We’re giving a big hello and welcome to our newest team member, Registered Massage Therapist, Rachel Hatfield!
To get to know Rachel better, we sat down with her for a short Q & A….
CPC: Hi Rachel! Why don’t you start by telling us a little bit about yourself.
RH: I grew up on the lower mainland and moved to Comox in 2021 with my husband. I have always had family here, and spent my summers here as a kid. I always loved it and knew one day I wanted to live here. I have loved settling into this community and am happy to call it home.
I did my training at the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy. Prior to going back to school to become an RMT, I worked at a lab doing environmental testing. I ended up getting in a car accident and went through the rehab process with an amazing team of RMTs, physios and chiros. The care I received from my RMT really stuck with me, and when I decided I was ready for a career change, I decided I wanted to be an RMT, too! It was a great fit as it combined my love of biology and needing to know how the human body works, with my passion for helping others.
CPC: What sort of massage therapy services are bookable with you at Comox Physio?
RH: I am so happy to see anyone who walks through the door; however, I have a special interest in working with chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and headaches. All my massages start with a basis of relaxation to calm the nervous system down. From there, I can focus on your areas of concern to help you get back to feeling like yourself. Depending on what works best for you, we can adjust the pressure from light to firm.
I also offer Manual Lymphatic Drainage and am excited to continue my training to one day be able to offer Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Currently, I have been applying manual lymphatic drainage for conditions such as post surgery swelling, migraines, and whiplash/concussions.
CPC: What do you love most about your work as a registered massage therapist?
RH: I love being able to connect with people and being part of their journey to feeling their best. I also love learning, so being in a profession where there is so much opportunity for continuing education is great.
CPC: When you’re not at the clinic, what do you enjoy spending your time doing?
RH: When I am not at work, I love to stay active, be that at the gym, going for a run, or dancing (ballet-poorly!). I just started dancing again after 20 years off which has been an interesting practice in patience. My mobility is not what it used to be! At the end of the day, I can usually be found curled up on the couch with my cat (Coco Chanel) and a good book.
CPC: And now, a quick round of THIS or THAT…
Guacamole or Salsa: Guacamole
Roller coasters or Waterslides: Roller Coasters
Time Machine or Magic wand: Magic Wand
Night out or Night in: Night In
Pizza or Tacos: Tacos
Ability to fly or Being invisible: Ability to fly
Morning person or Night owl: Honestly I identify more as an afternoon person...but if I had to pick, night owl
Beach workout or Mountain hike: Mountain Hike
To read Rachel’s full bio and to book an appointment with her, Click HERE!
