Treatments range from stress reduction, pain management, insomnia, athletic injuries, chronic tension, migraines, repetitive strain injuries, pregnancy to child/ youth treatments.
I believe each client is unique. That’s why I create an individualized treatment plan for every client. I listen to what the client needs and goals are while, also paying attention to how their body responds during and after treatments.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a general term that encompasses a variety of techniques that include effleurage, tapotement, shaking, wringing as well as others. Swedish is typically the platform that every Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) starts out with after their completion of education. Depending on the flow Swedish can induce relaxation or it can activate more of an alert response. For example, before a game athletes need to increase circulation but still have energy to play that is when techniques like Tapotement would be used.
Deep Tissue / Therapeutic Massage
Deep tissue massage uses the same principles as Swedish however, more pressure is generally applied. Along with using other techniques such as, Trigger point therapy and Myofascial techniques. Deep Tissue Massage has been proven beneficial for those suffering from ongoing aches, pains and stress. It is quite common for clients to be sore after this type of treatment (it usually can last for up to 1-2 days). It almost feels like a workout ache / tenderness, this is because it was worked out! Lactic acid that has been built up with in the muscle tissue needs to be flushed out of the body. Doing the recommended homecare such as, drinking lots of water and taking Epson Salt Baths have been proven to help reduce symptoms. There are other clients who have no discomfort whatsoever. It's important to pay attention to your body and don't be afraid to communicate with your therapist if you need more or less pressure
Pregnancy Massage
Women who are expecting have aches, pains and stress just like everyone else. Pregnancy treatments can use any of the types of massage discussed with some modifications. Please contact me for further details.
Infant Massage
Slow and rhythmic Swedish massage techniques are applied to baby. Infant massage can be helpful in alleviating symptoms such as colic, constipation, and fussiness. Regular massage given by parent to baby can create a stronger bond.Typically treatments range from 15- 30 minutes in duration.
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic Drainage is very soft, subtle, rhythmic technique. It's considered to be a mini detox, because it flushes the toxins and excess fluid back into the lymphatic system into the cardiovascular system for removal out of the body. It has been proven beneficial for those suffering from swelling (cancer, post surgery, injuries), engorgement, fibromyalgia or those seeking to boost their immune system.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils in combination with any of the treatments listed. Our sense of smell has a profound effect on our nervous system and certain aromas create different responses within our body. For example the essential oil Lavender has been proven to help with anxiety, headaches, depression, sleep disturbances and muscle aches. If you are on any medication or have any pre-existing conditions it's best to speak to a healthcare professional before including aromatherapy to your treatment.
Myofascial Technique
Fascia is connective tissue that surrounds bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. When there are restrictions or adhesions the fascia can pull contributing to injuries and poor posture. This technique is generally applied before oil or lotion. It can feel like a burning or pinching sensation (and may feel uncomfortable, always let the therapist know if it's too much). Myofascial technique loosens the restrictions and thereby increasing circulation. It is typically applied before a deep tissue massage to warm the tissue and prep it for deeper work ahead.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger Point Therapy (TPT) is a technique that is typically used within Deep Tissue Treatments. Trigger Points are formed because the muscle fibers get entangled creating misalignments. They can feel like tiny balls or "knots". Trigger Points can refer pain or sensations to other areas of the body. The treatments can be uncomfortable and recreate the sensations when working the points out. Don't be afraid to communicate if it becomes too intense.
Soft Tissue Release (STR)
STR uses a combination of three therapies, deep tissue, myofascial techniques and active assisted stretching. Along with these techniques some pressure is applied and the client is moved through different directions of movement. This technique can be done alone or in combination with others. STR helps with chronic and acute pains. Clients often feel an immediate noticeable difference. Again like the other more intense treatments it's always encouraged to let the therapist know how you are feeling throughout the treatment.
Cupping
Cupping has been used as an alternative medicine for many years. It's said that cupping aids in cleansing the stagnated blood that can reside in the body, causing pain. It has been known to help improve circulation, increase relaxation, reduce inflammation and chronic pain. Sometimes there are marks that are left on the skins surface (remember Michael Phelps) but that is normal and usually clears up in 1-5 days.