Sports Massage Therapy

Specific techniques are used to increase athletic  performance. These techniques  help alleviate stress and fatigue that build up in the muscles. Both professional and recreational athletes can benefit greatly from this type of massage. 

Joint Mobilization

 A  manual type of movement  performed by the practitioner. It targets  synovial joints with the aim of increasing or maintaining the joints’ range of motion. There are five grade of mobilization - each adding more movement to increase the mobility of the joints.

Chronic Pain

There are at least two types of chronic pain. One is due to some form of injury or direct cause. The second does not come from injury and has no apparent cause. In both cases, treatment involves a deep understanding of the client's health history. The best results occur when the client and therapist act as a cohesive team. An awareness and correction of how the client is using his or her body on a daily basis, usually leads to the best results. 

Movement Analysis

Can be done visually or with the use of equipment.  A skilled practitioner can do an efficient analysis by observing several key things: range of motion; the plane the movement occurs in; the muscles producing the movement; how the muscles are functioning (main mover, helper, fixator); the type of muscle contraction and the type of movement (flexion, extension, rotation, abduction, adduction etc.).

Pregnancy Massage

A treatment that is designed to alleviate many of the associated effects of pregnancy such as pelvic pain, swelling of hands and feet and back pain. Treatment is tailored to each client, and changes throughout the course of pregnancy.  Generally relaxing tense muscles, improving circulation and mobility are some of the common courses of treatment. 

Cervical Spine Release

Your neck is a complex part of the body composed of seven stacked cervical vertebrae. Any movement affects several vertebrae at the same time. The eyes lead, the head follows and the rest of the body follows the head. Problems most often occur in the upper or lower cervical spine. Releasing the muscles where the head meets the spine (occipital muscles)  and the muscles at the sides of the neck (scalene muscles) increases the  range of motion and decreases the pain caused by most common conditions of the head and neck.

TMJ Massage 

TMJ is the temporomandibular joint  - where the jaw meets the skull. The area is complicated by an articular disc which moves when the jaw opens and closes. Muscular imbalances can cause disfunction, pain and often a popping or cracking sound.  Specific tehniques can be used to correct the imbalances  and alleviate pain.

Swedish Massage

Also known as classic massage, this type of massage incorporates several different techniques: effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber), skin rolling, C scooping and vibration. It’s been clinically shown to reduce pain, increase range of motion and muscle tone, and enhance muscular function.

Manual Lymph Drainage

A gentle massage intended to encourage the natural drainage of lymph from the tissues. Lymph is the fluid that moves from your tissues into the lymphatic system. Restoring healthy lymph flow can reduce swelling caused by injury or chronic conditions that impede circulation in the extremities.

Postural Assessment

Done with the client standing and sitting, the therapist observes the client’s relationship with gravity - the position of the head, shoulders, pelvis, spine, knees and feet. Sitting for a large part of the day can create imbalances which can lead to rounded shoulders, forward head and low back pain. An ergonomic assessment by a trained therapist can help you avoid these.