The Thing About Massage

When you think massage you have to understand it is subjective to each individual. Some people absolutely love the deeper pressure and have the mind set of “no pain no gain”. Then you have some people who just want to relax and float on cloud of bliss. This is why there is a vast amount of Therapists all doing their own type of practice, which allows you to find the therapist that works for you!

With my treatments, I focus first on the relaxation of my client with Swedish techniques, with some heat to help the muscles be more pliable and then, I use my therapeutic knowledge to work through the muscle tissues, helping realign fibers for better function and Range of Motion.

So for me there is not much difference in Relaxation / Swedish / Therapeutic. I practice healthy communication with my clients and adjust my treatment to my client and the day, because every day is different.

You will notice when you go to book with me that I don’t have specifically “Relaxation” treatments or “Deep tissue” treatments. This is because when you come for your treatment we will communicate, and after the assessment you will get a personalized specific treatment catered to you and your bodies needs.

Relaxation (Puddle Mode) Therapeutic

All massage therapy incorporates some Swedish techniques, this helps accustom the client to touch, helps the muscles to achieve relaxation and pliability, and to create an overall flow to the treatment. The main focus is gentle techniques in order to promote the “rest & digest” cycle of our nervous system.

Deep Tissue / Therapeutic

There is a lot of misconception on Deep Tissue in massage therapy; deep tissue does not mean deep pressure. When pressure is applied too deeply during the massage, it can counteract the benefits by causing the muscle to contract in resistance and cause tension in the muscles fibres, which will keep me away from the deeper structures. As massage therapists, we know how to affect change on a muscular level using techniques that cause a relaxation response from the sensors in your muscles, leaving them to relax and allow for deep techniques. These techniques do not necessarily require excessive pressure to be applied. Therefore, techniques will only be applied up to your tolerance level.

Dynamic Cupping

Dynamic Cupping is a service that can be added on to compliment your massage treatment at no extra cost. I alternate between hands-on techniques with gliding silicone cups over muscle structures and moving your limbs dynamically in order to increase blood flow, helping release the myofascial layer and increase Range Of Motion. This service is particularly effective for those clients with athletic lifestyles, Fibromyalgia, along with other chronic muscle tightness that regular massage doesn’t seem to be effective on.

For your safety, this service cannot be performed on clients with the following medical conditions:

• Cancer, malignant tumours, or receiving cancer treatment
• Rheumatoid arthritis in a flare-up
• Infection
• Fever
• Aneurysms
• Acute hematomas
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Low blood pressure
• Pregnancy
• Acute circulatory disorders (varicosities)
• Liver or kidney dysfunction
• Hemophiliacs and clients who bruise easily
• Clients with extreme exhaustion, high stress, or weakened general conditions
• Severe edema
• Clients taking blood thinning or skin thinning medication (aspirin)
• Any acute musculoskeletal injuries.

Prenatal/Postnatal

Prenatal is a type of massage specifically formulated with the needs of pregnant bodies in mind. As your pregnancy advances, the structures of your body move and stretch to accommodate your growing little one. This has profound impacts on your muscles, joints, fascia, internal organs, etc. Prenatal massage is effective in providing relief from the discomfort these changes can cause. Currently, prenatal massage services are offered in the side-lying and semi-reclined positions using pillows to provide comfort and safe positioning. I am certified in pre and postnatal massage and have been trained to give treatment to mothers who are in there first trimester and onwards. Not all therapist are trained and normally will not massage in first trimester.

• *If you are considered a high-risk pregnancy, or you have complicating factors, I will require a doctor’s note of approval for you to be treated with massage therapy. This is to ensure both you and your baby’s safety.

Postnatal is specifically made for women who’s pregnancy has ended. As your body goes through the last transition of pregnancy it begins the process of recovery and with postnatal massage you can experience a quicker recovery and overall better health after giving birth. This massage is slightly different than a typical massage. Instead of using targeted points in the first few sessions I will use light pressure and broad strokes. Rather than focusing on a few sore muscles it will be a full body massage, aiming to help you relax and increase the circulation in your body, helping your muscles receive oxygen and blood to restore the tissues. this also helps flush out toxins and nourish the muscles for improved function. You can begin massage after pregnancy as soon as you feel comfortable on the table, and you can bring your little one as well if you cannot have someone watch them, as i add an extra 30 minutes for treatment time with no extra charge.