Massage techniques
All Registered Massage Therapists in Ontario have been trained in Swedish Massage techniques. I give a firm massage and utilize techniques such as trigger point therapy, joint mobilization, manual lymph drainage and myofascial techniques. I also use therapeutic ultrasound and K-taping as an adjunct.
Each technique is utilized depending on what you the client need.
 Julie |
 Denise |
Joint Mobilization – This technique is also called mobilization without impulse. Along with Swedish massage techniques joint mobilization can help improve range of motion and be utilized to assess the joint and treat dysfunction. Joint mobilization can be performed on most joints and is helpful for tendonitis, arthritis, stiff joints, sprains and strains. I often describe it as opening up the joint space slightly to allow fluid to pass through.
Manual Lymph Drainage – Your lymphatics are just below the skin. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a rhythmic and light technique to help move fluid to the lymph nodes. This technique is used specifically for swelling and inflammation. I am only trained in level one MLD so I don’t work on people who have lymphedema but I find I use MLD for sinus issues, facial swelling, and joint swelling from sprains. I had a client fall and hit her head above the eye. She had a giant goose-egg and I used Lymph drainage to shrink the goose egg. The results were great.
Myofascial techniques – Every muscle, bone and organ are covered in fascia. We also have large pieces of fascia to hold things in place. The Iliotibial bands in the legs or the thoracolumbar fascia in your lower back are just a couple of examples. Fascia can get shorter as a result of trauma, inflammation, surgery or postural imbalances. Sometimes when Swedish massage therapy techniques are loosening the muscles but the muscles are not staying loose it can mean the fascia is the root of the problem. The fascia is elongated with slow, longitudinal strokes with little or no oil.
Trigger point therapies – A trigger point is a taut band of muscle fibres which can cause pain, and/or restriction of a muscle. Some people refer to trigger points as a knot. Your muscles have fibres all lined up to work together. Sometimes for a variety of reasons some of the fibres become stuck together. Trigger point therapy helps relax these “knots” and try to realign the fibres so that the muscle does not become taut again.
Adjunct Therapies
Acupuncture – Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice. Acupuncture can improve the body’s function and promote the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites. Single-use fine sterile needles are inserted into the skin. Electrical stimulation is sometimes used to enhance specific points. Acupuncture may stimulate the release of endorphins which is why the area where the needle is inserted feels warm. This is known as the “qi sensation”. Massage therapy will be administered before the acupuncture treatment.
Cosmetic Acupuncture – Want to look younger without Botox or collagen injections? Facial or cosmetic acupuncture is a great way to improve your appearance without chemicals. Treatment consists of manual lymph drainage massage to the face followed by insertion of tiny needles to the face. Regular acupuncture needles are also placed in specific points in the body to improve circulation. The needles are left on for 20 minutes. Once the needles are removed, arnica oil and argan oil are applied with a gentle massage. Facial acupuncture improves complexion by triggering micro-trauma to the skin, resulting in firmer skin, reduction in wrinkles and tightening of jowls due to an increase in blood flow and production of collagen + elastin. It can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Cosmetic acupuncture adds oxygen to your skin cells, nourishing skin from the inside out. To receive the full benefits of cosmetic acupuncture, once weekly treatments are recommended for 10 weeks. Effects last for 3 to 5 years with regular maintenance appointments in between.
Charge is 115.00 per treatment (HST included)
Therapeutic Ultrasound – Along with massage therapy, ultrasound can help relax muscles and stimulate cellular healing. Ultrasound waves are generated by a piezoelectric effect caused by the vibration of crystals within the head of the probe. The ultrasound waves pass through the skin cause a vibration of the local soft tissues. Therapeutic ultrasound has been shown to cause increases in healing rates, tissue relaxation, increase in local blood flow, and help scar tissue breakdown.
K-Taping – After a massage treatment K-Tape can be applied. K-Tape allows movement but provides support to muscles and joints. It also can help decrease pain to an injured area. K-Tape is used for sports injuries, tendonitis, strains, sprains, inflammation or bruises.