What is Registered Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is a form of treatment that involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body to alleviate physical discomfort, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. It typically involves applying pressure, kneading, and rubbing techniques to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Massage therapists may use their hands, fingers, elbows, forearms, or specialized tools to perform various massage techniques.
Pain Relief
Massage therapy can help alleviate muscle tension, stiffness, and pain. It can be beneficial for relieving soreness and discomfort caused by overuse, injury, or medical conditions such as chronic pain syndromes.
Rehabilitation
Massage therapy is often used as part of a rehabilitation program to help individuals recover from injuries or surgeries. It can improve circulation, reduce swelling, and enhance flexibility and range of motion in affected areas.
Relaxation
Many people seek massage therapy to relax and unwind from the stresses of daily life. The soothing touch and rhythmic movements of massage can help calm the nervous system and promote a sense of relaxation and tranquility.
Stress Reduction
Massage therapy can reduce levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and promote the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators. Regular massage sessions can help manage stress and promote emotional well-being.
Improved Circulation
Massage therapy can enhance blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and helps remove waste products and toxins. Improved circulation can promote healing and overall health.
Techniques
Massage therapy encompasses various techniques, including deep tissue massage, sports massage, and trigger point therapy, among others. The specific technique used depends on the individual's needs, preferences, and any underlying health conditions.
What does treatment involve?
Upon entering the treatment room the massage therapist will first discuss with you any concerns, health issues and areas of soreness you may have. It is important to disclose any health information, whether you see it relevant or not, at this time to ensure the correct treatment is devised for your individual needs. The therapist may then perform a short assessment and create a tailored treatment plan to your individual needs and goals before exiting the room to allow you to get comfortable on the table.
Depending on the area of your concern the massage therapist may ask you to remove clothing over the area while they step out of the room and allow you to get comfortable on the table. Please note it is a requirement that you must keep your underwear on. Sheets, towels and linen are used as draping for your modesty.
Treatment will then involve a variety of techniques, commonly with, but sometimes without oil, such as kneading, trigger point therapy, rubbing, myofascial release techniques and stretching techniques to address areas of tightness and tension. Other techniques used by some of our therapists include cupping and Indian head massage. You can read more about those techniques here.
Open communication is an important part of your treatment and you are encouraged to provide feedback throughout the session to ensure it meets your individual preferences and needs.
After the treatment you may also be given some home management advice that can include stretching or strengthening exercises, or cold or heat therapy. Post treatment soreness and tiredness can be a potential side-effect of treatment and if this is a concern for you please make the therapist know at the beginning of your treatment as every individual's goals are different.
This open communication and collaborative approach ensures your treatment is personalized and effective in promoting your well-being and addressing your underlying health goals.
What Does Massage Therapy help with?
Massage therapy can help with a variety of physical and emotional issues, including:
01
Muscle Tension and Pain
Massage can relieve muscle tension, reduce stiffness, and alleviate pain caused by stress, overuse, or injury. Common areas of concern for clients are neck and shoulders, lower back pain, aching legs, knee pain and foot issues, to name a few.
02
Stress & Anxiety
Often stress and anxiety can cause a physical response where a client can present with overall tension and muscle tightness in their body. Massage therapy could help to promote relaxation and reduce levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which could help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
03
Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and migraines can often be caused by, or enhanced by muscular tension in the body. Massage techniques targeting the neck, shoulders, and head can help alleviate tension headaches and reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
04
Chronic Pain Conditions
Massage therapy can be beneficial for managing chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, or back pain by reducing pain perception and muscular tightness and improving overall comfort.
05
Flexibility & Range of Motion
Massage therapy can improve flexibility, range of motion, and joint mobility by loosening tight muscles around these areas and promoting better circulation.
07
Posture
Massage therapy can help correct imbalances in muscle tone and alignment, leading to improved posture and reduced strain on the body.
09
Emotional Well-Being
Massage therapy can have positive effects on mental health by reducing symptoms of depression, promoting feelings of well-being, and enhancing mood by enhancing relaxation and reducing overall muscular tightness.
06
Sports Performance and Recovery
Repetitive exercise and high intensity exercise can cause muscles to become tight and cause a reduction in range of motion of the joints and reduced power from those muscles. Athletes often use massage therapy to enhance performance, prevent injuries, and facilitate faster recovery by reducing muscle soreness and tightness and improving muscle function and flexibility.
08
Circulation
Massage therapy could improve blood circulation, which can aid in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, promote healing, and reduce swelling.
Overall, massage therapy offers a holistic approach to health and wellness, addressing both physical and emotional aspects of well-being. At OsteoFlow Health Clinic we encourage massage therapy to be used as a complement to other forms of treatments and serves as a valuable component of a healthy lifestyle.
Registered Massage Therapist
Samuel Girvan
Diploma of Massage Therapy
Samuel is a 2023 graduate with distinction from Eastern College with a passion for the art of massage therapy.
His journey into massage therapy was driven by an innate desire to make a positive impact on people's lives.
Beyond the technical skills acquired during college, his true strength lies in the genuine care and compassion brought to each person. He believes in the transformative power of touch and its ability to enhance both physical and mental well-being. Samuel's goal is simple yet profound: to offer support and facilitate healing through the therapeutic art of massage.
When out of treatment, Samuel enjoys passing time with a guitar in hand during the sunny days. On rainy days he won't be too far from a book or a computer.
Registered Massage Therapist
Tori Sullivan
Diploma of Massage Therapy
Tori is a registered massage therapist specializing in the treatment of headaches, muscle aches, sports injuries, and adjustments. Her approach blends flowing techniques to promote relaxation with targeted treatments that enhance healing, alleviate soreness, and reduce muscle tension. Each session is customized to meet the unique needs of clients, ensuring a positive experience throughout their healthcare journey.
Tori studied at Eastern College, completing two years, graduating with distinction and 2200 hours of clinical experience, in addition to volunteering in therapeutic settings. Growing up playing various sports, Tori experienced first hand muscle cramps, injuries, and dislocations, which lead her to wonder about the body’s healing processes. After spending three years in retail, fast food, and healthcare, Tori dedicated herself to her education in massage therapy.
Passionate about making a positive impact on clients’ lives, Tori finds it incredibly rewarding to hear clients share how her treatments have improved daily activities and being a part of her clients health care journey.
Tori prioritizes personal health by attending the gym with her partner, playing in softball tournaments and cherishes weekends spent with family playing games and bonding with friends at social gatherings
Registered Massage Therapist
Jasmine Cormier
Diploma of Massage Therapy
Jasmine is a Registered Massage Therapist who specializes in treating athletes and individuals recovering from motor vehicle accidents (MVA), using myofascial release therapy to relieve pain and improve movement. Originally starting her career as a medical aesthetician, Jasmine found her passion for helping people feel better through massage therapy.
Jasmine takes a client-focused approach, tailoring each treatment to meet the specific needs of her patients. She is committed to providing effective care, whether addressing sports injuries or long-term muscle and joint pain
