Gary Cao

Registered Massage Therapist | Acupuncture Provider

Gary is a Registered Massage Therapist and a graduate of Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy. Before pursuing massage therapy, he worked as a personal trainer in Vancouver, British Columbia. In 2018, he moved to the Greater Toronto Area to develop a more hands-on approach to supporting patients’ health, movement, and recovery.

Gary’s interest in health and fitness began in secondary school and has since become an integral part of his personal and professional life. His background in personal training informs his approach to massage therapy, with an emphasis on individualized care, patient education, and movement.

Outside the clinic, Gary enjoys volleyball, fishing and the outdoors.

Why should patients choose you as their provider instead of others in the area?

I take a patient-centred approach, making time to understand each patient’s concerns, preferences, and goals. I work collaboratively with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan, explain the approach, and adjust care based on their feedback and progress. I welcome patients from all backgrounds and strive to create a comfortable, respectful, and supportive environment.

What are the top 3 treatments that you focus on?

My approach is guided by current evidence and focuses on techniques that can help reduce pain, improve comfort, and support movement. The three approaches I commonly incorporate are therapeutic massage, active movement and mobility work, and activity-based self-management strategies.

Therapeutic massage may be used to provide short-term relief and improve comfort, while active movement and mobility work help patients build confidence and restore comfortable range of motion. I also provide guidance on activity modification and practical self-management strategies to support longer-term improvements in function and participation in daily activities.

I select and adapt each approach based on the patient’s assessment, goals, preferences, and response to treatment. I explain the expected benefits and limitations of care and encourage patients to take an active role in their recovery.

What are you proud of in your practice?

I am proud to help patients better understand their bodies and take an active role in their care. Working in health and fitness allows me to combine my interests with meaningful service to the community. I also value working alongside the other health professionals at Motion Care Massage & Rehab Clinic to support our patients.

Which cases do you enjoy treating? Why?

I enjoy working with a wide range of patients, including office workers, recreational and competitive athletes, and people seeking support with everyday discomfort or activity limitations. I find it rewarding to understand how each person’s work, lifestyle, and activities influence their needs. My goal is to help patients manage discomfort, improve function, and return to the activities that matter to them.