Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is the assessment and treatment of soft tissue and joints of the body. Manual techniques are used within treatment to decrease and prevent injury, pain and physical disorders. It is widely understood that massage therapy decreases stress and helps control pain. Perhaps less known is the effectiveness of massage therapy in treating deeper structures of the body such as ligaments, bones and joints, fascia, blood vessels, organs and other soft tissues of the body.
Along with assessment and treatment, your massage therapist is qualified in rehabilitative exercise such as hydrotherapy, stretching, strengthening and postural exercises. Massage Therapy provides an effective approach to maximizing your optimal health.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy is a light touch form of therapy evaluating and enhancing the function of a body system referred to as the Craniosacral System.
This system is comprised of membranes and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth (cranium) down to the base of the spine (sacrum).
The fluid within the membranes is continuously draining and refilling thus creating a rhythm. Our thoughts and actions may produce restrictions within the body’s tissues. Assessing the cranial rhythm indicates where the restrictions are in the body, how they need to be resolved and when the rebalancing process is complete.
Craniosacral Therapy works on dissipating negative effects of stress on the central nervous system to gain inner balance. Opening and freeing the body’s tissues allows for ease of movement and function.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release is a hands-on technique that applies sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions. The theory of Myofascial Release requires an understanding of the fascial system (or connective tissue). The fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web.
Fascia covers and surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal organs. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. You can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia.
In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience any type of physical trauma, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body. Myofascial release works towards softening and lengthening the fascial system, this will encourage freedom of movement within the body.
NST is simply about finding new and more effective ways to release the tissue and restore balance to the body by stimulating the autonomic nervous system. This is done by applying a sequence of specific movements to the connective tissue. The therapist is able to input gentle ‘signals’ that give the body a ‘window of opportunity’ to commence the healing process and begin self-regulation. This process can provide lasting relief to almost any condition. For this reason NST is often referred to as contextual healing, meaning the body will most often resolve problems in a manner that is least invasive. It also helps to restore structural balance to the body by removing fascial adhesions. A body that moves freely is one that heals quickly.
The therapists’ primary focus is the removal of compensatory restrictions that may have been gained through past trauma, be it injury, accident, emotional or other. Attempting to strengthen a body that is already compensating for weakness in other areas could potentially add to the initial structural problems. Therefore the therapist will carefully apply NST to address compensations first, while keeping in mind the need to bring stability. The focus is more on restoring the body’s innate ability to heal, and as the body begins to rebalance, symptoms disappear on their own. Homecare is also an important part of this work. The therapist who is able to provide their patient with safe guidelines for addressing underlying problems of weakness or instability, will also find that resolutions achieved immediately following a session will be long lasting.
Neustructural Integration
During Pregnancy a woman’s body undergoes many changes, some of them stressful and uncomfortable. Massage Therapy is the natural way for pregnant women to reduce stress and achieve an overall sense of well-being.
Treatment:
Massage Therapy is a soothing and natural treatment for the swelling, muscle tension, and general discomfort associated with pregnancy. Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) use unique techniques to improve circulation and drainage, and suggest relaxation tips for childbirth. RMT’s also offer breathing exercises and trigger point therapy as a warm-up for labour. Various tips on hydrotherapy, remedial exercise, self-massage and posture correction will help pregnant women be more comfortable at home, between treatments.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage:
Eliminates waste products in the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which combats fatigue and increases energy.
By increasing circulation, Massage Therapy eases the load on the heart and helps keep blood pressure in check.
Reduces and prevents muscular cramping, tightening, stiffness, tension and knots.
Helps carry away lactic acid that builds up and causes fatigue.
Relieves depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.
Relieves many discomforts during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, edema and sore, swollen ankles and feet.
Increases circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the cells of both the mother and fetus.
Helps soothe and relax the tension allowing for better sleeping patterns.
Massage Therapy can also be used during childbirth to make the mother more comfortable, and afterwards to help her regain strength and ease postpartum stress.
Pregnancy Massage
Visceral Manipulation is a gentle hands-on therapy of evaluating and restarting the mobility (movement) and the motility (rhythm) of an organ. Assessing the above motions within the visceral system will exhibit any abnormal tension patterns that have been created.
The organs within the body have the ability to move freely in the visceral cavity. When they are stressed, compressed, pulled or compromised in any way they stop functioning and work against one another. By freeing restrictions within a compromised organ we create a place of harmony, regaining optimal function.
Visceral Manipulations are capable of improving the functioning of individual organs, the systems the organs function within, and the structural integrity of the entire body.