Jocelyn Buitenhuis, RMT

Now that back-to-school routines and extracurricular activities are on the calendar, it’s time to book those Massage Therapy appointments for YOU and your KIDS, too!

Children and teens come in for many of the same reasons adults do: headaches, pain, stiffness, sports related discomfort, or support while returning to activity, and post injury. Sometimes it’s the physical symptoms of a busy or difficult stretch, such as muscle tension, stomach discomfort, or trouble settling.

Massage Therapy can be one option for addressing discomfort and exploring what helps a child feel more comfortable in their body. For some, a predictable appointment with touch they’ve chosen may also be a useful part of their self-regulation toolkit. Every child’s response is different.

Kids can stay fully clothed for their appointment. They do not need to undress to receive Massage Therapy in my practice. Before treatment, I explain what to expect, offer choices, and check in throughout. They can ask to change or stop at any time. Their comfort, privacy and voice matter. 💚

There’s no set schedule every child needs. We can talk about what’s going on and whether an appointment makes sense for them.

Parents and caregivers, this reminder is for you, too. If your own care keeps slipping down the list, it may be time to book.

Book an appointment for yourself or your child, or contact me with any questions.

It is a gorgeous day for a Stroll...

Victoria Village 1st Annual Stroll for Seniors is happening now!

Three walking paths and difficulties available for strollers of all abilities.

Come join the music, bbq and entertainment at 12-noon. Help us build our community and show our seniors we care. 💚

Thank you to Aaron Lutes from Victoria Village and all the volunteers who made this event happen!

City of Barrie

New blog is up: Pelvic Health and Massage Therapy: What External Care Can Look Like

Pelvic health is not just about the pelvic floor — and it is not only women’s health.

This blog looks at what external pelvic health Massage Therapy may include, how assessment and consent guide care, and how pelvic pain, scars, postpartum changes, prostate-related recovery, and other concerns may fit into a broader treatment plan.

This type of care is available here.

Read the full blog through the link in my bio.

Looking for something to do next weekend in Barrie?

I will be volunteering for the Stroll for Seniors at Victoria Village Inc. on Sat, September 26th.

Music, vendors, BBQ, inflatable for kids, etc. will be available.

Walk starts at 11am, and I will be hosting the walk warm up session at 10:45am! Let's get moving! 💪

I will be at the vendor area after or helping throughtout the day where I am needed.

So excited to get involved in the community I work in. 💚

More event information here:

https://victoriavillage.ca/fundraising/

Register or donate to the event here:

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/74858?v1=true

I left the Empower Her event feeling exactly that: empowered. 💚

The presentations were honest, moving and close to home. I appreciated how Advocis brought financial well-being and health into the same conversation. Illness, caregiving, separation, parenting and building a business can affect financial security—and financial strain can profoundly affect physical and mental health.

Ibeth Ayala brought incredible energy into the room, getting us moving, noticing our bodies, breathing deeply and laughing together.

Alanna Purcell shared her experience of becoming Power of Attorney for two siblings following sudden, medical events. Having lost my brother at 46 and my brother-in-law at 37, her words hit especially close to home. Life can change without warning, and planning ahead can reduce uncertainty for those we love.

The five-woman panel shared perspectives from financial planning, coaching, real estate and law. They spoke honestly about common mistakes, asking for support and finding knowledgeable people who want to see you succeed. Even tools like ChatGPT cannot replace individualized financial or legal advice.

I also appreciated what I heard of Annette Nyland’s discussion about divorce before I had to leave.

I was sorry to miss the final health and wellness panel, featuring guests such as Preya from IPW and Trisha Brunelle from GetMoving Physio, along with representatives from Gilda’s Club and Habitat for Humanity.

A special thank-you to my financial advisor, Scott McEachern, for inviting me and contributing to the event. It was also meaningful to see men show up to listen, learn and help empower women.

This event came when I needed it. After listening to The Mountain Is You, its message felt especially timely. I am navigating financial strain, separation, nearly solo parenting and building a business. Through therapy, working on myself, networking and surrounding myself with like-minded people, I am creating the life and business I deserve.

I left feeling hopeful, connected and certain that I will be successful.

We can do this—and I would be pleased to contribute more, perhaps as a panel member next year. 💚

Today’s focus: balancing wealth, health and everything life throws our way. ⚖️

I’m set up at the Financial Advisors Network Lunch discussing women’s health, wealth, life transitions, and practical ways to support pain, function and wellness—plus giving one lucky attendee a free 75-minute Initial Massage Therapy Appointment.

Because a healthy portfolio should include more than finances. 😉

Empower Her!

Here at the Advocis Simcoe Muskoka 3rd Annual Empower Her event at BDAR BDAR in Barrie.

This event is designed to bring together women in business, leadership, and professional services for a day of education, connection, and personal growth.

Grade 4! 😎

Hope everyone has a great 2026/27 school year full of lessons and growth!

Annual reminder to be alert ⚠️, slow down in school zones, stop for buses 🛑 and keep our kids safe!

Fee Update + Simplified Booking

As of September, I’ll be simplifying my Massage Therapy fee structure so that regular, TMJ/TMD, and pelvic health appointments are billed at the same time-based rates.

Demand has changed over time, particularly for TMJ care, and I wanted the fee structure to be more consistent and easier to understand. This also means patients no longer need to choose between different fee schedules for different treatment focuses.

TMJ/TMD and pelvic health appointments should still be booked under their respective appointment types so the appropriate health history, consent, assessment, and documentation are in place. These appointments are available during select booking times only.

-------

I’m also giving myself a small birthday raise this year. HBD to me! 🎉

*Appointments are increasing by $5+, which is in line with the gradual fee increases I’ve always made over the years.

New Massage Therapy fees:

30 min Follow-up — $95
45 min Follow-up — $110
60 min Follow-up — $130
75 min Initial Assessment & Treatment — $140
90 min Initial/Follow-up — $180

All fees include HST.

Thank you to everyone who continues to trust me with their care and support my practice as it continues to grow and evolve. I appreciate each and every one of you 💕

New blog is up: Jaw Pain, Headaches, and Neck Discomfort: Why Assessment Matters

Jaw pain is not always one simple symptom.

Some patients notice jaw discomfort, clicking, clenching, headaches, temple pain, neck stiffness, tooth sensitivity, or ear-area pressure — and they are not sure where to start.

In this blog, I talk about why assessment matters when it comes to jaw-related symptoms, how I approach these concerns as an RMT, and how Massage Therapy may fit into conservative, collaborative care.

I also cover the difference between “TMJ” and TMD/TMJD, what is within my scope, when dental or medical care may be needed, and how consent applies to intra-oral Massage Therapy.

You do not need to know the perfect terminology before asking for help. If you tell me “I have TMJ,” I know what you mean, and we can start there.

https://www.jocelynbuitenhuisrmt.com/post/jaw-pain-headaches-neck-discomfort-assessment