Service Descriptions
Therapeutic/Deep Tissue & Swedish Relaxation Massage
Swedish Relaxation Massage uses a series of long, kneading strokes and rhythmic techniques that are performed on the topmost layers of muscle. This type of massage can relieve muscle tension and be both deeply relaxing and energizing to the body.
Therapeutic/ Deep Tissue Massage uses a variety of Swedish Relaxation and Remedial massage techniques to target specific issues in the muscle tissue. These techniques focus on getting to the deeper layers of muscle (though this does not always entail deep pressure and experienced pain).
Massage Therapy has a great effect on many things including: increasing circulation of the blood and lymph, reducing muscle tension and spasms, increasing range of motion/flexibility, reducing pain and trigger points and much more.
Fire Cupping & Massage Therapy
Cupping is an adjunct therapy with Massage in which glass, plastic or silicone jars are suctioned onto the surface of the skin through the use of negative pressure.
Fire cupping specifically uses glass cups on the skin. To create the suction for this type of cupping therapy the practitioner inserts an alcohol swab that has been lit on fire quickly into and out of the cup which is then quickly placed onto the skin.
These cups can be left stationary for one to ten minutes and are placed along specific muscle groups or meridians. Cups can also be glided along muscle tissue and myofascial lines.
Cupping stimulates the lymphatic system to reduce inflammation, increases blood flow to the muscles and skin, and loosens adhesions in the myofascial and muscle tissue.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) & Massage Therapy
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) uses stainless steel tools that enable the clinician to efficiently locate and treat individuals diagnosed with a variety of soft tissue dysfunction.
The technique is said to have evolved from a method of Traditional Chinese Medicine called Gua Sha; However Gua Sha has different rationale, goals, and application method from IASTM.
IASTM is performed in conjunction with massage therapy in this service using ergonomically designed instruments with different beveled edges and contours that are used to detect and treat fascial restrictions, encourage rapid localization and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis, chronic inflammation, or degeneration.
IASTM introduces controlled micro trauma to the affected area which causes a local inflammatory response. This initiates a cascade of healing and remodelling of structures in the soft tissues by breaking down adhesions that developed as a result of surgery, repeated strains, and immobilization among other circumstances.
Common conditions that IASTM can alleviate are: Myofascial Restrictions, overuse injuries (golfers elbow, patellar tendinitis, etc); musculoskeletal imbalances, carpal tunnel, muscle strains, ligament sprains, post surgical scars, back pain, neck pain and more.