Remedial Massage Therapy
Remedial massage therapy distinguishes itself from other types of massage in a few different ways. A thorough physical assessment is performed to assess your range of motion, gait, and muscle tissue imbalances. Proper attire for this assessment is shorts, undergarments, or an assessment gown. As well, Remedial Massage is geared more specifically to regaining mobility and decreasing pain caused by any type of accident or trauma, and is generally not designed to reduce stress, or "relax" the client. General Swedish massage, and muscle energy techniques are utilized to mobilize tight tissues, while the pressure can range from light to deep, in keeping with the client's comfort level.

Relaxation Massage Therapy
Relaxation Massage is more than a style, it is a goal. Here, the therapist tries to coordinate the massage with the client's breathing. It is done without heavy pressure, and uses long, smooth strokes. More to treat the mind of the stressed-out client that needs to "get away" for 60 to 90 minutes, it can help the therapist to identify areas of chronic problems before they become painful. As such, it is sometimes used as an assessment tool.

Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point work is not a separate field of massage, but rather a specialization and refining of one particular aspect of massage therapy. A "trigger point" is an area of tightness in the muscle which can cause referral patterns, or a spreading of pain, throughout the body. The therapist uses increasingly heavy pressure in one spot in order to release the area of tightness. While the treatment focuses on very specific areas or "triggers", swedish massage is incorporated into the treatment. Trigger point therapy is particularly useful in the treatment of fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and whiplash.

Craniosacral Therapy
This system of therapy uses a little-known body system- the craniosacral system- to enhance body functioning, and help alleviate pain and discomfort. The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and fluid which surround the spinal cord and brain, and the rhythm in which this fluid pulsates. The practitioner of this therapy uses a very light touch to test for restrictions in the craniosacral system, and then corrects any imbalances. The client's clothing can remain on for this type of therapy. Craniosacral Therapy helps alleviate a wide range of illness, pain, and disease, including migraines and headaches, chronic neck and back pain, temporomandibular joint syndrome, stress and tension related problems, and many nervous system disorders. Our staff has trained with the Upledger Institute.

Myofascial Release Therapy
Myofascial release is an effective hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. The term "myofascial" refers to the connective tissue that covers and interpenetrates every muscle, bone, nerve, artery, vein, as well as our internal organs. This fascia plays a very important role in the support of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches to all structures. In it's normal, healthy state, fascia has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. However, when we experience physical trauma (i.e.: a fall, whiplash, surgery), or even sustained poor posture, fascia becomes tight, restricted, and a source of tension to the rest of the body. This tension can produce pain, and/or restriction of movement. The therapist uses a very slow, deep pressure, without the use of oil/lubricant to release these areas of tension, decreasing pain, and increasing movement. Our staff have trained with the Jenings Training Centre.

Manual Lymph Drainage
Manual Lymph Drainage is a subtle, hands-on method of massage designed to activate and cleanse the human lymphatic system. The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body's ability to drain and re-circulate stagnant fluids, detoxify and regenerate tissues, filter out toxins and foreign substances and maintain a healthy immune system. A few conditions manual lymph drainage therapy has had positive results with are; acute injuries, pre- and post-surgery, burns, scars, stress, insomnia, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, sinusitis, acne, eczema, constipation, and allergies.

For more information on Manual Lymph Drainage, contact the Dr. Vodder School of North America.

Tuina
Tuina is the traditional method of Massage Therapy of China. It developed in conjunction with their Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is used in China to treat conditions found in the medical departments of internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, emergency medicine and rehabilitation. In Canada, it is used as Massage Therapy. It is applied through clothing, so the client is fully dressed at all times. Please wear loose fitting, cotton clothing to your Tuina treatment. The Therapist will use TCM diagnostic tests, such as pulse and tongue colour diagnostics to customize your treatment to your individual needs.

Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy is an exciting time for the expecting mother. It is also very taxing on her body. There are many changes that will happen throughout the nine months of the pregnancy. Massage Therapy during this time is indicated in the second and third trimesters. We work with expecting women to ease the lower back pain, swelling in the lower body, and other normal body aches and pains that come with a rapidly changing body. The biggest difference between this and other types of massage therapy is the positioning. Instead of lying face-down on a treatment table, we do most of the treatment side-lying. Please let us know if you are pregnant at the time you book your appoinment.

Aromatherapy
The art and science of aromatherapy has existed in some form since the time of the pyramids. Today we use the essential oils to reap the benefits of plants. We can use them in massage, baths, steams and by inhalation. Massage is often combined with aromatherapy because it allows the oils to be absorbed by the skin as well as inhaled by the patient. More of the effects of the oils can be obtained in this way. These desirable effects may be to induce deep relaxation, increase concentration, increase energy or aleviate insomnia. Different plants and plant oils have different effects. We are pleased to offer aromatherapy massage to you. Please phone for a consultation and massage.

The consultation is approximately 30 minutes in length, during which a personal blend will be made for you. The blend then will be used during the massage. Please note that after your aromatherapy massage, you will be asked to leave the oils on to allow as much of the essential oils as possible soak into your body. Therefore, wear appropriate clothing, something you can get a little oily. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to phone and ask at (204) 453-7286.