Practitioner of the Month

This month we're proud to recognize Stefanie Rutigliano, RMT, who joined our team this summer and has already become a patient favourite.

 

A Vancouver native, Stefanie graduated from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2013. She has treated professional athletes, military personnel in Australia and travellers from around the world, and completed 90 hours of Thai Massage training in Thailand.

 

Her sessions blend classic Swedish with deep, targeted pressure to calm the nervous system. She's especially passionate about supporting people living with stress and anxiety.

 

Stefanie's specialties

• Swedish and deep tissue massage

• Sports massage

• Pre- and post-natal massage (additional prenatal training in 2025)

• Trigger point therapy

• Stretching, remedial exercise and hydrotherapy

• Chronic pain management

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What made you want to become an RMT? Was there a moment, a person, or an experience that got you into massage therapy?

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I was in Thailand enjoying one of their beautiful beaches. Unbeknownst to me, there was a chunk of concrete hidden under the sand. I kicked it so hard I thought I had broken my foot. The following day I limped my way to the closest Thai massage place. My foot was bandaged but I allowed him to work on it for about 5 minutes at the end of the massage. He was incredibly gentle and I was skeptical. I walked out amazed, I could walk without limping and the pain was only where the skin was damaged. That experience made me want to make a tangible difference in people’s lives through massage.

 

How would you describe your treatment style, and what techniques do you use most? (For example deep tissue, myofascial release, Swedish, or trigger point.) What can a first-time client expect in a session with you?

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My treatments are grounded in long, rhythmic and flowing strokes on the superficial layers of the muscles to increase circulation, soothe muscle tension, promote relaxation, and ease stress. Depending on the person and their goals deeper techniques can promote healing and improve movement. I like to incorporate stretching and find out what the person seeks from treatment on that day.

 

What's your favourite part of working with clients? Is there a type of client or concern you especially love helping with?

 

I enjoy when my guest walks out of the treatment room and their face has softened, their pace has slowed, and their relaxed demeanour is calm and composed. There is room for mental clarity, a positive outlook, and the ability to better handle life’s challenges.

 

When you're off the table, what do you do in your free time? Hobbies, favourite local spots, or how you recharge.

 

I like to swim, sauna, lift weights, ride my bike, paint, and hang out with the people I love.

 

What's one self-care tip you wish every client knew? Something simple people can do between appointments to feel their best.

 

Speak kindly to yourself. Being compassionate, patient, and understanding towards yourself is another way of reminding yourself that you’re human too. It can increase resilience and lead to greater self-acceptance.