When we think about massages, we often think about spa days and a way to relax. It wasn't until I started seeing a massage therapist that I really understood the benefits from it. And one thing I never realized, is that it's also beneficial for children! I recently met Kerri-Ann Hutton, RMT and owner of West K Wellness in West Kelowna and am blown away by how much she's done and what she's certified to do.
Before we dive into her business, I'd love to tell you a little about Kerri-Ann. She actually grew up with a background in dance before deciding she wanted to help people. After going to school for massage, she had the opportunity to move to the Okanagan for work and it wasn't long before she opened her own business. That quickly picked up and she now serves more than 500 clients. But don't let that stop you from contacting her! Kerri-Ann has brought on Jaylene Rae, RMT to help with the volume of patients. Despite the amount of clients she serves, Kerri-Ann still meets with everyone when they first come to her to go over treatment plans and how West K Wellness can help.
Some of the treatments offered include Swedish Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial release, Trigger Point therapy, Joint Mobilizations, and Hot Stone Massage for adults, but Kerri-Ann also does a lot of work with children. Did I mention she also runs yoga classes? What doesn't she do!?
Kerri-Ann loves working with kids and has many tricks up her sleeve to make the kids feel comfortable during their appointment. One of those ways is bringing in her dogs to sit with the child. Treating children is very different from treat adults, there is so much more to take into consideration and it’s important for RMTs to be extra diligent and also take some pediatric massage courses to ensure the wellbeing of the child.
Children must also give consent to be treated and this is maintained through clear communication, lots of talking and taking the child’s lead. Children should not be told to remove their clothing for massage, in fact they should remain dressed for treatment at a young age. The goal is to keep them safe and comfortable, have fun and then they will really benefit from the experience. The focus is on the kiddos, not the parents. Parents are always in the room or just outside the room with the door open. This is for the safety of the child as well as the therapist (RMT). There's so much to consider, and it's very different from working with adults in the treatment room. We'll have a future blog post dedicated to more information on massage therapy for children with Kerri-Ann.
Kerri-Ann has furthered her education in breast tissue massage, and it's something every person should consider when looking for a massage therapist to help treat for breast tissue health. A registered massage therapist with this specialty has extra training as it is not taught in most massage colleges. This can benefit people with breast cysts, mastitis, lumpectomy, mastectomy, breast tissue edema, scar tissue, augmentation and so much more. Your therapist will be knowledgeable and special consent is always received before and during to make sure the client’s care and wellbeing is number one.
Kerri-Ann has additional training and certifications in:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Vodders)
Pregnancy (Prenatal) Massage & Post Natal Massage
Breast Tissue Massage
Internationally Certified Infant Massage Teacher
Pediatric Massage for children with Cancer
Pediatric Massage for children ASD
Hot Stone Massage
Hydrotherapy
Myofascial Release
Joint Mobilizations
Remedial Exercise
If you're looking for a uniquely specialized registered massage therapist, West K Wellness is the place to go. Check out their website and follow them on social media.
Website: www.westkwellness.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/khuttonrmt
Instagram: www.instagram.com/westkwellness