kristen macdonald RMT + OMP

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST / OSTEOPATHIC MANUAL PRACTITIONER

(She/Her)
Available Monday, Wednesday + Thursday

Kristen graduated with a Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice from the four year program at the Canadian School of Osteopathy in Vancouver in 2023.

Osteopathy is a holistic therapeutic practice that is based on the premise that manipulation of the bones and muscles encourages self-regulation within the body to restore function. After personally experiencing the tremendous benefits of osteopathy for chronic hip pain, she knew she wanted to become an osteopathic practitioner.

Kristen has also practiced as a Registered Massage Therapist in Vancouver since 2014. She truly loves her work and finds anatomy and physiology endlessly fascinating. Her passion for helping others, curiosity and love of learning drives her to constantly strive to be a better health care provider.

She has experience treating a wide variety of conditions and injuries, tailoring your treatment to your individual needs. Using a combination of joint mobilization, muscle energy technique, myofascial release, visceral and craniosacral techniques, the goal of Kristen’s treatment is to encourage self-regulation within the body, reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve function.

Kristen has called Vancouver home for the past 12 years and enjoys everything the city has to offer. In her free time she loves walking, yoga, riding her bike, and learning how to dance in her roller skates.

*Please note

As an active member of Osteopathy BC. Selecting an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner treatment will issue an osteopathy receipt.

Kristen is also an active member of the College of Massage Therapists of BC. Selecting Registered Massage Therapy treatment will issue an RMT receipt.

get to know kristen

Mt Pleasant local’s tip: Kranky’s Cafe has delicious coffee and best chocolate cake EVER!! Super cute, low key, licensed cafe with a lovely outdoor area and awesome staff. Unwind at Moksha Yoga with super friendly, knowledgeable instructors. Try their $5 karma classes (funds support local charities). Check out Harlow for “thoughtfully and aesthetically designed, natural & organic self-care goods”. All of their products are made in house! Urban Source is an amazing alternative art supply store full of odds and ends and inspiration. The Narrow makes the best lavender gin fizz cocktail, plays great music and has a sweet patio out back. And for the best view: stand at the 99 bus stop on main and look up to see the sweetest little piece of street art.

Top self-care tip: Make time to slow down, however that looks for you: a yoga class, a walk or 2 mins of deep breathing. We lead busy lives and things can get hectic. Secondly, laugh! Whenever I lose my sense of humour, that’s when I know I’m in trouble. Read a book that makes you laugh, watch a funny show or hang out with your funniest friend. Laughter releases feel-good brain chemicals that reduce pain and may boost immune function, cardiovascular health and memory.

Why Therapy Health Studio? As soon as I walked through the door I immediately fell in love with the space. It has such a calm, inviting vibe and something kind of magical about it. I feel like I’m in my second apartment when I work here. Very homey and serene and you get a sense of spaciousness; like you have room to breathe. Whether my clients are recovering from an injury or just wanting to relax, I want them to feel that welcoming vibe and just be able to unwind and let go of their day. A brief suspension in time. The other reason I love Therapy Health Studio is the other lovely therapists I work with, and Carrie, the owner. She is a super rad lady and the space is really an extension of her awesomeness.

accolades

I have been seeing Kristen for RMT treatments for about three years. She does an excellent job of treating my intermittent lower back, neck, and shoulder pain. Kristen is very attentive, professional, and skilled at adapting treatments according to whatever issue I’m dealing with. She is also warm, friendly, and has a great sense of humour. I highly recommend her as a RMT.

Cathy C

Kristen has a deep understanding of how the body works as well as the assessment skills (including an uncanny intuition) to pinpoint the source of aches and pains. Her sensitive touch and rhythmic flow are healing on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. At the end of a session, I feel both my musculature and nervous system are incredibly calm and relaxed.

Ian B

Kristen was great. She was very attentive and communicative right from the start of the session. She regularly checked on the level of pressure, but was bang on every time already. She was quick to adapt as we noticed new things going on in my body during the massage and re-focused where needed. Great experience overall!