MASSAGE THERAPY SERVICES
Massage Therapy is the assessment and treatment of soft tissue that is causing pain and dysfunction whether through injury, stress or postural.
The treatment and management of the soft tissue injury, is achieved through a knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, as well as tactile/palpatory and functional movement assessments.
SWEDISH MASSAGE
The Swedish Massage therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and optimizes health and well being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Swedish Massage consists primarily of hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically, the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints for the purpose of optimizing health. In Ontario Registered Massage Therapists are trained in Swedish Massage.
HOT STONE MASSAGE
Hot Stone Massage, water heated stones are used as a massage tool to relax and massage the muscles. This is an ancient technique with its origins being recorded as far back as 5,000 years ago and has been used as a healing practice. Although it can be one of the most relaxing forms of massage, we also use the stones for specific deep tissue work.
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
Therapeutic Massage is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of normalizing those tissues and consists of manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and/or causing movement of the body or to the body. This technique is often used on scars after a recent surgery.
TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
A trigger point is a hyperirritable spot within a muscle, usually referred to as a “knot.” that refers pain to other area's of the body, and causes a shortening of the affected muscle. Often incorporated into a Massage therapy treatment Trigger Point Therapy can be sometimes uncomfortable so is only used to your comfort level.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Myofascial release is best performed with little or no oil/lotion so by increasing the flexibility of the fascia by moving it towards and beyond the restriction or opposite to the restriction.
This treatment can be uncomfortable for some clients as the therapist works to break up a fascial adhesion.
Myofascial Release commonly will require more than one release treatment before the pain finally starts to dissipate.
Fascial shortenings, adhesions, or restrictions, can often be caused by inflammation, trauma, surgery, or postural imbalances, and often as not the result is pain.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Deep Tissue Massage reaches structures far beneath the superficial fascia to attempt to relieve chronic muscle problems or injuries.
Deep tissue massage is one of the most commonly requested it is a specific type of massage therapy that concentrates on the deep layers of muscle and fascia in the body. By using a deep pressure, deep tissue massage can be used to treat a variety of physical conditions.
Deep tissue work creates micro-tears in the fascia, which which allows the body to fill with an elastic type substance known as collagen in about two-three days, that allows the muscles feel more flexible, supple and have a greater range of motion "Feeling Lighter".
Deep Tissue work shouldn’t be painful; a well trained therapist will work very slowly, within the client’s tolerance, however it can sometimes result in a little soreness the day after.
SPORTS THERAPY MASSAGE
Treatment techniques in Sports Massage vary depending on whether the client is in the midst of a training period or is pre- or post-event.
Sports Rehabilitation/Maintenance Massage is typically done on a “rest” day. This massage targets recovery between training or events, assessment and treatment of injuries, keeping muscles flexible and relief of tender areas before they become a problem.
Post-Event Sports Massage is targeted to help recover from a high intensity exercise, competition, or training session, and utilizes techniques and stretching to enhance circulation, calm muscles, and aid in faster recovery.
GREAT MODALITY FOR PEOPLE WHO:
Train, compete or participate in athletic events
Suffer from chronic pain due to injury or overuse
Practice a regular exercise or workout regiment
PREGNANCY MASSAGE
Pregnancy Massage is a specialized Swedish Massage treatment administered to a pregnant woman addressing her individual concerns such as low back, hip pain, swelling, etc. Positioning during Pregnancy Massage is especially important and may involve the client resting on her side during the massage or the utilization of specialized positioning cushions.
JOINT MOBILIZATION
A joint mobilization is a gentle and safe form of joint manipulation. where a bone, or individual vertebrae, is moved so as to release painful tension, stiffness, chronic pain, and to improve the range of motion of a joint. This is achieved by using slow rhythmical movements.
Joint health is also promoted through these techniques
THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE
Therapeutic exercise is a combination of active and passive exercises to restore and improve musculoskeletal health. They are used by the therapist during treatment, and recommended for the client as self-care.
These fall into 3 main categories
Range of Motion – active or passive range of motion exercises maintain normal range of motion of the joint and proprioception
Stretching Exercises – performed by the therapist or client to lengthen soft tissue
Resistance Exercises – any form of active exercise in which the client’s muscular contraction is resisted by an outside force to increase strength, function, and endurance of a muscle