Meet our Massage Therapists.
At Summerhill Health Centre, our massage therapists take a thoughtful, individualized approach to care. Whether you're dealing with an injury, persistent muscle tension, the physical demands of sport or everyday life, or simply need time to relax and reset, your treatment is tailored to your needs and goals.
Registered Massage Therapist
Chris Lee
Chris graduated from Kikkawa College in 1993 and brings more than 30 years of experience in massage therapy to Summerhill Health Centre. Her approach is comprehensive and focused on understanding the individual as a whole, rather than treating an isolated area or symptom.
Chris works with a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns, including neck and back pain, sports injuries, extremity injuries and repetitive or postural strains. Her goal is to help patients reduce pain and tension, improve mobility and function, and feel more comfortable in their everyday activities.
With decades of clinical experience, Chris brings a thoughtful, adaptable approach to each treatment. She works with patients of different ages and activity levels and tailors her care to their specific needs and goals.
Chris has also always enjoyed an active lifestyle. Outside the clinic, she loves hiking, kayaking, and staying active through spin and TRX classes. She also enjoys cooking, wine, and spending time outdoors with her partner and dog.
As part of the Summerhill team, Chris brings the experience of a long-standing clinician together with the personalized, relationship-based care that has been at the heart of the clinic since 1989.
Registered Massage Therapist
Kurt Townshend
Kurt graduated from the Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy in 1991 and brings more than 35 years of experience in massage therapy to Summerhill Health Centre. He takes a versatile and open-minded approach to care, adapting each treatment to the individual and their goals.
Kurt’s practice focuses on sports massage, rehabilitation and relaxation. He works with patients looking to recover from physical demands and injuries, improve mobility and function, or simply feel their best. His broad clinical experience allows him to tailor his approach to a wide range of needs and activity levels.
An active lifestyle has always been an important part of Kurt’s life and informs his understanding of the demands placed on the body. He is an avid hockey player and enjoys working out at the gym, giving him a personal appreciation for the importance of staying active, recovering well and maintaining physical function.
Outside the clinic, Kurt enjoys spending time with his wife, son and dogs.
As part of the Summerhill team, Kurt brings decades of hands-on experience and a practical, adaptable approach to massage therapy, contributing to the personalized care that has been central to the clinic since 1989.
Registered Massage Therapist
Kate Gibbens
Kate (Kathryn) is a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) and graduate of the Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy. She is trained in Swedish massage, deep tissue therapy, myofascial techniques, scar tissue therapy, joint mobilization, and therapeutic stretching. Kathryn takes an individualized approach to treatment, tailoring each session to meet the specific needs and goals of her patients.
Kate’s passion for movement and rehabilitation began through dance. She started dancing at the age of four and continued her training throughout her life, studying at professional ballet schools across Canada before attending Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), where she completed the Theatre Dance BFA program. Through her experience in dance, Kathryn developed a deep appreciation for the role massage therapy plays in recovery, performance, and overall well-being.
Kate is dedicated to providing thoughtful, high-quality care and creating a positive treatment experience for every patient. She has a special interest in treating postural imbalances, athletic injuries, and pre- and postnatal patients.
What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy uses hands-on techniques to work with the muscles and soft tissues of the body. Depending on your needs, treatment may help reduce muscular tension, improve mobility, support recovery from physical activity and make everyday movement more comfortable.
At Summerhill, massage therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all treatment. Your therapist will consider your symptoms, activity level, goals and overall comfort when determining the most appropriate approach.
How we approach massage therapy at Summerhill?
Our massage therapists bring different areas of experience and expertise to their work, allowing us to offer a versatile approach to massage therapy.
Treatment may include techniques such as Swedish and deep tissue massage, myofascial work, scar tissue techniques, joint mobilization, stretching and sports-focused massage.
Whether your goal is rehabilitation, improved mobility, recovery from activity or simply relaxation, your treatment is adapted to what your body needs that day.
Our massage therapists can also work alongside the other practitioners at Summerhill when a multidisciplinary approach would be helpful.
Common reasons patients see us for massage therapy:
Massage therapy may be helpful for a variety of muscular and musculoskeletal concerns, including:
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Neck and shoulder tension
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Back pain and muscular tightness
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Sports and athletic injuries
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Repetitive or postural strain
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Muscle soreness and tension
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Extremity injuries
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Reduced mobility
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Recovery from physical activity
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General stress and tension
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Relaxation and overall well-being
Your massage therapist will discuss your concerns with you and determine an appropriate approach based on your individual needs.
What to expect at your appointment?
Your appointment begins with a conversation about what brought you in, how you're feeling and what you'd like to get out of your treatment.
Your therapist will assess the areas you're concerned about and discuss an approach that fits your goals. Treatment may involve a combination of massage techniques, soft tissue work, stretching or joint mobilization, depending on your needs.
Throughout your appointment, your therapist will adjust the treatment based on your comfort and response.
For some patients, massage therapy is part of a broader rehabilitation plan. For others, it's simply an opportunity to slow down, release tension and feel better in their body.
Why Summerhill?
Care that looks at the bigger picture.
At Summerhill, massage therapy is part of a multidisciplinary approach to health and rehabilitation.
Our practitioners work under one roof, making it easier to access different types of care when appropriate. Your massage therapist can collaborate with our chiropractors, naturopathic doctor, psychotherapist or Shiatsu therapist, or help you determine whether another approach may better suit your needs.
Our goal is to provide thoughtful, personalized care that supports how you want to feel and function — whether you're recovering from an injury, staying active or simply looking after your health.
What patients are saying about our massage therapists?
Lyba
"I have had nothing but satisfaction from the practitioners at Summerhill where I have been going for a few decades, following them when they changed locations. The staff is caring and competent. You can't ask for more."
Anna
"Friendly, clean, and professional. My sweet spot in my neighborhood. Nicole and Kurt are my people."
Janet
"Have been a patient for years. This most caring and helpful experience ever!"