Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is a holistic manual therapy, effective in relieving soft tissue pain and discomfort, muscular overuse and many chronic pain syndromes, as well as reducing the effects of stress on the body. Massage helps to increase circulation bringing oxygen and other nutrients to the tissues while at the same time flushing metabolic wastes and toxins away therefore improving the overall health of the tissues. Manipulation of the joints and soft tissue help improve muscle tone and length and help to retrain nerve pathways that may have been either inundated through overuse or injury or are weakened from restrictions and constrictions.
Techniques include:
Therapeutic Massage
Craniosacral Therapy
Myofascial Release
Joint Manipulation
Joint Mobilizations
Muscle Energy
A Registered Massage Therapist can help with the rehabilitation of various injuries and can offer an effective treatment for many conditions including:
Headaches and migraines
Back and neck pain (including whiplash)
Sprains, strains, muscle spasms
Tendinitis, bursitis
Arthritis
TMJ dysfunction
Thoracic Outlet and Carpal Tunnel Syndromes
Stress reduction
Constipation
Compensatory problems resulting from injury or chronic problems
Craniosacral Therapy
The Craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth down to the sacrum or tailbone area.
Since this vital system influences the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord, an imbalance or restriction in it could potentially cause any number of sensory, motor or neurological restrictions or disabilities. These problems could include headaches, chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities and other health challenges.
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle therapy that requires experience and sensitivity in order to detect the very subtle movements and rhythms. Profound results can be achieved by balancing these biorhythms, thus affecting the central nervous system and the circulation of blood and other body fluids.
Craniosacral work may be indicated for very specific issues such as headaches, eye problems, tinnitus, and jaw pain or for more general applications such as relaxation and boosting the immune system.
Visceral Manipulation
Specialized manual therapists use visceral manipulation to treat organs and viscera of the body, including: heart, lungs, liver, intestines, kidney, stomach, spleen, pancreas, bladder and uterus.
Tensions, adherences and even scar tissue in one or more of these organs or the surrounding structures (muscle, bone, nerve) may make them less pliable than normal. By gently moving the structures themselves and the fascia (connective tissue) that surrounds them the therapist is able to help restore full movement, improving the mobility and blood flow, and helping the organ function more effectively.
Here is a list of common conditions that may be treated with visceral techniques: (it is important to consult your medical doctor for complete diagnoses of any medical condition)
Digestive complaints (e.g. constipation, heart burn, IBS, colitis)
Women’s issues (e.g. PMS, painful periods, infertility, prenatal
preparation for delivery)
Post-surgical care
Respiratory issues ( e.g. shortness of breath, history of bronchitis,
pneumonia or asthma, previous rib injury)
Myofascial Release
The soft tissue of the body includes muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. Fascia is found throughout the body surrounding and connecting all the body's structures both superficial and deep from head to toe without interruption. tensions will affect circulation (blood, nerve and lymphatics) locally and throughout the body. Myofascial release techniques apply gentle and sustained pressure to the connective tissue restrictions helping eliminate pain and restoring motion.
Other soft tissue techniques include Myofascial Unwinding, Muscle Energy and Strain-Counterstrain
What to expect
Treatment includes a complete assessment to identify the underlying causes of the pain and dysfunction. This is achieved by taking a thorough medical history, a postural assessment, orthopedic and other manual
tests and palpation. Treatment is based on this assessment and consists of gentle manipulation of the skeletal system, soft tissues (muscle, ligaments, tendons and fascia), the viscera (organs) and the craniosacral system.
It is helpful to wear or bring lightweight, comfortable clothing to your appointment; something that will not restrict movement and will allow access to the spine and pelvis.