What Is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is a hands-on treatment that uses manual techniques to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and support recovery throughout the body. At Bolder Health, treatment is built around how you actually move, train, and recover, not just around relaxation for its own sake.
Depending on your goals, a session may include deep tissue massage, sports massage, cupping, or fascial stretching. It's commonly sought out for chronic muscle tightness, tension headaches, post-training soreness, and general stiffness that builds up from an active lifestyle or repetitive movement.
At Bolder Health, massage therapy is offered alongside physiotherapy and osteopathy, which means your care can be coordinated across practitioners when your recovery benefits from more than one type of treatment, whether that's working through an injury or managing ongoing tension.
Please note: many extended health benefit plans cover massage therapy. We're happy to provide a detailed receipt for you to submit directly to your insurance provider; we recommend confirming your individual coverage prior to your appointment.
How Samuel Shapiro Approaches Massage Therapy
Samuel Shapiro is a Registered Massage Therapist who graduated with honours from the Vicars School of Massage Therapy in 2022. Since then, he has worked extensively with patients managing chronic pain and mobility issues, including many recovering from motor vehicle accidents, and continues regular continuing education to stay current with evidence-based massage techniques.
Samuel takes a holistic, patient-led approach, considering your physical condition, lifestyle, previous injuries, and emotional wellbeing as part of your care, not just the spot that's bothering you. Every session starts with a detailed intake so your treatment plan actually reflects what you're dealing with, and you stay in the driver's seat throughout your care.
You can learn more about Samuel and the full Bolder Health team on our team page.
What to Expect at Your Massage Therapy Appointment
Initial Intake
Treatment
Aftercare
What Massage Therapy Can Help You Achieve
Patients who receive massage therapy at Bolder Health typically work toward three outcomes:
Reduced pain and muscle tension. Targeted work on tight or overworked muscles helps ease chronic tension, everyday aches, and tightness that builds up from training, work, or daily activity.
Faster training recovery. Sports massage techniques help active patients recover between climbing sessions, workouts, or competitions, so you can get back to activity without lingering soreness holding you back.
Better stress relief and nervous system recovery. Beyond the physical benefits, massage supports relaxation and recovery for your whole system, not just your muscles, which matters just as much for long-term wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massage Therapy in Calgary
No, you don't need a referral. You can book directly with Samuel through our online booking page, and he'll build your first session around your health history and current goals.
Many extended health benefit plans include massage therapy coverage, often with an annual maximum per practitioner type. We'll provide a detailed receipt for you to submit to your provider; we recommend confirming your specific coverage and remaining benefit amount before booking.
Deep tissue massage focuses on releasing chronic tension in deeper muscle layers using slow, firm pressure, while sports massage is geared toward athletic recovery, injury prevention, and performance, often combining techniques based on your training schedule and upcoming activity. Samuel can recommend the right approach for your goals during your intake.
Yes. Samuel works with many patients recovering from motor vehicle accidents as part of a broader recovery plan alongside physiotherapy. If you're in the early stages of an MVA claim, our MVA physiotherapy page outlines how insurance coverage typically works for treatment like this.
It depends on your goals. Some patients come in weekly during heavy training blocks or while managing an injury, while others book monthly for general maintenance and stress relief. Samuel can help you figure out a schedule that actually fits your body and your training calendar.
Book Your Massage Therapy Appointment
Samuel Shapiro is currently accepting new patients at Bolder Health and Performance, located inside Bolder Climbing Elevated at 12686 48 Street SE in Calgary. Whether you're recovering from training, managing chronic tension, or working through pain that hasn't gone away on its own, book online or contact us to get started.
