Therapeutic massage (also known as deep tissue massage) will loosen tense musculature and often break down scar tissue to increase range of motion in a specific area. Typically, deep tissue massage benefits chronic injuries. Our massage therapists in Calgary will work to either relax or stimulate muscle tissue to increase circulation so blood flows freely, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the areas needed. It is a technique that focuses in the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic pain patterns of tension in the body, through slow strokes and deep finger or elbow pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fibres of the muscles, tendons, and fascia. It also helps break up and eliminate scar tissue that builds up in the body and reduce inflammation related pain caused by tendonitis and arthritis.
The most widely recognized and commonly used category of massage is the Swedish massage. The Swedish massage techniques vary from light to vigorous. Swedish massage uses five styles of strokes. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber or with the fibers), and vibration/shaking. Interestingly, the term “Swedish” massage is actually only recognized in English and Dutch speaking countries. Elsewhere (including Sweden) the style is referred to as classic massage.
Sports massage refers to massage primarily used on the neuromusculoskeletal system to treat pain and disability. It most commonly incorporates a combination of techniques including kneading, stretching, compression, friction, toning, and trigger point response technique similar to acupressure or shiatsu. This treatment tends to be deeper and more intense. These techniques are effective in reducing muscle waste, cooling down your body, and stretching your tissue for prevention of injury. Post event massages are usually performed within 24 hours of your event. Often two days prior to your sporting event, your massage therapist will treat the principle muscles that are involved with your sport to prepare your muscles for strenuous activity.
Trigger point therapy involves deactivating trigger points that may cause local pain or refer pain and other sensations, such as headaches, in other parts of the body. Our massage therapist in Calgary will use manual pressure, vibration, or another treatment on these points to relieve myofascial pain. Trigger points were first discovered and mapped by Janet G. Travell (President Kennedy’s physician) and David Simons. Trigger points have been photomicrographed and measured electrically, and in 2007 a paper was presented showing images of trigger points using MRI. These points relate to dysfunction in the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), in muscle, and therefore this modality is technically different from reflexology, acupressure, and pressure point massage.
A hot stone massage uses water-heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body. Stones coated in oil can also be used by the therapist delivering various massaging strokes. The hot stones used are commonly basalt stones (or lava rocks) which over time have become extremely polished and smooth. As the stones are placed along the recipient’s back, they help to retain heat which then deeply penetrates into the muscles, releasing tension. Sixty or ninety minutes of massage with soothing hot stones and you will feel the profound relaxation and release of tension. Your circulation will rapidly be altered when stones are used and this increased blood flow so you will have improved healing and detoxification.
Relaxation massage is a smooth, gentle style of massage designed to improve circulation, range of motion, and reduce swelling due to injury, relief from minor muscle pain, decrease stress, and to promote overall relaxation.
All moms and moms-to-be deserve time alone to focus on themselves during these changes. Massage helps relieve the pain caused from the ligaments loosening and aids in reducing the edema (swelling) that some women experience. Alberta Back and Neck Rehab & Sports Injuries Clinic in Calgary has pre-natal body bolsters available which allow pregnant women an option to lie on their stomach, possibly up until the ninth month.
