My Journey to Massage Therapy
My independent practice was born out of my own healing journey. In 2014, a debilitating back injury left me bedridden for six months, experiencing excruciating pain that made even the smallest movements unbearable. I turned to remedial aquatic therapy to regain my strength, but my search for answers didn’t stop there—I wanted to understand what was happening in my body. What were trigger points? Why did I have so many? And why was I in so much pain?
This search led me down an unexpected path, exploring a wide range of therapies—from Chiropractic care and Craniosacral Therapy to Dry Needling and Traditional Chinese Medicine. As I healed, I found a deep appreciation for the body’s ability to recover with the right care and support. However, I could no longer return to my previous work in organic food packing and warehousing. This shift in my life opened a new door: I qualified for Ontario’s Second Career program, which allowed me to pursue a two-year education in Massage Therapy at Algonquin College.
During my final year of studies, life threw me another challenge—I sustained a concussion, forcing me to take a year off and extend my education. Learning became a struggle. I relied on a note-taker, wore a hat to shield myself from classroom lights, and simply focused on being present. Step by step, I adapted, and in 2019, I successfully completed my exams and earned my registration as a Massage Therapist.
After working in several clinics, I realized that the traditional clinic setting didn’t align with my vision of care. I wanted to create a space that prioritized individualized, restorative therapy—one that honored the body’s natural healing process. In 2021, I took a leap and started my own independent practice in Carleton Place.
Now, my approach blends my personal experiences with a deep understanding of the body’s structure, function, and healing potential. I integrate evidence-based techniques with intuitive, hands-on care, offering treatments that support recovery, movement, and well-being. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking relaxation, I’m here to provide a space where your body can heal, strengthen, and flourish.
About Me.
As a Registered Massage Therapist, I am a registered member of the CMTO. Priding myself in offering Patient-Centered Care, an Accessible Practice, and being 2slgbtqia+ friendly, I am interested in treating the body as an integrated system, focusing on:
Ankle/Knee/Foot injuries and/or pain
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Craniosacral Therapy
Visceral Manipulation
Trauma Informed Massage Therapy
Fascial and Joint Mobility
Spinal Alignment/rotational patterns
Core Strength
Chronic Pain Symptom Management
Neck Pain/Headaches/TMJ/Whiplash
I have a special interest in scar/myofascial work and its impacts on lymph and pain. Over the years, I’ve developed a personalized technique informed by my education and practice, which allows me to adapt care to each client’s unique needs. I use a combination of techniques rooted in direct facial release, the Dr. Vodder technique for Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Cupping Massage, Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, IATSM, Cold Laser Therapy, and varying depths of tissue work depending on the specific needs and wants of each individual client.
In addition to my massage training, I graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an Hon. Bachelor Degree in Social Justice & Peace Studies in 2010. With a passion for social justice, organic food systems, and permaculture gardening, I spent several years as an organic gardener and have an extensive perennial and food garden at my home in Smiths Falls, On.
Outside of my clinical practice, I’m an advocate for practitioner and patient safety within regulated healthcare. My work focuses on developing trauma-informed policies, peer-support resources, and public education tools to help protect healthcare providers — particularly massage therapists — from sexualized misconduct and unsafe workplace conditions.
This ongoing advocacy is rooted in the belief that practitioner safety is patient safety, and that healing spaces thrive when care is delivered with integrity, respect, and mutual trust.
To find out more about my specific treatments, click on “Work With Me” button below, keep scrolling for more info, or send me an email if you’d like to learn more about my advocacy work!
ashleyculprmt@gmail.com
My Approach to Care.
I approach the body as a whole, and try to take as many factors into account as possible when assessing the area to be treated. Simply because your foot hurts does not necessarily means that’s where the pain originates - I believe it is important to search for that origin and to try to stop the pain at it’s source, progressing towards preventative care in order to stabilize a feeling of wellbeing and ensure a healthy flow of fluids (lymph, blood) through the tissues for optimal health.
“You Gotta Nourish To Flourish”
Nourish
I love this quote!
By nourishing our minds and bodies with positive and healthy things like water, local food, exercise, movement, dance, massage/body work, singing, play, stretching, yoga, sports, games, walks in nature, gardening, self awareness….
Flourish
All of these things can lead to flourishing within every aspect of our lives.
Nourish your body today to flourish tomorrow, and consider coming to see us as a part of nourishing yourself! We look forward to meeting new people in the community every day!
Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Ashley Culp, RMT, we believe that caring for the planet is just as important as caring for our patients. We are dedicated to running a sustainable practice by incorporating eco-conscious choices at every level of our business.
Eco-Friendly Products and Practices
Natural Carrier Oils
We use products made with natural ingredients and packaged in environmentally responsible materials.
Green Laundry Care
Our linens are professionally cleaned by Rideau Cleaners, an eco-friendly wash-and-fold service using SYSTEM K4 technology — a 100% biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning system that’s safe for air, water, soil, and people.
Sustainable Cleaning Products
Our treatment space is maintained with biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning solutions to ensure a healthy, safe environment.
Energy Conservation
LED Lighting
Our space is fully lit with LED bulbs to reduce electricity consumption and environmental impact.
Waste Reduction
Bulk Purchasing
Supplies are purchased in bulk whenever possible to minimize packaging waste.
Digital Records
We use a paperless system for all client intake, treatment notes, and appointment confirmations.
Reusable Transport Bags
Linens are delivered and collected using reusable fabric bags, minimizing single-use plastics - plastic bags used for deliveries are reused/repurposed.
Sustainable Furnishings & Décor
Natural Fabrics
All linens and towels are made from cotton.
Air-Purifying Plants
Our space incorporates air-purifying plants to enhance both atmosphere and air quality.
Supporting Sustainable Brands
We are proud to partner with suppliers and services that uphold eco-conscious practices, from Rideau Cleaners’ green technology to our use of sustainable and ethically sourced products throughout the clinic.
You Gotta Nourish to Flourish.Cancellation Policy
Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in the therapists’ day that could have been filled by another patient. As such, we require 48 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Patients who provide less than 48 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged a cancellation fee. In the event that recurrent late cancellations or no-shows occur, profile billing may be changed so that payments will be required prior to treatment.