Massage therapy involves manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments) to enhance health and well-being. It can be used to help accelerate tissue healing, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, improve circulation and relieve tissue tension. Massage therapy is an effective treatment technique for a variety of conditions including low back pain, neck and shoulder tension/ pain, sprains/ strains, sports injuries, etc. At Cochrane Sport Physio our massage therapists are all Registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Alberta, the Natural Health Practitioner of Canada and have extensive training in massage therapy techniques.
A wide variety of techniques are available to you in order to achieve the treatment goals both you and your therapist establish. Clear communication between your Physical Therapist and Massage Therapist ensure your full recovery is achieved as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Depending on your symptoms one, or several of the following may be administered.
Swedish/Theaputic
Light to deep pressure massage combined with sweeping arm strokes and acupressure is applied to certain tension points to bring stress relief, better ability to sleep, lowered blood pressure and release of toxins. Provides deep relaxation. This type of massage is wonderful for anyone!
Deep Tissue
Deep tissue massage is normally used in conjunction with many other styles of massage. Pressure is consistently deeper and works the muscle tissue below the superficial layers. This style of massage can be beneficial for chronic or acute pain and is not recommended for people who have never had massage.
Pregnancy
As the body changes during pregnancy, massage can help relieve muscle aches and pains, reduce fluid retention, increase circulation to slow the process of varicose veins and calm the nervous system. Massage helps women become aware of tension in the body and teaches how to consciously release it in preparation for the birthing process.
Neuromuscular/Trigger Points
Most muscle and joint pains arise from the malfunctioning of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. This type of massage is used to balance these two systems and focus on specific points of discomfort, called trigger points, which are tender when pressure is applied and refer signals to other areas of the body. Neuromuscular massage is generally used only with people who previously have had bodywork and plan to be consistent in their treatment.
Myofascial Release
Fascia is a tough connective tissue spread throughout the body which supports the muscular, skeletal and immune systems. Fascial restrictions lead to structural imbalances, which can lead to injury. Myofascial work uses long stretching strokes, releases muscular tension, increases range of motion and relieves pain.
Reiki
A form of Japanese energy work, Reiki means: “Universal Life Energy”. It benefits the body with a gentle hands-on technique incorporating the use of healing Japanese symbols. This work can relieve pain and stress in the body and can be used when someone is in too much pain for soft tissue manipulation. Shiatsu Japanese form of bodywork is based on the principles of Oriental Medicine, which helps release blocks in circulation and boosts the vitality of all major organs. Shiatsu incorporates the use of acupressure points and stretches to help balance the body’s energy meridians necessary to maintain good health.