Massage Therapy Blog
Benefits of Massage Therapy
There are many ways in which massage therapy can heal our bodies. Injuries and strains on our bodies are so common and can occur without serious trauma. It is likely that every single one of us have encountered some kind of body ace or pain throughout our lives. Massage can help us heal and prevent future aces and pains but it also has a multitude of other benefits. Some of these benefits include simply increasing relaxations and therefore decreasing stress, anxiety and depression, increasing circulation, reducing trigger points, fibrosis and adhesions, and increasing immunity. Each of these benefits allow us to feel our best and continue to feel our best no matter what life throws at us. These benefits also hold true for adults and children alike.
-Alyssa Stone, Registered Massage Therapist
Youth Massage
There are many benefits when it comes to massaging our littles. From boosting immune systems, easing tens/stressed muscles after an active day, reducing headaches, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep habits.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to help heal the youth of our community. Seeing them at ease with smiles on their faces after never receiving a massage has such a rewarding impact as a massage therapist.
Fun Fact: I have been massaging my little since he has been a baby. Now with the experience my education has provided me I am continuously educating and practicing new techniques for the benefit of your health and our children's health.
Common Questions about Youth Massage:
Can I stay in the room while my child receives a massage?
A: 100%, I am treating your child as I treat all my clients ensuring that they remain safe and comfortable. Whatever you and your child are comfortable with is 100% okay.
What if my child does not like the massage during the session?
A: Weather it is a first time or the 10th time receiving a massage and your child is not at ease, as an RMT it is my responsibility to check in with the client and remind them to let me know if at any moment they become uncomfortable. If they express discomfort at any point we can always readjust or stop.
What age of youths do you work with?
A: I am currently comfortable treating any youths ages five and up. I plan on continuing my education in infant massage in the near future to provide younger children with opportunities for the benefits of massage.
-Alyssa Stone, Registered Massage Therapist
Abdominal Massage
Introducing abdominal/visceral massage to clients and educating them on the benefits is rewarding in an abundance of ways. The objective of abdominal massage is to reduce stress and increase connective tissue mobility, this is achieved by decreasing tightness, pressure, cramping and bloating while enhancing the digestive stimulation. One of the most rewarding outcomes of this type of massage is that it signals the nervous system to engage in a state of relaxation.
Benefits of Abdominal Massage include:
-Simulating the Vagus nerve
-Improving digestive functioning
-Strengthening immune functioning
-Releasing hip flexor tension
-Encouraging relaxation.
-Alyssa Stone, Registered Massage Therapist
Trigger Point Therapy
What are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are also commonly known as those "knot like" nodules that occur when muscle fibres cannot relax. Activated trigger points often cause referred pain in a predictable pattern or pathway of the body, depending on where the hyper-irritable node sits in the taut band of the muscle. This often indicates a shortened muscle.
Trigger Point Treatment
Ischemic Compressions are a type of technique used during a therapeutic massage to compensate and release the tension and pain of a trigger point. Adding sustained pressure to the "knot" will soften and release the tension in the area of concern. Not only is this effective in reducing headaches, muscle aches and metabolic wastes but it can also improve the blood flow, range of motion and flexibility in our bodies.
Below is an example of one of the many common trigger points, possible causes, symptoms, and pain patterns.
Trapezius Trigger Points:
Possible Causes:
Falling
Whiplash
Walking with a cane
Arm rests in high positions
Symptoms/Indications:
Severe neck pain
Headaches
Stiff neck
Pain Patterns:
Angle of mandible
Temporal region
Lateral and posterior sides of the neck
Upper back
Medial border of scapula
-Alyssa Stone, Registered Massage Therapist