Massage therapy reduces stress, pain and muscle soreness and promotes relaxation. Based on client assessment and input, the therapist may perform relaxation or therapeutic massage, or a combination of the two. Therapeutic massage may include deep tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point work and cross friction fibre techniques. Cupping can also be used as a part of the therapeutic massage or can be done as a stand alone treatment.
Relaxation/Swedish Massage
Gentle form of massage that uses light to firm pressure. It is used especially for relaxation, stress relief, relief of muscular tension and improvement of circulation and range of motion. It calms the mind, settles the nervous system and promotes a general sense of relaxation.
Therapeutic Massage
A more intense form of massage that aims to treat muscles that are damaged, knotted or tense. Uses higher pressure to release tension in the deeper muscles and connective tissue. The goal of a therapeutic massage is to treat a health issue, rather than simply helping you to relax. Many people describe therapeutic massage as uncomfortable and you may experience some tenderness as the therapist works through your tissue.
Trigger Point Massage
Trigger points, sometime also referred to as knots, are sore, painful spots that occur in a muscle. They are called trigger points because they “trigger” a painful response in other more distant parts of the body. Trigger point massage uses concentrated finger pressure on each trigger point to resolve the issue and prevent cycles of muscle pain and spasms.
Myofascial Release Therapy
Myofascial tissues are the thick connective tissues that support your muscles. When fascia becomes stiff and tight, it can impact surrounding body parts resulting in pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion. Myofascial release is a massage technique that focuses on reducing tension and tightness in the myofascial tissues.
Cupping
Cupping is a type of alternative therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. Inside the cup, a vacuum or suction force pulls skin upward. Suction from cupping draws fluid into the treated areas. Your body treats the cupping area like an injury. It sends more blood to the area to stimulate the natural healing process. This may ease pain and relieve muscle tension, which can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair. It may also help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue.
RAPID Neurofascial Reset
RAPID Neurofascial Reset, is a neurologically based active, therapeutic technique that addresses the central nervous systems role in alleviating tension and restrictions within the body. Some of the conditions that can be quickly resolved with RAPID include: headaches/migraines, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, tennis/golfer's elbow, whiplash, TMJ, frozen shoulder, bursitis, bunions and arthritic joints.
RAPID addresses the body's perception of threat and danger. By bringing the brain to safety, most painful conditions and range of motion restrictions disappear. Though many painful conditions appear to have an insidious onset, very often they are a by-product of an old-possibly minor injury. By applying RAPID, we can flush these areas, which in turn desensitizes the nervous system.
What is treatment like?
RAPID session is a combination of hands on palpation, examination and treatment. It is a fairly quick and efficient process and includes specific active movements from clients. It is usually done with the clothes on, so be sure to wear comfortable athletic clothing that is easy to move in. RAPID session may be uncomfortable. This occurs as the neurological system is being stimulated to restore normal function but you will feel great on the following days and will experience less pain and more ease of movement.