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Massage Therapy - Heather Locke

Surprising Benefits of Regular Massage Therapy

By Heather

Close-up of a client's back being massaged

It counteracts all that sitting you do

Most individuals are dealing with some kind of postural stress. We sit for a large period of time through our day and stress tends to manifest in the neck and shoulders. More advanced forms of postural stress show up as pain or weakness in the upper back and neck.

It soothes anxiety and depression

Human touch, in a context that is safe, friendly and professional, can be incredibly therapeutic and relaxing, It can sooth anxiety and ease depression naturally.

It improves sleep

Not only can massage encourage a restful sleep—it also helps those who can’t otherwise comfortably rest.

It boosts immunity

Clinical studies have indicated that regular massage not only helps alleviate stress, but can naturally increase the immune system’s cytotoxic capacity. They showed an increase in serotonin and an increase in cells that are viewed as the first line of defense in the immune system.

It relieves headaches

Next time a headache hits, try booking a last-minute massage. Massage decreases frequency and severity of tension headaches.

Reduces Pain from exercise

A massage following exercise can reduce soreness and help speed up the recovery process! Massage therapy can reduce inflammation of skeletal muscle damaged through exercise. This is similar to how anti-inflammatory medication helps swelling go down.

Can help treat side effects of cancer

Patients with metastic cancer reported better sleep, less pain, and overall better quality of life after receiving massage therapy.

Benefits of massage therapy that help heal the heart

In 2008, researchers studied people who had a massage for 45 to 60 minutes. Average blood pressure fell by 10 mg Hg and heart rate by 10 beats per minute after one treatment. That’s about as much as you might get from prescribing a new blood pressure medication for life!

Massage has so many other benefits:

  • Increase the blood’s oxygen capacity by 10-15%;
  • Help loosen contracted, shortened muscles and stimulate weak, flaccid muscles. This muscle “balancing” can even help posture and promote more efficient movement;
  • Speed recovery from exercise-induced fatigue;
  • Increase production of gastric juices, saliva, and urine;
  • Increase excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and sodium chloride (salt). This suggests that the metabolic rate increases;
  • Balance the nervous system by soothing or stimulating it, depending on which effect is needed;
  • Improves function of the oil and sweat glands that lubricate, clean and cool the skin. Though, inflexible skin can become softer and more supple; and,
  • Indirectly or directly stimulating nerves the supply internal organs can dilate the organs’ blood vessels, improving blood supply.

So, what are you waiting for? Please give me a call at 604-857-3599 or book your appointment online.

  • S. Olson

    Thanks to the expert treatment and care by Heather, I was able to play out my softball season on the Canadian National Team after knee surgery.

  • G. Nunes

    I have been going to Heather Locke for 15+ years. I have followed her from Coquitlam to Port Coquitlam to White Rock. She is a miracle worker. I have tried many other massage therapists closer to where I live but I have never found anyone as fantastic as Heather. Heather is such a great massage therapist that I drive from POCO to White Rock (she is that good and definitely worth the drive).

  • J. Rodgers

    I have gone to 2 or 3 other massage therapists over the years, but none have been nearly as skilled or diversified as Heather.

  • A. Yeo

    Heather truly cares about you getting better and that reflects through the quality and effectiveness of her sessions.

  • A. McAree

    Always come out of my 1 hour massage feeling 10 years younger! Most professional and experienced masseuse I've been to.

  • C. Sjodin

    Excellent therapeutic massage for my chronic tight back muscles. Thanks Heather!

  • Rod

    Thank you for all your hard work in fixing my neck. I really have a lot of admiration and respect for what you do.

  • T. Allen

    Heather is a sensitive and caring person who is extremely competent at her profession.

  • A. Bolderston

    Heather has a sports massage/therapy background and you can tell! She expertly finds the trouble zones, and is amazing at working out areas of pain and tension. I always recommend her to my friends.

  • J. Petruniak

    Earlier this week, I had my first massage with Heather. It wasn't the kind of fru-fru massage you'd expect at a spa. It was casual, cozy, relaxing and pain-relieving which is exactly what I needed. Thank you Heather!

  • B. Middleton

    I was suffering from "frozen shoulder syndrome" that severely restricted the movement in my arm. Heather helped me gradually regain the use of my arm. I was also able to reduce the medication I was taking.

  • J. Cyr

    I've been seeing Heather for around 10 years now and she has helped me get through a few injuries. Highly recommend her!

  • S. Smeets

    I visited Heather during and after my first pregnancy, and now I am seeing her during my second pregnancy. Heather is great with pregnancy! She listens to how you are feeling, she cares, and she knows how to help you feel more comfortable on the table. After each session, I felt some relief from my sore neck and lower back pain. I can't thank her enough for her great service and attention!!

  • A. Leslie

    I have been seeing Heather since 2008! She is amazing. She listens carefully to your specific concerns and then adapts the massage to personally meet your needs.

  • A. Fil

    I have been seeing Heather for almost 10 years, thru 3 pregnancies and has helped me maintain good health with my neck difficulties. She listens and is skilled in her profession. Always recommend her to family and friends.

  • L. Ward

    I have been getting massages with Heather for many years now. I find that she is able to pin point my area's of concern and pain with ease. Heather also gives me advice on stretching and strengthening those area's. She is personable and sincerely interested in my well being.

  • L. Williams

    Heather is great. I have difficulty with massage and the pressure that some use, heather is very patient. She cares about you and how you are feeling during the massage. She goes out of her way to make sure you are getting what you need.

  • L. Strain

    I have been visiting Heather Locke for 10 years now. Wouldn't go anywhere else. If you are looking for expert advice and great massage therapy, give Heather a try. You will not be sorry. She is knowledgeable in her field and offers great advice.

  • M. Smith

    I have been going to Heather for almost 4 years now. She takes my pain away!

  • C. Ferguson

    I have been seeing Heather for a couple of years and she has helped me greatly. Her studio is quaint and comfortable and the massage is firm but not rough. I have been to other therapists and she is the best by far. I don't hesitate to refer her to other friends and on Facebook.

  • I. Schibli

    I have been seeing Heather for several years. She knows how to locate the trouble spots and help you to prevent further damage. I have recommended her to family and my husband was thrilled with how she helped him.

Copyright © 2026 Heather Locke, RMT