What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and joints. It is a clinically-oriented healthcare option that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions. The registered massage therapist (RMT) will use specific techniques that guide the body to heal itself and will most often use their hands and fingers, but may also use their forearms and elbows during the treatment.
Massage Therapy FAQ
How will I feel after my massage?
Massage Therapy can affect everyone a bit differently. The most common reactions include minor soreness for up to 24 hours following a therapeutic massage, feelings of fatigue, and dizziness or nausea immediately following the treatment. Drinking lots of water will lessen the negative reactions.
What can massage therapy do for you?
Massage therapy promotes healing and overall health. It guides the body to supply cells with oxygen and nutrients the body requires to function and heal. It also encourages the brain into a state of optimized relaxation.
Aside from relaxation and mental wellbeing, massage aids healing for the following issues and conditions:
• Headaches, neck/shoulder tension
• Back pain
• Sciatica
• Golfer/tennis elbow
• Plantar fasciitis
• Frozen shoulder
• Overall muscle tension
• TMJ and Bell’s palsy
• IT band tension
How can Massage Therapy help me?
Massage therapy promotes healing and overall health. It guides the body to supply cells with oxygen and nutrients the body requires to function and heal. It also encourages the brain into a state of optimized relaxation.
Aside from relaxation and mental wellbeing, massage aids healing for the following issues and conditions:
• Headaches, neck/shoulder tension
• Back pain
• Sciatica
• Golfer/tennis elbow
• Plantar fasciitis
• Frozen shoulder
• Overall muscle tension
• TMJ and Bell’s palsy
• IT band tension
Other benefits of Massage Therapy:
• Improve circulation
• Aid in relaxation for those suffering from anxiety and depression
• Reduce stress
• Decrease muscle pain
• Stretch and exercise weak, tight or atrophied muscles
• Pre or post-workout performance and recovery
• Spasm and cramp reduction
• Discomfort related to pregnancy
• Aid in recovery of injuries such as sciatica, frozen shoulder and tendinitis
Does it hurt? What if I only want a relaxation massage?
Communication is key! Do not hesitate to communicate your requests and expectations with your therapist before treatment and during treatment.
How frequently are treatments?
We have three classifications and a base frequency of visits that range from:
• Relief care: for acute injuries or conditions. Once every week or two.
• Corrective care: for rehabilitation of injuries/conditions. Once a week for 2–3 weeks.
• Maintenance/Wellness: prevent recurring injuries and/or reduce symptoms of conditions. 4–6 weeks
Your therapist will discuss a planned treatment specific to you and your goals.
What should I wear?
Swedish massage is typically performed with skin-on-skin contact for best palpation of muscles. You can disrobe completely or to your underwear, whichever is most comfortable. Draping of a sheet and blanket is practiced during the massage, exposing only the areas being worked on.
What kind of lotion do they use?
Our therapists use lotions that are unscented, all-natural, hypo-allergenic and paraben-free. Though our lotions may be hypo-allergenic, please make sure your therapist is aware of any allergies so that they can serve you in the best and safest way possible!
What if I have a cold/flu? Do I still come?
No. Massage Therapy could worsen the symptoms, spread the illness faster through your body and make recovery time longer. You also put others at risk of getting ill as well.
What training has a registered massage therapist (RMT) received?
In Alberta, an RMT needs a minimum of 2200 hours of schooling at a post-secondary level. Once that is complete, they register with one of the associations such as the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada, Massage Therapy Association of Alberta, and Remedial Massage Therapy Association. As a member of these associations, they are required to complete courses and keep their training updated throughout their practice
Massage Options
Massage therapy promotes healing and overall health. It guides the body to supply cells with oxygen and nutrients the body requires to function and heal.
Standard Massage
A massage that utilizes Swedish techniques for optimum flow. This massage can be relaxing, but is available in a variety of pressures to be decided on between you and the therapist.
Prenatal Massage
A standard massage, but modified for expecting mothers. We use a prenatal table which allows the mother to lay face down comfortably. Alternative positions are also available.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a treatment that is focused primarily to the feet; it is believed that a practitioner can promote an increase in overall health by targeting the Reflex Points of the feet. During this appointment the practitioner may also work other areas of the body if it is deemed necessary by both the practitioner and you, the client.
Gua Sha Massage
A standard massage that incorporates the use of a tool and technique from ancient Chinese medicine. The tool is used to scrape the skin to improve circulation and promote the healing process. This technique is used on those tight, ropey muscles that have a hard time relaxing with regular massage.
Cupping
Cupping is the use of various cup-like instruments to apply suction to the body’s tissues; this stimulates the blood and lymph circulation to help lift, release and hydrate tight muscles and fascia. This treatment feels similar to massage thought it is somewhat more aggressive and may also leave discoloration (like bruising) after the treatment.
Lymphatic Drainage
Info to come
Student Massage
Student Massage Therapy is a standard massage performed by a student currently completing their 2200 hours and initial formal training. We are unable to direct bill for this service.
Rattan Massage
Rattan is a therapeutic massage that uses Thai techniques and incorporates heated solid pieces of bamboo, enabling myofascial release without stress to the body. The therapist holds the bamboo and rolls it over the tissue instead of using their hands. This style of massage allows the therapist to dig in to some tissues deeper than they could with their hands alone.
Therapeutic Hot Stone
This massage uses the heat from the stones to relax and soothe the muscles. This process will also be used to aggressively dig in to the tissue to alleviate muscular tension.
