Ella Henderson

As a Registered Massage Therapist, trained in Ontario, the foundations of my practice are in General Swedish Massage. This approach emphasizes using evidence-based techniques and practices to promote and maintain the health of joints and soft tissues in the body, as well as to support recovery, rehabilitation from injury, and management of pain or dysfunction.

Two additional modalities that I am excited to offer, in addition to General Swedish Massage, are Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage. 

I am certified as a Manual Lymphatic Drainage Practitioner (Vodder Level 2). This gentle, hands-on treatment supports the body’s natural ability to manage fluid balance and remove excessive fluid accumulation from its tissues. With Level 2 training, I am qualified to treat bodies that are moving through short-to- medium-term conditions involving edema (swelling) such as pregnancy, concussion, injury (e.g.: sprains, burns, tendinopathies, fractures, etc.), surgeries (e.g.: c-sections, joint replacement, dental surgery, etc.), or recurring sinus infections.  I also support folks with longer-term challenges related to fluid management in the body such as congestion experienced by some folks with Down’s Syndrome, swelling and congestion related to Multiple Sclerosis, joint swelling and pain due to arthritis or side effects of some medications, or seasonal allergies.

Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage allows be to blend all of my training in how the body and nervous system work with the absolutely lovely pressure that can be provided through barefoot treatment. In this style of massage I stand on the table, using overhead bars for balance. This allows me to provide deep, satisfying pressure to any part of the body requiring treatment. Ashiatsu can also be blended with General Swedish Massage (using my hands) in any treatment. 

As a queer practitioner, I am particularly passionate about creating a space where marginalized bodies and identities can access caring, respectful, therapeutic treatment. I strive to create a safe-enough, welcoming space in which all bodies and experiences are treated with compassion and respect. All of my treatments emphasize clear communication, informed consent, client education, and collaboration to create a treatment plan that works for you.

In all of my work, I take a bio-psycho-social approach to understanding the needs and capacity of each client so that treatment and home care suggestions can be both helpful and practical for your day-to-day life.  Whatever your reasons for seeking massage therapy, my goal is to meet you where you are, to understand the various factors affecting your physical functioning, and to work with you to create a treatment plan that suits your individual needs, capacity, and goals.