Matthew Fordham

Registered Massage Therapist

About me.

First and foremost, I am the father of a beautiful princess. 

Besides that, I have been in practice as a Registered Massage Therapist in a clinical environment for the last 5 years and over that time I have honed my skills to treat a wide array of injuries. In addition to my certification as an RMT, I have a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, BC. That additional education, coupled with my experience as a massage therapist gives me a greater understanding of the human anatomy and physiology, allowing me to create unique and effective treatment plans. I am also trained in a wide variety of clinical techniques which I tailor specifically for each individual and their needs.

I specialize in deep tissue therapeutic treatments. Although I particularly enjoy treating athletes, the reality is that we all have areas that need work. Most of us do far too much sitting for work (or on the couch) which can lead to aches and pains. A specialized deep tissue treatment plan can alleviate chronic upper back and neck pain as well as tension headaches and migraines.

Throughout our treatment plan, I will utilize a variety of techniques and modalities to achieve the desired results. Perhaps you’re an athlete who wants to improve your athletic performance. Or you’ve realized you just worked a little too hard in the gym. Or maybe it’s the aches and pains of everyday life that have you feeling pushed into the corner. Whatever your situation and the reasons for it, I will tailor a unique plan for your specific needs.

  • Are you very physically active or do you participate in sports?

  • Do you work in a stressful environment?

  • Are you a professional athlete or do you compete in sports?

  • Do you participate in regular gym workouts?

  • Do you sit at a desk or a computer for extended periods of time?

  • Do you sit or drive for extended periods of time?

  • Do you experience pain or decreased mobility following exercise or at the beginning or end of the day?

  • Do you have an occupation that requires repetitive movements or presents demanding strain on the body?

  • Do you suffer from chronic headaches?

  • Do you suffer from chronic fatigue?

  • Do you wake up feeling stiff each morning?

Could You Benefit From Massage Therapy?

Yes! For sure!

Techniques.

  • Cupping is used for a myofascial release. Fascia refers to multiple layers of skin and connective tissue surrounding the muscle fibres. The suction from the cups helps to stretch the fascia to allow the muscles to move freely.

    The suction of the cups also mobilizes blood flow to promote the healing of a broad range of medical ailments.

    The cups can be placed on the skin and left for a few minutes or used with oil in a gliding motion. The treatment is very relaxing and can be combined with a massage.

    Cupping therapy dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. One of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians were using cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C.

  • Active Release Technique (ART) is a soft tissue method that focuses on relieving tissue tension via the removal of fibrosis or adhesions which can develop in tissues as a result of overload due to repetitive use. These disorders may lead to muscular weakness, numbness, aching, tingling, and burning sensations.

    The technique can be applied to both acute and chronic conditions involving the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and fascia.

  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Release (IASTR) is a skilled myofascial intervention used for soft-tissue treatment.

    It is applied using instruments that are usually made of stainless steel with beveled edges and contours that can conform to different body anatomical locations and allow for deeper penetration. It is used for the detection and treatment of soft tissue disorders.

    Instruments effectively break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue. The ergonomic design of these instruments provides the therapist with the ability to locate restrictions and treat the affected areas with the appropriate amount of pressure.

  • Consistent, slow, deep pressure is used to relieve chronic aches and pains. Isolated pressure applied to trigger points releases an accumulation of chemicals and lactic acid that build up in the tissues, causing knots and referred pain. Myofascial release techniques can also be used as a soft tissue therapy for the treatment of skeletal muscle immobility and pain.

  • Mobilization by definition is to make something moveable. In manual therapy, mobilization is a careful process of stretching soft tissue and joints to improve elasticity. Mobilization is used to relieve joint stiffness and pain. The goal is to reach normal, pain-free movement. Often, these stretches are small, gentle, and rhythmic. Thus, it is usually the first form to be used for treating joint and soft-tissue problems.

  • The trigger point technique deactivates the trigger point by applying direct pressure and temporarily starving the area of oxygen which leads to a reduction in spasm. As the tension in the muscle increases, the process can be assisted by the relaxation process caused by autogenic inhibition.

FAQs + Rates.

  • It’s important that you arrive on time. We are located within the building of Evolve Strength. When you first enter the building, please check in with the staff at the front desk. They will point you in the right direction.

  • While massage therapy will assist with pain relief, it may take several hours after your massage for the pain relief effects to kick in. Additional sessions may be needed to reduce pain for chronic conditions. When you join a gym and want to get into shape, you don't expect to reach your goal with a single workout. The same concept applies here.

    Massage therapy, when applied correctly, may require more than one session to achieve your pain relief goals. If you are suffering from an injury or condition beyond the scope of massage therapy, we will refer you to someone who can best help you.

  • We are set up to direct bill with Blue Cross, Green Shield providerConnect, Sun Life, and the Telus Portal, which is comprised of over 23 different companies. If we are not able to direct bill to your health provider, we will provide a receipt for you to use when making a claim.

  • Yes, there is ample parking close to the clinic and clients never seem to have a problem finding a spot.

  • We require 24 hours notice for all cancellations of booked appointments, no exceptions.

    This is to ensure those waiting for an appointment can be accommodated in a timely manner and to ensure that the therapist’s time – which would have been reserved for your appointment – will be compensated.

    If cancellation of any appointment is received with at least 24 hours notice, then you may reschedule at no extra charge.

    If any session is missed with less than 24 hours notice, the session will be forfeited and full payment will be required.

    We are sympathetic to unforeseen circumstances and will address special cases on an individual basis.

  • We do not accept cash and we do not keep a float on-site to make change. We only accept e-transfer and credit cards.

  • 60 minute treatment - $120

    30 minute treatment - $75

    GST will be added to these rates.

What people are saying.

“Matthew is exceptional at what he does. Not only does he provide a phenomenal deep tissue massage, but his care for his clients and practice also runs deep. The atmosphere and environment that he creates for his massages is so relaxing and puts me at ease. Located within Evolve Strength Seton, Matt is surrounded by a wellness hub of services including a beautiful gym!”

— Daniel L.

“Matthew is one of a kind. Simply the best deep tissue massage therapist I have ever had. I have had years of chiro maintenance but was never satisfied with a quick crack and be gone. But Matthew is very attentive to your problem areas and will make sure he addresses them through a variety of techniques. He is very professional and I will never see anyone else.”

— Mark A.

“I work as a Personal Trainer in the club that Matt works out of. The first client I sent his way has seen INCREDIBLE progress in just two sessions. Matt is great at what he does! I will be sending many more clients his way.”

— Jordin A.

“After a back injury over a year ago, my physiotherapist suggested I get a deep tissue massage from Matthew. I was really nervous. I had only really had spa-like massages, and never one from a man. Matthew is so professional, and he makes you feel right at home. I needed a lot of work on my back and glutes. Matthew always keeps me draped with a sheet during those uncomfortable glute massages and makes sure you are always comfortable. I see Matthew regularly, as he has helped me immensely with my back health and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a strong, professional massage therapist.”

— Patricia M.

“As a professional tennis coach, I am always dealing with immense muscle strain and bone/joint pain related to my demanding physical sportsman job. Matthew’s massages are the only remedy that truly help me to revitalize and restore my performance. Best massage therapist! Highly recommended!

— Lena T.

“Matthew is amazing. Having had back and full body issues my entire life, I was always scared to go and get worked on. But his knowledge of the body has been a dream. Will not go to anyone else. If I could give 100 stars I would.”

— Michelle M.

Connect with me.

19587 Seton Crescent SE, Unit 710
Calgary AB T3M 2T5

(We are located inside the Evolve Strength building.)

Tel: 403-803-5289

Email: FordhamRMT@gmail.com

 

Contact form.

19587 Seton Crescent SE, Unit 710
Calgary AB T3M 2T5

(We are located inside the Evolve Strength building.)

Tel: 403-803-5289

Email: FordhamRMT@gmail.com