Breton Body Kneads

For massage therapist Melissa Penny, returning to her hometown of Sydney, Cape Breton was the best move she’s ever made. Since opening her own massage clinic – Breton BodyKneads – in 2006, Melissa has built a strong client base. So strong, in fact, that she hired an associate massage therapist in early 2010 to help her work the stress and muscle tension out of even more people.

“We have a growing client base and rather than continue to refer new clients to other clinics, I decided it was time to expand in order to keep up with the demand,” notes Melissa. She is delighted to have Mike Bennett working at Breton BodyKneads, handling overload and steadily building his own clientele.

The two massage therapists bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to their clients’ well-being to Breton BodyKneads. Both believe strongly in the power of therapeutic massage to help people heal from injuries and overcome the burden of chronic pain. Both also feel it is their responsibility to educate their clients about specific exercises and lifestyle changes they can undertake to help themselves find long-term relief.

After graduating from Acadia University with a biology degree in the early 1990s, Melissa decided to pursue a career in massage therapy. Since there were no massage therapy courses offered in Halifax at the time, she headed to Toronto for training. Shortly thereafter Northumberland College launched its massage therapy program in Halifax. “I was very happy to pack my bags and head back to Nova Scotia for school…and clean air,” recalls Melissa.

After graduating, Melissa worked in a multi-disciplinary health clinic in Truro for seven years before deciding to start her own business on her home turf in Cape Breton. “I wanted to be part of my family’s life on a day-to-day basis,” she says, noting that, with 30 first cousins in the Sydney area, there is never a dull moment in her family. “I didn’t want to be a weekend visitor anymore and there is nowhere else I would want to raise my own family.”

Her clients are delighted that Melissa set up shop in Sydney. “I had been hesitant about going to a massage therapist for my back and neck problems, but when I met Melissa, she made me feel so comfortable that I decided to give it a try,” says Wayne Fifield. “She’s very professional, she knows so much about anatomy and how the body works, and she gives an unbelievable massage – all while making you feel like an old friend.”

Wayne was so pleased with the pain relief and freedom of movement he was gaining through his visits to Breton BodyKneads, that he encouraged his wife, Kim MacNeil-Fifield, to go too.

“Melissa really knows my body, she remembers every problem and injury,” says Kim, who suffers from rotator cuff and back injuries. “It’s not just ‘massage and leave’ either. She takes the time to find out how I stand and walk and sit and go about my daily activities, so she can advise me on how to move more safely. Plus, she prescribes exercises and follows up to see how I’m doing. She also tells me when I’m dehydrated… she can tell by the feel of my skin!”

Mike also received his massage therapy training at Northumberland College, graduating in 2006. He has worked in multidisciplinary clinics with physiotherapists, chiropractors and athletic therapists in Halifax, and has extensive knowledge of how to treat sports injuries and shoulder problems.

Originally from Halifax, Mike re-located to Sydney with his fiancée, a native of New Waterford. “The people here made it really easy to integrate into the community,” says Mike. “They are very welcoming.” He interviewed with several massage clinics in the Sydney area, ultimately choosing to join Melissa at Breton BodyKneads. “We share similar philosophies and values of massage therapy,” he says. “We focus on treating the problem, through massage, education, and consistent follow-up to monitor clients’ progress and adherence to our recommendations, rather than on providing a ‘spa’ experience. We are looking for results for our clients.”

Melissa and Mike derive great satisfaction from helping people get back to work and the activities they love. “We spend a lot of time demonstrating proper form for the exercises and stretches we suggest,” Melissa says. “We see our work as a team effort between ourselves and our clients. We encourage people to be proactive about their health and to feel connected to their body so they can take better care of themselves.”