This clinically-oriented health option achieves undeniable results in the relief of an array of discomforts stemming from stress, muscular overuse and many chronic pain syndromes.

Massage Therapy is safe and effective treatment for:

• Neck, back, shoulder, hip and leg pain
• Stress and Insomnia
• Carpal Tunnel and repetitive strain injuries
• Headaches or migraines
• Muscle tension and spasm
• Sciatica and low back pain
• Whiplash
• Sports injuries, sprains and strains
• Anxiety and Depression
• Inflammatory conditions, arthritis
• Pregnancy related back pain
• Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia
• Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Cancer and palliative care

The benefits of massage therapy include:

• reducing or eliminating pain
• decreasing stress and muscle tension
• improving circulation
• improving joint mobility
• improving lymphatic drainage
• improving immune system functioning 
• reducing depression and anxiety
• increasing body awareness

Therapeutic and Swedish Massage (incl. Deep Tissue)

Swedish massage is the most common and best-known type of massage in the North America. If it’s your first massage or you don’t get massage very often, Swedish massage is the perfect massage for you. If you want deeper work and can tolerate more pressure, even momentary discomfort, to get relief from muscle pain, it’s better to book a deep tissue massage, which is another form of Swedish massage.

A Swedish massage can be slow and gentle, or vigorous and bracing, depending on the therapist’s personal style and what he or she wants to achieve. One of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is a specialty massage where the therapist uses smooth, heated stones as an extension of their own hands, or by placing them on the body. The hot stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, so they retain heat. River rocks are normally used because they are smooth – they are smoothed over time by the river current.

The stones are immersed in water and heated in an electric heater until they are within a certain temperature range. The placement of the stones varies depending on the client’s condition. The heat of the stones warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired.

The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system. Hot stone massage is suited to people who tend to feel chilly or who have cold feet. It’s also suited for people who have muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage. The heat relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist to work the muscles without using deep pressure.

Neuromuscular Integration and Structural Alignment

In an ideal well-aligned body, the tissue is soft and pliable. However, life happens and bodies struggle with gravity. Poor posture, physical or emotional trauma and disease take their toll. The fascia contracts, the layers adhere and become congested. Blood flow, energy, range of motion and independent function of muscles are reduced. Pain and a chronic holding pattern results.

A direct fascial technique, such as NISA, addresses these problems by separating and stretching. The NISA technique uses a shallow angle of entry, some lotion for lubrication and a “spreading” of tissue. The latter technique addresses the multidirectional nature of fascia. All three aspects of the technique reduce the pain normally associated with structural bodywork.

One of the most exciting aspects of this work is the visual difference that a NISA treatment makes. This measurable difference reinforces both the effectiveness of the therapist’s work and the improvement of the client. (Margaret Colburne).