It's a Time to Remember
November 10, 2022
You're awesome and let me tell you why
October 20, 2022
 

CUP-pling is FULL!!

I asked and you responded spectacularly. Thank you so much to those you registered and ready to start this new adventure. The mysterious world of fascia journeyed through using cups, I hope will be fun and beneficial for you.

Don’t worry if you didn’t have a chance to register because the dates didn’t work for you but you’re still interested, please email me at info@rtptherapy.com and I’ll put you on a waitlist as I’m sure I’ll be launching an updated version of this course in the future. If you’re interested in adventuring on your own with cups, I do have cups available for sale. They come individually in the following sizes XS, S, M, L, and as a set. If you’re interested in getting some for yourself, please email me at info@rtptherapy.com.

I’m cuckoo for cups!

Be the First. Are you an early adopter?
October 18, 2022
 

Launch of CUPpling

 

I’ve created a cupping course to help you free your fascia and feel improved mobility in your body. The course will run for 2 Thursday evenings, November 10 & 24 from 6-8pm at Return to Play Therapy (294 Picton Ave). For this beta launch course, it is $199 per pair. You don’t have to be a couple to CUPple (groan I know but I think I’m funny). A lot of the techniques are self applied/inflicted but some do require a partner. The fee also includes a couple of cups. I’m only taking a small group so if you’re interested please register via the button below.

If you have any questions, please email me at info@rtptherapy.com.

Register Here
It Was a Wild Ride!
August 31, 2022

I have to start off by thanking so many of you that made this experience one to remember. Thank you to Flori telling me about this bike trip. Thank you to Scott and Eric for all the great advice about the ride as well as preparing for it. You literally saved our butts! Thank you to Beverly and Flora for jerseys, I’d like to think that we rocked the look. Thank you to Susan for your last minute suggestion on electrolyte tabs for hydration.

This was a great adventure for our family. We knew that Day 1 was going to be a challenge and it was. What I didn’t know was actually how sore my legs were going to be. Thank goodness we had access to a lake so we did some hydrotherapy but I was genuinely afraid that I wasn’t going to make it. Fortunately, it did get better from there. We breathed in the fresh air and took in the scenery. Our country is so beautiful! I’m so unbelievably proud of my boys (yes, Dan is included in this and he knows why) and I for completing this, and I’m looking forward to our next adventure.

During this time of vacation and recovery, I am getting re-energized and refocused on continuing to provide excellent service. I continue to put forth my best effort at each and every session to get you results. I am raising my rates so that I can remain in business and provide you quality service for years to come. My rate is increasing to $145/hr and the student rate to $130/hr as of October 1st, 2022. Over the past couple of years, you have seen many businesses struggling to remain open and the cost of resources have continued to rise. This is the approach that I am taking to allow me to continue to provide you with the experience that you deserve. If you’d like to discuss any concerns, we can book a 15 minute phone call. Please email me at info@rtptherapy.com to arrange the call.

I am providing a one time offer to pre-purchase as many sessions as you’d like at the current rate. These appointments will not expire. You will be able to purchase them as “packages” until September 30, 2022. Please email me at info@rtptherapy.com to arrange that.

Thank you for your continued support in my growth and development as a therapist and as a person, and I hope that you feel that you have been a part of that growth and will continue to find value this relationship. I look forward to the next time I’m able to support you.

Yours in health,

Kathleen

 
How Can RTP Innovate Its Offering
Sent Aug 17, 2022

It’s the eve of THE biggest inclusive rugby tournament in the world, Bingham Cup, and I’m organizing the medical coverage. I’m nervous about it because there have been so many moving parts and things building to this event. I’ve been super fortunate to have such great support and awesome people sign up to provide care for this event.

It’s made me think about how can I better support my peeps. I’ve spoken to a few of you about a cupping course that I’m developing. What I’d like to create is a course or program to help you treat and manage yourself using cups…which I’m sure some of you have mixed feeling about. However, cups are accessible and fairly simple to use. The course is called, “Cup-pling” because it’ll use cups but also to be done in pairs. You don’t have to be a couple to “cup-ple.” ;D What I’d really appreciate is your feedback on what areas you would find helpful for me to address. As much as some of you know intimately and don’t like it, IT band work will be included…some of you might be rethinking signing up.

Please let me know by replying to this email. Thank you for your feedback and I look forward to creating something that can continue to help you and others.

Kathleen

It’s time to see faces again
Sent June 13, 2022

Hello Lovely People of the RTP Community,

I’m a little late in getting this out as it was a rugby weekend and I didn’t get a chance to get this info out. I have received word that masks are no longer required which is great because now I can meet some of you face to face and see what you look like without masks. The therapists at RTP will continue to use masks during sessions. Personally, I’ll greet you without a mask but when treatment starts, I’ll put one on so I don’t breathe on you. If you decide to wear a mask, that is great but no longer required. We will also no longer need to shoot you in the head with our thermometer. I have tucked my friend away in a drawer however please do NOT come in if you are sick. That will remain a standard going forward. You will also no longer need to complete screens before each session.

Ahhh, can you feel the little of freedom from admin stuff that needs to be done. I do want to tell you about a feature that is available and some have tried it. The waitlist option has been updated. If you add yourself to the waitlist, please be specific when your availability is. If a cancellation happens, you and any other on the list will be notified about the opening and it’s a first come first served booking. I’m not sure but sometimes the exact time of the opening isn’t sent out with the notification so that’s why I ask you to be specific in your availability so that if an opening happens then you can book it knowing that you can take it. You should get a confirmation email with the details once it’s booked.

Things are moving along at RTP. Maybe I’m feeling good after a really fun hot pot experience over the weekend I’m not sure but what I’m sure is we’re ready to help you out as best we can. Looking forward to seeing you all when that time comes. Have a great day!

Yours in Health,

Kathleen

What’s up with Masks?
Sent June 5, 2022

Hello Valued People of the RTP Community,

I know there have been different businesses and settings that have removed their mask policies. The College of Massage Therapy has said that masks are still to be used until at least June 11th. This is what has been set for health care settings as RTP falls under the category of a health care facility.

I want to let you know that going forward when the masks are no longer required, the therapists at RTP will continue to wear masks. For me personally, I like not breathing on people when I’m working on their heads or necks. Before the pandemic, I would be mindful to turn my head away which then alters my mechanics and posture. We won’t be making it mandatory for clients, however if you choose to wear one to reciprocate that would be appreciated.

We hope that you have all been recovering well from the derecho that marched through our city weeks ago. Ottawans are resilient.

Also, please note our schedules will be changing slightly over the summer. Work - life balance and all with some of us having kiddies home for the summer. If you’re thinking that it’s about time you see one of us, please book now so we don’t block that day out. Thank you for your continued patronage and support. We look forward to serving you again.

No Fooling, Changes Are Happening
March 31, 2022

Hi All,

I just wanted to give you a heads up that when you book online there are some changes to the treatment names. If you’re looking for more of a traditional massage for a whole body approach please book a “Wellness” treatment. Some of you know that I’m not skilled in this approach so you won’t be able to book that with me ;). There are more time options for “Wellness”.

If you’re looking to have something more specific addressed then please book a “Targeted” treatment in either Athletic Therapy (AT) or Massage Therapy (MT). I’ve also created an option if someone experiences a concussion and wants to see me for that. The receipts will still indicate what treatment and time for example “Massage Therapy 60 minutes”. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Katheen

Saturday Massages Available
March 22, 2022

Vanessa has graciously opened up some appointment times on Saturdays. This is a fantastic opportunity to get great treatment that you might not otherwise be able to fit in during the work week. Vanessa has been busy leveling up her skills in Neural Manipulation. She has already taken NM1 which is about addressing trauma around the head and recently took the next level of NM2 which focuses on the nerves of the neck and shoulders. If you’ve had long standing issues in the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist) or head trauma that doesn’t seem to be resolving with conventional treatments, this could be the solution you’ve been looking for. She also updated her skills of Visceral Manipulation for the abdomen so any digestive issues that are lingering or not improving, book today. Vanessa is able to blend traditional massage techniques with her other unique skill sets. Come in and feel the difference.

Covid Protocols Will Remain in Effect
Sent March 17, 2022

Hi All,

I have received confirmation from my regulated college that RMTs will continue with masking as we are a health care setting. On March 21st the government has said that masking will no longer be required except on public transit, health care settings, long-term care homes and congregate care settings. When treating we are within your personal space and want to make sure we are both as safe as possible. If all goes well, they are projecting that by the end of April masks will no longer be required anywhere. Until then you will continue to receive screens, your temperature will continue to be taken upon arrival, masks will be worn, and sanitizing will continue to be done between clients.

We will eventually get to meet each other face to face…hmm now I can’t hide my missing tooth. I’ll get that sorted before the end of April ;)

Have a great rest of the March break if you are on break. Enjoy the weather today it’s supposed to be pretty warm today. See you soon.

Kathleen and the team at RTP

We’ve leveled up and so are our fees
Sent Feb 28, 2022

Dear Valued Clients,

I understand that times have been challenging for a number of us and I don’t bring this up lightly. Return to Play Therapy started offering massage in 2016 and has not increased the massage rates. Since that time, I’ve expanded my team and the team has expanded their skills and knowledge. This increases the value of the service provided. I am also increasing the Athletic Therapy rates to match the massage rate as I’m providing the same approach to treatment incorporating the same unique skill set to each session. I acknowledge that the Athletic Therapy rates had recently increased however I could no longer justify having different rates for the same approach. This means that it’s easier for me to switch and provide a different receipt as needed.

We will continue to grow and develop. We will continue to perform to our best ability at each session and provide the best care we can to help you towards your health goals. If you have any concerns or questions, please direct them to Kathleen at kathleen@rtptherapy.com.

As an expression of some levity, the Post Covid Guide was created to help people “transition” out of this pandemic. Hopefully the end is in sight. Click on the button below and have a look.

Post Covid Guide

We are grateful for you and look forward to continuing to build strong relationship going forward. We will continue to work towards returning you to play as effectively as possible.

Yours in health,

The Return to Play Team

 
A Look Back at 2021
Sent Dec 30, 2021

I meant to send a message wishing you all a Merry Christmas but like many of you this latest iteration of the virus had us making changes to holiday plans that unfortunately put this message on the back burner. No need to fret as I’m sending you greetings now. I hope that you all had a good Christmas and were able to be with the ones you loved either in person or virtually!

 

Petey is working over the holidays while Baby Yoda is enjoying the view from his destination vacation of the window sill.

 

Much like 2020, there have been a lot of changes that have been made and I want to thank you all for shifting and being flexible to what has happened and let’s face it will not likely be the last. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think that everything that has changed has been bad. This year we ran a Hybrid Infant Massage Course with Christina where she taught moms how to provide their babies with massage. With a virtual option we were able to remove the geographical necessity for attendees. One mom was in Alberta. Virtual was also helpful when life happens like the baby was napping and you don’t want to wake a sleeping baby or an older sibling is sick so meeting up with other people isn’t going to happen. It was a great learning opportunity for everyone involved. I learned that I could be replaced by a stand instead of holding my phone to video the demonstration.

Another big change was Vanessa joining the RTP team. I feel very fortunate to have another excellent therapist be available to provide service and care to all you awesome people. It was great too to be able to have taken the Pelvic Viscera course with her and we have been able to add that to our offerings at RTP. We’d been waiting almost 2 years to take this course because of the pandemic but have already been able to make impactful changes to people.

I have been personally working on growing the business but also myself. I’ve done things that I didn’t think that I would do. I’ve started a Facebook Page about Fascia called “Fascia-Nation”. A little geeky but then again so am I. Check it out and like and follow it (apparently that’s a thing, see I’m learning about this social media stuff although Facebook is for old people…ahh MY people ;). The Instagram and Twitter icons don’t link to anything but now the Facebook one does) There’s more to come in 2022 and I look forward to sharing that with you.

Facebook icon

We at RTP can’t thank you enough for your support. We’re so thankful to you that you think of us when you need help and have been good to spread the word to friends and family about us. We’re grateful that many of you are super active and accident prone, lol. We look forward to helping and supporting you with your health goals. Have a Happy New Year and all the best in 2022!

Help me, help you - Jerry Maguire

 

Hi Everyone,

We just wanted to let you know of a couple of changes that are going to be happening starting next week. The Covid screen that is usually sent a couple of hours ahead of the appointment will now be sent 24hr ahead of your appointment. It was brought to our attention that not everybody can access it that soon before the appointment and doing the screen the day before would be better. We heard you and we’re making the change.

The other change that is happening is that we’ve created an insurance form that if you have extended benefits, you can add your insurance information so that we can direct bill. Hopefully this will make the process smoother for both parties involved. This form will be automatically sent to anyone new to the clinic but you might also receive it if you have a policy on file or not. Sorry if this is a bother.

Last but not least, this is a reminder to those with extended benefits. Maybe you’ve been holding off just in case something happens during the year that you’ll need treatment for, well the year is drawing to an end. We’re fortunate at RTP that we have excellent therapists with great skills that are ready to help you. Now is the time to address that nagging ache or that limitation in your movement that you’ve been working around…might also be nice to treat yourself in the middle of the holiday rush in anticipation of being on your feet or maybe elbowing other customers to get that much sought after gift. Help yourself by booking. Help us, help you. ;)

We look forward to working with you!

Problematic Pelvises

Vanessa and I had the fortune to be able to take Barral’s Visceral Manipulation Course on the Pelvis over the weekend. I experienced that the pulling behind my knee that I thought was muscular was actually a restricted ligament in my pelvis. If you have chronic pain in your low back, urinary issues, champion mom who’s child wreaked havoc on them on their way out, or had a fall on that good old coccyx, then come in soon while the skills are still fresh in mind!

New Member to the RTP Team

As cute and welcoming Grogu, aka “Baby Yoda” is, he’s not the only new team member RTP is excited to have aboard. We are eager to add Vanessa Leo to the team. Vanessa is another RMT with CST and VM training and is looking forward to providing excellent care to you. She will be starting October 1st.

Exclusively RTP

Kathleen will now be exclusively working at Return to Play starting this September. Since the clinic opened in 2019, she has been working at both RTP and MEDSPORT Ottawa but the time has come that she will be working at Return to Play only. The focus will be to grow RTP and with that another RMT is in the works to start in October but more news about that to come!

Book Today

Also a head’s up that an updated Covid screen will now be sent pre-treatment that more closely matches Ottawa Public Health’s Screening Tool for Workplaces.

 

Thank you for your continued support and patronage!!

Updated Self Check-In

We’ve got an updated self check-in sign to be posted on the window to the right side of the front door. (Hopefully this one will survive the fading caused by the sun). There are instructions on how to use the self check-in, you will need your RTP login and password. (If you don’t know your login or password, let me know and I’ll send you an email to reset them).

Below is what you’ll see. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask at info@rtptherapy.com. Thank you for your cooperation or at least your attempt at checking in ;)

Updated Covid Screening Questionnaire

To better align with the current situation in Ottawa, the questionnaire has been updated to match what is being provided by Ottawa Public Health’s Screening Tool. Although more stringent, everyone’s safety is our priority.

Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to continuing to provide excellent service and helping you as best we can. Stay safe.

 

We have new emails!

We hope you had a great weekend and got tWe’re trying to streamline things at Return to Play.

 

If you have any questions or need to change an appointment, please email info@rtptherapy.com (but let’s face it right now I’ll still be the one to reply to these emails 😅).

If you need to contact Kathleen directly, please email her at kathleen@rtptherapy.com

If you need to contact Christina, please email her at christina@rtptherapy.com

Fees are increasing starting September 1, 2020

We at Return to Play Therapy are committed to providing excellent service and getting results to help support you to achieve your health goals.  Our fees have been at this rate since 2016 and our skill sets have grown to better address your needs. There was an intention to increase fees however when the pandemic broke that was put on hold.  The increase is to better align the fees for Athletic Therapy and Massage Therapy.  We are giving you notice now that fees will increase come September to remain transparent as we value open communication and want to maintain that with you. 

If you have a moment to share what about Return to Play Therapy you like the most, your feedback would be greatly appreciated.  Whether that's the new space, the results we get, or the amazement at how we're able to find that spot on your body that you didn't know was that sore. To share your feedback, simply reply to this email.  Thank you in advance.

We look forward to continuing to service you. Stay safe.

Yours in health,

Return to Play Therapy team

Return to Play Therapy is excited to have Christina join the Team!

We announced Christina joining our team in March and she was all ready to start but then the pandemic happened and we've all had a bit of adapting to do.  She's now ready to start and ready to help reduce your stress and maybe help you have a "nicer" association with RTP ;)

So...
If you're shoulders are up at your ears from working from home, come on in.
If you need a reason to get out of your home, she can do that.
If you've got some massage benefits that have built up because you haven't been able to get a massage for 3 months, book now.
If you want to have someone treat you nicer than Kathleen does, she's much nicer and will derive less pleasure in any pain she might cause so click on the button below.