WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEI)N ESt AY I<~ S.21l8.PCF Massages relieve tension of today's go-go society By MIKE JOHNSTON Two massage therapy clinics have opened in Whitby. The Whitby Massage Therapy Clinic and the Durham Muscular Therapy Centre are the brainchilds of Leeson Clifton and Christine Elste. Both attended the Canadian College of Massage and Hydro Therapy in Sutton and decided to open their offices in Whitby because they felt it was a challenge. Clifton operates her clinic out of Greg McConnell's chiropractic clinic on Green St: while Elste operates from the Mary Ann Goldhawk clinic or Dundas St. W. "We are both registered massage therapists and do muscular and tissue manipulation but we do not do chiropractic adjustments," says Elste. "We work with the body, helping it to recreate its equilibrium. We put the body in a state so it can help itself," she explains. Clifton said tension is the number one concern for those who have CHRISTINE Elste massages the back of Free Press reporter Mike Johnston. visited the clinics. "Our society is go, go, go...there is no relax mode," says Clifton, ad- ding that tension often leads to headaches, sinus problems and in- testinal problems. However, she admits most people are unable to relax when having their first massage. That was the case for this repor- ter who visited the Whitby clinic to find out more about massages. The best way -to find out more about something is to experience it, so I willingly climbed onto the table Two massage therapy clinics have recently opened in Whitby. Free Press photo and put my body in the hands of the therapists. After the 45-minute massage, which left me feeling relaxed, Clif- ton told me I had tight calf muscles, back muscles and neck muscles. Most first massages are to assess the patient, says Elste. This usually takes an hour, made up of 45 minutes for the massage and 15 minutes discussing the patient's medical history. "That one hour is our examination method," says Clifton. "A doctor will not give you a prescription before he examines you... 1 can not treat you until I assess you." Once the original visit is over, subsequent visits can last no more than half-an-hour, depending on the person and the problem. Whiplash is another reason people in Whitby seem to be visiting the clinics, says Clifton. "That seems to be the thing here," she says, adding a massage for whiplash is an excellent prerequisite for physiotherapy. Both therapists are beginning to get referrals from doctors although they admit doctors in the area are not familiar with massage treat- ment. "And it is a treatment, not. a treat," says Clifton,. noting, however, "no one comes out of a massage feeling bad." There is also no age limit, with patients ranging in age from 7 to 83. Massage therapy is not covered by OHIP but Clifton says it is covered by some insurance com- panies. LETTER FROM PAGE 6 soul to become the best citizens possible, honoring God, their fellow creatures and creation. At your convenience observe the Christian school in action. For Immanuel Christian School George Witvoet Meet DIANE HAMRE Your Provincial Liberal Candidate in Durham East AT THE ASHBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2, 7:30 P.M. Everyone Welcome Refreshments AIan A STRONG VOICE FOR Durham Centre TALENT AND EXPERIENCE FOR The Peterson Team •EMPLOYMENT Gains Without Losses New FUNDING for small business, the automotive sector, high technology, and training needs, to ensure Ontario has the wealth and economic competitiveness it needs to create jobs. • EDUCATION AND TRAINING• Excellence and Relevance Reduction in pupil teacher ratios. New facilities to deal with population growth. • CHANGING SOCIAL NEEDS• Ideas that Work Action Without Delay Affordable housing for all Ontarians and fair rent for tenants. Greater independence for seniors and the disabled. ON SEPTEMBER 10TH VOTE FOR ALLAN FURLONG PHONE YOUR LIBERAL CANDIDATE IN DURHAM CENTRE CAMPAIGN OFFICE: 128 DUNDAS ST., WHITBY 430-1141 Authorized by Ivan Wallace. CFO> Furlong juAL. Lý