Massage therapy involves manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments) to enhance health and well-being. It can be used to help accelerate tissue healing, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, improve circulation and relieve tissue tension. Massage therapy is an effective treatment technique for a variety of conditions including low back pain, neck and shoulder tension/ pain, sprains/ strains, sports injuries, etc. At Cochrane Physiotherapy Clinic our massage therapists are all Registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Alberta, the Natural Health Practitioner of Canada and have extensive training in massage therapy techniques.
A wide variety of techniques are available to you in order to achieve the treatment goals both you and your therapist establish. Clear communication between your Physical Therapist and Massage Therapist ensure your full recovery is achieved as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Depending on your symptoms one, or several of the following may be administered.
Theaputic
Light to deep pressure massage combined with sweeping arm strokes and acupressure is applied to certain tension points to bring stress and pain relief. This type of massage provides deep relaxation and is wonderful for everyone!
Sport Massage/Injury specific treatment
Sport Massage Therapy is often associated with professional competitive or recreational athletes but it is also very effective for all your work and life related injuries! Chronic pain, limited mobility or recovery after an injury are very well treated with this type of massage. Instead of a full body treatment, your therapist focuses on areas of your body that are affected by physical demands, training or competing.
Neuromuscular/Trigger Points
Most muscle and joint pains arise from the malfunctioning of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. This technique is used to balance these two systems and focus on specific points of discomfort, called trigger points, which are tender when pressure is applied and refer signals to other areas of the body.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
This gentle technique relieves swelling that may happen when a medical treatment or an injury or a condition blocks your lymphatic system. The fluid is moved from the swollen area to another where the lymphatic system works normally. It can be a stand-alone treatment or combined with bandaging for chronic lymphedema
Cupping
Cupping is a complimentary modality involving silicone suction cups gliding or stationary over the body. The suction creates a vacuum or negative pressure causing lift and separation between the layers of muscle tissue and fascia. The decompression of cupping can help with muscle tension, break up adhesions, scar tissue pulling, and increase of circulation or range of motion.