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Eryka Callaghan

Registered Massage Therapist
Certified Lymphedema Therapist

While working in hospitals, long term care and hospices in Canada and the UK, Eryka developed a passion for healthcare profession but took a break to operate a home daycare while raising her four children. Eryka chose massage therapy as her second career to fulfill her passion for providing patient-centered care in a health care setting.

Education & Courses

Algonquin College - Registered Massage Therapy
2018 - 2021

Algonquin College's Massage Therapy program prepares students to have the knowledge, skills and judgement to provide safe, competent and ethical care. Students learn about anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, professional communication, ethics, jurisprudence in healthcare, massage theory and massage practice skills. As well as, participate in lab exercises and student clinic, fine tuning their skills in:

  • conducting clinical assessments

  • formulating comprehensive clinical impressions

  • creating client-centred treatment plans

  • providing safe and ethical massage therapy care

Education & Courses
Michigan University - Thoracic Oncology
September 2022 - present

This course provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary introduction to state of the art approaches in the care of patients with thoracic malignancies, including various types of lung cancers and esophageal cancers. Didactic material will cover epidemiology, screening and diagnosis, staging, imaging, radiation therapy, systemic therapy, surgery, psychiatry, and patient support topics.

Vodder - Applied MLD
November 2024

This is a 4-day classroom course. There are many applications of MLD, apart from those for patients with edema and in this course, clinical indications for MLD are taught for patients with a functional lymph vessel system. These include whiplash, burns, migraines, tinnitus, CRPS, stroke, supination trauma for the ankle, knee arthroplasty, cruciate ligament repair, adhesive capsulitis and hip pathologies. A practical exam is given at the end of this course and successful completion enables certification in Applied MLD from the Dr. Vodder Academy/School – International

Klose Training - Elastic Taping for Lymphedema
November 2023

This course will teaches how to safely and effectively utilize the techniques of elastic taping on patients with lymphedema. After an introduction to the history and theory of elastic taping, students learn techniques of elastic taping for patients with lymphedema of the upper and lower extremity and/or difficult-to-bandage areas such as the trunk, breast and head & neck.

Vodder - Lymphedema
June 2022

This 9 day course includes 2 days of theory and 7 days practical, totaling 73 hours. Theory covers the pathophysiological background of edemas, in general, is covered as well as lymphedema and lipedema. Indications, contraindications and differential diagnosis of edema is explained.  Practical includes the correct application of Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT). This includes MLD, compression therapy (bandages & garments), edema exercises and skin care. Applications include treatment of upper and lower extremity lymphedema, lipedema, chronic venous insufficiency edema and head & neck edema. Successful completion of theory and practical exams enables certification from the Dr. Vodder Academy/School – International.

MacQuarie University -Lymphoedema: Monitoring & Intervention After Breast Cancer
May 2022

This is an intermediate course covering lymphoedema, lymphatic physiology and anatomy, assessment and treatment, as well as utilises case studies to understand the prospective surveillance and early intervention model of care in breast cancer rehabilitation.

Klose Training - Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
February 2022

This course provides essential knowledge of outpatient therapeutic approaches in breast cancer care. A comprehensive review of current diagnostic, surgical, radiation, reconstructive and medical oncologic management for breast cancer is included. Special attention is given to the evaluation, differential diagnosis, and treatment of axillary web syndrome (cording) and postural and scapular dysfunction as well as upper-quadrant soft-tissue changes following breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy. An up-to-date review of recent research findings regarding breast cancer-related lymphedema is presented.

Vodder - Manual Lymphaic Drainage
October 2021

The foundation course is Level 1 Practical. This 4-day classroom course covers the original basic Dr. Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) strokes and their application to each body part, including neck, face, arms, legs, nape, back, buttocks, chest and abdomen.
This class consists of 32 practical hours and 45 hours of independent study.

Vodder - Dancing with our Hands
2025

  • Exploring the Unknown - Ian Soles, BA, MT (February)

  • Exercise Theory - Denise Drisdelle, BA, RMT (March)

  • Research on Exercise with Lymphedema - Dr. Margaret McNeely and Dr. Sara Nelson (April)

  • Beyond the Hands - Sarmita Misra, PT, CLT (May)

  • Oh the Things You Will See & Do - Betsey O'Neill, LPTA, CLT (June)

  • Lymphedema in Spinae Bifida - Laura McGuckin MPT (July)

Lipedema Courses & Webinars
2021 - Present

  • Lipedema Awareness for Massage Therapists - Kathleen Lisson

  • ​Liposuction Postoperative Protocols for Lipedema - Kathleen Lisson

  • Understanding Germany’s Lipedema Policy Breakthrough - Lipedema Canada

  • The Real Weight of Lipedema: Lifting Stigma Through Patient Stories - Lipedema Canada

  • 8 Surprising Truths About Lipedema – and How Canadians Are Still Being Left Behind - NSWOC

  • The Lipedema Landscape – A Head-to-Toe Assessment and Addressing Canada’s Awareness Gap - NSWOC

  • Lipedema & Menopause - Lipedema Canada

  • Lipedema Unveiled: Bridging the Gap Between Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment - Tactile Medical

  • Travel Made Easier: Tips for Lipedema and Lymphedema Patients on the Go - Juzo

  • Emerging from the Shadows: Recognizing and Treating Lipedema - Obesity Medicine

World Lipedema Congress - Online 2023-2025

  • Psychosocial challenges of managing Lipoedema - Dr. Christine Moffat

  • Self-management program “Healthy and active living with lipoedema and lymphoedema” - Susanna Helmbrecht

  • Guided Self-Management – What can the patient contribute to the therapy? - Dr. Christian Ure

  • New therapeutics frontiers and approaches to lipedema - Dr. Marco Mattioli

  • Exploring disease interrelationships in patients with lipedema and other lymphatic disorders - Dr. Stanley Rockson 

  • The Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in the Conservative Management of Lipedema - Dr. Aria Vazirnia

  • Defocused and radial shock wave therapy, mesotherapy and kinesio taping effects in patients with lipedema: a pilot study
    - Dr. Serena Michelini 

  • Pilot study: Ultrasound cavitation (UC) and extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT) as conservative treatments for lipedema SAT improves pain, decreases thigh circumference, increases QOL and improves SAT structure in women with lipedema - Karen Ashforth, CLT

  • Indications of Peripheral Pain, Dermal Hypersensitivity, and Neurogenic Inflammation in Patients with Lipedema - Dr. Joseph Rutkowski

  • Non-Obese Lipedema Patients Show A Distinctly Altered Quantitative Sensory Testing (Qst) Profile With Promising Diagnostic Potential - Dr. Rebecca Dinnendahl

  • A New Theory: Lipedema is caused by subclinical saphenous compartment syndrome - Dr. José Luis Simarro

  • Lipedema Reduction Surgery Improves Mobility, Physical Function, and Multiple Measures of Quality of Life in Women with Lipedema - Dr. Thomas Wright 

  • Effectiveness of liposuction in lipedema – a cross-sectional data collection of 860 lipedema patients - Dr. Marie-Luise Aitzetmüller-Klietz 

  • Complications after Liposuction for Lipedema - Dr. Stefan Emmes

  • Lipedema Progresses In Only One Third Of The Patients, Probably Related To Fat Gain - Dr. Isabel Forner-Cordero

  • Lipedema and Obesity – interdisciplinary therapy for successful treatment - Dr. Anja M. Boos 

  • Persistence of Lipedema Phenotype and Symptoms after Bariatric Surgery: A Case Series - Dr. Jeremias Schmidt 

  • Lipedema World Alliance – Working together we can make a change - Dr. Sandro Michelini

  • Myths and challenges in management of lipedema – Indian perspective - Dr. Srinagesh Vadrevu 

  • Standard of Care for Lipedema in the United States: The Current Perspective - Dr. Karen Herbst 

  • Insights from the Revision and Update of the German Guidelines for Lipedema - Dr. Gabriele Faerber

  • Liposuction for Lipedema: The Swedish Perspective - Dr. Anders Liss

  • Proposed Framework for Research Case Definitions of Lipedema - Dr. Matthew Carmody

  • The effect of diet on improving lipoedema symptoms - Dr. Yannan Jin 

  • Lymphoscintigraphic alterations in lower limbs in women with lipedema in comparison to women with overweight/obesity - Dr. Angelika Chachaj

  • Surgical Approaches for Managing Lymphedema - Dr. Dhruv Singhal 

  • Anatomy and Physiology of the lymphatic system which transversalities with lipoedema - Dr. Jean-Paul Belgrado 

  • Lymphoscintigraphic patterns in patients with lipedema - Dr. Alberto Onorato

  • Does tumescent liposuction diminish the lymphatic function in the legs of lipoedema patients? - Dr. Robert Boonen

  • Lipedema – My Experience as a Lymphologist - Dr. Hakan Brorson 

  • Multiple Symmetric Lipomatosis: Insights into Pathogenesis - Dr. Lukas Prantl 

  • Morphological characterization of adipose tissue from patients affected by lipedema - Dr. Roberto Cannataro

  •  Lipedema stage affects adipocyte hypertrophy, subcutaneous adipose tissue inflammation and interstitial fibrosis - Dr. Sabrina Gohlke

  • Adipose tissue biology and effect of weight loss in women with lipedema - Dr. Vincenza Cifarelli 

  • LIPLEG: Update on a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing CDT Alone and Liposuction for Lipedema - Dr. Maximilian Kovacs 

  • Lymph Vessel Sparing Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction for Lymphedema and Lipedema Surgical Treatment - Dr. Corrado Cesare Campisi

  • Liposuction Techniques for Achieving Better Cosmetic and Lipedema Symptom Improvement - Dr. Thomas Su 

  • Initial stages: the forgotten patients. Tricks and tips for diagnosis and surgery - Dr. Enrique Burgos

  • To WAL or not to WAL – Surgical treatment of lipedema: A single center retrospective data analysis - Dr. Ashwin Reddy 

  • Power-assisted Liposuction for Lipedema – Best practice from 30 years experience - Dr. Stefan Rapprich & Dr. Hans Bayer

  • Lymph Vessel Sparing Liposuction for Lymphedema and Lipedema Treatment - Dr Corrado Campisi

Canadian Lymphedema Framework Conference - November 3-4, 2023

  • Why Weight? What you need to know about the Canadian Adult Obesity Guidelines - Dr. Denise Campbell-Scherer

  • Lymphedema prospective surveillance and risk reduction - Dr. Shirin Shallwani

  • New ILA recommendations for diagnosis of Lipedema - Dr. Anna Towers

  • Motivating patients to make meaningful and sustainable health behaviour changes with relationship-centred care - Dr. Céline Koryzma

  • Aqua lymphatic therapy for therapists - Dr. Marie-Ève Letellier 

  • How should we treat palliative patients who have uncontrolled Lymphedema? - Dr. Anna Towers

  • PAD Best practice assessments for lower limbs with Lymphedema - Dr. Maryse Beaumier

RMTAO
2021 - Present

  • Headaches and Migraines can be a pain in the neck!

  • Chronic Pain and Massage Therapy

  • Embodied Well-Being: The Science of Emotion, Well-Being, and Social Connection

  • Trauma-informed Care in Massage Therapy

  • Resilience - Psychological Capital: Today’s Competitive Advantage

  • Psychological Informed Practice for RMTs

  • Managing Burnout and Creating a Career of Balance

  • Considerations for the Treatment of COVID Long-haul Patients through a BPS Lens

  • Demystifying the Enigmatic “Groin Pull”

  • Low Back Pain: A Person-Centered Approach to Rehabilitation

  • Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

  • Practice of Critical Thinking in Practice

  • Optimizing Hip and Knee Function

  • The Clinical Process Through a Trauma-Sensitive Lens

  • Oncology Massage: Working with people during and after cancer treatment

  • Rotator Cuff Strain Rehab and Management

  • Sacroiliac Joint Mobilizations

  • Oncology Massage: Integrating Massage Therapy into Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

  • Massage Therapy and Post-Acute Infection Syndromes: Keeping Up with the PAISs

  • Demystifying the Pelvic Floor

Additional Training
2021 - present

  • First Aid & CPR-C + AED, updated annually

  • Theralase Certification, May 2021

  • Ultrasound, May 2021

  • Sigvaris Certified Fitter, November 2021

  • Advanced Trainings - TMJ and Jaw Dysfunctions, September 2021

  • Integrative Healthcare - Introduction to Cupping, March 2022

  • Integrative Healthcare - Working the Rib Cage, April 2022

  • Integrative Healthcare - Massage for Lower Back & Pelvic Pain, May 2022

  • Integrative Healthcare - Massage for Headaches & Neck Pain, May 2022

  • Exercise Recommendations for Pregnant Individuals, September 2022

  • University of Michigan - Sports Related Concussion Training Certification, May 2023

  • Udemy - Deep Tissue Myofascial Massage, October 2023

  • Udemy - Master Myofascial Cupping, October 2023

Previous Learning

Ottawa Breastfeeding Buddies
2008 - 2016

  • Breastfeeding and the New Mom (and Dad!)

  • Support of Breastfeeding Families

  • Breastfeeding in Canada

  • Breastfeeding in Different Cultures

  • Post Partum Depression - Red Flags

NurseTrain UK
2003-2006

  • Nursing Auxillary

  • Level 3

  • Healing Hands in Health Care

  • Providing Care in Hospice 

  • Cancer Care

  • Nursing Palliative Care

  • Geriatric Care in Care Homes

Algonquin College
2000 - 2001

  • Personal Support Worker 

  • Patient Care Assistant 

How to Book

Book Now

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Click the Book Now button below 

or call/text at

613-576-3771

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Clinic Location: 

Kneaded Touch Massage Therapy​

1900 Merivale Road, Unit 102

Ottawa, ON K2G 4N4 

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NOTE: When booking for Lymphedema/Lipedema assessment it is recommended that you book at least 2-3 follow up appointments 2-4 weeks apart. My schedule books up quickly, and most treatment plans require a few follow-up appointments. Not booking ahead may lead to lengthy gaps in treatments.

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How to Book
Massage

Mobile Massage

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New spots open for regular patients.

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Also, booking occasional treatments for 2+ back to back massages.

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On-site therapy

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Please have a read through my Mobile Massage page

for information on pricing and policies:

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Mobile Massage Information​

 

When you are ready to book, please call/email/text - eryka@erykacallaghanRMT.com

613-576-3771

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Mobile Massage
Contact

Contact Me

Whether you are looking to book with me or just have a question about massage therapy - I want to hear from you!

Please call, text or email me

eryka@erykacallaghanRMT.com

(613) 576-3771

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© 2025 by Eryka Callaghan, RMT

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