Our Registered Massage Therapists are continually exploring new avenues of treatment and are trained in several techniques and modalities of massage therapy. We recognize that every client has unique needs and preferences and work with precision and compassion to help you rediscover comfort in movement. Techniques used in our clinic include Swedish Massage, Fascial/ Connective Tissue Therapy, Neuromuscular & Deep Tissue Therapies, Joint Mobilization, Remedial Exercise, Hot Stone Therapy, and some Hydrotherapy including the use of Thermophores and Paraffin Wax Baths.
Swedish Massage…
Is a mixture of several techniques that make up the classic manipulations used by a massage therapist. These include various stroking, flushing, kneading, tapping & wringing movements that, depending on speed & rhythm, can produce either a relaxing or stimulating effect. Pressure can vary from extremely light to quite deep allowing the practitioner to reach varying depths of tissues. Effleurage, petrissage, stroking, vibrations, & tapotement are all different types of Swedish Massage and are often used in combination to achieve the desired outcome.
Fascial/ Connective Tissue Therapy…
Is a grouping of techniques that target the non-elastic, non-vascular connective tissue called ‘fascia’ that surrounds and holds together all muscles, bones, and organs. Fascial shortening, adhesions, and restrictions due to inflammation, trauma, surgery, pathology or postural imbalances create abnormal tension patterns. Symptoms that appear unrelated actually may be transmitted from one body part to another through fascial imbalances. The goal of fascial tissue therapy is to assess these abnormalities and locate and reduce/ eliminate the restrictions in order to improve functioning of the fascia and all the tissues it surrounds. The techniques used involve stretching and dragging of the skin and other tissues without using any oil.
Neuromuscular Therapy…
Is a system for evaluation and treatment of structural imbalances that cause pain, targeting specific muscles and fascia along with their nervous system innervations. It incorporates fascial techniques with passive range of motion, overpressure and stretching to lengthen tight and shortened tissues. Rate, pressure, and direction all vary. Minimal oil is used to facilitate tissue drag.
Deep Tissue Therapy…
Is a blend of various techniques, directed at deep tissue layers, which do not necessarily require extreme pressure to achieve the desired effect. Most tissues respond better to a slow steady increase in pressure rather than a quick forceful attack. Deep tissue techniques include, myofascial trigger point release, golgi tendon organ release, attachment release, and pressure point techniques.
Joint Mobilization…
Is a group of techniques ranging from non-specific gentle movements of a joint, such as shaking & rocking, to very specific mobilizations, such as joint gliding or oscillations, to increase the joint’s range of motion. These techniques take the joint up to its limit of available motion and no further, and are therefore not the same as joint adjustments (ie chiropractic adjustments).
Remedial Exercise…
Uses a combination of active and passive exercise to restore and improve musculoskeletal health. It can be used during a massage therapy treatment as well as afterwards as self-care. Range of motion, stretching, and resistance exercise make up its three main categories and each are used to produce specific responses. Remedial exercise regimes are created for the individual patient depending on his/ her health conditions, abilities, and needs. Group remedial exercise programs can also be created for a group of patients suffering from similar conditions.
Stone Therapy Treatments…
Are an ancient healing technique that has been revived in our modern world. It is a type of thermotherapy; which is the use of hot or cold to the body for the purpose of modifying its physiological responses, in order to promote healing. It uses deep penetrating heat & electromagnetic energy from 46 smooth basalt stones. Stone treatments help to improve functioning of lymphatic, circulatory, & immune systems, normalizing cell functions and assisting the body in self-healing. They also stimulate neuro-chemicals bringing about a sense of wellbeing. Stone Therapy Treatments go beyond the experience of a typical massage and provide a deeper dimension of relaxation, health & wellness. The ultimate goal is deep relaxation that will help to bring balance and to alleviate acute and chronic problems.
Thermophores…
Are moist heat packs used for applying a high temperature heat to even the deeper layers of the body. Moist heat penetrates into muscles for longer lasting relief from pain and stiffness. The heat packs are an effective way to relax muscles prior to manipulating them with massage as well as to improve circulation to specific areas of the body. Heat dilates blood vessels, increasing circulation and creating blood flow to that area. This takes away waste and toxins which may have settled in the injured area and brings new healing blood cells to the tissue.
Paraffin Wax Therapy Treatments…
Are a fast acting, drug-free, and effective way to manage pain and nourish skin. Any joint or body part can be treated, the most common being the hands and feet. This therapy works through heat transfer; the heat that goes into melting the paraffin comes out when the wax solidifies into a paraffin coating, thus transferring the heat into the affected body part. At the same time, the heat from the paraffin opens pores and increases circulation in the skin. This is why paraffin is so beneficial to skin, leaving skin softened and more moisturized. Paraffin Wax Therapy helps to:
- Warm cold hands & feet
- Soften and moisturize very dry skin
- Relax muscles prior to a massage
- Increase local circulation & tissue nutrition
- Relieve stiff/ overworked muscles
- Increase joint range of motion
- Soothe chronic arthritic joint pain
