Registered massage therapy

with an osteopathically-informed approach

Hello! I’m Kristen Koepke, Registered Massage Therapist and third year student at the Canadian School of Osteopathy. You can find my credentials at the bottom of this page.

My therapeutic approach addresses the body systemically rather than chasing symptoms. In addition to assessing soft tissue dysfunction, I consider physiological imbalances that may be affecting you. Treatments are unique to each individual, with a goal of restoring mobility at all levels to optimize your overall health.

If it’s your first time here - welcome! I’m currently accepting new clients. Please take a moment to read below to see if my treatment approach and clinic space align with your needs. As this is a home clinic, I request that you email hello@rockroot.ca prior to booking your first appointment (or include a note in your booking to confirm that you’ve read through this page).

Who benefits most from my treatment style?

I’m a puzzle solver and facilitator of feeling. I work best with those who are open to an integrative approach to manual therapy. My assessment process is thorough to ensure that the right areas are addressed. I look at all aspects of the body, not just the area presenting with pain or dysfunction. My goal is to maximize your body’s ability to self-regulate rather than providing temporary relief. If you’re seeking a full-body Swedish relaxation massage or deep tissue massage treatment, I recommend seeking an alternative RMT. My preferred areas of focus are:

  • Chronic pain + stress management

  • Headaches + migraines

  • Athletic-based rehabilitation + maintenance

  • Prenatal + postnatal care

  • Chronic musculoskeletal tension

  • Neurological dysfunction

  • Sleep disruption

  • Digestive issues

  • TMJ dysfunction

  • Mental well-being + body awareness

All ages are welcome at my clinic - children and teenagers included! If you don’t fall under any of the above categories, feel free to inquire with me about your particular area of concern at hello@rockroot.ca.

What treatment techniques do you use?

My treatment approach will vary based on what you share verbally and what I feel in your tissues. My techniques are non-invasive, intentional, and fine-tuned to suit your individual anatomy and physiology. Assessment may include an analysis of your general posture, muscular and ligamentous strength, joint mobility, fluid compliance, and neurological function. Key techniques used are listed below. Please note that these techniques are non-oil based.

  • Myofascial release - targets the connective tissue (“fascia”) surrounding your muscles, using either direct or indirect pressure, to improve tissue health and function

  • Joint mobilization - assesses and addresses joint functionality to restore mobility and promote structural alignment

  • Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation - targets muscle groups through activation and stretch to enhance proprioceptive responsiveness and flexibility

  • Craniosacral therapy - addresses fascia and fluid surrounding the central nervous system (brain + spinal cord) to improve cranial motility and facilitate neurological communication

  • Passive / positional release therapy - places tissue into a position of minimal strain to reduce overactivation or point tenderness

  • Muscle energy - relies on reciprocal inhibition - contracting one area to relax another - through gentle, resisted isometric contractions of a muscle or muscle group

  • Visceral manipulation - addresses organ tissues and their surrounding structures to restore motility and alleviate dysfunction

  • Active release therapy - combines active movement and therapeutic manipulation to reduce soft tissue tension

What is your treatment protocol?

Please arrive early to maximize your treatment time. Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing - shorts, tights, t-shirts, tank tops, and sports bras preferred. You may be asked to remove jewelry, wristwear, or glasses depending on the treatment position and area to be treated. Notify me if you carry a puffer, insulin, EpiPen, or any other device that you may need me to grab for you during our time together.

Prior to your first treatment, you’ll receive a massage intake form. By completing this form with as much detail as possible, you’ll enable me to better understand and work with your underlying issues. Your first treatment will begin with a conversation around your health history responses. From there, we’ll move into an assessment to target areas of dysfunction, track progression, and align in our treatment plans. Assessments will take place at the beginning and end of each treatment. We’ll collaboratively come up with a treatment plan, then transition you onto the table for treatment. During treatment, you’ll have complete control to stop or modify at any time. At the end of your treatment, we’ll reconnect to discuss adaptations and exercises you can practice at home to facilitate your healing.

What should I know about your clinic space?

My home clinic is located in the Lakes community of Lake Country, BC. You’ll receive specific directions along with your reminder email. It can be tricky to find on your first visit, so please allow extra time.

There is a bathroom on site. I have a dog - she’ll be upstairs, but if you’re allergic, her fur still sneaks into the clinic. I try to maintain a quiet atmosphere but my dog and family members can occasionally be heard. Cleaning supplies are as minimally toxic as possible, while still adhering to Health Canada, BCCDC, and CMTBC regulations. I use a sanitizer that is thymol based, which has a subtle thyme scent when initially sprayed. If you are sensitive to scents, please let me know in advance and I’ll ensure scent-free products are both used and available for you (laundry detergent is always scent-free). My table can adjust to a semi-reclined position if you have difficulty breathing, are pregnant, have high blood pressure / CV conditions, or simply prefer to be elevated while on your back. Music is optional. There are plenty of pillows, blankets, and heating sources for your comfort.

What are your rates?

45 min (kids / teens) - $110 | 60 min - $125 | 75 min - $150 | 90 min - $185

How do you accept payment?

Payments can be made by e-Transfer or direct billing. Direct billing is available for most insurance providers, including: Pacific Blue Cross, Medavie, Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life (formerly Great West Life), Green Shield, and all providers covered under Telus eClaims. If your provider is not listed, please send me an email at hello@rockroot.ca and I’ll see if I can set you up. Please note that I do not accept ICBC or WCB cases at this time. While the thoughtfulness is appreciated, I am also unable to accept tips. Instead, you can give back by referring me to a friend or writing a review on Google.

What is your late + cancellation policy?

Your appointment time is reserved just for you. If you arrive late, you will receive treatment based on the allocated start time. You will be charged for a full treatment. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a gap in the day that could've been filled by another client. To minimize impact, you must provide 24 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Clients who provide less than 24 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged a cancellation fee at the following rates:

1st time - no charge

2nd+ time - 100%

Charges may also be applied to those who repeatedly cancel within 48 hours of treatment, at the discretion of the therapist. If you’ve made it a year without cancelling again, you’ll return back to square one. I do my best to understand that life happens, while also respecting my boundaries as a healthcare professional.

How are you dealing with COVID-19?

Your safety is my priority. Please do not arrive if you feel under the weather or at risk of transmitting. Temperatures will be checked upon arrival, with hand sanitization upon entering the clinic space. Please refer to the COVID-19 Safety Plan to learn more about the protocols in place at the clinic.

OSTEOPATHY MANUAL PRACTICE - STUDENT

Diploma in Osteopathy Manual Practice | Canadian School of Osteopathy (in progress - year 3/5)

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST | RMT

Registrant | College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia, 2020

Active Member | Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of British Columbia, 2020

Registered Massage Therapy Diploma (excellence in academic + practical studies) | Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy, 2018-2019

Student Case Study Award - Third Place | RMTBC, 2019

Research + Interpretive Studies Award - Third Place | CCMTS, 2019