Chris Allard, RMT

❄️ I’m walking 5km in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising event this Saturday — and I’d love your support. ❄️

For one hour at dusk, I’ll walk in solidarity with people in our community who are experiencing housing insecurity and other barriers.

Our RiverLines Team is raising funds for Green Wood Coalition — a grassroots organization supporting individuals facing housing insecurity, poverty, mental health challenges, addiction, and food insecurity. They provide outreach, meals, creative programs, recovery support, and, most importantly, connection and dignity.

Every donation — big or small — helps bring warmth, food, care, friendship, and resources to people who need it most.

If you’re able, please consider supporting my walk by clicking the link in my bio.

Thank you - it truly means a lot 💙

Massage therapy humour 😂

I have updated the ‘About Me’ section of my website!

My name is Chris, and my pronouns are he/him/they/them. I'm a Registered Massage Therapist practicing for 20+ years. Prior to that I worked in both the restaurant industry and social work field, and completed an undergraduate degree in psychology. A graduate of the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy in Toronto (1998), I feel very fortunate to have found immense satisfaction in my chosen career. I have a diverse client-base with an approach that honors and respects all bodies.

At the root of all my work is the belief that kind, compassionate and safe touch can help heal physical and emotional pains, both individually and within our communities. By helping you feel safe to be yourself, massage therapy can be used to help you reconnect with your body in a controlled and safe way, easing your pains and tension in the process. To do this, I combine advanced clinical and holistic techniques, practice active consent throughout treatment, and work through a trauma-informed lens.

My massage practice is dedicated to providing an inclusive space for 2SLGBTQ+ people within an anti-racist / anti-oppressive framework. I work to create an inclusive, trauma-informed and safe clinical environment for people to access massage therapy, to feel they can be themselves and share the story of their bodies honestly and safely. Although I specialize in working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, everyone is welcome within my clinic space as long as they are kind and respectful. As an RMT, I seek to deliver the highest quality treatment for a diverse range of needs - customizing my approach to suit each individual while fostering a safe and comfortable environment. I am committed to lifelong learning in regards to the systemic issues that contribute to stress and its impact on individual wellbeing. I strive to create an experience grounded in support, equality and respect.

My education, knowledge and hands-on experience allow me to address a variety of health concerns ranging from: chronic or acute injuries, post- surgery healing/scar care, muscle tension, pain/discomfort, headaches/migraines, repetitive movement strains, physical & emotional stressors, pre- and post-natal massage, and general relaxation. Also provided are: General Swedish Massage, Myo-fascial Release Therapy (connective tissue work), Therapeutic Taping, Trigger Point Release, Hot Stone and Cupping Massage. I have also taken courses in pelvic health for clinical settings (an intro course followed by another specific to trans & gender diverse needs).

I love assisting each client in understanding what is going on with their body and how they can take action to improve their health. I am available for appointments in Guelph every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the Chancellors Way Medical Arts Centre (located near the corner of Stone and Edinburgh Roads). I am also accepting bookings at Ease Health on Ottawa Street in Hamilton every Monday as well as every other Friday and Saturday.

Treatments can vary depending on need - ranging from singular sessions, regular maintenance as well as multi-session specialized treatment plans. I’m very proud to be a long term healthcare provider in many clients lives, having supported them through all different stages of their lives and transitions.

I'm a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, enjoy dog-walks, nature and music.

Book today to begin your journey towards improved health and functionality within a safe and affirming space.

Hey Hamilton peeps! My latest newsletter is out (https://mailchi.mp/62869c6bc7c0/hamilton-announcements-updates-spring) with some important announcements & updates!

In an effort to simplify what has been a *VERY* demanding schedule (which also includes my Guelph practice), I will no longer be practising at Blueberry Therapy in Dundas as of April 1st but will continue serving clients at Aloft RMT with the addition of some Friday afternoon/evening hours.

Aloft RMT is located near the corner of Ottawa & Barton Sts. It is a beautiful, inclusive & welcoming space, with some great shops and a market nearby. We are part of the 'Ottawa Street Health Collective' a group of independent healthcare providers connected by a common workspace and shared values. The aim is to provide our Hamilton community with welcoming, professional, non-judgmental access to integrative healthcare. The building is also home to the recently opened 'Move Room' - a body positive & size inclusive community studio that offers a variety of movement-based classes, workshops and other programming. Aloft's owner Maureen Blevins-Hayward is a fellow long-practicing RMT who also incorporates acupuncture and is a Pilates instructor at the Move Room. Nancy Bowe's office 'Ease Osteopathy & Health' is just next door to Aloft, offering osteopathic manual therapy to help relieve the symptoms for wide range of health problems. Other areas of practice offered within the building include Naturopathic Care, Clinical Social Work, Individual Psychotherapy, and Child and Family Therapy,