​THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY

There are tremendous benefits to be achieved through regular massage therapy treatments from a Registered Massage Therapist.  Whether your need is to have a moment of relaxation, reduce muscle tension or attain relief from chronic pain, a therapeutic massage can enhance your overall sense of emotional and physical well-being.
Massage therapy can be an important part of your health maintenance plan by: 
​Reducing or eliminating pain
Improving joint mobility 
Improving circulation 
Improving lymphatic drainage 
Reducing muscular tension 
Massage therapy can be used for the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions. RMTs can work with a wide variety of patients, of all ages, in the treatment of illness, injury rehabilitation and disability. 
Massage Therapists today use their knowledge of physiology and anatomy to combine traditional Swedish and modern massage therapy techniques with other therapies to treat their clients. There has been a wide variety of research, published in peer reviewed journals, proving the benefits of massage therapy for various conditions.
 The following is a list of conditions for which massage therapy, when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist, can prove beneficial:
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Asthma and Emphysema
  • Back, leg, and neck pain
  • Cancer symptoms 
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (repetitive strain)
  • Chronic Fatigue syndrome
  • Dislocations
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Fractures and edema
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Headaches
  • Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and bursitis
  • ​Insomnia
  • Kyphosis and Scoliosis
  • Multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
  • Muscle tension and spasm
  • Palliative care
  • Post-surgical rehabilitation
  • Pregnancy and labour support
  • Sports injuries
  • Strains and sprains
  • Stress and stress related conditions
  • Stroke
  • Tendinitis
  • Whiplash
​Massage Therapy can also be used as part of a preventative care program. This includes sports training, injury prevention, ongoing stress management, and more! Together, you and your therapist will develop a treatment plan based on your needs. The treatment plan can be changed at any time and you have no obligation to undergo any part of treatment. Your treatment begins after you've given your informed consent. 
 RMTAO. "The Benefits of Massage Therapy." Secure.rmtao.com. 2016. Web. 18 Mar. 2016. 

Osteopathy Treatments

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a manual form of healing which emphasizes the interrelationship between structure and function of the body. Osteopathic principles believe in the body’s ability to heal itself. Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), also known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) are the core set of techniques that distinguish from “Osteopathic Physicians” and mainstream medicine. Osteopathic practitioners diagnose and treat somatic dysfunction using manipulation of the patient’s bones and muscles. 
​The practice of Osteopathy includes, but is not limited to: Manual Therapy; Craniosacral Therapy; Lymphatic Drainage; Myofascial Release; Muscle Energy Technique and Nutrition.

​Benefits Of Osteopathy

Osteopathic medicine emphasizes the relationship between all organ systems of the body, including the musculoskeletal system (your bones and muscles) and the function of your entire body. Osteopathic treatments are safe, effective and provides highly effective therapy for: ​
  • Regular aches and pains of everyday living 
  • Chronic back pain 
  • Headaches, migraines
  • TMJ dysfunction and repetitive strain injury 
  • Sciatica, golfers' elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other neuropathies 
  • Pregnancy
  • Constipation
  • Edema
  • Hypertension
  • Circulatory Dysfunctions
  • Pelvic Health
  • Irregular or painful menstrual cycles

Massage Therapy Treatments

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue treatments are meant to access the deeper layers of the muscles. Deep tissue work is about the amount of pressure used; it’s true intention is to work on all the layers of the body’s soft tissues and particularly the structure which covers and encases them – the fascia. Injury, illness or prolonged immobility can cause fascia to become stiff, hardened or stuck to adjacent structures. This in turn causes pain, reduced mobility and impaired function. Portions of a treatment can be uncomfortable at times with the possibility of pain, however, a good Massage Therapist should always respect your pain tolerance levels, and will work with you to find a level of pressure that is comfortable for you.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is a deep tissue massage to prevent injury, enhance recovery and treat chronic or acute injuries. Pre and post-event massage occurs directly before or after training or competition to help the body perform at its peak and recover efficiently.

Therapeutic Massage

Most non-traumatic injuries are caused by muscle imbalances in the body. The use of massage therapy can restore the natural length and strength of the muscle while promoting healing. Your Massage Therapist will meet with you and during assessment will determine how a therapeutic massage will help you.

Relaxation Massage

Relaxation massage is a deep, medium or light pressure massage that will remove the tightness from tired muscles and promote a feeling of relaxation.

Pregnancy/Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage shares many of the goals of regular massage ­– to relax tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation and mobility, and just make you feel good. But it's also tailored specifically to the needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies, and our Therapists who are trained in prenatal massage adjust their techniques accordingly.
​During your Massage Therapy treatment, you can expect to lie on your side with extra pillows, or have the use of our pregnancy cushion. You may choose to use the pregnancy cushion that allows you to lie face down to provide relief, support and comfort for a more relaxed treatment during any stage of your pregnancy. Or, you may choose to use the pregnancy cushion that provides extra support for side lying treatments. We will support you and your comfort level throughout your treatment.

Hot Stone Treatment

Hot Stone Therapy is an effective treatment that involves deep penetrating heat from basalt stones along with Swedish massage techniques. The heated stones may be placed on various parts of the body to improve the flow of energy into the body. The heated stones also allow the muscles to relax and respond to tension release, without the misconception that pain is necessary to reduce muscle tension. Hot stone massage is a specialty massage where the therapist uses  the heated basalt stones as an extension of their own hands or by placing them on the body. The heat can be both deeply relaxing and help warm up tight muscles so the therapist can work more deeply, more quickly.

Reiki

​The main purpose of Reiki is not only for healing but also to promote a positive mind and healthy body so people can experience the joys in life. Some benefits of Reiki include:
  • Dissolve energy blocks and promote natural balance between mind, body, and spirit
  • Create deep relaxation and helps the body release stress and tension
  • Clear the mind and improve focus, increase energy levels
  • Accelerate the body's self healing ability, Help relieve pain
  • Improve sleep
  • Reduce blood pressure, support the immune system
  • Help spiritual growth and cleansing, and complement medical treatments
Reiki energy flows from the therapists hands to the client. Reiki can be implemented into any massage treatment or with the client fully clothed. A full treatment could last from 45-60 minutes.

​Piriformis Syndrome - Massage Treatment/ Osteopathy

​Piriformis syndrome is a disorder which results when the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve.
Massage and or Osteopathy is one of the modalities to manage piriformis syndrome.
​For more information,
Contact your Massage Therapist or Osteopath at Urban Healing Studio

Myofascial Release Technique (MRT)

Myofascial release technique focuses on releasing shortness and tightness in muscles and the fascia around them. Fascia is like a mesh of connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel, and organ to a cellular level.  Myofascial treatment is recommended after losing flexibility or function after an injury or trauma (such as an accident) or in cases of chronic back, shoulder, hip, neck, or lower back pain due to postural misalignment or herniated disc, or edema (inflammation).  
Myofascial tightness is not visible on MRI scans or X-rays. The trained therapist can identify myofascia restrictions as the cause of pain and assist in relieving and restoring the body to alignment and health.  Myofascial release technique stretches and loosens the fascia, resulting in free moving contiguous structures.
In the initial appointment the therapist will asses and locate the areas of the fascia that appear to be restricted, and measure the level of loss of motion or loss of symmetry in the body. Sessions may last at least 30 minutes per session and be conducted daily or every few days. ​Complete treatment may take place over a few weeks or months, depending on the nature and intensity of the restriction. Progress is measured by the level of increased range of motion or function experienced, and/or decrease in pain felt by the client.