The practice of Massage Therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain (Massage Therapy Act, 1991).

 

Your Treatment

Before a treatment, your Massage Therapist will propose a personalized treatment plan based on an initial assessment and health history. Any personal and health information you provide to your Massage Therapist is completely confidential and will be safeguarded. Your health record cannot be released or transferred without your written consent.

 

Your Massage Therapist will obtain your consent to treat and will need written consent to treat any sensitive areas. You may withdraw your consent for treatment at any time. Various specialized movements of the hands, over the skin or clothes, make up the Massage Therapy treatment. The Massage Therapist will work with your level of pain tolerance during the treatment, and the treatment can be stopped at any time should the treatment become uncomfortable.

 

Massage Services Available

 

Treatments never have to be restricted to one massage type or technique. Depending on your wants and assessment findings a large variety may be incorporated.

 

• Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Infant Massage

• Breast Massage

• Cupping

• Swedish Massage

• Deep Tissue

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage

• Friction and Trigger Point Therapy

• Sports Massage

• Fascial Work

 

Pregnancy Massage

 

Massage while you are pregnant is extremely beneficial and helps to:

 

• reduce stress;

• improve posture as the body shifts;

• prevent or reduce diastasis recti (separation of the abdominals); and

• prepare the body for birth and for the changes that will happen after birth.

 

It is encouraged during a pregnancy massage for the client to ask questions about pregnancy and how their body may change while carrying and postpartum. A special pillowing system is used for support in a side lying position when it is no longer appropriate to be laying face down.

 

Postpartum Massage

 

After pregnancy, the body goes through many changes. You may experience:

 

• weakness and a separation to the rectus abdominus muscles;

• posture imbalances from breastfeeding and carrying baby in your arms;

• lactation pain/congestion;

• a feeling of unsteadiness in the joints;

• stress or exhaustion;

• uterine contractions as it shrinks and moves back to pre-pregnancy position; and

• all these things can be addressed with massage therapy and baby is always welcome to accompany you to your postpartum massage appointments.

 
Breast Massage

 

If there is breast tissue sensitivity, engorgement, mastitis pain, pain/restriction related to breast surgeries, or difficulties with milk production and release, breast massage may be helpful. Breast massage is very effective with:

 

• promoting healthy breast tissue;

• reducing fibroids and cysts;

• relieving pain and discomfort associated with PMS, pregnancy, nursing or bra compression;

• relieving pain and tension from stress in the muscles of the chest wall;

• assisting in healthy tissue regeneration and scar reduction following surgery; and

• increasing circulation and lymphatic drainage.

 

Cupping

 

Cupping is a great tool for fascial release. Instead of pushing down and using spreading techniques for fascia like you would without cups, you are pulling the fascia up to stretch and smooth it out. The cups are made of silicone and may be placed stationarily or run along a section of the body. Cupping is also great to use over joints when there is joint pain, increase circulation, and release stagnant blood/toxins from the tissue which may appear as a coloured suction mark on the skin.