Alleviate Massage Therapy & Wellness

Alleviate Massage Therapy & Wellness Therapeutic, focused massage that is balanced with flow and attention to detail. Our philosophy is "

Our Mission

At Alleviate Massage Therapy we specializes in reducing stress, eliminating headaches, relieving shoulder tension, addressing neck issues, and recovering from back pain. We are pain relief specialists who provide clinical-style massage, targeting the specific areas that suffer from pain and tension, using methods deeply rooted in anatomy and physiology. Our clients include athletes, entertainers, dancers, yoga teachers, and industry professionals, who depend on our sessions to keep their bodies in peak condition. They choose therapeutic massage when they’d like to decompress from the aches and pains of daily life, help recover from injuries, improve circulation, and alleviate the discomforts of pregnancy. Our massage therapy sessions include relaxing Swedish, Therapeutic Deep Tissue, Pregnancy (Prenatal) Massage, Myofascial Release Cupping Therapy, Kinesio Taping Methods or our Traditional Thai Massage Therapy.We are committed as primary healthcare professionals to help our clients resume their lifelong pursuit of health, fitness, and well-being.

About five years ago, I came across a video on egocentrism and perspective-taking (the natural stage of development wher...
08/23/2025

About five years ago, I came across a video on egocentrism and perspective-taking (the natural stage of development where we can only see the world from our own point of view) in children. In the experiment, the children were asked two simple questions:

- Can you tell me what you see, from where you are sitting?
- What are the things that you see?"

The first child was able to share his own perspective of what he saw, but he struggled to recognize what the other person across the table was seeing. The second child, however, could easily express both perspectives, his own and the other person’s.

For so long, I thought connection meant that when someone shared a story, my role was to dig through my memory box and find a similar story of my own. Then, by sharing my experience, I believed the other person would know that I understood how they felt.

I thought that was empathy.
I thought that was perspective-taking.

This video helped me see that empathy is learning to put aside our own experiences, beliefs, and feelings to truly listen to another person’s story, without the urge to make it about us.

It's not …
“Oh, you faced some challenges at your wedding? Well, mine was great!”

Not…
“You’re dealing with anxiety? Just relax…”

Real empathy is something different. It’s the ability to take another’s perspective, to observe, to ask thoughtful questions, and to sit with someone in their discomfort without rushing to manage their emotions.

This skill matters in relationships, whether healthy or toxic. In healthy relationships, real listening deepens trust. In toxic ones, the ability to notice when someone CANNOT take your perspective creates opportunities to practice self-regulation and show up for ourselves. From that grounded place, we can show up for someone else with curiosity and a true desire to connect, while also protecting our energy and not filtering their story through our own lens. That balance is what prevents burnout: being present without losing ourselves in the process.

Have you ever experienced the deep connection, with someone truly listening to your perspective?



Sweet reunion 🌸This little bowl of Sweet Peas brings me back to my early days in BC, where I met the twin sisters—Seonai...
07/11/2025

Sweet reunion 🌸

This little bowl of Sweet Peas brings me back to my early days in BC, where I met the twin sisters—Seonaidh and Katie. Seonaidh was the first Canadian who greeted me with pure kindness. She loved to garden, rows of vegetables dancing in the summer sun, and her husband Paul loved to fish. Together, they showed me a beautiful, sustainable way of living.

One afternoon, I stepped into her garden and caught the most beautiful scent. I asked, “What is that smell? It’s so nice!” She smiled and said, “That’s Sweet Pea.” That was the day I met this delicate little flower for the first time.

After 20 years, she’s back!—my Sweet Pea, blooming gently in the garden I now call mine.

A Moment of Gratitude & Empowerment I just want to take a moment to thank my bestie, Missy, for introducing me to the tr...
06/16/2025

A Moment of Gratitude & Empowerment

I just want to take a moment to thank my bestie, Missy, for introducing me to the true meaning of being a “girl's girl.” 💖 Growing up, I was taught to survive by being smart, working hard, staying slim, and ultimately, hoping to be chosen by a man. The “pick me girl” mindset was something I thought was the way. But now, when I see my girls, something has shifted. I feel excited, inspired, and most of all—uncaged. I'm free to just be a girl, and it feels AMAZING! 💕

It’s not just about how we look or how others see us; it’s about how we hold space for each other. I’ve been so lucky to hear the stories of my incredible female clients. They come to me with all sorts of emotions—frustration, stress, joy, vulnerability—and I am honored to create a safe space for all of it. 💆‍♀️ Being a "girl's girl" means letting them unleash those feelings they've been taught to suppress. It takes so much courage and strength to feel it all, especially when you're sharing it with another woman who truly gets it.

One of the most important things I’ve learned in this process is the value of setting emotional boundaries. I’ve learned to be an observer of their experiences—not to fix, control, or change anything (unless I’m asked). This allows my clients to feel their feelings without fear of judgment, and it gives me the space to truly support them in a way that respects their journey.

And today, I had a sweet little moment with an older lady at the bank. She held the door open for me, we exchanged a smile, checked each other out, and I said, “I love your shirt!” She told me she liked my dress, and for a brief second, we were just two women sharing pure, simple joy. It was a reminder that we see each other, we uplift each other, and we’re here for one another.

I love being a girl. I love the strength, the grace, and the fierce joy that comes with it. Thank you, Missy, for teaching me to embrace it fully. 💪

Here's to living unapologetically, to celebrating ourselves, and to supporting all the incredible women around us. 💖

To the women who made us who we are…Happy Mother’s Day.They say mothers make the world go round—and I believe it’s true....
05/11/2025

To the women who made us who we are…
Happy Mother’s Day.

They say mothers make the world go round—and I believe it’s true.
Not just with the big sacrifices, but in the everyday love, the gentle guidance, the quiet strength.

There’s no single way to be a mother.
As my therapist once told me, there’s no right or wrong—just different ways.
Each mother does the best she can with what she has. And that is more than enough.

My mom raised me to stand tall, speak up, and trust my voice.
Shawn’s mom raised him with warmth, patience, and an open heart.
Both gave us their version of love—and we are better for it.

This photo is everything to us.
It was the first time our moms met—in Thailand, just before our wedding.
Their smiles, their blessing, their presence… it was the gift I didn’t even know I needed.

Today, we celebrate them.
And all mothers who love in their own way.
Thank you for your hands, your hearts, and your magic.

To our amazing clients who are mothers—
You give so much of yourself to those around you.
We see your strength, your tenderness, and the love you carry in your every touch.
Today, we honor you too.
May you feel supported, nurtured, and deeply appreciated—today and always.

With love ❤️

This quote resonates deeply with how we approach care at Alleviate. Massage therapy is not just about muscles and tensio...
04/19/2025

This quote resonates deeply with how we approach care at Alleviate. Massage therapy is not just about muscles and tension—it’s about the subtle interplay of energy, intention, and presence.

Every time you choose to slow down and receive, your body begins to shift. Layers of stress soften. Breath deepens. The nervous system recalibrates. These are not random occurrences—they are responses. Reactions to your choice to nurture yourself.

At Alleviate, we work with the understanding that the body remembers everything: effort, pain, joy, trauma, stillness. Through conscious, therapeutic touch, we help release what no longer serves you and support your body’s natural intelligence to return to balance.

You are energy. And energy moves, shifts, and transforms—especially when held with care.

Let your next session be an intentional action. Your healing is already in motion.

Wishing you a gentle and nourishing Easter season—a time of renewal, light, and awakening.

✨ Bittersweet Goodbyes at Alleviate ✨Today marks Lindsay’s last day at Alleviate, and it’s been nearly two months since ...
02/21/2025

✨ Bittersweet Goodbyes at Alleviate ✨

Today marks Lindsay’s last day at Alleviate, and it’s been nearly two months since Alicia also parted ways with our clinic. Over this time, many clients have asked, “How do you feel about it?” Honestly, I was afraid to share. My inner voice told me, "Be professional. Don’t share your emotions. Keep it light—nobody wants to hear that."

But I’ve come to realize that being authentic is who I am—empathetic, intuitive, and yes, emotional. So, here I am, sharing my heart with you.

As a clinic owner, I’ve been grieving. Alleviate has lost two of the finest Independent Contractors we’ve had the privilege of working alongside for several years. Their departure feels like saying goodbye to family. We shared so much: laughter with clients, exchanging treatment ideas, celebrating solutions to challenges, and the simple joy of seeing each other every day. I’ll miss the "Hi & Bye" notepads, our random lunch dates, and the energy they brought to the clinic.

Lindsay’s quick wit and humor, and Alicia’s ability to make everyone feel seen and heard, are truly unmatched. Their absence is a loss I am still processing daily.

But as a friend, I am overflowing with pride and joy for them. Watching Alicia adopt her dog Darby, become a mom to baby Myle, pursue acupuncture school, and even volunteer as Vice-Chair at the Massage Therapy Association of Alberta has been nothing short of inspiring.

And Lindsay? She’s a powerhouse. Her dedication as a mother shines through in every way—always home for dinner with her kids, restless when she sees a long waitlist of clients, and throwing amazing birthday parties that any kid would dream of.

These are the incredible women who’ve graced Alleviate, and while it’s bittersweet to see them go, I’m so excited for their new chapters.

To our clients who have walked this journey with us, thank you for your curiosity, kindness, and support. We’re grieving, yes, but also celebrating the joy of having had Alicia and Lindsay as part of our story.

Here’s to growth, change, and the deep connections that make it all worthwhile. 💛

One of the most beautiful aspects of being a massage therapist is the privilege of being part of so many people's lives....
02/15/2025

One of the most beautiful aspects of being a massage therapist is the privilege of being part of so many people's lives. I've had the honor of watching clients graduate, get married, and build beautiful families. Others have faced and overcome personal challenges, like sports injuries, cancer battles, or welcoming a new puppy. Some come to my practice simply to share joy, laughter, and a moment of connection, which always brightens my day.

Thank you, Piper and Amelia, for this thoughtful and heartfelt card. I love your mom (and all the moms!) too.

Happy Love Day

"First and foremost, we believe helping should be person-centered, you're not primarily seeing deficits, diagnose, or pr...
02/18/2024

"First and foremost, we believe helping should be person-centered, you're not primarily seeing deficits, diagnose, or problems to be solved. You are talking to a person first and a client, patient, student, employee, or athlete second. You see this person as someone with strengths, hopes, and relationships, someone who appreciates being heard, valued, and regarded as competent. You are in relationship with a real human being who make choices, and you are present as real person yourself. In a helping profession it can be tempting to out on mask of distance, authority, or objectivity. That may be appropriate for an actor or courtroom judge, but person-centered practice calls on you to be yourself as a helping professional, aligned in heart and mind."

Inspirational words from Motivational Interviewing Book by William R. Miller, PhD and Stephen Rollnick, PhD.

We are very pleased to announce that RMT Sharleen will be joining Alleviate's Team!Sharleen knew since childhood that sh...
05/04/2022

We are very pleased to announce that RMT Sharleen will be joining Alleviate's Team!

Sharleen knew since childhood that she would somehow get involved with the health and wellness field, there was a little bit of a journey to finally land a career in Therapeutic Massage in 2007. She has a passion for working with those who suffer from chronic pain, including headaches, different type of accidents, posture correction from Repetitive Strain Injuries, and stress stemming from trauma and/or anxiety and depression. Physical, emotional, spiritual and social trauma are often stored in the body in some way shape or form. In Sharleen's experience, applying therapeutic techniques to soft tissue potentially encourages healing in all these areas. Once we are connected to our bodies, that energy can create movement and be applied in many beneficial ways.

Education
Sharleen's education began in Mexico. Her interest in health and wellness gently directed her to Therapeutic Massage. She graduated in 2007 from the Alberta Institute of Massage with Honours. In 2009 she completed her Reiki Master Certification through The Healing Center. By 2011 she completed Craniosacral Therapy Level II through the Upledger Institute. Sharleen has added Myofascial Cupping and Acupressure to her qualifications and is always enthusiastic about learning more.

Sharleen is available from Monday to Thursday 8am to 2pm and Saturday!! Book appointment via link in bio.

Spring is finally on the horizon, and we’re all ready to welcome more light and greenery back into our lives! But while ...
03/10/2022

Spring is finally on the horizon, and we’re all ready to welcome more light and greenery back into our lives!
But while some things are growing and changing, some are remaining the same. For everyone’s wellbeing, our current Covid-19 protocols will remain in place until further notice.

Masking: Use of masks is NOT required but encourage, as physical distancing cannot be maintained during your treatment. We will be wearing a surgical/procedural mask during your appointment.

Alicia is excited to be able to start offering appointments again! In order to best accommodate the clients she worked w...
01/17/2022

Alicia is excited to be able to start offering appointments again! In order to best accommodate the clients she worked with prior to her maternity leave, Alicia is not accepting any new clients at this time, (effective January 15, 2022). Previous clients may book appointments by texting or calling the clinic.

Why do you need to be right?Thinking about the arguments that you have, the kind of  spats that you have even the back a...
11/06/2021

Why do you need to be right?

Thinking about the arguments that you have, the kind of spats that you have even the back and forth with strangers on the internet, that are trying to be right. You’re trying to make sure that everyone sees things the way that you do and no one can argue with you and you’re trying to prove your point that the way that we kind of criticize or judge people that don’t agree with us, so that don’t see things our way and how we kind of get on this mountain and we’re like I need to die on this mountain of being right.

but do you? Is it necessary? Is it helpful? Is it really getting you where you want to be going?

I’m talking about the kind of little arguments, perspective on things that don’t actually matter that much but you kind of put your stake in the ground you’re like I need to be right I need everyone to agree with me and see things my way and I need to convince them but - why

For me realizing this that there were arguments that didn’t need to be had, that winning did not need to be accomplished, when I was being able to take a step back and leave things that didn’t need to be addressed or faced or taken on; it kind of gave me this sense of empowerment where I was like “oh yeah! I can choose” whether I want to engage with this and I don’t have to because I don’t need to be right or at least I don’t need other people to think that I’m right.

You’re allowed to see it that way, I’m allowed to see it this way and I’m going to be okay with that - being intentional and mindful about where I spent my energy.

Address

4825 89 Street NW Suite 13
Edmonton, AB
T6E5K1

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 8:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 8:30pm
Thursday 8am - 8:30pm
Friday 8am - 8:30pm

Telephone

+17804121028

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Meet Our Therapists

Independent Registered Massage Therapist, Founder

Sonya has been working with massage clients for many years, and she has more than 2800 hours of training. Sonya's practice is primarily therapeutic massage, working with clients who are rehabilitating from injury or dealing with a chronic condition. Sonya believes that an essential part of her work is to educate clients with stretching and strengthening exercises that they can do daily. She is dedicated to staying current with massage therapy techniques and practices, in order to provide up-to-date care and advice for her clients.

Education Sonya, B.Sc., RMT graduated from the MH Vicars School of Massage Therapy with a diploma in Registered Massage Therapy. Before becoming a massage therapist, Sonya earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science. She began her massage therapy training in Thailand, attaining her Certified Professional Thai Massage Level I from Watpo Thai Traditional Medical School in 2011, and attending the Certified Advanced Practitioner and Teacher Training Program at ITM International Training Massage School in 2014. She has added to her therapeutic skills by taking continuing education in Cupping Therapy, Kinesio Taping, and the Graston Technique.

Career Sonya has been interested in massage since her childhood in Bangkok, Thailand, where Thai Massage was a part of her family's culture for many generations. Her mother is a Thai Massage Therapist in Thailand and was Sonya's first instructor and her inspiration. Sonya has enjoyed success as a therapist at wellness centres and in private practice. Her early practice was primarily Thai Massage, while her recent work has been more therapy-focused. Sonya founded Alleviate Massage Therapy & Wellness Centre in 2016.