Nanaimo Registered Massage Therapy
In our approach to massage we observe the body as a whole. For example, we may find that a bone mis-alignment in your foot is the source of your shoulder pain. Our goal is to determine the cause of imbalance which may be contributing to pain or discomfort, not just the manifestations creating symptoms. In order to do this, we help the body re-establish alignment to allow healthy biomechanics to return. This style of treatment uses a gentle hands-on approach to bring about muscle re-patterning, gentle joint mobilizations and myofascial release by taking into consideration the interrelationships of the musculoskeletal system with all other systems in the body.
Treatments begin with a thorough assessment of your body’s biomechanics and functional movement. Throughout the treatment these markers are checked and rechecked to ensure your body is responding and adjusting as expected. If it is not, further assessment will be done to determine why. Following treatment, clients are often given home care to complement their treatment. Depending on the goal of treatment clients can be fully clothed or undressed and covered by sheets as is typical in a traditional massage.
Erin and James are registered massage therapists and members of College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia.
Myofascial Release
Soft-tissue therapy including slow targeted stretching of stuck and adhered connective tissue (the thin tissue layer surrounding all muscles and individual muscles fibres). This approach allows for increased mobility to affected joints with the potential to increase blood flow to muscles.
Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
Is a gentle non-invasive massage therapy technique which uses muscle contractions of one muscle to create a response in the opposing muscle. By utilizing the body’s own contraction and relaxation reflexes muscles will redistribute tension to restore balance between the opposing forces. This technique may help with pain relief, deciding oedema, increase range of motion and preventing against potential injury.
Joint Mobilization Techniques
Gentle oscillations are applied to joints to help loosen up myofascial tissue, create space, and improve fluidic circulation. Especially helpful for limited range of motion.
Scar tissue release
Scars develop in response to a healing response happening in the body. They can be visible as in a cut or scrape, or under the surface of the skin in the instance of a deep bruise. When there are abnormalities in healing of a wound circulation to the area can be affected. This approach can help promote circulation to the affected area to decrease numbness, tingling and other abnormalities to the scar aiding overall functionality of the region. Even working on old scar tissue (20 years+) can have a tremendously positive effect on the body.
Visceral Treatment
Gentle techniques applied to the soft tissue surrounding viscera and organs to improve circulation, function and to soften of scar tissue. Common issues visceral work can assist with are digestive problems, abdominal cramps, IBS, or fertility issues.
*Please note due to the deep layers of tissue being affected and the resultant rebalancing of muscle tensions some tenderness may be experienced following treatment.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
PNF is an advanced form of flexibility training. It involves both the stretching and contracting of the muscle group being targeted. PNF stretching is an effective form of stretching for improving flexibility and increasing range of motion.