Tensegrity is a beautiful concept that describes the integral balance between stability and flexibility in the body. It is what allows us to hold our shape and posture, and allows us to adapt our shape during movement. Imagine the soft tissue around the bones as a 3D web that holds the body together in a balance of push and pull forces. This structure allows cells, tissues, and organs to keep their shape and move around, while also protecting us from damage. When one string of the web is pulled, it will affect all the surrounding areas of the web, realigning the original structure.
About
About Tensegrity Manual Therapy
Founded in 2018, Tensegrity Manual Therapy is a small, private massage therapy clinic built around the idea that healing happens best in a calm, supportive environment. Our focus is on thoughtful, client-centered care, where each treatment is tailored to your individual needs. We aim to create a space where people feel comfortable, listened to, and supported while receiving evidence-based treatments that help with pain, injury recovery, and the physical stresses of daily life. Because the clinic is intentionally small, all treatments are booked by appointment only, we’re unfortunately not able to accommodate walk-ins.
LOCATION: We are located at 729A Bloor Street West on the south side of Bloor Street, directly across the street from the Christie subway station and Christie Pits park. The clinic is easy to reach by transit and conveniently situated within the vibrant local community of Korea town in Toronto’s Annex/Seaton Village neighbourhood.
PARKING: For those arriving by car, there are several Green P parking lots located north of Bloor Street between Clinton and Palmerston, as well as Green P street parking available directly in front of the building on Bloor Street. If you have time to look, free one-hour parking can sometimes be found southbound on Grace Street or northbound on Clinton Street.
ACCESSIBILITY: at this time, the clinic is located on the second floor and is accessible only by a flight of stairs. We recognize this may present challenges for some visitors and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
PAYMENT: Accepted payment methods include cash, Visa, and Mastercard. Debit payments can be completed via e-transfer through online banking.
CLINIC RENTALS: In addition to client treatments, the clinic space is available for rent by the hour, shift, day, or month to Registered Massage Therapists or other manual therapists in compatible fields.
SAFE SPACE: Tensegrity Manual Therapy is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful space for all clients, visitors, and practitioners. Everyone is welcome here.
Meet Sara Throness, RMT
Sara Throness (They/She) has been practicing massage therapy since 2007 and is a Registered Massage Therapist in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, as well as a member of the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario. Over the years, Sara has worked in a variety of settings—from relaxation spas and heli-ski lodges to multidisciplinary clinics and private practices —gaining experience that allows them to meet clients wherever they are on their wellness journey. They’ve also worked in specialized healthcare settings, including Sutherland Chan’s Breast Clinic, Princess Margaret Hospital’s palliative care unit, and Lyndhurst Hospital’s Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Program.
A graduate of the Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy, Sara has continued to expand their training in a wide range of techniques, including craniosacral therapy, myofascial unwinding, positional release, Anatomy Trains, N.I.S.A, Ayurvedic massage, Shiatsu, and reflexology. They’ve also completed Level 3 training in manual lymph drainage with the Dr. Vodder Institute, recognized as the gold standard in lymphatic care.
Sara works with clients facing many challenges, including lymphedema, lipedema, pre- and post-surgical recovery, acute injuries, wound care, pre- and post-natal care, migraines, gastrointestinal concerns, and skin conditions. They also support clients recovering from cancer treatments or gender-affirming surgeries, helping reduce swelling, scar tissue, and restricted movement.
Compassion, understanding, and personalized care are at the heart of Sara’s approach. They focus on helping clients move more freely, manage pain, restore strength, and nurture both body and spirit—supporting each person through recovery, healing, and well-being in a safe and welcoming environment.
Services
Massage therapy targets the body's soft tissue to reduce pain, improve posture, range of motion, circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid.
It’s also helpful with treating injuries, headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, neuromuscular diseases, and can help you achieve a sense of overall well-being.
Registered Massage Therapy
Registered massage therapy targets the body's soft tissue (muscles, tendons, fascia, etc) to reduce pain, improve posture range of motion, circulation of blood, nerve function and lymphatic fluid.
It’s also helpful with treating injuries, headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, neuromuscular diseases, and can help you achieve a sense of overall well-being.
Neuromuscular Integration and Structural Alignment (N.I.S.A)
This deep, myofascial treatment stretches and softens the body’s fascia, the thin sheet of connective tissue that resides underneath the skin, surrounding the muscles, bones and organs.
NISA is ideal for people with poor postural alignment and limited range of motion.
Lipedema massage combines:
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), using slow, gentle movements to stimulate lymph flow and reduce swelling and heaviness.
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Gentle, superficial myofascial techniques, which help improve tissue mobility and reduce discomfort in the affected connective tissue without creating additional swelling in the tissue that more agressive myofascial techniques can lead to.
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Compression therapy: which is a cornerstone of lipedema care. Clients are strongly encouraged to bring their compression garments (leggings, sleeves, and/or bodysuits, depending on the affected areas) to wear after the treatment to help prevent fluid from re-entering the tissues after treatment.
Because this work requires a specific amount of time to be effective, appointments are not offered for less than 60 minutes.
Lipedema Massage
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
In a localized lymphatic treatment, specific techniques apply a light, rhythmic pressure to encourage fluid to enter the initial lymph vessels just beneath the skin. These techniques also help stimulate the nerves that activate the smooth muscle in the lymphatic collector vessels, encouraging them to contract and move fluid toward regional lymph nodes in their watershed boundaries. This process helps the body move and clean excess fluid from the tissue, reduce tissue congestion, and ease inflammation and soreness in areas affected by injury or surgery.
MLD can be helpful with many issues, ie: migraines, pre- and post-natal care, menstrual pain, gastrointestinal concerns, arthritis, fibromyalgia, skin conditions, lipedema, healing during and after cancer treatments, cosmetic procedures (e.g., liposuction and gender affirming care), orthopedic surgeries, acute injuries, wound care, helping reduce swelling, scar tissue, and restricted movement.
CDT has of four key components:
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Manual lymph drainage (MLD): slow, rhythmic, gentle massage to stimulate the lymphatic system and redirect fluid.
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Compression bandaging and garments to keep fluid from re-entering the tissue between treatments
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Exercise: gentle movement of the muscles to encourage lymphatic flow
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Skin care to prevent infection in compromised areas
This therapy can benefit people with primary or secondary lymphedema, lipedema, post operative swelling, and swelling related to acute injury.
Under the guidance of a trained therapist, CDT and MLD offer a supportive, compassionate way to reduce swelling, improve comfort, and promote overall well-being.
Complete Decongestive Therapy
TMJ Massage
TMJ massage is a targeted treatment for the jaw muscles that articulate the Temporo-Mandibular Joint and surrounding fascia.
Using gentle external and sometimes intra-oral techniques (working inside the mouth), a therapist releases tension in the jaw, cheeks, sinuses and temples. This treatment can reduce jaw pain, headaches, clicking, and clenching while improving jaw mobility, bite comfort, and relaxation of facial muscles.
REMINDER OF OUR POLICY TO CHANGE OR CANCEL APPOINTMENTS:
Please note that we require a minimum of 24hrs notice if you need to change or cancel your pre-booked appointment.
As a courtesy, a reminder notice will be sent out 48 hours in advance of your appointment.
For missed appointments or short notice cancellations made with less than 24hrs we require payment of the full fee.
Thank you for your understanding!
Registered Massage Therapy:
Techniques
& Modalities
Understanding Registered Massage Therapy
Canada has some of the highest educational standards for massage therapists in the world. In Ontario, massage therapy is a regulated health profession, and Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are governed by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, which ensures safe, evidence-based care. RMTs learn a wide variety of techniques in their initial training, and many continue their education throughout their careers to enhance their treatments and expand their knowledge.
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RMT Techniques:
RMTs have a wide range of massage therapy techniques within our scope of practice that we can use. Each technique targets a different tissue in the body (ie: muscles, fascia, ligaments, nerves, blood and lymph circulation), helping to reduce pain, improve posture, mobility, and support well-being. Techniques may include Swedish techniques, various styles of fascial release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilizations, neuromuscular techniques, lymphatic drainage, hydrotherapy, and the list goes on. -
Massage Modalities:
RMTs may also incorporate massage modalities—comprehensive systems/styles from around the world that combine multiple techniques. Examples include Shiatsu, Thai massage, Lomi-lomi, Ayurvedic massage, reflexology, hot stone therapy, Rolfing, and N.I.S.A, etc.
Over the past 18 years, Sara has studied a wide range of specialized, evidence-based techniques and modalities, drawing from diverse philosophies and cultures to provide thoughtful, effective care tailored to each client.
Click here to learn more about Registered massage therapy in Canada and some of the techniques vs modalities within their scope of practice.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
&
Cancer Care
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD):
MLD techniques are applied with light, rhythmic pressure to encourage fluid to enter the initial lymph vessels just beneath the skin, stimulate small nerves which innervate the smooth muscles of the deeper and larger lymphatic collector vessels, and drain the body's lymph nodes. This process helps the body move and clean excess fluid from the tissue, reduce tissue congestion, and ease inflammation and soreness in areas affected by inflammation.
Cancer Care:
Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally exhausting, often causing side effects like fatigue, swelling, or discomfort.
Gentle, adapted massage therapy techniques and MLD can support care during and after cancer treatment. Research shows massage may ease discomfort, reduce stress, and improve quality of life, while providing a sense of calm, grounding, and reconnection with the body.
Massage can help manage treatment-related complications, including:
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Reducing post-operative scar tissue
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Addressing cording (axillary web syndrome) and seromas
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Improving range of motion and easing tightness
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Softening radiation fibrosis
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Lessening nausea, fatigue, and anxiety
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Improving sleep and relaxation
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Supporting circulation and reducing post-surgery swelling
With guidance from the patient’s oncology team, treatments are tailored to each person’s stage of care, medical history, and comfort to ensure safety. The goal is to create a supportive space where the body can relax and healing is supported.
Click here to learn more about some of the challenges cancer patients face and how massage therapy and MLD can help with their care.
Lymphedema
&
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
Lymphedema:
Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition which causes swelling in the body's tissue. It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but can occur anywhere in the body. While lymphedema still has no cure, treatments such as CDT can help manage swelling and support lymphatic function.
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT):
CDT is a comprehensive treatment for managing lymphedema. It is built on four key components:
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MLD: massage to move lymph fluid away from congested areas.
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Compression: short-stretch bandages and/or custom fit garments applied to prevent fluid from returning to congested areas.
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Targeted exercises: gentle muscle movement to pump the lymph
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Skin care: helps to prevent infection.
CDT is delivered in two phases:
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Reduction phase: frequent sessions of MLD and compression bandaging, and at home exercises and skin care to quickly decrease swelling.
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Maintenance phase: less frequent in person MLD treatments manage the results of phase 1 long-term with custom fit compression garments and simple, ongoing self-care techniques.
CDT can help reduce swelling from surgery, cancer treatment, orthopedic procedures, gender-affirming procedures, as well as those managing chronic conditions like lymphedemas, lipedema, arthritis, venous insufficiency, etc.
While safe and effective for many, CDT may not be suitable for individuals with active infections, deep vein thrombosis, severe arterial disease, or certain heart conditions.
Click here to learn more about Lymphedema and CDT.
Lipedema
&
Registered Massage Therapy
Lipedema:
Lipedema is a chronic, painful fat distribution disorder affecting an estimated 1 in 9 women assigned female at birth (and approximately 0.2% of men). It causes a symmetrical and disproportionate accumulation of fatty tissue most commonly in the legs and hips, but sometimes also the arms and/or abdomen. It is often accompanied by pain, tenderness, easy bruising, and mobility challenges.
Lipedema tissue commonly contains nodules—painful, fibrous bumps beneath the skin that may feel like rice, peas, or walnuts. These nodules develop from fibrosis within the connective tissue. Lipedema also causes the fascia and fibrous septa (connective tissue bands) to become thickened, hardened, and less pliable.
Because superficial lymphatic vessels sit just above the superficial fascial layer, these tissue changes can contribute to lymphatic congestion and fluid accumulation in affected areas.
Lipedema massage combines:
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
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Gentle, superficial myofascial techniques to improve tissue mobility and reduce discomfort—without causing the additional swelling that more aggressive approaches may provoke.
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Compression therapy: which is a cornerstone of lipedema care. Clients are encouraged to bring their compression garments to wear after the treatment to prevent fluid from re-entering the tissues after treatment.
Although lipedema presents with distinct symptoms, it is frequently misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema. In Canada, diagnosis is based on a clinical examination by a physician or specialist, as no blood tests or imaging currently exist to confirm it. While there is still no cure, treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Click here for more information about Lipedema and registered massage therapy.
Blog
Links & Resources
Here are some valuable resources to support the self-management of lymphedema, cancer rehabilitation, lipedema, and persistent pain.
Please note that these links provide educational information and practical tools that may help you better understand and manage your condition. These resources are for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace professional medical care or advice.
Government of Ontario: Assistive Devices Program
(ADP)
The government of Ontario's Assistive Devices Program offers financial support to purchase compression garments for lymphedema, organic braces and lymphedema pumps. The website link provides information about who is eligible, how to apply, and a list of ADP-approved Fitters/Vendors.
Lipedema Canada
"Lipedema Canada was established in 2023 by a committed group of individuals affected by this often-overlooked condition. Recognizing the limited access to resources for lipedema in Canada, including diagnosis and treatment options, the necessity for reform became evident. Thus, LipCan emerged as an influential advocate for change. We are dedicated to supporting patients, clinicians, and policymakers through education, advocacy, and empowerment initiatives."
Mt Sinai Pain Clinic
"The Wasser Pain Management Clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital treats a wide range of chronic pain conditions.
Chronic pain can interfere with all aspects of life. Our team of experienced physicians, nurse practitioners and other health-care providers helps patients take control of their pain to enhance their quality of life."
Pain Canada:
National Action Network
"Pain Canada is a multi-stakeholder, national initiative supported by Pain BC. It is the home-base for the eight million people in Canada living with chronic pain and creates new opportunities for action by connecting people, ideas, organizations and resources to enable a national movement.
Pain Canada is the first multi-stakeholder national initiative where people with lived experience of pain are at the centre of decision-making and priority-setting. We mobilize resources to build capacity towards dramatically improved systems of care and support for people with pain."
Canadian Lymphedema Framework (CLF)
"The Canadian Lymphedema Framework (CLF) is a trusted resource for anyone impacted by lymphedema. Whether you are living with lymphedema, caring for someone who is, or a healthcare provider, you’ll find reliable education and tools to support you here."
Contact
Bookings are only available on-line.
SORRY NO WALK-INS
Email:
tensegritymanualtherapy@gmail.com
Online booking:
tensegritymanualtherapy.janeapp.com
Phone:
(416) - 939 - 8570
