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.
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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
Registered Massage Therapy:
Canada has some of the highest educational standards for massage therapists in the world. While massage therapy is not regulated in every province, it is a regulated health profession in Ontario. Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are governed by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO), which protects the public by maintaining strict standards of practice and education.
RMT Techniques:
Although massage is often thought of as simple tool for relaxation, registered massage therapy is also a clinical healthcare treatment. RMTs are trained in a variety of techniques that target the body’s soft tissues—including muscles, tendons, fascia, and ligaments, as well as the nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels that supply them. RMT treatments can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support overall well-being. Sessions begin with an assessment, leading to a personalized treatment plan that may include techniques such as Swedish, myofascial work, joint mobilizations, neuromuscular techniques, hydrotherapy, trigger point therapy, reflexive techniques, lymphatic drainage, etc. There are over 80 techniques massage therapists may have learned in their career; each targeting specific tissues in the body that can help address issues such as injury recovery, postural pain, headaches, stress, sleep concerns, gastrointestinal issues, and chronic conditions.
Massage Modalities:
In addition to specific techniques, there are also many massage modalities from around the world—such as Shiatsu, Ayurvedic , Thai massage, reflexology, hot stone therapy, N.I.S.A. etc. These modalities often combine multiple techniques to create unique therapeutic experiences.
Many RMTs continue their education throughout their careers to expand their skills. At Tensegrity Manual Therapy, Sara has spent nearly two decades studying specialized, evidence-based techniques and modalities from around the world to provide thoughtful, effective care for their clients.
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:
Going through cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally exhausting and often brings difficult side effects.
Gentle, carefully adapted massage therapy can be a supportive part of care during and after treatment. Research shows that oncology-informed massage may help ease discomfort, reduce stress, and improve overall quality of life while the body heals and adjusts. Many people also find regular treatments provide a sense of calm, grounding, and reconnection with their body during a challenging time.
Massage therapy may help alleviate complications related to cancer treatment, 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 reducing tightness or pulling
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softening radiation fibrosis
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lessening nausea, fatigue, and anxiety
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improving sleep and promoting relaxation
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supporting circulation and reducing swelling after surgery
Treatments are always adapted to each person’s stage of treatment, medical history, and comfort level to ensure techniques, pressure, and positioning are safe and appropriate. The goal is to provide a supportive space where the body can relax and healing can be encouraged.
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.
Lymphedema may be primary (a congenital condition) or secondary, often developing after surgery, radiation, infection, medication, or injury. Common symptoms include persistent swelling, heaviness, tightness, reduced mobility, and changes in skin texture.
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 are applied to affected areas to prevent fluid from returning to congested areas.
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Targeted exercises: using the body's muscles as pump to keep lymph moving
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Skin care: protects vulnerable areas and helps prevent infection.
CDT is delivered in two phases:
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Reduction phase: focuses on frequent sessions of MLD and compression bandaging, and self care exercises and skin care at home 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 supports people recovering from surgery, cancer treatment, orthopedic procedures, and gender-affirming care, as well as those managing chronic conditions like lymphedemas, lipedema, arthritis, or venous insufficiency.
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.
Lipedema
&
Registered Massage Therapy
Lipedema and Registered Massage Therapy:
Lipedema is a chronic and often 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 in the legs, hips, and/or arms, 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:
-
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), using slow, gentle movements to stimulate lymph flow and reduce swelling and heaviness.
-
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.
-
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.
Although lipedema presents with distinct symptoms, it is frequently misunderstood or 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. If you are looking for resources to help educate yourself or your physician, Lipedema Canada offers helpful information and a downloadable brochure that you can share with your doctor.
Because this work requires a specific amount of time to be effective, appointments are not offered for less than 60 minutes.
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
