Brenda Armstrong

If we don't make time for wellness, we have to take time for illness.

I quit an unfulfilling government job in Ottawa many years ago to attend the only massage school in Canada at the time, in Toronto. It was 1978. There were no spas, no wellness centers. The word wellness hadn't even been conjured yet and massage was - well frankly - thought of only in connection with the sex trade active in the 'parlors' along Yonge Street.



On graduation, my one option was to start my own practice. So I did. There began the journey that continues to inspire and teach me.



...

I quit an unfulfilling government job in Ottawa many years ago to attend the only massage school in Canada at the time, in Toronto. It was 1978. There were no spas, no wellness centers. The word wellness hadn't even been conjured yet and massage was - well frankly - thought of only in connection with the sex trade active in the 'parlors' along Yonge Street.



On graduation, my one option was to start my own practice. So I did. There began the journey that continues to inspire and teach me.



I love being a part of the changes clients make for the better. For some, their lives are set on a different course that they've longed for and - wow - do I love watching them go!



I was fortunate early in my career to know a few brilliant teachers with whom I recognized the far reaching effects of various forms of touch therapies, beyond just the body, into all the layers and aspects of who we are. Since all expression manifests in the body, taking care of the body is the best channel to any change, healing or self-discovery.



I'm always happy to answer questions and discuss your situation before coming to see me, to ensure we are a good fit.



My classes, workshops, speaking and writing have consistently been about more than massage but massage has always been at the core of it all.



Try it for yourself? You can book online or call me. I hope to see you soon.

Book a Bodywork service with me today

Where I Work
Available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Licenses
Massage

FL # MA 57393

Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork

# 005611-00

Education
1979

Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy

Massage and Hydrotherapy

2005

Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy

The Aromatherapy Practitioner's Course

1995

Sageways

CranioSacral Therapy and Beyond

1996

Upledger Institute

CranioSacral Therapy

2000

Ayurvedic Healings

Aromatherapy

2001

Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies

Chair Massage Fundamentals

2009

Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies

Deep Tissue Massage

1998

Benny Vaughn

Orthopedic Assessment and Clinical Massage

2008

JAMU Asian Spa Rituals

Balinese Massage

1994

St John School of the Arts

Pressure Point Massage

2005

Stone Temple Institute

Stone Thermotherapy - Healing Stone Massage

2010

Northwestern Health Sciences University

Intrinsic Coaching Development Series

2010

Coach Training Alliance

Coach Training Course

1987

Therafields

Biodynamics

Experience
Bodywork

Lifelines

Lifelines was my first full-time massage practice in Toronto after graduation.

Principal and Teacher

The Sutherland-Chan School of Massage in Toronto hired me as a teacher. I became responsible for the curriculum and ultimately Principal of the school, teaching clinical application of massage as well as coordinating teachers, students and all programs.

Charter Yacht Cook

I was a full-time cook and mate aboard a luxury sailing yacht in the Caribbean, taking care of guests who chartered us for a week. This was a great opportunity to support our guests with delicious whole food and introduce them to self-care.

A Touch of Wellness in St Thomas

After 16 successful years in St Thomas, Virgin Islands, I sold my practice there, moved to Florida and re-established A Touch of Wellness in Largo. That was 2011

Coaching

Health and wellness coaching has always been part of my service to my massage clients when they've wanted it. I am now developing another branch of my business for teaching and coaching women in expanding wellness for themselves and those they care about. This new branch is called Woman's Way to Wellness and my first online course will roll out in early 2021.

Teaching at UVI

I was asked by the University of the Virgin Islands to create and deliver a 40-hour course as an introduction to massage therapy as a profession. 30% of my students went on to take full training to become licensed.

Spa

Extra Service

In the economic crisis of 2008 I gave myself some insurance by adding part-time work at a luxury spa in St Thomas while still running A Touch of Wellness. On moving to St Petersburg, I transferred to the world-class Spa Oceana at the Don ceSar Beach Resort on St Pete Beach. Different from my private practice, I have enjoyed experiencing the spa world and the many interesting people who pass through and who work there.

REVIEWS for my Bodywork services

by Danny on Dec 01
Highly recommend.... Danny McCurdy
by Jamie on Nov 29
It's an excellent place to come to be heal from body ache and more.
by Anonymous on Oct 15
First, the website is attractive and easy to navigate. It offers educational material, as well as information about products and services. Brenda is friendly, poised and professional. She is obviously very skilled, bringing many years of experience. Her manner is soothing and flexible. Her efforts are based on the client's needs and she adjusts to meet them. The office itself is serene in soft colors with displays of her products. It is also easy to access and a white noise machine assures privacy. With emphasis on relieving pain, Brenda offers hope for a wide range of clients.
by Kim on Sep 03
I was given a gift certificate for a massage with Brenda 6 years ago and it was the best gift EVER. I have referred friends to Brenda for serious issues and they are so grateful, and they refer family and friends also. I appreciate and respect Brenda's knowledge and skills that listen to what MY body needs each visit.
by Michael on Aug 27
Your experience is tailored to your needs. I have a massage twice a month and I am never disappointed in the results. I have lower back issues. And I am always satisfied with the results.
by Anne on Feb 03
Brenda is definitely a blessing
by Lori on Jan 25
I am so happy that I was introduced to Brenda. Her kindness and caring were evident and her ability as a touch therapist is outstanding!
by Jack on Jan 22
If you haven’t had a massage by my friend Brenda, you haven’t had a real therapeutic massage!
by Casey on Nov 06
Brenda was very sweet and very knowledgeable. It's hard to find a good masseuse. Brenda was great!! A bit pricey compared to what I pay in NY but worth it.. Brenda went above and beyond my expectations by doing a follow up call the next day to see how I was feeling.
by Jim on Oct 25
I have been coming to Brenda for massage monthly for several years. Brenda always inquires about how I am feeling so that she can address specific parts of my body to relieve tension or assist the healing of injury. She has a methodical approach that begins with reflexology of the soles of my feet, which is a pleasant way to begin. I generally come in with tension in my shoulders and arms, and she is usually more aware after the massage of how much tension I was carrying than I was. She is very gentle yet thorough in working on tense muscles, and if there is any discomfort it is an indication of how tense my muscles are, not Brenda being rough or kneading excessively. Brenda is tuned in to what she is finding as the massage proceeds, and attentive with applying healing techniques, sometimes inquiring if her technique is too aggressive. I know and trust Brenda's techniques to relax me and will continue to be a client for years to come. I recommend Brenda Armstrong for anyone who needs relief from muscular tension, body misalignment and injury from repetitive motion. Her techniques and experience with bringing healing to a variety of ailments always works for me.

SPECIALTIES: Bodywork and Massage techniques I perform

Bodywork & Massage

  • Eclectic Massage
  • Hot Stone Massage
  • Other
  • Bodywork
  • Myofascial Release
  • Mobile Eclectic Massage

Check my availability and schedule appointments for a Bodywork service