Massage Techniques

Massage therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and optimizes health and well being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Swedish Massage consists primarily of hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically, the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints for the purpose of optimizing health. In Ontario Registered Massage Therapists are trained in Swedish Massage.

Therapeutic Massage is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of normalizing those tissues and consists of manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and/or causing movement of the body or to the body.

Relaxation Massage is a Swedish Massage focused on decreasing muscle tension and calming the nervous system with an emphasis of leaving the client with a relaxed and rejuvenated feeling.

Deep Tissue Massage reaches structures far beneath the superficial fascia to attempt to relieve chronic muscle problems or injuries.

Pregnancy Massage is a specialized Swedish Massage treatment administered to a pregnant woman addressing her individual concerns such as low back, hip pain, swelling, etc. Positioning during Pregnancy Massage is especially important and may involve the client resting on her side during the massage or the utilization of specialized positioning cushions.

Treatment techniques in Sports Massage vary depending on whether the client is in the midst of a training period or is pre- or post-event. The techniques include kneading, muscle manipulation, and joint mobilization.

In Hot Stone Massage, heated stones are used as massage tools to relax and massage the muscles. This is an ancient technique with origins in China and has been used for centuries. Although it can be one of the most relaxing forms of massage, it can also be used for specific deep tissue work.

Acupuncture is a collection of procedures involving penetration of the skin with needles to stimulate certain points on the body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, stimulating specific acupuncture points corrects imbalances in the flow of qi (energy) through channels known as meridians.

Cranial Therapy is based on the concept of regulating the flow of cerebrospinal fluid by working on the cranial bones of the cranium. The practitioner applies light touch to a patient's skull, face, spine and pelvis in this form of bodywork.

Reflexology is an ancient Chinese technique based on the premise that reflex points in hands, feet and ears link to other parts of the body. It is most commonly practiced on the feet.