Registered Massage Therapist & Acupuncture
Nathan Wilkins
Nathan's Philosophy
"I believe that healing begins with a thorough understanding of human systems to address pain problems from their origin, as well as recognizing the many contributing factors that exist."
About Nathan Wilkins
Nathan Wilkins is a graduate of the Massage Therapy program at Algonquin College. He is in good standing with the CMTO and strives to always improve his knowledge and skillset.
As a graduate of the Contemporary Acupuncture Program at McMaster, Nathan practices Neurofunctional Acupuncture under the scope of Massage Therapy. He is passionate about recognizing and treating the source of pain. To learn more, check out the FAQ section.
Nathan has in-depth experience treating those who experience persistent pain and understands the importance of feeling heard as a client. He has a particular interest in treating lower back pain, sciatica, and headaches.
Outside of work, Nathan enjoys camping, reading, and spending time with two his cats. He is pursuing part-time studies at uOttawa for Biomedical Science, driven by his interest in the health sciences.
Therapeutic Services
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage integrates a deep understanding of anatomy and physiology with evidence-based manual techniques. The aim is to achieve outcome goals such as decreasing muscle tension, decreasing analgesia, increasing relaxation, etc.
Therapeutic massage techniques include Swedish massage, lymphatic drainage, joint mobilization, fascial mobilization, trigger point deactivation, and stretching.
For more information on massage therapy, visit the CMTO website.
Contemporary/Neurofunctional Acupuncture
Contemporary Medical Acupuncture was developed by Dr. Alejandro Elorriaga Claraco and Dr. Angelica Fargas-Babjak. The goal of contemporary acupuncture is to stimulate peripheral nerves to restore the body's function and reduce pain.
Utilizing an in-depth knowledge of neuro-anatomy, contemporary acupuncture targets specific anatomical inputs to create lasting change within the nervous and musculoskeletal system.
Acupuncture will be used under the scope of massage therapy, which is described as "the assessment of the soft tissues and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain." 1991, c. 27, s. 3.
To learn more about acupuncture, visit the McMaster website.
Bookings
... Acupuncture and Massage
Initial Treatment Intake (Mandatory)
An initial intake allows the practitioner to conduct a thorough assessment. There is no guaranteed amount of "hands on" time, as everyone's assessment will be different.
Follow Up Appointments
Follow up appointments can be based on personal preference or by the practitioner's suggestion. Some client's may benefit from longer or from shorter treatments due to time constraints, areas treated, complexity, etc.
FAQs
It is suggested to bring comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement during the initial intake appointment.
If receiving acupuncture treatment, having clean (washed with soap and water) skin is the standard recommendation for skin preparation. This means no visibly soiled skin (i.e. dirt, excessive sweat, oils, etc). It is also recommended to have a light meal or snack 1-2 hours before acupuncture.
Please also avoid wearing heavily scented products for the consideration of other clients.
Your massage therapy treatment will start with a thorough assessment to understand the cause of dysfunction and your goals pertaining to your session. You will then go over your treatment plan, risks, concerns, expected benefits, and consent.
You may undress to your level of comfort. A sheet will be covering you at all times. Only the areas you consented to being treated will be undraped, and only when they are being treated.
The therapist will use hands-on manual techniques best suited to achieving the intended physiological outcomes. This includes decreasing pain, decreasing trigger point activity, increasing range of motion, increasing relaxation, etc.
The use of oil or lotion may be used to decrease friction on the skin. It is important to tell the therapist if you have any allergies.
Once the massage is done, the therapist will leave the room so you can get changed back into your clothes. It is important to get off the table slowly to prevent dizziness from the possible decrease of blood pressure. You and the therapist will then discuss how you feel after the treatment, as well as next steps such as remedial exercise or rebooking timelines.
Your acupuncture treatment will start with a thorough assessment to understand the cause of dysfunction and your goals pertaining to your session. You will then go over your treatment plan, risks, concerns, expected benefits, and consent.
The sterile, single-use acupuncture needles will need skin access. A discussion will have taken place in regard to draping and privacy before getting on the treatment table. Only areas you are comfortable with and consent to being treated will be undraped, and only when they are being treated. If the skin is visibly dirty (oils, lotions, sweat, etc), then the skin will be cleaned prior to needle insertion.
The most common positions of treatment will be lying on your stomach, back, or side. It is not recommended to receive acupuncture treatment while sitting. If you are unable to lie comfortably in a position for an extended period of time, appropriate adjustments will be made. It will be ensured that you are comfortable throughout the entire session.
Once the acupuncture treatment is done, the therapist will leave the room so you can get changed back into your clothes. It is important to get off the table slowly to prevent dizziness from the possible decrease of blood pressure. You and the therapist will then discuss how you feel after the treatment, as well as next steps such as remedial exercise or rebooking timelines.
Acupuncture should not hurt. Some may feel a dull ache which should pass after a few seconds. The needles are very thin, and not like a needle used for blood draws, etc. Tissues that have the most nociceptors (pain receptors) are found in the epidermis and blood vessels. Using a "painless needling technique", the superficial tissues are gently compressed and the needle is "tapped" through the skin before pain can be felt. If there is pain during a needle insertion, it is important to inform the practitioner so they can adjust or fully remove the needle.
If you change your mind about your acupuncture treatment, that is totally okay! It is your right to stop or alter the treatment at any point. If you wish, the appointment can switch to a different modality such as massage. If the session is stopped entirely, the full fee will still apply.
You will have to check with your specific insurance policy to see if Registered Massage Therapy is covered.
You will receive a receipt after your treatment with all the information needed to submit a claim.
Acupuncture services will be billed under Massage Therapy, as they are being performed within the scope of massage therapy by a Registered Massage Therapist.
Please check the booking site for the clinic you would like to visit for relevant massage and acupuncture prices.
Nathan Wilkins graduated from the 3-year accredited Massage Therapy program at Algonquin College. He completed his registration exams and is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
Nathan also completed the 300 hour Contemporary Acupuncture program at McMaster University. He is authorized to practice acupuncture under the scope of massage therapy.