massage therapists

  • Ligaya Esguerra   RMT
  • Denise Johnson   RMT
  • Kyla Laxton   RMT
  • Michelle Mohamed   RMT
  • Marilyn O'Hara   RMT
  • Marion Penny   RMT
  • Kam Toor   RMT, TCMP


health forms

 
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Massage Therapists


Select from the list of therapists on the left to read their biographies.

Ligaya Esguerra  RMT


Ligaya is a Registered Massage Therapist who graduated from Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic in 2009 where she participated in various clinics such as Lyndhurst Rehabilitation Centre working with patients with both complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries. She has since worked in multidisciplinary environments such as a Chiropractic and Physiotherapy clinic, as well as in a spa.

She performs Swedish massage for both therapeutic and relaxation purposes, focusing on assessment and utilizing a variety of techniques from joint play to advanced myofascial work to help alleviate her clients’ discomfort. She believes massage can be a valuable tool for treating injuries, coping with occupational stresses and chronic pain, as well increasing overall relaxation.

She is always interested in learning new things to incorporate into her clients' treatments. These would include: Thai massage, reflexology, hot & cold stone massage, as well as TMJ (jaw) Dysfunction treatments.

Denise Johnson  RMT


Denise Johnson is a registered massage therapist who obtained her massage diploma from Everest College (formally CDI) in 2006, and advanced massage therapy diploma from Centennial College in 2008.

Denise has extensive experience providing therapeutic massage to terminally ill patients, pregnant women and infants.

Since joining Balance Integrated Healthcare in 2010, Denise has worked diligently to educate her clients on the benefits of massage therapy, and on the importance of after-care in maintaining a state of wellness.

Denise is mom to three healthy and happy young children, and is able to relate to her pre- and post-natal clients very well. She understands intimately the physical challenges placed on women’s bodies during all stages of pregnancy, labour, delivery and post-natal.

Kyla Laxton  RMT


Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage Specialist
Kyla Laxton is a registered massage therapist who graduated from Sutherland Chan in 2003. Since, graduating she has dedicated her practice to treating pregnant and post- partum women. Kyla joined Balance Integrated Health Care in 2008 after previously working at the Ella Centre for Pregnancy and Parenting. Laxton has always had a passion for working with women in this stage of life. Being a mother herself has given her a deeper insight into the stresses that women’s bodies endure. Kyla supports the new mother through the various challenges of parenthood including physical discomfort, emotional struggles and coping with the transition into parenthood.

From ‘nursing back’ to sleepless nights, from hormonal changes to not having any time to yourself, massage therapy does more than relax. Massage therapy loosens tight muscles, increases blood flow and helps flush out toxins to improve your overall health. It revitalizes tired muscles, improves posture and strengthens a woman’s connection to her body.

Kyla believes strongly that the ‘nurturing’ mother needs to be nurtured herself. Take time to nurture yourself today!

Michelle Mohamed  RMT


Michelle is a Registered Massage Therapist and a certified Etheric practitioner specializing in rehabilitative, therapeutic and pre and postnatal massage. In addition to working on the physical level, she also focuses on re-educating her clients and helping them reconnect their minds, bodies and spirits.

After graduating from Centennial College's massage therapy program in 2004, Michelle has served a wide range of clients including healthy individuals in need of general therapeutic maintenance as well as those in need of more significant therapeutic interventions. Michelle has also helped expectant mothers with overall health and pain management, as well as spending some time working with women experiencing difficult and high risk pregnancies.

Michelle believes firmly that no matter what condition you are suffering from, whether it is a specific muscular-skeletal condition, migraine headaches, or chronic pain/stress, building strong relationships between your physical, mental and spiritual selves is essential to remedying the core causes of your condition. Every individual has the innate tools to build and nurture these relationships. Michelle’s role as massage therapist will guide you along this path.

"I endeavour to create a warm and supportive environment in which to work with you towards complete and overall well being."

Marilyn O'Hara  RMT


Marilyn is currently on Maternity leave.

Marilyn believes movement goes hand-in-hand with good health. That’s why health and fitness play such an important role in her life. In addition to being a Registered Massage Therapist, she is also a NSCA-certified* personal trainer, runner, triathlete, and has studied and taught karate. Simply put, Marilyn feels fortunate to live pain-free, and she’s passionate about helping others to do the same.

Marilyn creates a supportive environment for her clients, teaching them how their muscles and joints should move. By passing on this essential knowledge, Marilyn encourages and supports her clients to take better care of their bodies, and ultimately helps them to prevent and manage injuries.

Marilyn offers a variety of services, including relaxation massage, work with essential oils, pre- and post-event treatments for runners and triathletes, myofascial release, and rehabilitation programs for clients with injuries and chronic conditions. Finally, Marilyn is committed to lifelong learning: she has studied Reiki (level 1), prenatal and infant massage, the biomechanics of running, and gentle but effective techniques to relieve jaw dysfunction and pain (TMJ).

*National Strength and Conditioning Association

Marion Penny  RMT


An avid runner and former ballet dancer, Marion is no stranger to the benefits of massage therapy and other forms of body work.

Taking an active interest in anatomy, body biomechanics, remedial exercise and sports medicine, Marion decided to return to school where she graduated from Sutherland Chan in 2008. Her philosophy is learning how to maintain a state of balance in all aspects of life: mind, body and spirit.

Marion combines the clinical skills learned at Sutherland Chan with her daily practice of educating her clients. This enables them to reach their optimum health goals, but more important, how to be strong and pain and stress free.

While at Sutherland Chan, Marion had the opportunity to work alongside Healthcare specialists at Lyndhurst Spinal Cord rehabilitation Centre, working with central nervous system and spinal cord injuries.

At Women’s College Hospital, she worked in the High Risk Pregnancy Unit with pre- and post-partum women. Her internship at Princess Margaret Lodge involved assisting patients undergoing Cancer treatment.

Marion practices deep tissue Swedish massage, alongside other modalities which include fascial techniques, joint mobilizations, stretching techniques, lymph drainage, pressure points, active release, and hydrotherapy.

While Marion’s experience is varied, her focus is geared towards sports massage, pre- and post- pregnancy care, and oncology.

Recognizing a need for massage therapy in the health care system, particularly in palliative and long term care, Marion oversees a wide range of clients in need of pain and stress management.

Marion joined the Balance team in July 2010.

Kam Toor  RMT,  TCMP


Kam Toor is the Founder and Director of Balance Integrated Healthcare in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She has been a licensed massage therapist since 1996 and a member of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. She graduated with a Doctoral Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine including Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology and Tuina Massage.

Kam opened Balance Integrated Healthcare in Toronto, Ontario where she maintains her private clinical practice in massage therapy, acupuncture, and traditional Chinese medicine. Her impressive and loyal patient base is a testament to her skill. The passion to open Balance Integrated Healthcare came from Kam's desire and drive to run a clinic that would encompass and reflect her belief in restoring a balance in one’s life. Kam's goal is to educate, excite and raise consciousness about complimentary health care practices.

One of Kam's major focuses is in treating all stages of women’s reproductive wellness, from enhancing fertility, through pregnancy, birth and postpartum. By working collaboratively with other health caregivers such as physicians, midwives and doulas Kam has been able to provide the most comprehensive and effective care for her clients.



Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

  • Acute and chronic pain relief
  • Stress and anxiety reduction
  • Healthier pregnancy
  • Rehabilitation and healing
  • Reduces muscle tension
  • Improves blood circulation
  • Induces better lymph movement
  • Increased joints mobility
  • Stimulates or soothes nervous system
  • Improves Digestion and Elimination
  • Improved immune system
  • Reduces Swelling

Click here to read about Therapeutic Massage.