Treatments
As a department within a multi-disciplinary clinic, Massage Therapy treatments may work in tandem with chiropractic, physiotherapy, naturopathy, and kinesiology. At The Fix Massage Therapy Dept., we tailor treatment plans to our patients’ conditions with combinations of massage techniques. Common clinical forms of massage are explained below.
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage employs a series of long, gliding strokes, kneading of the muscles, and vibrational taps that are so common when one thinks of massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration/shaking. These strokes may be applied to encourage blood circulation, relaxation or stimulation of muscles and nerves, reduce stiffness in joints and connective tissue and provide a therapeutic outcome. Therapists use...
read moreTrigger Point Therapy
A trigger point is a hyper-irritable spot usually within a taut band of skeletal muscle or its fascia that is painful on compression and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, tenderness, and autonomic phenomena – they reduce full range of motion by preventing full lengthening of the muscle. Trigger Point Therapy releases these spots by using repetitive muscle stripping, ischemic compression, and the cold distraction technique “spray and stretch.”
read moreDeep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage is performed to help release restrictions within the layers of the body’s muscles (or myofascia). Proper technique, care, and strength by the therapist maximizes its effectiveness to gradually penetrate into the deeper underlying tissues and to minimize patient discomfort. When applied properly, chronic adhesions and myofascial restrictions can be isolated and suitably addressed. Deep Tissue Massage is basically a more aggressive form of Swedish Massage and a good patient-therapist raport is vital to stay...
read moreElectrotherapy, Laser Therapy, IFC, and TENS
Electricity has been used to treat pain for over 100 years. Scientific studies have proven that electricity can reduce both acute and chronic pain. Several different electrical stimulation devices exist, each producing different frequencies, waveforms, and effects. Electrical modalities include: * Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) (the most commonly used) * Interferential Current (IFC) Electrical stimulation may directly block transmission of pain signals along nerves. In addition, electrical stimulation has been shown to...
read moreTherapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic Ultrasound is a non-invasive treatment using ultrasound equipment that can be administered directly to the affected area, penetrating deeply into the tissue. The rise in temperature increases blood flow, relaxes muscle spasms, helps repair damaged tissue, and speeds healing dramatically.
read moreSports Massage
One way to encourage muscle repair during and after training is with Sports Massage. Sports Massage will help release any built up tension and lactic acid in the overworked muscles so that blood and oxygen can return to the muscle and effectively promote muscle repair. This treatment, if received as part of a sports program, can help the athlete prevent injury due to overuse and it can also be beneficial in the following ways: Pre-Event Massage can help athletes prepare for a competitive event. It is usually brief and...
read moreRemedial Exercise
Physical activity implemented as a treatment for illness or injury is termed Remedial Exercise. Exercise is only one of the prescriptions available to treat various physical conditions. This is the homework after the appointment (and we will know if you are complying or not). But this isn’t boot camp… finding an exercise regimen that is fun and relative to the patient is the key. Swimming, pilates, walking, or pumping iron – whatever is suitable! – it must be motivating. Insert strength, stretch, and...
read morePre/post-natal Massage
Pre-natal Massage refers to specific massage techniques related to pregnancy, known to calm many of its discomforts such as sciatica, swelling, back and neck pain, and nausea. Studies indicate that pregnant women who receive regular therapy are often more at ease, therefore also relaxing the fetus. And yes, through each trimester, measures are progressively adjusted to accomodate the comfort and positioning needs of the patient. In the postpartum period, specialized massage techniques can help to rebalance the structure of a...
read moreNeuromuscular Massage
A Neuromuscular Massage is applied in various pressures by the therapist, using a combination of effleurage or gliding, petrissage or grasping, friction, muscle energy, and strain/counter-strain massage techniques. Therapists often apply continuous pressure with their fingers, knuckles, and elbows to encourage proper blood flow in the area. Trigger Point Therapy falls within this domain. Often patients will experience some muscle soreness following a Neuromuscular Massage. However, as with exercise, the tenderness will disappear...
read moreLymphatic Drainage
Lymph Drainage Massage is a very gentle and light rhythmic massage that stimulates the movement of lymph, assisting with the removal of excess fluids, swelling/edema, and cellular waste. This technique is especially helpful in the detoxification process and boosts the immune system.
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