Introducing Toronto Massage Therapist, Judyth Gerichter
Hello! My name is Judyth Gerichter, and I am so pleased to be the newest addition to the Hands on Health Family Chiropractic team. I feel very lucky to be practicing in such a lovely and warm atmosphere along side such dedicated health care professionals.
I have been practicing in a family health and wellness setting since graduating from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2006. It makes me so happy to help people utilize the benefits of massage therapy in order to reach their wellness goals. I am a firm believer that massage therapy is not a just a luxury, or simply a form of crisis management, but a combination of art and science, which should be incorporated into your regular health care regimen in order to reach optimal health.
I also earned a certificate in pregnancy massage shortly after graduating, which aside from extensive theory, involved a two-month practicum at the Woman's College Hospital on the labour and delivery floor. It was one of the most fascinating and rewarding experiences I've ever had. Helping women through one of the most special, sacred and challenging times of their lives was something I feel absolutely privileged to be a part of. I am passionate about working with moms, both prenatal and postpartum.
My approach to massage therapy may seem a bit unique, but I believe that each of our bodies has a story to tell. I rely on my sensitive and intuitive sense of touch to listen to what your body has to say, tuning in to and feeling for the minute changes that occur within your tissues, which enables me to respond to your body efficiently rather than intruding on it. I use what I can feel going on within your muscles to tailor a treatment to your very specific needs. I will set up a treatment plan, and give you home care instructions on how to help your body to heal itself between sessions. Yes, massage therapy comes with homework! My style of massage therapy is deeply restorative, rhythmic, nurturing and refreshing. I am a strong believer in treating others the way I myself would expect to be treated. You can rest assured that I will always meet you with an open heart, respect, dignity and compassion.
The types of massage I practice include:
- general Swedish rhythmic techniques
- deep tissue work
- prenatal and post partum massage
- general relaxation
- trigger point therapy
- headache and migraine relief
My personal interests mainly revolve around getting out and seeing what this wonderful and beautiful world has to offer! I love to travel, visit museums, read about history, science, art and nature. I love to cook, and I was a professional cook before returning to school for massage therapy. Visiting a farmer's market or a new ethnic grocery store is one of my absolute favourite things to do.
I feel so very blessed to have a career that I absolutely love. I enjoy every minute I spend helping people to feel their best, and I look forward to working with you in the future.
Judyth Gerichter, RMT.
INTRODUCING TWO NEW REGISITERED MASSAGE THERAPISTS
It is with great excitement and anticipation of a new baby that I introduce to you the two quality individuals who will be overseeing my practice for six months. Filippo Perzia and Vanessa Umali will share my hours and continue to provide you with the utmost professional treatment that you currently receive at our clinic. Both individuals will be part of our team until October, 2010.
Here is a little info on Filippo Perzia, RMT: 
TUESDAY’s 8am – 1pm and alternating SATURDAY’S 11am-5pm
- He attended the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy from August 2003 to June 2005
- He has been practicing since October 2005
- He completed the required 200 hours of clinic training, that included both massage and hydrotherapy, 26 hours of hospital outreach, treating individuals with traumatic brain injuries and finally, voluntarily completed over 50 hours of sport outreach, dealing with athletes in such sports as volleyball, cycling and dragon boat racing.
- Filippo’s style is that of a ‘treatment therapist’ meaning to identify the area of concern and treat it safely and effectively, with the help of the client doing the required exercises, stretches and appropriate hydrotherapy.
- He is a sport-focused therapist - not exclusively - but he does excel in treating clients that lead an active lifestyle or play organized sports, such as competitive cycling, hockey, baseball, martial arts, and skiing.
- Filippo brings a style of massage therapy that is professional, methodical, and co-operative with his clients. There are two people involved in every treatment and it is only with both individuals actively participating that results will be achieved.
Here’s what Vanessa Umali, RMT has to say about herself: 
WEDNESDAY’s and THURSDAY’s 2pm – 8pm
"Hello, my name is Vanessa Umali RMT. I am a graduate from Sutherland-Chan with a diploma in massage therapy. I am also trained in Thai Yoga Massage. I have vast experience with various clients. I have worked closely with patients at Princess Margaret Hospital. I have also massaged seniors, athletes and pre & post-natal clients. I believe massage therapy is an art and science that is deeply nourishing when a solid relationship between client and therapist is formed. I welcome all opportunities to earn your trust and provide you with healthcare that will enhance your well-being. Hope to see you soon!"
Please note that as these therapists begin their work with you, it is necessary for them to understand about your body and your history – this translates to 5-10 minutes of your initial treatment in the form of discussion, assessment, file review, etc. I will prepare your files as necessary. It is important for you to maintain your current massage schedule to maintain and improve your overall health and wellness plan. (once a month, every two/three weeks, etc.)
Trust that you are in good hands.
I look forward to updating you on my life and hearing about yours.
In the meantime, please take care of your SELF and BREATHE!
With love and laughter ,
Jennifer Casola
The who, what, where, how and why of JENNIFER CASOLA, RMT
WHO am i?
- I am a beautiful woman full of spirit, love, support, compassion, knowledge, understanding, practice.
- I am enthusiastic to tell you all the stuff I know.
- I am somebody who loves to learn, to grow, to share, to connect and to teach.
WHAT am i?
- I am healthy.
- I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a niece, a cousin, an aunt, and a friend.
- I am a teacher.
- I am a Registered Massage Therapist.
- I am a Certified Yoga Instructor.
- I am a Certified Reflexologist.
- I am a practitioner.
- I am a student.
- I am passionate.
WHERE have i been?
- I have lived in Etobicoke, Mississauga and currently live in north Toronto.
- I graduated from Sheridan College with a Diploma in Advertising.
- I worked in sales and marketing for three years.
- I graduated from ICT Kikkawa College with a Diploma in Massage Therapy.
- I have been working at Hands on Health Chiropractic and Wellness Centre for two years.
- I completed a certification in Reflexology in July 2005 through the Reflexology Association of Canada .
- I was certified to teach yoga in 2001 through Stillpoint Yoga in Northport, Ontario.
- I have been teaching yoga at Singing Lotus Yoga Studio in Etobicoke for six years.
- I have been teaching yoga at community schools in Richmond Hill for three years.
- I have participated in many many many workshops for yoga, movement and the body.
HOW can i help you?
- You can come and see me.
- I will treat you with respect and care.
- I will ask you some questions.
- I will assess your physical health.
- After our initial assessment, I will develop a plan for US to work together for your long term health plan.
- I will help to educate you.
- I will demonstrate exercises for you to work on and practice.
- I will make sure you are comfortable at all times.
WHY should you choose massage for your health and wellness?
- It feels good.
- It stimulates and activates many systems of the body.
- Your shoulders are stuck to your ears – help!
- Touch heals.
- Headaches diminish.
- Your muscles will be stretched out so they can breathe.
- You probably have health insurance that covers massage therapy, and you may not know it!
- Massage improves and increases circulation.
- You always feel better after a massage.
- Negative stress leaves your body and makes room for positive energy, movement and oxygen.
- Massage works along with chiropractic care to realign, redesign and rejuvenate your musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
- You may be feeling ‘stuck’.
- The body responds to touch therapy quickly.
- You are able to spend some time on your SELF.
WHAT kind of massage can i administer?
- General therapeutic
- Swedish massage
- Relaxation
- Prenatal & Postnatal
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Fascial Work
Some popular questions:
Does massage hurt?
It can be tender in places, especially those exhibiting muscles with more tightness and less oxygen. Every BODY is different, therefore, pressure will vary from client to client. The idea is to disperse the calcium, lactic acid, uric acid and work at circulating all areas, promoting flow in the body. The way I describe it: it’s like you’ve been to the gym, only I’ve done the work for you. You may feel tenderness the next day, perhaps even the day after, but the length you will feel within the muscles far outweighs the tenderness.
What do I wear?
It all depends on what area of the body is in focus. There are two sheets that you fit yourself in between. You get comfy, perhaps down to your undergarments. Ultimately, skin on skin is most beneficial. Rest assured that your private areas will remain covered and secure! If there are areas on your body that you wish for me to stay away from, it is important to let me know in advance.
How long will it take to fix?
This absolutely varies. Understand that your body did not become tense overnight, therefore, this tension usually will not disappear after one treatment. This is dependent on your history, your activity level, your rehabilitation, your enthusiasm, your cooperation and our plan. Noticeable changes happen quickly, as quick as one treatment. It is important to continue to communicate your progress with me, stating any changes in your daily schedule that may affect your body and mind.
I am pregnant. Is massage safe for me and my baby?
ABSOLUTELY!!! How can you deny yourself of touch and circulation at such an important growth stage in both of your lives? As the body progressively changes throughout your pregnancy, you may encounter muscular aches and discomfort, fluid retention and swelling, sinus congestion, sciatica, leg cramps, sleep deprivation, difficulty breathing, an overall change in posture. So much can be done in one hour to help you through some of these changes – if anything, you can allow yourself to relax comfortably on the table and focus on your breathing, without the business of the mind and your moving body. As for your positioning on the table, each mama is different – some may choose to lie on their sides, others may choose to be semi-reclined, or perhaps you would like to try a safe alternative and lie on your belly with pregnancy pillows to support both you and your baby. Reflexology is recommended at any stage, and perhaps more frequently as you approach your due date or even surpass your due date. I simply adore working with pregnant moms and their growing babies.
NOTES by Jennifer
I love what I do. I believe I have a gift, and I am just sharing that gift. I truly want the best for EVERY BODY and I plan on working with EVERY BODY to achieve optimal health. It is important to understand your role in your overall health – you must take an active part and we will work together to achieve your health goals.
Drink water. Keep moving. Strengthen. Stretch. Love more.
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