Knead To Unwind Massage Therapy — Attraction in Winnipeg

I've passed by Knead to Unwind on my downtown commute many a time over the past year, before finally having the time and money to set aside for a massage, and am I ever glad I did.

The massage therapist I saw, Collin, knew how to apply just the right amount of pressure, but still kept confirming any time I grunted or groaned particularly loudly that he wasn't pushing too hard or causing undue pain while he was working on long-overdue knots in my back; very conscientious of him! It made me feel like he was actually paying attention to me, moreso than even the light conversation we engaged in throughout the session. One thing I have to mention is this: Don't book an hour and expect worthwhile deep tissue work to be done across your whole back and your legs at the same time! Try to keep it focused, so your therapist has more time to work on the worst spots, which WILL take more time to untangle and loosen.

At $95 flat for a full hour (which is the industry standard across any massage therapy place I've found rates for), you really get your money's worth going here, as far as I'm concerned. When my session was over, I immediately booked for another session next month (Collin recommended that I don't do it too often, only once every 3-4 weeks, due to it having been a fairly deep tissue and intense massage that I'd requested, showing to me that they really do care about what they do and about doing it right; that said, I do know lighter massages are available and they probably can be done more frequently).

The location is also fairly good, too, being right by the Deer Lodge Centre and the Sargeant Sundae, on the other side of the Assiniboine Zoo/Park bridge, so whether you bus or drive it's fairly easy access for anyone in the west end of the city, and easy enough to get to if you live even as far away as downtown in the city core. If you're feeling tense, getting headaches that never seem to go away, or just have aches and pains that have been plaguing you for years- give them a try! I don't think you'll be disappointed.

EDIT: Went back more than a month later, on March 2nd, 2024, and my time there was significantly less good, unfortunately. I gave four points of importance- my right shoulder (due to tendonitis), my lower back, my posterior/interior thigh (right leg), and neck, in that order of importance, and a special note to be careful of a sprain I'd suffered the previous day (not to work it, but to avoid pressure on it). I filled out the form noting these things, too. When I came in, the massage therapist I saw (different one) only vaguely knew of the sprain and not the other issues, so I had to spend part of the time set for getting a massage noting them again.

Alas, almost all the time remaining was spent on working both my armpits (which weren't places I'd indicated I needed massaged, but were linked to the shoulder, so I let the man do his work) and a bit of the upper scapular, with only a little time spent on my lower back, such that the left side was entirely untouched (and now I'm stuck feeling lopsided), and my thigh ended up unworked as well, though that was understood to be likely given the order that he set and I disappointedly agreed to.

In short, I felt like the time spent was a bit mismanaged by the therapist I saw, even with having a few issues to be looked at; I expected that at least my shoulder and back would have been done, not just my shoulders and a bit of my back on the right side. What did get worked still felt good, mind you, so I'm not docking any points just yet, but let this bee a warning: be firm about where your pain is and what you need done most importantly, or you might suffer the...

I had my first appointment with Carl today, I am blown away by how knowledgeable he was, particularly regarding my lifelong wrist issue. He knew what was wrong within seconds of checking out my forearm. I feel like I finally have a more confident answer.

My back and shoulders also feel so much better too. Thank you so much, Carl!

Edit to update:

After a year of regular visits, I want to share a more complete perspective on Knead to Unwind and Carl, my go-to therapist.

Over the past year, I have been going for massages every 1-3 weeks for routine maintenance, relaxation, or any other particular issues I am experiencing at that time. Without question, Knead to Unwind is always my favourite clinic.

Streetside parking is always available. When you first walk in, you are greeted at reception by friendly, familiar faces every time, and they are always helpful when I have questions or concerns. I love the big long bench so I can sit comfortably while waiting. The floors and bathrooms are always clean. The check-in and check-out process is always smooth, and they have direct billing.

I attended the 20th anniversary party recently and was also blown away by the care and thought that was put into this event. It was nice to learn a bit more history about KTU and meet the owners. The grazing table was stunning, see attached photo, my jaw was on the floor! Katie taught me about prenatal massage. It is clear that she is very knowledgeable, passionate, and experienced in this area, and in women's health in general. Carl was doing IASTM and cupping demos, and IASTM immediately became my new favourite thing! None of my other clinics offer this service so it's awesome to have at KTU and well worth the additional cost. For IASTM I feel like a longer session is a good choice.

Regarding my preferred therapists, Carl in particular is the most trustworthy and knowledgeable therapist that I go to regularly, and has had the biggest impact on my overall wellness. His approach is mindful and medical based, and his assessment is top-notch. In one session Carl noticed more tension on my right side. I strained it earlier that week but figured it was resolved before my session. I didn't even have to tell him, he just knew, and then properly fixed it up with some IASTM. I felt awesome afterwards. His ability to assess and pivot session plans based on observations is something unique that I hadn't experienced with other therapists. Each session is different and carefully tailored to my needs on that particular day. His knowledge expands beyond massage, and he will sometimes suggest workouts or stretches for me based on his observations, which motivates me to actually stretch or work out. I would recommend Carl for anyone, but particularly for individuals who are experiencing pain or...

Not impressed.

I booked a 90 minute deep tissue massage with the first available provider - which was Dwight.

Upon arrival, staff at the front desk was not very welcoming. In fact, they were rather annoyed that I had not filled out the intake papers prior to arrival. Although, I apologized I did explain to them that I did not receive anything via email (even double checked while standing at the desk). They proceeded to fill out the papers for me by asking all the personal medical questions out loud in front of other patrons in the waiting room, instead of printing them quickly so I can fill out privately. I did not feel that it was appropriate asking loudly enough for others to hear about my reproductive issues and medications I’m on. However, I left it alone and did not feel it was necessary to address as I just wanted to get to my appointment.

Upon attending to the room with my provider, he asked about what brought me in today, what I do for work, what I do in my free time, etc. All things that are expected to be asked. I figured we were off to a great start. I did make it clear during this initial interaction what I was looking for and that he was not going to hurt me by administering a lot of pressure as I have had many massages in my life and no one ever seems to get in deep enough. I further assured him that I would let him know if it was too much but to not be shy. After all, I did book a DEEP TISSUE massage.

Throughout the hour and a half appointment, there was only two times that the provider actually got somewhat deeper into the tissue. I, again, assured him that the pressure was fine like that and to continue. That did not happen. The entire time was spent on the surface level of the skin rubbing as if it was a relaxation massage. Furthermore, the provider, instead of going into deep tissue, spent majority of the time pinching my skin. I have never had an RMT do this….. it was not relaxing, it was not pleasant and his nails were so long that I actually have scratch marks from his nails now all over my neck from the pinching (I have pictures for reference below). Not to mention, majority of the concerns I addressed at the beginning of the appointment were either completely neglected or barely addressed.

I’m upset I wasted my benefits and my morning on a day that was supposed to be of relaxation, healing my muscles and self care. The provider also did not relay any post care instructions (which, again, I’ve had massages before so I am well aware to heavily rehydrate post treatment but I do acknowledge this was not at all an actual deep tissue massage like I booked so perhaps that’s why it was not mentioned).

All and all, not a good experience and I will not...