MASSAGE THERAPY SERVICES
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage focuses on the assessment and treatment of the structures of the entire body including the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia via manual application. The goals of therapeutic massage are to help the body heal and to prevent and treat injury. This form of massage therapy typically focuses on a particular area of concern.
The effects of therapeutic massage include but are not limited to relaxation, improved muscle tone, circulation, respiration and nerve transmission. It can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions and has been very successful in the treatment of many individuals. All forms of massage therapy offered at Active Approach Health & Wellness Centre with the exception of LaStone ® Therapy fall into the category of therapeutic massage.
Craniosacral Therapy®
Craniosacral therapy is based on the philosophy that the bones of the skull move to a steady rhythm caused by pulsating pressure in the brain and spinal fluid. The entire body is affected by this rhythm as it is transferred through the spine to the bones, connective tissues and organs of the body. Restricted movement of the bones of the skull can cause problems which therapists are trained to locate. Common causes of restriction can include birth trauma, emotional stress and injury. Very gentle pressure is applied to the skull to correct the problem and stimulate self-healing.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage aims at treating the deeper structures of the body including muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia. The treatment is typically more intense and usually focuses on a specific area of the body. The therapist uses more pressure and the massage consists of slow, deep movements that can go against the muscle fibers or with them. The massage releases toxins and increases blood circulation while breaking down scar tissue and adhesions.
LaStone® Therapy
LaStone® therapy utilizes the concepts of hot and cold therapy by massaging the body with heated and cooled stones. The massage stimulates self-healing while both relaxing and re-energizing the body. Many chronic and acute conditions can be treated with this from of therapy by reducing muscle tension and creating deep relaxation.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a hands-on therapeutic approach to treating muscles and fascia (a dense tissue that surrounds all muscles and bones). It is also used to break down scar tissue in areas of the body that have sustained injury. A slow deep pressure is applied to various locations on the body to relax the fascia and muscles allowing them to re-organize their structure and lengthen. This creates an increase in range of motion and decreased stress on these structures. Myofasical release can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions including headaches, sports injuries and repetitive strain injuries.
Pregnancy Massage
The female body goes through many changes during the course of a pregnancy. There are new stresses placed on the body, postural shifting as well as many emotional changes. Pregnancy massage is designed to help relieve some of the stress and pain due to pregnancy. It can be very helpful in reducing emotional stress as well as relieving muscle tension and stress on joints. The massage helps to increase blood and lymph circulation therefore reducing edema and blood pressure as well as decrease of the risk of varicose veins. Pregnancy massage also helps prepare the body for labour and the birth process.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a non-invasive Japanese therapeutic technique that developed from Traditional Chinese Medicine, however no needles are used. The technique involves the application of sustained manual pressure to acupoints along meridians on the body. Shiatsu treatments have a regulatory influence on the autonomic nervous system, thereby improving organ function and reducing muscle tension. It is effective in the management of numerous conditions including headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome and sciatica. After Shiatsu treatments, most people experience increased range of motion and deeper more restful sleep.
Sports Massage
Sports massage focuses on the treatment of athletes of all levels. The massage can be preformed before, during or after athletic events. The goal of sports massage is to help an athlete keep his or her muscles functioning optimally so that the athlete can achieve peak performance. The massage can also help in the treatment of injuries sustained during an athletic activity. This therapy is known to help increase flexibility and decrease scar tissue therefore decreasing the risk of injury. Sports massage is also useful in decreasing swelling, inflammation, tension, stress, and fatigue.
Suikodo Therapy®
Suikodo is a therapeutic approach that produces a state of relaxation by using very light or indirect and reflexive techniques. Stimulation of certain areas on the body stimulates the nervous system to correct the problem. Suikodo can be used to treat a variety of conditions however it is especially indicated when massage or other direct pressure techniques cannot be tolerated.
