.....     MASSAGE THERAPY Massage therapy includes the manual manipulation of soft tissue for a therapeutic effect with the knowledge of anatomy and physiology and an understanding of the interaction between the body, mind and spirit. Massage therapy administers safe, nonsexual, nurturing touch. Does pain or restricted motion prevent you from living the live you desire? Today's high-stress, fast-paced lifstyles can lead to physical and mental stresses that eventually become evident as physical pain. Sports injuries, repetitive strain and tension from everyday stresses often cause discomfort and can lead to disability. The nature of these problems as well as an increased awareness of complementary health care, have made individuals appreciate massage therapy as a safe, natural and effective way to decreasing pain. Massage therapy is also effective in the control of pain, both acute and chronic, in stress reduction and in creating a sense of relaxation and well-being.       What we treat A trained massage therapist focuses on the normalization of the soft tissues affected by stress, injury and illness through the use of manual techniques that encourage the body's own healing processes to act. Massage therapy aids in reducing injury healing time and is an excellent form of preventative health care. However, you do not need to be injured or in pain to experience and enjoy a massage. It can be used as a tool to help facilitate your general well-being. Many people seek massage therapy regularly to help them perform at their best and feel positive about themselves and their surroundings.       Massage Therapy is additionally recommended for people with: Cancer Depression Diabetes Hypertension Lymphatic Disorders Multiple Sclerosis Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis       Benefits of Massage Massage is more than pure indulgence. Regular massage provides numerous benefits. Clinical studies show that massage: s increases blood circulation and lymph flow s lowers blood pressure s increases joint flexibility and mobility s improves immune function s reduces adhesions, edema, and scar tissue from surgery or injury s relaxes injured and overused muscles s increases removal of lactic acid s helps the body to relax, repair and prepare for physical challenge s increases training effectiveness s reduces soreness and pain s reduces chance of injury s reduces muscle spasms s reduces mental worries and anxiety s promotes better sleep cycles       DEFINITIONS Cranial Sacral Therapy begins by assessing the effects throughout the body of restrictiions to the flow (pulses) of the cerebral spinal fluid. A variety of very gentle treatment techniques applied both directly and indirectly release the body's connective tissues restrictions, and optimize the cerebral spinal fluid flow. CranioSacral Therapy was further developed and specialized from the osteopathic cranial sacral therapy by the osteopathic doctor, Dr. Upledger. Infant Massage is not paediatric massage (massage on infants). Rather it is participatory courses in which a parent learns simple massage techniques to do with their own infants to deepen the parent-child connection, learn health-giving and relaxing massage and stretches, and manage some childhood discomforts. Manual Lymph Drainage improves health and manages certain pathologies by improving the flow of the lymphatic system through light touch massage. It can reduce swelling and have analgesic effects. Some therapists are trained to help manage lymphedema (congenital/acquired), wounds and other skin pathologies. Massage Therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues (primarily muscle and connective tissue) of the body. It strives to achieve balance and health in the body by affecting the body's systems. Massage can significatnly accelerate the healing process by having a positive affect on the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Maternal Massage is a specialized focus of massage therapy, sometimes with other added techniques, applied to treat the discomforts and stress of pregnancy, and maintain optimum health and muscle-tone throughout the pregnancy, birth, postpartum and nursing period. Myofascial Release uses gentle stretching to focus on pain or restrictions in the connective tissue that exists three-dimensionally continuously through the entire body. It relies on sensory feedback of, and subsquent response to, the restrictions in the connective tissue perceived by the therapist. Orthobionomy is an osteopathically-based form of body therapy. By gently exaggerating the body's preferred postures using movement and body positions, the practitioner facilitates the change of stress and pain patterns and engages the body's self-correcting balance, healing and alignment process. Reflexology is based on the ability to cause a healing stimulation of one body part or organ (a reflex response) by stimulation of a specific point or points on distant parts of the body. Most common is foot reflexology, where points on the foot are worked to reflex non-foot body organs. You may find hand and ear reflexologists. Reiki means Universal Life Force energy. The receiver lies clothed while the giver gently places their Reiki-emitting hands in various positions on the head and body with the intention of enhancing and restoring both balance and healing to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual realms. It is very relaxing. Sports Massage therapo-ists have a special interest in the needs of professional athletes, and people that regularly participate in sports. The two main aspects are conditioning and injury prevention work, and rehabilitation should injury occur. Usually approached through massage, exercise and stretching programmes. Stone Therapy is a type of massage that uses either heated or chilled round, smooth stones that are placed on key points on the body. The stones are also used by the therapist to massage the body and transfer the heat or cold to the client. Trigger Point Therapy is similar to acupressure, but focuses only on muscular release points (triggers) in the muscle fascia and tendons. Used to effectively treat pain and referred pain caused by injury to, or tightening in, fascia, muscles, and tendons. Usually followed by massage of the involved areas.       TREATMENT COVERAGE Are you concerned with the costs of regular massage treatments? Currently, many extended health care plans offer partial or full coverage for health services, such as Massage Therapy. Often individuals are not aware that they have coverage for massage. Please refer to your policy or consult with your administrator for further information. Even if you are on a limited budget, we offer a variety of time and rate options in order to help you receive the benefits of regular massage. Rates $55 for 3/4 hour $70 for 1 hour $95 for 1 1/2 hour. Gift certificates are also available.           Copyright © 2005-2010 Edmonton Physical Therapy Clinic Ltd.