Across Canada Massage

Ultrasound

Is a modality that has been used since the 1940s. Ultrasound is applied by using the head of a probe that is placed in direct contact with your skin via a transmission gel. Ultrasound has been shown to increase

-          Healing rates

-          Tissue relaxation

-          Local blood flow

-          Help break down scar tissue

Ultrasound can also be used to achieve phonophoresis. This is a non-invasive way of administering medication to tissues below the skin. Ex cortisone.

 

IFC

Interferential current therapy is a modality, to relieve pain and accelerate self- healing process, getting your body back to healthy pain free state. Electrodes are placed on your skin around the injured body part. The device transmits electrical impulses in minutes through the skin. Underlying tissue and nerves are stimulated which begins healing properties. Will feel like minor prickles on their skin. IFC have been proven to stimulate endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers. Also used to reducing pain, inflammation, curing edema and spasms.

 

Hot stone

Involves the use of smooth flat, heated stones that are placed and massaged with on specific points and areas of the body. I used the stones in 2 ways

1)      Relaxation – the heat is soothing, more stone placement

2)      Therapeutic-  using the heat to relax muscle to get in deeper, good for people who bruise easy, great for fibromyalgia.

 

Structural integration

Is based on work of Dr. Ida Rolf. It is a combination of myofascial techniques, movements and education, that affects posture and function of the body restore it to its natural state of alignment and balance. 10 steps to perfect posture. Peeling away the layers like an onion. Clients wear shorts, sports bra or 2piece bathing suit. Need to see the body as a whole. No oil is used. Take before and after pictures to see where the person is out of alignment. The technique is moderate with the pain level.

Myofascial

What is myofascial?

Fascial or myofascial is the dense, tough tissue which surrounds and covers all your muscles and bones. This outer fascial covering is very strong and flexible.  It has a tensile strength of over 2000 pounds. Myofascial resembles a spider web. Its very organized. Best described as a complete body suit, has no beginning or end and can be found almost everywhere in your body.

 When fascial is damaged or traumatized it can become too tight and cause a number of different issues:

-Headaches

-muscle pain and spasm

-chronic back/neck pain

-recurring injuries

-sciatica

-breathing difficulties

 

Myofascial release

Is a effective hands on therapy which can directly change and improve health of the fascia, Slowly working from surficial to deep layers, No oil. Client wears shorts, sports bra or 2 piece bathing suit. Purpose is to break down scar tissue, relax muscles/fascia and restore good posture.

 

Orthopaedic Massage

Orthopaedic medicine is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue lesions. In broad terms, these disorders embrace conditions commonly called arthritis, fibrosis, neck ache, backache, lumbago, sprain/strains of muscles, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, repetitive use injuries, inflammation, whiplash and sports injuries. The tissues in question are joint capsule, ligaments, fascia, muscles, tendon and bursae.

 

Treatment

Deep massage other wise known as transverse frictions. Reduced to its simplest, fingertip is placed on the site of lesion and rubbed hard across the direction of the fibers of the affected tissue. Some discomfort maybe caused for a few minutes. The strength of the massage depends on the stage of the lesion and the time required to release it. This breaks down the adhesion formed by the scar tissue between individual muscle fibres.

 

Aromatherapy

The use of essential oils, for improving psychological or physical well being.

-reduces stress

-lifting depression

-a good night sleep

-soothe your soul

-increase energy

-decrease headache

 

Craniosacral Therapy

Is semi-closed hydraulic system contained within a tough water proof membrane(Dura Mater) which envelops the brain and spinal cord. An important function of this system is the production , circulation and reabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid. Intimately related to influences of nervous system, musculosketal, vascular, lymphatic, endocrine and respiratory system. The techniques used are non -intrusive and indirect. Direct techniques applied against resistance barriers.

Craniosacral helps with: headaches, migraines, whiplash, strain/sprains, digestive problems and rheumoid  arthritis .