Massage Techniques
Therapeutic Massage
This type of massage includes an assessment, followed by a variety of techniques. These techniques include myofascial release, contract relax/PNF stretching, joint mobilizations, muscle energy, firm pressure, trigger point release, thai massage, and more. The treatment is then followed by therapeutic exercises and/or hydrotherapy for home care. The treatment plan is created on an individual basis, and is dependent on the needs of the client.
Relaxation Massage
This gentle and relaxing massage will improve your circulation while calming your nerves. It provides soothing stimulation of your muscles and soft tissue, while giving you an overall sense of relaxation. This is the perfect massage for a stressful week at work.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a set of long and flowing techniques that can vary in depth and pressure. It is used to increase circulation, by increasing the amount of oxygen and nutrient rich blood into the area. A decrease in stiffness, pain and stress can be a result of this type of massage.
Active Isolated Stretching
Active Isolated Stretching
Active Isolated Stretching
Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) is a manual technique that isolates muscles that are to be stretched by contracting the opposing muscles. The use of breath with active and passive ranges of motion will send neurological signals telling specific muscles to relax or release. It is very common for you to use exercise straps while doing
Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) is a manual technique that isolates muscles that are to be stretched by contracting the opposing muscles. The use of breath with active and passive ranges of motion will send neurological signals telling specific muscles to relax or release. It is very common for you to use exercise straps while doing some of these techniques. This will help you get the greatest movement possible. It is also recommended to bring comfortable/loose clothing for these techniques.
Therapeutic Exercises
Active Isolated Stretching
Active Isolated Stretching
Therapeutic exercise is a range of physical exercises to help restore and increase mobility, strength, balance, flexibility, and stability. The goal is help the patient return from injury, and restore their body into a pain free and functional state. Your Therapist will teach you a variety of strengthening, stretching and stabilizing ex
Therapeutic exercise is a range of physical exercises to help restore and increase mobility, strength, balance, flexibility, and stability. The goal is help the patient return from injury, and restore their body into a pain free and functional state. Your Therapist will teach you a variety of strengthening, stretching and stabilizing exercise in order to reach this goal. It is ideal for you to come to your appointment in cloths that allow you to move freely for this portion of your appointment.
Sports Massage
Active Isolated Stretching
Sports Massage
Pre-event massage: Commonly used for athletes before an event. It is a fast, rhythmic style of massage that helps to stimulate the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Post-event massage: A slow set of techniques, such as stretching and swedish massage, which help prevent soreness, and promote a healthy recovery.
Trigger Point Release
Trigger Point Release is the release of muscle tension by inactivating the trigger points that are causing the taut bands which are responsible for the increased tension. (Travell & Simons)
Most people refer to a trigger point as a “knot” in a muscle or fascia, which may or may not refer to a different area of the body causing pain and discomfort.
Your Massage Therapist may work in an area different from the area of pain in order to create relief. For example: In this image, the “X” is the trigger point and the red is the area of pain and discomfort. The Therapist would perform trigger point release on the “X” to relieve the area in red. Trigger Point Release may cause some discomfort, but are always done within the client’s pain tolerance.
Diagram and definition courtesy of The Trigger Point Manual By Travell & Simons.
Joint Mobilizations
Joint mobilizations is a combination of joint play and mobilization of the peripheral joints of the body. This is done in a low velocity sustained or oscillatory movement. The goal of this technique is to increase the range of motion of the joint.
Muscle Energy/Contract Relax Stretching
Muscle Energy technique is a series of steps. The Therapist takes the joint to the barrier, in multiple directions. At the time the client will be asked to actively use muscular effort from a controlled position, in a specific direction against a distinct counter force. This creates an isometric contraction in the tight tissues contributing to restriction. Afterwards, the patient is instructed to relax. The joint is taking to a new barrier and repeated again. This process increases the range of motion of the joint that is being treated.
Thai Massage Techniques
Thai Massage Techniques
Thai Massage Techniques
Thai massage is best described as a combination of broad and specific acupressure points, and assisted yoga stretches and movements. Due to physical restrictions of the clinic space, a full thai massage is unavailable. The Therapist combines thai massage techniques with the rest of your treatment.
Specific treatment by Jennifer Sandman, RMT
Pregnancy Massage
Thai Massage Techniques
Thai Massage Techniques
During pregnancy, a mother goes through all sorts of aches and pains. Pregnancy Massage can create a great relief during all three trimesters. Cedar Therapeutics uses a variety of massage techniques, and provides a pillow system so that the mother can lay face down or sideline, in order to create the most comfortable position while receiving a Therapeutic Massage.
Hydrotherapy
Thai Massage Techniques
Hydrotherapy
Heat, ice, and epsom salts can all promote healing. Heat is great for relief of muscle tension and chronic conditions, while ice can combat inflammation. Epsom salt baths can aid in decreasing muscle pain, fatigue, and also increase circulation deep within your muscles and joints. Your Therapist will advise you on which option is safe for you to use.