About Us
Jessica Ellerker RMT, Owner
15 Years experience as a Registered Massage Therapist.
I graduated in 2008 in Ontario, a good standing member with the CMTO.
I had the pleasure of treating in Caledonia, Cayuga and Alberta. Now I embark on a new journey, opening my own clinic, a goal I have been dreaming of since I started as an RMT.
I truly believe to have a pain free life, is to be proactive and place yourself first. Exercise and strength training is key to recovery and rehab. Massage therapy along with other health therapies will help speed up the healing process and maintain.
I specialize in treating pre/post natal, children, rehabilitation, pre/post surgery, deep tissue, any soft tissue conditions, myofascial cupping.
I am a mother of 2 growing boys, who constantly keep me moving. I enjoy every minute! We keep busy with sports, camping and being outdoors.
My hobbies include soccer, basketball, running, strength training and generally anything active.
It is a true honor to help my clients move and feel better and also to have a greater quality of life.
"Motion is Lotion"
Sarah Baiardo RMT, CAT(C)
I have always taken an interest in learning about the body and how it all
works. From this interest I studied Kinesiology at Brock University and graduated with Honours in 2016.
During this time, I became a student trainer for the Women’s soccer team which peaked my interest in Athletic Therapy. I studied Athletic Therapy at Sheridan College where I had many placements to practice these skills and graduated with Honours in 2021. One part about Athletic Therapy that I really
enjoy is helping individuals feel better and getting them back to the activities that they enjoy doing. As part of Athletic Therapy, I also love manual therapy, which lead me to pursue Massage Therapy.
I studied Massage Therapy in the Advanced standing program at Ontario College of Health and Technology. I was able to really develop my skills during 350 clinical hours including different outreaches at Hamilton Health Sciences, Grit Labs and Village Manor as well as working with special population clinics such as pregnancy, arthritis, complex care, kids clinics and more. I graduated this program in 2023 and as a recent graduate, I am excited to start my career as an Athletic Therapist and Registered Massage Therapist.
During treatments I love to incorporate many different techniques and really focus on what the patient needs. This can include using fascial techniques, pin and stretch techniques, mobilizations of joints, diaphragmatic release, very light or deep techniques, manual cervical or lumbar traction and more.
When I am not treating and helping others feel better, I love being active, working out and rollerblading! I love finding fun ways to be active because I truly believe that movement is medicine and working out doesn’t always have to be done in a traditional way!
Rhi Brownell rmt, pta
Hi! I’m Rhi, a Registered Massage Therapist who loves helping people feel their best.
I graduated from the Ontario College of Health and Technology in 2025, but I’ve been working in Haldimand since 2010 as a Physiotherapy Assistant. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with people of all ages and have experience treating a wide variety of injuries, post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, neurological conditions, and everyday aches and pains.
In 2012, I also became a Certified Personal Trainer, which gave me an even better understanding of how the body moves and recovers. I enjoy combining everything I’ve learned over the years to create treatments that are tailored to each person’s needs.
Whether you’re dealing with an injury, chronic pain, headaches, muscle tension, or you’re simply looking to relax, I’d love to help you feel your best.
When I’m not at the clinic, you’ll usually find me cheering at the hockey rink, baking something sweet, or spending time with my dogs.
Certified Athletic Therapy From Sarah
Detail your services
Athletic Therapy: Benefits, Indications, and What to Expect
Whether you are recovering from an injury, returning to sport, or simply looking to move more comfortably, athletic therapy can help you regain strength, improve function, and reduce the risk of future injuries.
What Is Athletic Therapy?
Athletic therapy is a form of rehabilitation focused on the prevention, assessment, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal injuries. Although the name may suggest that it is only for athletes, athletic therapy can benefit anyone experiencing pain, reduced mobility, or an injury affecting muscles, joints, ligaments, or tendons.
Athletic therapists use a combination of hands-on treatment, therapeutic exercise, education, and injury-prevention strategies. Treatment is tailored to each person’s condition, goals, activity level, and stage of recovery.
Depending on the injury and individual needs, an athletic therapy program may include:
- Injury assessment and functional testing
- Manual therapy and soft-tissue techniques
- Joint mobilization
- Therapeutic exercise
- Stretching and mobility work
- Strength and conditioning
- Balance and coordination exercises
- Taping, bracing, or other supportive techniques
- Education about movement, posture, and injury prevention
- Sport- or activity-specific rehabilitation
What Conditions Can Athletic Therapy Help With?
Athletic therapy may be appropriate for a wide range of acute and chronic injuries, including:
- Sprains and strains
- Muscle and tendon injuries
- Sports-related injuries
- Back and neck pain
- Shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle pain
- Tendinitis and overuse injuries
- Joint instability
- Postural and movement-related problems
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Work-related injuries
- Recovery following surgery or immobilization
- Balance and coordination difficulties
- Concussion recovery, when provided within an appropriate medical care plan
Athletic therapy can also be useful for people who want to improve strength, mobility, movement quality, or confidence before returning to work, exercise, or sport.
Benefits of Athletic Therapy
1. Personalized rehabilitation
Every injury and every person is different. Athletic therapy begins with an assessment to identify the source of your symptoms, how your body is moving, and which activities may be contributing to the problem. Your treatment plan is then customized to your needs and goals.
2. Improved strength and mobility
Injuries can lead to stiffness, weakness, and reduced confidence in movement. Targeted exercises can help restore range of motion, build strength, and improve control of the affected area.
3. Pain management
Athletic therapy may help reduce pain through a combination of hands-on techniques, progressive exercise, education, and activity modification. The goal is not only to manage symptoms but also to address contributing factors and support long-term recovery.
4. Safe return to activity
Returning to work, exercise, or sport too quickly can increase the risk of reinjury. Athletic therapists can help guide a gradual return to activity by monitoring strength, mobility, balance, endurance, and functional performance.
5. Injury prevention
Rehabilitation is only part of athletic therapy. Your therapist may also identify movement patterns, muscle imbalances, training errors, or other factors that may increase your risk of injury. Education and prevention strategies can help you stay active safely.
6. Better movement confidence
An injury can make people feel hesitant or afraid to move. A structured rehabilitation program can help rebuild confidence and teach you how to move safely and effectively.
Who Can Benefit From Athletic Therapy?
Athletic therapy may be suitable for:
- Competitive and recreational athletes
- Active adults
- Children and teenagers involved in sports
- People recovering from an accident or workplace injury
- Individuals with recurring pain or stiffness
- People returning to activity after surgery
- Anyone looking to improve physical function and prevent injury
You do not need to be an athlete to benefit from athletic therapy. Treatment can be adapted for all ages, fitness levels, and activity goals.
What Happens During an Athletic Therapy Appointment?
Your first appointment will usually include a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, daily activities, and goals. The therapist may assess your posture, movement, strength, flexibility, balance, and functional abilities.
Based on the assessment, your therapist will explain their findings and recommend a treatment plan. This may include hands-on treatment, exercises to complete in the clinic, and a home exercise program.
Your plan may change over time as your symptoms improve and your activity level increases. Consistency with your recommended exercises and following activity guidelines can play an important role in recovery.
When Should You Seek Athletic Therapy?
Consider booking an assessment if you are experiencing:
- Pain that does not improve with rest
- Reduced mobility or strength
- Swelling, stiffness, or instability
- Difficulty completing everyday activities
- Pain during exercise or sport
- A recurring injury
- Difficulty returning to your usual activity
- Concerns about preventing future injuries
Seek urgent medical attention for severe pain, significant deformity, loss of sensation or movement, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or any injury that may be serious. Athletic therapy does not replace emergency or medical care when it is needed.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Movement!
Whether you are recovering from an injury, preparing to return to sport, or trying to stay active without pain, athletic therapy can provide the guidance and support you need. A personalized program can help you move with greater strength, confidence, and control.
**Contact us today to schedule an athletic therapy assessment and learn how Sarah can support your recovery and performance.**
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Sarah Baiardo, RMT
Pregnancy Bolster
Pediatric Massage Treatments
Myofascial Cupping offered