Massage therapy is much more than a technique. The best massages are a personalized experience shaped by the hands and philosophy of each practitioner. At L’Absolu Spa, we take pride in working with some of the most talented massage therapists in Montreal, Quebec, to offer transformative sessions that leave clients feeling renewed.
This month, we’re highlighting two of our trusted massage therapists who share their unique approaches to helping clients feel grounded and supported. Their stories highlight what makes their work so intentional and how they customize each session. It’s also a reminder that regular massage is an important part of wellness, especially during the colder months.
Amanda Hernandez Velasquez: Guided by Intention and Emotional Awareness
For Amanda, massage therapy is first and foremost an act of care. She was drawn to the profession by her passion for improving people’s lives, even in a single session. “Seeing someone arrive tense and stressed, then leave lighter and more radiant, is what made me fall in love with this work,” she shares.
Amanda’s philosophy is rooted in gentleness and intention. Her approach is slow and deeply intuitive, whether she’s offering a relaxation treatment or working more therapeutically. “Gentle doesn’t mean weak,” she clarifies. “I can apply strong pressure when it’s needed — but even then, I want the energy to stay calm and grounding.”
With every massage, she creates a safe space where the client can truly let go. She listens as much to the body as to the words spoken, adapting her pace and pressure to meet the client exactly where they are. This adaptability is central to her work: “Of course I have my techniques, but the body guides me. Every client is unique, so every massage is too.”
When it comes to choosing the right therapist, Amanda encourages clients to trust their instincts. “You should feel safe, respected, and understood. If you leave feeling like your body is breathing better, that’s a good sign,” she says.
Amanda recommends monthly massages to maintain physical and emotional balance, increasing to every two weeks during more stressful periods. She also notes that massage is especially important in winter: “Cold weather contracts the body, slows circulation, and affects mood. Massage brings warmth, comfort, and a real break from seasonal stress.”
Simon Chagnon: A Dynamic Approach Rooted in Precision
Simon began practicing massage therapy after a significant career change. He was attracted to the profession’s freedom and the chance to help people feel better. His work centers on technical precision and deep presence, complemented by his natural ability to put clients at ease. “Everything starts with being 110% present,” he says. “Presence, respect, and listening – those are the foundations.”
Simon blends multiple techniques in a fluid yet unconventional way, including Swedish foundations, Lomi Lomi–inspired movements, and deep-tissue work. Clients have described his sessions as “octopus-like,” in the best way.
“I sometimes massage opposite areas at the same time to help disconnect the brain from its usual patterns,” he explains. “It creates a massage that’s intuitive, enveloping, and deeply relaxing.”
Like Amanda, he customizes each session based on his client’s needs, using the intake conversation as a guide. “Each massage has the same quality, but no two are the same,” he says. His advice for first-timers is simple: explore different environments and don’t be afraid to ask questions. “You should feel validated, understood, and completely comfortable. That’s how you know you’ve found the right therapist.”
Regarding frequency, Simon also suggests monthly massages, or at least with each seasonal change. He quotes a Tibetan proverb to emphasize why: “If you listen to your body when it whispers, you won’t have to hear it scream.”
He notes that winter can be especially taxing for the nervous and musculoskeletal systems, from shivering to wearing heavier clothing, reduced light, and holiday stress. “Massage helps reset the body and the mind. It gives them a real pause,” he says.
A Team Dedicated to Your Well-Being
Together, Amanda and Simon embody the essence of L’Absolu Spa, a desire to help clients feel restored and cared for through every season. They’re part of our larger team of massage therapists, each of whom brings their own expertise and intuitive approach to every treatment. When you feel ready to pause and recharge, a massage could be exactly what you need. Our team will be here when the moment feels right.
