Massage Therapy is both an art and a science, grounded in anatomy and physiology, and applied with a therapeutic purpose. Massage Therapy by an RMT is never intended as a replacement for regular medical care. Always consult with your physician if you are unsure whether massage is right for you. For example, massage may not be appropriate for those with conditions such as bleeding disorders, recent burns/wounds/fractures, deep vein thrombosis, severe osteoporosis, severe thrombocytopenia, active bacterial/viral infections or new/unusual pain.
Therapeutic Massage:
A typical session can include a combination of Swedish techniques, trigger point therapy, joint mobilization, deep tissue work, stretching and myofascial release, always within my scope of practice, and tailored to your specific concerns. Where appropriate, I may also provide you with exercises (stretch or strengthen), hydrotherapy (the use of heat and cold), and other self-care strategies to complement your treatment.
Any treatment will always be explained and agreed to in advance, and commence only after you have had an opportunity to explain your symptoms, medical history and goals for the session. The pressure used may range from light to deep, but I will check in regularly to make sure it is to your preference and tolerance. Your treatment time includes the time for assessment, hands-on treatment and home care instructions.
Relaxation Massage:
Often a full body massage, a relaxation massage uses lighter pressure and a more general approach than its therapeutic counterpart, and can be especially effective for stress management and relief of persistent (chronic) pain. This type of massage may help to offset the effects of the body’s physiologic stress (“fight/flight/freeze”) response by inducing a parasympathetic (aka “rest and digest”) state, and improving sleep quality. Relaxation massage can occur on its own or in combination with more focused therapeutic techniques. No matter what kind of massage you choose, the pressure should always be within your tolerance and you can expect to feel a sense of relief and calm afterwards.
Risks of Massage Therapy:
Sometimes after massage you may also experience mild bruising, aching, discomfort, skin irritation or short term aggravation of symptoms. If present at all, these usually appear within 24 or 48 hours following treatment. However, they should only be mild, of short duration, and never inordinately painful or uncomfortable. Always make me, or any other therapist you see, aware of any concerns you might have.
“My therapist’s professionalism and dedicated energy has made me a firm believer in massage therapy as a medical treatment. The benefits far exceed many other treatments I have tried and the relief from chronic pain is almost instant.”
Colleen O. —Florist.