What is deep tissue massage?
The term can encompass several different techniques such as trigger point therapy , myofascial release, shiatsu, and neuromuscular therapy to name a few. Therapists often apply deep pressure with their fingers, knuckles, forearms and elbows. The techniques should be performed with intention and at a slower pace.
With these techniques, not only are the superficial body structures addressed, but the therapist also accesses deeper structures of read more
Registered massage therapists here in British Columbia have been trained to use many diverse techniques. There are dozens of techniques to be learned and variations of each of them. As a therapist grows into their training, they typically drift towards the techniques that they feel to be the most effective for their practice. Therapists often combine several techniques within one treatment to address the concerns of their clients. For example, if a client presents with a swollen ankle, the read more
A typical massage therapy treatment takes about an hour. The majority of people that I treat have a goal for that hour. They want to treat a recent injury, address a chronic problem, release shoulder tension or reoccurring headaches. The intention behind making that massage appointment is to get rid of something that is hurting, or, perhaps to add something that is missing, like relaxation.
For that hour, I will assess their problem and proceed with several techniques to hopefully meet read more
Talking is one of our main forms of communication. During your massage therapy visit, much of the conversation will occur at the beginning of the treatment when you enter the massage room. This is the time that is set aside to discuss your health care goals and for the therapist to perform any special tests to help assess your condition. This time is also ideal for addressing any concerns you may have regarding the massage.
As a massage therapist, I always appreciate any questions you may read more
Digestion is the process in which food is broken down into substances that can be used for energy and basic nutrients to feed the body.
Physically, food moves from your mouth, down your esophagus to your stomach where it churns and moves the liquefied food through your small intestines, into your large intestines, and finally out the “other end”. Anywhere along this line, digestive problems can crop up from ulcers, reflux, cramping, bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhoea. Poor read more
We are fortunate to have access to decent drinking water here in Victoria, BC, Canada. We can get water straight from the tap, filtered water, water in bottles, and even from local streams! We all hear about the importance of drinking water, so how much water do we really need?
There is actually no scientific evidence that supports the claim that people should drink 8 x 8 ounce glasses of water a day to be healthy. Generally, if the “8 x 8” rule is not already part of your lifestyle, read more
Running is one of the oldest and most rewarding sports. It’s relatively cheap to do and there are a variety of ways to run! You can run short distances, long distances, sprints, on treadmills, roads or trails.
There are many benefits to running, from burning calories and increasing your metabolism to cardiovascular health and strengthening your lower body muscles, and it elevates your mood and helps conquer stress.
Along with the vast benefits of running comes a risk of injuries, read more
Stress can surface in many different forms, but the body reacts the same way – by activating our “fight or flight” response. When this system is activated, it sends stress hormones through our bodies. These hormones cause an increase in heart rate, elevation in blood pressure, it diverts blood from our organs and can decrease the effectiveness of your digestive and immune systems.
Our “fight or flight” response was only meant to drive us into action for short periods of time, say, if read more
As a registered massage therapist, under certain circumstances, I will suggest that my patient(s) apply heat or ice after their treatment and/or between treatments. In response I often get asked, “Why heat?” or “Why ice?”. Let me explain.
Muscles have a range of motion, contracting and expanding. An unhealthy muscle loses its full range of motion due to injury, tension, stress, poor posture or a host of other reasons. Massage therapy in combination with home treatments, such as heat and read more
