Massage Techniques Used
Pregnancy and Massage
Hours and Fees
History Of Massage Therapy
The art of massage has been traced back to about 2000 B.C. Hippocrates (460-377 B.C. ), the "father of modern medicine", advocated the use of massage. Julius Caesar had daily massage treatments. Chinese, Japanese, Greek and Roman cultures all developed and promoted massage as an important component of health care. Massage in the western cultures was almost lost until it was revived in the 16th century by Ambrose Pare (1517 - 1590). The development of Swedish massage is credited to Peter Henrik Ling (1776-1839), a Swedish professor. Modern massage terminology is credited to Dr. Johann Mezger (1839 - 1909), a Dutch doctor known as the founder of scientific massage.
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Massage Techniques Used
One of the most commonly taught and well-known massages is the Swedish massage. It refers to a collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones. Movement is in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart, therefore increasing circulation, but not heart load. The lymph (fluid return) system and veins (which carry blood back to the heart) both rely on muscular action, rather than heart pump pressure to operate.
Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibration, percussive and tapping movements, with the application of oil or lotion to reduce friction on the skin. The many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relation, dissolution of scar tissue, adhesions and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury. It helps to flush tissues of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It stretches ligaments and tendons to keep them supple and in working order. Massage is also effective to reduce emotional and physical stress and is often recommended as a part of a regular program from stress management.
There are also other techniques that a Registered Massage Therapist is taught that are not included in the overall title of "Swedish massage". These techniques are more often used on a client that has some sort of a condition such as frozen shoulder or whiplash. Joint play, facial work and trigger point therapy are a few of these treatments. Though these techniques tend to be a little more invasive, treatments are always geared to the pain tolerance and permission of the client.
During a massage, a sheet covers the client completely except for the area being treated. Clothes may be removed or remain on depending on the comfort of the client. Before treatment commences, a health history interview is taken so that the most effective type of treatment can be determined and given. Each massage is unique to the client's needs and may be changed at any time throughout the course of the massage.
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Pregnancy and Massage
Contrary to some beliefs, massage is very safe and beneficial during pregnancy. Throughout these nine months, the body undergoes many stressful changes which massage ca make less painful and more tolerable. The primary treatment goal is to promote a healthy pregnancy by including relaxation techniques and providing a supportive environment as part of every massage.
First Trimester - General relaxation is helpful with additional focus on areas requested by the client. The abdomen, low back, and sacral areas are treated using only gentle stroking and petrissage; or they are not massaged at all. Positioning on the massage table is left up to the comfort of the client. Most are comfortable to lay on their stomach, but towards the end of the trimester, may feel better on their side.
Second and Third Trimester - Treatment addresses the individual woman's symptoms with the goal to decrease pain and postural discomforts. The massage focus is: to reduce trigger points, spasm and hypertonicity of muscles in the low back and gluteals; to treat the muscles involved in hyperlordosis and hyperkyphosis; to treat any compression syndromes; to relieve breast congestion and to reduce edema and swelling if present. Positioning on the massage table is usually side lying. When positioned on their back, a pillow is placed under the client's right hip to take off the pressure the baby causes on their vascular structures.
Labour - During labour, some women prefer not to be touched. For those who would like massage, it often provides a decrease in pain and anxiety, as well as a feelin of increased control. A therapist may administer treatment to the woman personally, or guide the woman's partner in providing touch to include them in the process. Massage is directed by the woman, and may be applied to the abdomen, back and other areas of tension such as the legs and forehead to facilitate relaxation.
Baby Massage - Just as an adult can benefit from positive touch and massage, so too can infants. Studies have shown that babies that have received massage tend to gain weight quicker, have increased food intake and resultant improvement of gastrointestinal functioning (ie. bowel movements). Sucking also seemed to improve with better gastrointestinal function. Premature infants that were given massage treatments showed greater responsiveness to both tactile and visual stimuli, thus improving growth to receive an earlier discharge from the hospital.
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Hours and Fees
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Wednesday: 2:00pm - 8:00pm Friday: 9:00am - 4:00pm |
$100.00 | 90 Minutes $80.00 | 75 Minutes $70.00 | 60 Minutes $55.00 | 45 Minutes $45.00 | 30 Minutes |
Call (519) 733-3732 to book an appointment.
7 King Street, Kingsville, Ontario, N9Y 1H9 (near Post Office)
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