By Jim Morrison
www.thesuburban.com
Île Perrot resident, Donna Whittingham, has the touch. She realized her calling upon graduation from Concordia University in human sciences, and therapeutic recreation.
“I spent the first seven years of my career in the business world, and realized it was not fulfilling,” said Whittingham.
Donna wanted to utilize her educational background to satisfy her passion in helping people.
Her life changed three years ago upon accepting a ten-week, 400-hour internship at the Veteran’s hospital in Ste. Anne de Bellevue.
“I worked with 40 patients a day at the hospital, practicing recreational activities, reminiscing, and anything which would keep the body and mind stimulated,” Whittingham told The Suburban.
In addition, she took care of her grandfather, Edward Whittingham, at the Manior Pierrefonds, who lived to be 96-years-old, which further confirmed her direction.
“I felt really bad to see all the older people just sitting there, with no type of inspiration to pass their days,” added Donna.
Whittingham enrolled in massage school, where her 400 hours of training focused on the Swedish, and therapeutic disciplines.
The Swedish massage is the best known technique. It is to relax the entire body by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. It is beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation, and flexibility while easing tension.
Therapeutic massage concentrate on specific body aches, such as, migraines, lock neck, sciatica, and lower back tension.
Whittingham created Caring Hands massage therapy, in 2010, after the birth of her second child.
“I wanted to do something which I love, while being able to raise my family, confirmed Whittingham, and this was an ideal method in combining both of my dreams.”
Caring hands currently has over a hundred clients. Massages are available at two different sites, plus home visitations are also available for all ages.
Whittingham is a member of SNMQ: Société Nouvelle de Massothérapie du Québec.
“I suffered from migraines for years, and Donna’s care has made my pain manageable. I work in pharmaceutical sales, and am a big believer in alternate medication,” said Ile Perrot resident, Brigitte Taillefer, who has been a client of Whittingham’s the past three years.
“Donna has the magic touch. She knows what to do, discreet, and professional. My family and I will only have her.” Kirkland resident, Suzanne Duquette, told The Suburban.
“Let my hands manage your pain, in the most natural way,” a relaxed Whittingham stated from the comforts of her kitchen table.
Caring hands can be reached on Facebook-Caring hands or [514] 501-2719.