Relaxation Massage is often synonymous with Swedish Massage. Swedish Massage involves a variety of techniques designed to ease muscle aches and tension, improve muscle and joint mobility and promote relaxation.

These techniques include:

Effleurage - gentle gliding technique used on superficial muscles Petrissage - kneading and squeezing of the deeper muscles and tissues Tapotement - rhythmical movements and tapping performed with the edge of the hand or heel of the palm Stroking - a very gentle gliding technique with only minimal pressure applied to the skin

Swedish techniques also increase local venous and lymphatic return. This increase in circulation helps supply the skin and organs with more oxygen creating a relaxing effect on the body leading to improved sleep and digestion.A Relaxation Massage is generally a full body treatment which is 60, 75 or 90 Minutes in duration and includes the back, neck, shoulders, legs, hips, feet, arms, hands face and scalp. Relaxation/Swedish techniques can also be integrated into a Therapeutic Massage or Pregnancy Massage. Add Essential Oils or Hot Stones to help deepen the experience.

Massage Therapy has become an integral part of the athletic regimen. A growing number of trainers believe that massage can provide an extra edge to the athletes who participate in high performance sports.

But you don't have to be a professional athlete to benefit from massage. Anyone who routinely stretches their physical limits through movement such as running, cycling, hiking, swimming, dancing, racquet sports, strength training and aerobics can benefit from regular massage therapy treatments.

Sports massage can be performed before, during, or after an event. It focuses on preparing the muscle tissue, relieving fatigue and flushing out toxins that build in the muscles after prolonged use. It also increases recovery time after heavy workouts and relieves muscle tension and joint pain which can lead to injury.

Various techniques are used including fascial release (targets the connective tissue surrounding muscles), deep tissue massage, advanced stretches, and other Swedish techniques.

"Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain." - Carl Jung

Pregnancy Massage helps improve mood, reduces swelling, eases pain, decreases anxiety and increases relaxation. Let us help you feel your best!

Getting regular massage is a great way to support the body as it adjusts to the changes that occur during pregnancy. Studies have shown that pregnancy massage helps improve to mood, decrease swelling, ease pain, decrease depression and anxiety, and increase relaxation.

Our massage therapist is trained in pregnancy massage and will modify treatment techniques and positioning depending on the presenting trimester. Our therapists focus on meeting the therapeutic needs of the client as she goes through the physical and emotional changes related pregnancy. We offer various positioning and pillowing options to ensure client comfort including angled pillow support while laying supine, pillows for side-lying, and body cushion systems to allow pregnant clients in the first and second trimester to lay face down without causing strain to the abdomen or low back. You can discuss these options with your therapist to choose which one is right for you.

During the first and second trimester of pregnancy, massage therapy treatments are generally recommended once a month. As the third trimester approaches, treatments can be increased to twice a month to address aches and pains related to postural and hormonal changes. Closer to the due date treatments can be booked weekly to prepare the body and mind for labour.

Benefits of Massage Therapy during Pregnancy

Relieves stress and promotes relaxation Relieves muscle tension, spasms and cramping Relieves sciatic nerve and joint pain Relieves headache discomfort Increases circulation of blood and lymph Decreases swelling in arms and legs Relieves stress on weight-bearing joints Provides emotional support and a nurturing touch

If you have benefits for Massage Therapy, chances are your kids have them as well. We treat all ages at the clinic and find that kids and youth love massage just as much as their parents do!

Massage Can Help In The Following Areas:

Improves circulation and skin nutrition, stimulates growth, eases aches and pains, increases flexibility and function of muscles and joints. Great for youth who play sports, instruments, or video games. Supports and increases thinking and verbal skills. Helps children relax and learn to calm themselves and be better able to manage stress. Helps relieve depression and anxiety. Increases speech and language skills and helps to build trust, friendship and respect.

What to expect:

Before the massage, the therapist conducts a thorough assessment to determine the needs of the child and to confirm that there are no reasons the child should not be massaged. Appropriate dress is always discussed and modesty is always respected. Some children prefer to have their clothes on, while others enjoy being covered with a sheet and blankets. Parents can wait in the reception area, leave to have a coffee, or remain in the treatment room, but should be prepared to sit quietly during the session. Massage techniques are applied for varying lengths of time: 30 minutes to an hour, depending on age and needs of the child/youth/teen. Our massage therapist can work either on therapeutic/condition based model or he can work on the whole child, paying attention to the connection between mind, body and spirit, and focusing upon respect, self-worth and communication. Email us to learn more.

Deep Tissue Massage focuses on the deeper layers of soft tissue. It aims to balance and decrease muscle tone, correct body posture and release muscles from chronic pain. This type of massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure is generally more intense and more focused as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension and adhesions.

Deep pressure should result in what we like to call "sweet pain". If the pressure causes pain that becomes uncomfortable or causes you to hold your breath, it is most likely too much pressure. Our therapists will check in with you throughout the treatment but you should always feel free to speak up if you would like the pressure adjusted.

Undoing chronic knots and tension built up over time is best achieved with an integrated program that includes exercise, posture analysis, relaxation techniques and a regular program of massage. So it is important to remember that increasing the pressure and pain will not necessarily lead to eliminating knots in one treatment.

Deep Tissue Massage works well with Myofascial and Trigger Point Release Techniques and can also be added into a Relaxation Massage, Pregnancy Massage or Sports Massage.

MLD is a gentle, non-invasive technique that helps to stimulate the lymphatic system and improve lymphatic fluid flow. MLD is proven to be effective in re-directing the fluid to alternate (unaffected) lymphatic pathways resulting in a reduction of swelling.

Common conditions that benefit from MLD are: Joint swelling and muscle pain from acute and chronic injuries, arthritis, migraines and headaches, fluid retention, stress, general immune health and overall wellness, and breast health.

**[If you have Primary or Secondary Lymphedema, venous insufficiency, hip or knee replacement, cosmetic surgery, a concussion or any acute or chronic neurological or physiological condition please book an Advanced MLD treatment]**

Cranial Sacral treatments are offered as part of a massage treatment with Mr James Joseph Registered massage therapist.

Craniosacral Therapy does not involve any spinal manipulations or adjustments but focuses on the use of gentle, light-touch therapy to align the structural integrity of the body. Restrictions can be detected and corrected using simple methods of touch. The Cranial-Sacral system is assessed and treated through gentle palpation of the cranium, spine and sacrum. Restrictions are released in any structures influencing the Cranial-Sacral system.

By normalizing the environment around the brain and spinal cord and enhancing the body's ability to self-correct. Cranial Sacral Therapy is able to alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions, from chronic pain and sports injuries to stroke, concussions, vertigo, TMJ and neurological conditions.