SWEDISH
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is the most common form of massage therapy taught by schools in Canada. This form of
massage is based on Western concepts of anatomy and physiology. Swedish massage incorporates five basic techniques: effleurage (gliding and sliding), pettrissage (kneading), vibrations/shaking, tapotement (tapping), and frictions. Techniques are performed to decrease inflammation, scar tissue, hypertonicity, stress and pain while also increasing blood circulation, tissue pliability, range of motion and the release of your natural endorphins. The techniques can be applied in a variety of depths, rhythms and speeds creating a therapeutic or relaxation approach. |
SCHWEITZER’S DEEP TISSUE THERAPY |
Schweitzer’s Deep Tissue Therapy allows the practitioner to apply greater pressure, but with less discomfort to the client, and less damage to the therapist’s joints. With most of the strokes there is a distraction hand that creates a greater surface area on the client’s body, and therefore, this
distributes the pressure. DTT is used to realign muscles and connective tissue with the application of deeper pressure and generally slower strokes. In general, deeper pressure works more effectively to break apart adhesions (tight and rigid tissue that act like glue to hold other tissues together) and decrease muscle tension. Adhesions can block circulation of blood, cause pain and inhibit movement. With DTT pain decreases and circulation and movement improves. During a deep tissue massage, discomfort and increased pain are common in the injured areas, however, as the area heals; the massage becomes less painful and quite relaxing. |
TMJ massage |
Many people suffer from jaw pain, or Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction. This can be caused by repetitive chewing, grinding, clenching, mal-alignment of the mandible and maxilla, myofascial trigger points (MTP),
whiplash, or arthritis. In a large percentage of TMJ cases there are no joint issues, such as arthritis or disc slippage. However, these clients tend to present with forward head posture that creates a retraction of the mandible causing jaw discomfort. During a TMJ massage, an assessment will be performed and consent will be attained before proceeding further. The treatment will begin with a back massage to help decrease any tension in the muscles, and/or mal-alignment throughout the spine. A neck massage will then be performed along with extra-oral massage to aid in decreasing tension in the neck, masseters and temporalis muscles. Usually in the second treatment intra-oral massage will be performed to help decrease tension in the mastication muscles. Sometimes a Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment might be performed instead of the Swedish Massage to decrease any present inflammation. Home care exercises will be given to help you maintain and improve the progress. |
DR. VODDER'S MLD MASSAGE |
Dr. Vodder's Manual Lympatic Drainage (MLD) method was developed in 1936 by Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife, Estrid Vodder. The Vodder’s developed this method to help individuals who suffer from lymphedema (a protein rich swelling). Lymphedema can occur post-trauma or surgery, from a malformed lymphatic system (the system that includes your lymph nodes and has a role in immune function), or in third world countries from a parasite causing Filariasis. MLD is commonly used in North America for individuals who have lymphedema from a mastectomy operation, and with individuals where their lymphatic system cannot handle the amount of excess fluid produced.
MLD consists of gentle, non-invasive, lotion free techniques that stimulate the lymphatic vessels to pick up excess fluid, proteins, dust, dyes, viruses, bacteria, dead cells, lactic acid, and fats that are in the tissues and extracellular space. The techniques are sequential, repetitive, and relaxing. In some circumstances bandaging, exercises and skin care will also need to be performed, depending on the severity of the lymphedema. Manual Lymphatic Drainage can also be used for general inflammation from orthopedic conditions, such as tendonitis, sprains and strains, fractures, headaches, migraines, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, jaw pain (TMJ), and much more. The technique has also been beneficial with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, stress and depression, burns and detoxification. |
Acutaping |
.Acutaping is a new method that has been developed to aid
in pain relief. Acutaping involves using a cotton tape commonly known as kinseo tape. This tape is placed over joints and muscles to help provide support, relieve pain, and increase lymph drainage, while allowing non- compromised range of motion. At a painful site there is inflammation and or tension present, which causes irritation to the pain receptors. When the area has been acutaped, the tape lifts the skin away from the underlying muscle and therefore, removes the irritation. During your day the tape moves back and forth giving the inflamed tissue a gentle massage. The specific placement of the tape is also used to stimulate acupuncture points to further aid in the healing process. Acutaping can offer help for many conditions including elbow tendonitis, menstrual pain, headaches, tinnitus, restless leg syndrome, and degenerative disc disease. |
Cupping |
Cupping is an ancient therapy used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), but is becoming more frequently used by massage therapists. This wonderful technique helps decrease tissue tension, connective tissue restrictions, blood stasis, inflammation, toxins, congestion, and pain. Cupping stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, causing a sedative effect. This modality involves placing ‘suction cups’ on the skin and using a pumping action from a rubber bulbous, a hand held pump, or heat that causes a negative pressure. This pressure causes a suction action that brings the tissue into the cup. Redness, or hyperemia occurs indicating good blood flow to the area. Cupping can be used in two main ways: stationary or massage (moving). Stationary, or dry cupping is when the therapist leaves the cups in a spot for up to 15 minutes. Massage cupping is when lotion is applied to the tissue before the cups are placed. The cups are then applied and moved over the skin while the patient is lying still or moving one of their body parts. |
Telephone902-690-7227
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