Maria Murchie, RMT

Services

Deep Tissue Massage

If you’re suffering from chronic pain or severe muscle tension a soft tissue massage will probably not provide the level of relief you are seeking. Deep tissue massage therapy treatment will be a more effective solution.

What is a deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage therapy is a treatment that works on the muscles and connective tissue found below the surface of the top muscles, hence the name “deep” tissue massage. Chronic pain or muscle tension is usually the result of adhesions in the muscles, tendons and ligaments. These are bands of painful, rigid tissue which block circulation and cause pain, limited movement and inflammation. Deep tissue massage breaks down these adhesions, relieving the patient of the chronic pain and muscle tension.

Some scenarios where patients benefit from deep tissue massage therapy treatment include: stiff necks, low back tightness and sore shoulders. It is also ideal if you are someone who is experiencing ongoing pain, participates in heavy physical activity (people such as athletes and labourers) or have sustained a physical injury.

Benefits of deep tissue massage

Deep tissue massage therapy treatment can help:

• Alleviate chronic pain
• Alleviate limited mobility
• Recovery from injuries
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Postural problems
• Ostearthritis pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Muscle tension or spasm

Cupping Massage

Cupping Massage brings in the ancient art of cupping to the modern day massage practice. The modality allows for a unique approach to the fascia ( the layer between muscle and skin ) and body fluids. Cupping has an ability to affect deeper tissue, remove fascial restrictions, and increase range of motion, with little stress on the therapists’ hands.

The cups are made of plastic and rubber with a mechanical suction device to create the suction to lift the skin. The cups are very hygienic and easy to clean.

Cupping is a technique whereby a vacuum is created in a cup, drawing the skin up into the cup and separating the layers of superficial fascia. The suction draws the blood to the skin level, creating a vacuum below the skin and causes new blood to rush in below, removing stagnation. After removing the cups a bruise like appearance will stay for 5-7 days. It is not a painful experience, but during the time the cups are on the body, there is a slight burning sensation depending how tight the fascia is adhered to the skin. For a more intense treatment, the cups can be dragged along the skins surface.

Soft Tissue Massage Therapy Treatment

Soft tissue massage therapy treatment addresses aches, pains and injuries suffered by the soft tissues of the body, such as tendons, ligaments and muscles. A wide variety of medical conditions can be alleviated with soft tissue massage therapy treatment. It can also enhance muscle performance, your circulatory system, joints and your immune system, not to mention that when your session is complete, you will leave in a very relaxed state of mind.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Massage

Here are just a few of the ways soft tissue massage therapy treatment can make a difference:

• Relieve muscle tension and relax muscles
• Increase blood circulation and lymph flow
• Improve healing time of strained ligaments and muscle tissue
• Reduce inflammation
• Reduce heart rate
• Improve range of motion and joint flexibility
• Increase endorphins
• Strengthen the immune system
• Decrease muscle spasms
• Improve oxygen flow

Prenatal Pregnancy Massage

Can a prenatal massage really make a difference for someone going through pregnancy? The answer is Yes. There are many ways moms-to-be can benefit from a prenatal pregnancy massage. Studies have proven that massage therapy during pregnancy can help lower anxiety, reduce symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains and even enhance labour outcomes and the health of your newborn.

Benefits of prenatal pregnancy massage

• Regulate your hormones: Studies conducted over the last 10 years concluded that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered when women undergo prenatal pregnancy massage.
• Reduce swelling: The swelling of the joints (edema) that women suffer during pregnancy is the result of restricted circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the heavy uterus. Prenatal pregnancy massage will stimulate soft tissue which helps decrease the collection of fluids in swollen joints.
• Improvement of nerve pain:  During the late stages of pregnancy the uterus will rest on the muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. This puts tension on the muscles of the upper and lower leg, which causes them to swell and exert pressure on nearby nerves. Prenatal pregnancy massage will help alleviate this tension and in most cases result in a significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain.

How do I lie on the table for a prenatal pregnancy massage?

Getting a prenatal pregnancy massage sounds like a great idea until you try and figure out how you’re going to lie down comfortably on your stomach, back or side. We have the solution: specialty cushions with cut outs for the patient’s breasts and growing midsection. This allows both mom and baby to be comfortable and safe.

Warm Bamboo Fusion Massage

Warm bamboo fusion massage combines the techniques of Swedish massage and the benefits of soothing heat with the energy of bamboo. The result is a relaxing, invigorating massage.

How a Warm Bamboo Fusion Massage is Done

Smooth pieces of bamboo, of various shapes and sizes, are heated with an electric pad and then used to literally roll and knead away aches, pains, tension and stress in the muscles, tendons and ligaments. The warmth of the bamboo increases the suppleness of the outer layer of muscle, allowing the bamboo fusion massage to penetrate deeper, more quickly.

Benefits of Warm Bamboo Fusion Massage

• Accelerates a deep tissue massage
• Relieves tightness from muscles and tendons
• Helps regenerate muscle tissue
• Relaxes the body and mind

Indian Head Massage

Indian head massage originated in India nearly 4,000 years ago. The purpose of Indian head massage is to release the stress found in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face, neck and shoulders. Patients undergo an Indian head massage to relieve stress, tension, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, migraines, sinusitis, premature graying and even premature hair loss.

Indian head massage involves a variety of techniques; they include deep kneading and compression of the neck, shoulder and scalp areas as well as gentle stimulation and stroking of pressure points on the face. The treatment concludes with some energy work to ensure the patient leaves well balanced.

Benefits of Indian Head Massage

An Indian head massage will:

• Increase joint mobility and flexibility in the neck and shoulders
• Improve blood circulation and lymphatic flow
• Free knots of muscular tension
• Relax connective tissue
• Help eliminate accumulated toxins and waste products