Every body is different and can experience varied responses after a session. I focus on using Myofascial Release techniques, but have knowledge in different types of body work. I enjoy using a combination of other modalities to enhance the benefits of each individual's needs. In my work I don't only see the point of injury but aim to treat the root cause and make your session a complete body, mind and spiritual experience.

Myofascial Release:

Myofascial release deals with the fascia, or connective tissue, of the body. The fascia is interconnected to every other part of the body, and helps to support the body's very structure, including the musculoskeletal system. When injury, inflammation, or physical or emotional trauma occurs, the fascia can become restricted and cause pain and/or create a limited range of motion. Myofascial release technique is applied with sustained pressure in the area of restriction to eliminate pain and restore motion.

Swedish:

Is a common type of massage that involves kneading, gliding strokes, friction, tapping or hacking, and vibration on specific areas of the body. Firm but gentle pressure is applied to improve circulation, decrease tension, increase flexibility and promote relaxation. The therapist generally uses oil or lotion to facilitate a smooth glide directly on the skin. Swedish massage is also one of the less demanding techniques for massage therapists to practice as it usually does not involve deep-tissue work.

Prenatal Massage:

Prenatal, or pregnancy, massage uses gentle techniques to help alleviate some of the ailments associated with pregnancy, including lower back, neck and shoulder pain; fatigue; joint tenderness; and stretch marks. Prenatal massage can help improve circulation, promote stress reduction and relaxation, and much more. Practitioners should be well-trained in prenatal massage in order to deliver safe and effective care, and patients should check with their doctors before receiving body work.

Acupressure:

Acupressure is an ancient form of healing art using the fingers and other parts of the body by skillfully pressing key points on the body to stimulate the body's natural ability to heal itself. Pressing on these points helps decrease muscle tension and promotes circulation. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same pressure points and meridians, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses gentle to firm pressure.

Shiatsu Therapy:

Shiatsu is similar to acupressure. It is a Japanese form of massage therapy that means "finger pressure." Shiatsu can promote health and facilitate healing by correcting energy imbalances in the body. These imbalances are corrected by applying pressure to specific points along channels in the body known as meridians.

Shiatsu is usually practiced with the thumbs but some practitioners will use their fingers, palms, elbows and feet, to achieve the desired effect. In addition to applying pressure, shiatsu practitioners may manipulate the soft tissue over and around meridians, and perform passive and active stretching exercises as part of treatment. Shiatsu can aid in pain relief and research has shown that applying extensive pressure initiates the release of endorphins, natural pain-killing substances produced by the body. Shiatsu may also lower the levels of adrenaline and other stress hormones, producing a relaxing effect.

Trigger-Point Therapy:

Trigger points are hyper-irritable spots in a taught band of muscle. It is characterized by local pain, tightness, and tenderness. Trigger points usually have a referred pain pattern which is an extremely misleading phenomenon and it should not always be assumed that the problem is in the area of discomfort.

Steady pressure is applied to the tender point and as the pain decreases it is indicative of a “release”. This is usually followed by massage and stretching to the surrounding area to help bring circulation and promote healing.

Bracebridge Massage Therapy - Registered Massage Therapy

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Sessions are by appointment only, and are available in 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 or 120 minute sessions.


Hydrotherapy:

Hydrotherapy involves the use of water in all its forms (internally and externally) to assist in the healing process. These water therapies can include the use of a whirlpool, the application of ice or heat packs,  steam baths, body wraps and more. Hydrotherapy is commonly practiced in conjunction with other spa treatments. In my practice, I offer local hot or cold applications during treatment.

Reflexology:

This technique involves using squeezing and pressure on points of the hands, feet or ears, that correspond, or "reflex," to other areas of the body. Similar in theory to acupressure, reflexologists believe that applying appropriate pressure to these points stimulates the flow of energy, thus helping to relieve pain or blockages throughout the entire body. Reflexology also helps increase circulation and promotes relaxation.

Thai Massage:

Thai massage, also known as Thai yoga massage, has been practiced in Thailand for over 2,000 years. It helps to clear energy blockages and restore balance and harmony to the body. Thai Massage combines typical Westernized massage therapy practices, including myofascial release and trigger point therapy, with light stretching similar to that of yoga. It has even earned the name "lazy man's yoga." Like yoga, Thai massage helps to strengthen the body and increase flexibility, while allowing the client to benefit from the relaxation and healing properties of massage.

Rather than using a massage table, Thai massage is administered to fully clothed clients on floor mats. Practitioners use their own body weight to position clients into yoga-like forms while instructing clients on proper breathing for maximum results.

Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST):

CranioSacral Therapy was developed over 20 years ago by Dr. John Upledger, while he served as a researcher and professor at Michigan State University. This gentle, hands-on technique involves the craniosacral system, a system of the body composed of membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Practitioners utilize CST to loosen and release restrictions or "blockages" in the body that can contribute to pain and dysfunction; removing such blockages improves the functioning of the central nervous system and body as a whole.

CST is effective at treating a number of problems, including pain, headaches, central nervous system disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, stress, tension and more. Proponents of CST also claim that it aids in improving mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Reiki:

Reiki is a commonly known form of energy healing and is (pronounced Ray-key). It is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Energy, an energy which is all around us.

It is a technique used for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to promote healing.