Registered Massage Therapy
About Registered Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body. It helps to ease stress and muscular tension; relieve pain from injuries; speed healing from certain acute and chronic conditions. In some cases, massage can reduce or even eliminate the need for medication or surgery and is effective for all ages.
How does Massage Therapy work?
On your first visit, your massage therapist will review your medical history, your current physical condition and inquire about any referring practitioner’s recommendations. Your massage therapist will then assess your problem area using range of motion, orthopedic testing, and any pain complaints you may be experiencing to help determine the best approach for your treatments.
Based on this assessment, your massage therapist will decide on a personalized plan that will focus on your specific health and wellness requirements. The appropriate frequency, duration, and a number of massage sessions for you will depend on your condition, its severity and how long you have had it, your goals, as well as your general health.
Your therapist may incorporate several modalities into your treatment to create the desired results. Modalities that may be used are Myofascial Release, Microcurrent Point Stimulation (MPS Therapy), Cupping Therapy, Ear Seeding, Ultrasound, Infrared Therapy, and Craniosacral Therapy. Further descriptions and information are available for each technique.
Massage Therapy can help with:
- Reducing stress
- Painful or tight muscles
- Delayed muscle soreness
- Pain or tingling in arms or legs
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Old chronic injuries
- Prevention of new injuries
- Pain or restriction in joints
- Posture
- Whiplash
- Post fractures
- Effects of forced inactivity
- Improve circulation
- Fluid retention
- Pregnancy
- Sciatic pain syndrome
- Headaches
- Neck and back spasms
Cupping Therapy
Cupping Therapy is one of the oldest methods of traditional Chinese medicine in which a therapist puts special plastic or silicone cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction.
How does Cupping work?
In a typical cupping session, a vacuum pressure is created on the applied areas to lift, open, release, cleanse and hydrate tight muscle and fascia. Cupping targets the deep tissues and structures by creating suction and lifting the skin over the muscles which allows the blood vessels and capillaries expand. As the area receives a fresh infusion of blood, it is flooded with nutrients and oxygen that work to heal the damaged tissues and injuries.
Treatment Session:
While cupping is considered relatively safe it may cause swelling and discolouration on the skin. As the skin under a cup is drawn up, the blood vessels at the surface of the skin expand. This may result in small, circular discolouration on the areas where the cups were applied. These areas are usually painless and disappear within a few days of treatment.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy:
- Heals tissues with increased circulation and oxygen
- Clears pores and removes surface toxins
- Detoxification of lymphatic and organ systems
- Decreases pain
- Aids in stress reduction
- Relief from respiratory issues
- Enhance collagen production and tissue repair
- Stimulates the blood flow to rejuvenate skin
- Aids in cellulite and edema reduction
- Relieves muscle spasms
- Tones the skin
Myofascial Therapy
Fascia
Fascia is the elastic web of connective tissue that supports and covers your muscles, organs, bones, and nerves. It allows proper function of moving structures including joints, tendons, and muscles.
Fascia can become restricted and lose elasticity from trauma such as accidents, surgery, poor posture, chronic inflammation, and overuse. Restrictions in the fascia pull on muscles and other structures, causing tightness, pain, weakness and limited movement.
How does Myofascial Release work?
Myofascial release is a hands-on technique that involves applying pressure to the fascia and muscles. It relieves tension and pain by releasing and lengthening the fascia, which allows muscles to return to their correct position, length and function. Myofascial release is very effective as it provides relief from temporary tightness and can also reverse long-held patterns of tension for long-lasting relief.
Treatment Session:
Your session will begin with a discussion of your history of injury, pain or limitation and an assessment of your range of motion and posture. Releasing fascia requires a slow approach. The treatment may be quite gentle at first to acquaint you with the technique. Over time, more pressure will be applied to go deeper into the tissue without causing discomfort. You may be asked to participate by breathing deeply as a technique is applied, to change your position, or stretch your body to help the tissues lengthen.
Myofascial Release can help with:
- Posture
- Decreased range of motion
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Plantar Fascitis
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
- Shoulder injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Ilio-tibial Band Syndrome
- Post-surgery scar reduction
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Neck and back pain
MPS Therapy (Needleless Acupuncture) – Integrative Pain Management
Microcurrent Point Stimulation (MPS) Therapy is the world’s first integrative therapy developed exclusively to sympathetically
de-regulate the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and fight chronic pain.
The theoretical underpinnings of MPS Therapy are based on combining the “therapeutic pearls” of acupuncture, osteopathy, integrative dentistry, neural therapy with modern neurology and microcurrent.
The MPS device locates and applies concentrated DC microcurrent to therapeutically active points (acupuncture & trigger) for the purpose of relaxing muscles, calming the nervous system and releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. The device is engineered to detect and treat these active points with great scientific precision and potency, providing stimulation of all three systems at once — nervous, muscular, and endocrine.
MPS has been a remarkable success in the fight against chronic pain. The results are so impressive using this approach that complete or substantial relief (60-85%+) from pain often occurs within 1-3 applications.
Treatment Session:
Most clients require 2-10 treatments for lasting outcomes, with some chronic clients requiring ongoing daily or bi-weekly applications.
MPS protocols may be quickly individualized to any client’s needs and applied within 3-20 minutes. MPS Therapy is reported to be significantly more effective than many other therapies, often providing the only “breakthrough” many pain clients have ever experienced
Benefits of MPS:
- Post-surgery scar reduction
- Adhesions from post-operative conditions
- Reduction of back spasms
- Range of motion concerns
For more information please visit: www.dolphinmps.com or mps-pain-therapy
CranioSacral Therapy
CranioSacral therapy is a light, hands-on healing technique that assists the body’s natural ability for self-repair. It involves gentle releases of the soft tissue and bones of the head (cranium); the spine down to its tail end (the sacral area); and the pelvis.
Treatment helps alleviate a range of illness, pain, and dysfunction that may include sensory, motor or neurological disabilities.
Indications for CranioSacral Therapy:
- Relaxation
- Neck pain
- Migraines
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- TMJ Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Depression
Pelvic Health Rehabilitation
The Five Functions of the Pelvis:
- Support (for internal organs)
- Sphincteric (urethra, vagina, and anus)
- Sexual (relaxes for penetration and contracts for orgasm)
- Stability (fixes the trunk with extremity movements)
- Sump Pump (for the circulatory system to get lymphatic fluid from the legs
back to the heart)
Pelvic floor problems can occur when the pelvic floor muscles are stretched, weakened, or too tight. Sometimes people have weak pelvic floor muscles from an early age, while others notice problems after certain life stages such as pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause. Some people have pelvic floor muscles that are too tight and cannot relax. This can be made worse by doing squeezing exercises and overworking the muscles without learning how to relax.
Often exercising/training is hyper-focused on the abdominals instead of the entire abdominal girdle. One of the main focuses of these sessions is to strengthen the core as part of a whole, functioning system. The core, includes the diaphragm, all the abdominal muscles, and pelvic floor muscles. Other important areas are thighs, gluteal muscles, hips, and the nervous system.
Men and women can equally benefit from treatment of the pelvic floor and its surrounding structures to treat a variety of symptoms that may seem unrelated. By treating the muscles, and scar tissue and addressing the function of the hips and core, reversal and reestablishment of the systems to work properly and reduce the risks of pain, dysfunction, or surgery.
What to expect from a session:
The focus of these sessions is to reignite tissues that have become inactive/weak to bring proper support and function. If the muscles are too tight, then we need to teach the body how to release this stress/trauma and soften the tissues.
A typical session will begin with an assessment of your posture and evaluate the imbalances through the body (especially the hips). If there is any scar tissue present, this will need to be treated (e.g. c-section, hernia, appendix removal). Massage will be used to reduce tension throughout the body but the focus will be on the hips, legs, and back. Once the body is treated, we will move into the rehabilitation process and teach inactive muscles how to support the body properly again.
Please note that there are NO internal assessments or treatment. If you require internal manipulations, a referral will be necessary.
Pelvic floor muscle fitness is affected by:
- inactivity or hyper-activity
- pregnancy and birthing
- history of back pain
- ongoing constipation and straining to empty the bowels
- obesity or overweight
- heavy lifting (e.g. at work or the gym)
- a chronic cough or sneeze (e.g. due to asthma, smoking)
- previous injury to the pelvic region (e.g. a fall, surgery, or pelvic radiotherapy)
- aging
Common symptoms indicating pelvic floor dysfunction include:
- accidental leakage during exercise, laughing, coughing, or sneezing
- needing to get to the toilet in a hurry or not making it there in time
- constantly needing to go to the toilet
- difficulty in emptying your bladder or bowel
- accidentally losing control of your bladder or bowel
- accidentally passing wind
- pain in the pelvic area
- pain during intimacy
- chronic abdominal upset/bloating
- jaw issues
- a prolapse:
– in women, this may be felt as a bulge in the vagina or a feeling of heaviness, discomfort, pulling, dragging, or dropping
– in men, this may be felt as a bulge in the rectum or a feeling of needing to use their bowels but not needing to go
Posture Alignment Series
The Posture Alignment Series (Structural Integration) is a progressive, systematic approach to reducing chronically held muscle and joint tension. Based on the principle of Rolfing developed by Dr. Ida Rolf, the focus of the treatment program is to release patterns of stress and impaired function from the body and restore good posture. The applied pressure is deep but within your personal tolerance for pain.
Using myofascial techniques, the tissues are lengthened and freed from the underlying structures to create space and increased mobility. The bodywork is broken down into 10 sessions that are 1 to 1.5 hours in length. Each session has a specific goal to accomplish building on the previous session and preparing the body for the next treatment.
A client will gain a greater awareness of their body and experience new ways of being and moving with greater ease and balance.
Your initial visit will involve a Functional Movement Screening and Posture Analysis with photographs. Pictures are taken several times during the series of treatments to evaluate progress.
Indications for Structural Integration:
- Posture imbalances
- Chronic pain
- Restricted breathing
- Balance
- Recurring injuries
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
- Body awareness issues
- Muscle weakness
- Organ congestion
Additional Massage Services
Other modalities offered by our practioners can be experienced as a therapeutic modality with an element of relaxation to soothe the entire body.
These therapies all have an ancient origin to their design and technique, and tools that allow the client to have a sense of indulgence in the luxury of being pampered.
A Bamboo or Indie Head Massage allows you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Massage can help with:
- Invigorate and recharge
- Alleviate muscle tension and general aches and pains
- Reduce cortisol levels and blood pressure
- Boosts the immune system
- Enhances the body’s ability to deliver nourishment
Bamboo Massage
Bamboo massage is a new way of having to provide deep tissue massage using heated bamboo sticks to roll and knead the muscles. The heated bamboo provides a firmer and more extensive technique to reach knots formed tension-causing wastes.
As the bamboo provides a deep firm massage it increases circulation and sensory nerve perception resulting in a deep relaxation massage.
Benefits of Bamboo Massage:
- Promotes circulation
- Improves posture
- Promotes relaxation
Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage is based on the Ayurveda system of healing which has been practiced in India for over a thousand years. It involves a massage to the head, face, upper back, shoulders, arms, and hands that relieves tension in the muscles; it can be relaxing, or stimulating and invigorating.
Indian Head Massage helps increase mobility and flexibility in the neck and shoulders. Indian Head Massage is particularly good for reducing the effects of stress and tension.
It is a safe, simple, yet a very effective therapy that provides relief from aches and pains with the end result being an increased feeling of peace, calm and well-being.
Benefits of Indian Head Massage:
- Improves circulation
- Eliminates toxins
- Increased mobility
- Prevents or treats headaches
- Improves hair growth
- Decreases anxiety
Lymphatic Dry Brush Massage
The lymphatic system absorbs, transports, and recycles products from the interstitial space and plays an important role in guarding and protecting our immune system. Lymphatic stagnation can be caused by a whole host of things and can affect anyone. These causes can include dietary factors, overexposure to environmental toxins, stress, and lack of movement.
Dry brushing can gently enhance the removal of stagnant lymphatic fluid that can build up in your body. Minimizing or eliminating blockages within the lymphatic system and can help restore its functionality to remove stuck toxins and waste from the body, reducing swelling, inflammation and boost the immune system.
Benefits of Lymphatic Dry Brush Massage:
- Unclogs pores in the exfoliation process
- Helps detoxify your skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage
Hot Stone Massage
Is a deeply soothing and relaxing form of massage that uses smooth heated basalt stones placed on acupressure points on the body. The heat helps tight muscles release and melt away knots, tension and stress. Stone massage is especially beneficial for people who suffer from fibromyalgia or arthritis; for athletes; and for anyone recovering from injuries. Hot stone treatments can be extremely affective in relaxing both the body and the mind to relieve pain, promote harmony, balance and peace.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage:
- Relieves muscle pain and tension
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves flexibility
- Improves circulation
- Reduces stress and anxiety
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound is one of the most widely used passive modalities for the treatment of soft tissue injuries, joint dysfunction and pain. It uses sound waves to penetrate the body eliciting therapeutic benefits in specific targeted tissues.
Ultrasound can be performed during a massage treatment or depending on the specific injury and the treatment schedule individual treatments can be performed several times a week for added benefits for recovery.
Benefits of Ultrasound:
- Increase joint range of motion
- Decrease muscle spasm
- Decrease pain
- Decrease adhesions
- Speed tissue repair and healing
- Increase bone repair
Far Infrared Therapy
Far Infrared Radiant (FIR) heat is a completely safe form of naturally occurring energy that heats objects by a process called direct light conversion. Direct light conversion warms the body directly. FIR heat is not ultraviolet radiation, but a narrow band of energy that travels 2-3″ deep into the body. FIR heat provides many of the health benefits of natural sunlight without any of the dangerous effects of solar radiation.
When FIR penetrates through the skin to the deeper layers of tissues, it changes from light energy into heat energy. This heat stimulates circulation, which then helps to rid of body toxins and metabolic wastes.
Benefits of Far Infrared Therapy:
- Injury recovery
- Skin rejuvenation
- Alleviate fibromyalgia
- Decrease arthritis pain
Ear Seeding
Ear Seeding is the stimulation of specific points on the ear, which, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine is a microsystem of the entire body. Small black seeds from the vaccaria plant or small metal beads or pellets are secured on the ear with a piece of adhesive tape over specific acupressure points. The continuous mild pressure they exert is amplified by stimulating the seed or pellet with a few seconds of fingertip massage every few hours.
Ear seeds are non-invasive, meaning, unlike needles or tacks, they are affixed on the surface of the ear and do not puncture the skin. Ear seeds can be left on for up to 5 days, even with showering, sleeping, swimming, etc. They may fall off sooner, depending on where they’ve been placed.
Benefits of Ear Seeding:
- Pain management
- Soft tissue healing
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Sinus congestion
Reflexology
Reflexology is a holistic healing method that involves pressure and massage of the reflex points found on the feet and hands. Each foot or hand reflects all areas, glands, and organs of the entire body. The body accomplishes its goals with the help and support of Reflexology, through its effects on the nervous and hormonal pathways which together keep the body in balance.
Universal Touch Method is a gentle and effective massage of the feet. In Universal Reflexology, both feet are worked simultaneously as each of the body’s systems is addressed. This divinely inspired form of Reflexology is gentle, loving, and deeply transformative and the feet are seen as a map of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Reflexology is a complementary therapy for the treatment of a complex illness, to ease a variety of ailments, or for those who already enjoy good health. It is a safe and gentle treatment for any person of any age in any condition, including children, people confined to wheelchairs, and pregnant women.
How does Reflexology work?
Reflexology is based on the premise that vital energy, or life force, circulates between the organs of the body. If this energy becomes blocked, the area of the body relating to the blockage is affected. By using specific pressure techniques, “tender reflexes” or “gritty areas”, often referred to as crystal deposits indicate the area of the body that is imbalanced. The pressure and massage techniques in reflexology are designed to dissipate energy blocks, and break down crystalline structures. The pressure and massage techniques in reflexology are designed to stimulate the circulatory and lymphatic systems, break down crystalline structures, and help promote the body to heal itself.
Reflexology can help:
- Decrease stress
- Improve circulation
- Normalize metabolism
- Release of toxins
- Improve sleep
Reiki
Reiki, (pronounced RAY- KEY) is a Japanese word that means Universal Life Force Energy. Rei stands for Universal force, and Ki stands for the unseen, non-physical life-supporting energy that is found in and around everything. When the “Life Force Energy” is disrupted, weakened, or blocked, emotional or health problems tend to occur. Reiki is excellent for healing any physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual issues of any kind.
How does Reiki work?
Reiki is a non-invasive, natural method that accesses the energy to heal the spirit, mind, emotions, and body by dissolving or eliminating toxic energy and substances. The treatment consists of the therapist placing their hands on or over the body in a series of hand positions held for 3-5 minutes at a time covering all parts of the body.
The therapist does not direct the energy. Reiki energy goes where it is needed and as it flows, the energy channels become attuned and aligned, improving health and enhancing quality of life.
Benefits of Reiki:
- Provides relaxation and stress reduction
- Decreases anxiety
- Improves and maintains health
- Lowers blood pressure
- Speeds recovery time
- Assists cancer treatments
Coaching & Support
Often to facilitate faster recovery, healing, and for overall balanced wellbeing, these modalities allow the client to experience a ‘wholistic’ approach.
Physical, emotional and mental aspects of our being need to be addressed in harmonious ways to continue to propel ourselves forward.
Incorporating additional support, cleansing or coaching methods can increase your work and home performance, help you foster a more positive attitude towards life, as well as set exciting personal physical and mental goals.
Our support helps with:
- Releasing stuck energy patterns and behaviours
- Creating meaningful relationships within all aspects of your life
- Motivation and strength to work through struggles and adversities
- Complimenting other elements of your wellness plan
Bio-Integrative Mapping (BIM)
This program integrates a combination of modalities such as: Psych-K®, Holoenergetics®, Shadow Energetics, Access Bars®, Vibrational Testing, and BioGeometry®. Sessions begin with a consultation, followed by a vibrational body scan to highlight general weak/unbalanced areas. Using physical radiesthesia and mental dowsing the treatment protocol proceeds with the highest priority balances, therapies or modalities as indicated by your inner guidance system to accelerate the healing process.
BioGeometry® is the patented science of using the energy principles of shape to qualitatively balance biological energy systems and harmonize their interactions with the environment. Balancing the activities of daily life, achieving harmony with our inner and outer environments, humanizing modern technology, and integrating science and spirituality.
Psych-K® is a simple, direct and verifiable way to identify and change subconscious beliefs that perpetuate old habits and behaviours. It is a simple process that helps you communicate with your subconscious mind so you can change beliefs that limit your self-esteem, relationships, job performance, and your physical health.