add experience, do your own research, and finally, create something completely new and useful. I have done just that to create not just one, but TWO new modalities. I'm not speaking of a mish-mash of everything I learned, or trademarking a name for a commonly known technique - my modalities are completely new approaches to treatment, looking for very specific outcomes. (This is also something I have done in previous careers.)
6) HOW BIG IS YOUR TOOLBOX? - I know of many therapists who brag about how big their toolboxes are. I take the opposite approach and find ways to pare down the tools that I need. In fact, I only use the same basic techniques taught in traditional table massage everywhere - I just use them a bit differently, for specific outcomes. The fewest tools with the broadest reach - the 80/20 Rule in action...
7) EVERYONE LOVES ME! - Actually, it's probably impossible to please everyone. However, some of my patients include Fighter Pilots and other Military, RCMP, Medical Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Other Massage Therapists, Owners and Managers of Spas and Clinics (and their Families), Teachers, Junior 'A' Hockey Players, Professional Athletes, Power Lifters, Weight Lifters, hard working Manual Laborers, etc. - a complete spectrum across all genders, all ages, and all backgrounds.
8) PASSION - This is one that my patients keep commenting on. I do what I love and I love what I do. As my personal mission includes building relationships and helping others, this comes through in what I do. (Several patients told me I have a soothing voice - really? (Blush!))
9) OPEN EVERY DAY - Literally open every day of the year! You must note that there is a surcharge for Holidays, and I will do my best to accommodate you, even before/after hours, if I can do so.
10) HOLISTIC TREATMENT - This is "Whole Person," not woo-woo. This treatment is more effective because injury, issues, and conditions affect the whole body, even if you only hurt in one place.
11) LONGER SESSIONS - You might be able to find up to 2 hours elsewhere, as most therapists have neither the stamina nor enough creativity to do so (their words). However, I'm certain you will not find up to 4 hour sessions, as I give. A 60 minute full body session is very superficial. Good work takes time. Invest in yourself.
12) LONGER LASTING RESULTS - Most people find that a commodity massage helps them to feel good for an hour or two after. My patients report feeling good and seeing improvements for 1-2 days to 1-2 weeks afterwards (2 hour MAT(E)™ session), as well as fuller healing of injuries and issues with regular sessions.
13) COMBINED TREATMENT/ASSESSMENT - My massage association wants me to perform a separate assessment using the same diagnostics as doctors, physios, and chiros use. However, this is very time consuming, is seldom very accurate, and usually does not change the treatment, anyway. With my MAT(E)™ modality, the treatment IS the assessment. Save time and gain accuracy!
14) DIRECT BILLING & DISCOUNTS - If you have massage insurance, I can usually bill them directly, in only a few minutes. However, if you have no insurance, I offer a 10% discount (which you must ask for!). Receipts for discounted sessions cannot be used for insurance purposes.
15) DEALING WITH COVID, ETC. - Infections that may be transmitted through the air are not a concern. The treatment room uses a UV light between sessions, and a medical grade HyperHEPA Full Premises Air Purifier that catches particles 100x smaller than a virus. (AHS has NO air purification requirements or standards!) There are 2 other air purifiers/filters on the premises. No mask required.
Please don't think I'm trying to steal anyone else's business. In fact, if you are getting results and what you need from your current therapists, stay with them! It can be difficult to find the right match, so if those relationships work for you, stay with them! (There are some excellent Commodity Massage Therapists around.) However, if you don't yet have a therapist, aren't getting what you want or need, or maybe want to get even more, I invite you to consider getting treatments from me.