Explore the World of Massage Therapy:
Discover the art of massage, employing hands or specialized tools to expertly manipulate muscles and connective tissues. Our skilled therapists use pressure, rubbing, and kneading techniques during treatments to target soft tissues effectively. Experience the transformative goals of pain reduction, improved functionality, accelerated healing, and enhanced relaxation.
Historically Rooted Practice:
Massage, a time-honored tradition across diverse cultures throughout human history, serves as one of the earliest tools for pain relief. It taps into our natural instinct to soothe discomfort by gently rubbing the affected area.
Why Opt for Massage?
Unlock a myriad of
health benefits through massage therapy, widely embraced by athletes for
warm-up and recovery, as well as by workers seeking relief from pain
and stiffness. Beyond targeted applications, massage is a holistic
approach for healthy individuals aiming to elevate their well-being.
Whether craving a moment of relaxation, aiming to alleviate muscle
tension, or seeking relief from chronic pain, massage therapy promises
to enhance your overall physical health and elevate your quality of
life. Massage therapy has been proven to help with these conditions:
Low back pain
Massage therapy has been shown to be helpful for sub acute and chronic nonspecific low back pain. The effect is greater if combined with exercise! In fact, the Consumer Reports Overview of Alternative Therapies (2011) placed Swedish massage and deep tissue techniques among the most effective therapies for back pain, as rated by the public.
Neck pain and whiplash
Swedish or clinical massage has been shown to add benefit to self-care for neck pain. The Consumer Reports Overview of Alternative Therapies (2011) found Swedish massage and deep tissue techniques to be among the top 3 most effective therapies for neck pain.
Sciatica
Massage therapy may help to increase range of motion and decrease pain caused by sciatica.
Headaches
Clinical massage is recommended as an effective treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. It is even more effective when combined with exercise. According to the Consumer Reports Overview of Alternative Therapies (2011), 40% of the public reported that deep tissue techniques helped a lot with their headaches.
Pregnancy-related pain
Massage to the lower back has been shown to decrease pain, shorten delivery time and increase satisfaction with birth experience.
Stress
Massage therapy has been shown to be an effective method in reducing occupational stress.
Regular massage could also be an important part of one's health maintenance plan. It can improve quality of life by:
- Reducing muscle tension
- Improving circulation
- Stimulation of the lymphatic system
- Reduction of stress hormones
- Increasing joint mobility and flexibility
- Speeding recovery of soft tissue injuries
Explore Varied Massage Techniques:
Delve into the realm of massage techniques and discover the diverse options available:
Swedish Technique:
Often referred to as 'classical,' Swedish massage is the predominant form in Western countries. It forms the foundation of most training programs, offering a gentle, full-body approach to release muscle knots, alleviate pain, and induce relaxation. This technique combines kneading, long flowing strokes, deep circular motions, and passive joint movements, employing various pressures.
Deep Tissue or 'Sport' Massage:
Deep tissue massage, applying more pressure than Swedish, is ideal for addressing chronic muscle soreness or tightness. Employing slow strokes and deep finger pressure, this technique reaches the deepest layers of muscles, effectively relieving tension.
Prenatal Massage:
Tailored to the unique needs of expectant mothers, prenatal massage incorporates elements from Swedish, deep tissue, and trigger point therapies. Modified for safety during pregnancy, it provides relief from muscle pain and tension. Various comfortable positions, including lying on the side or on a specially designed pillow, enhance the experience.
Clinical Massage:
Integrating classical techniques, deep tissue methods, and stretching, clinical massage targets specific goals, such as releasing muscle spasms. It is a purposeful approach to address particular concerns.
Thai Foot Massage:
Focusing on the feet, knees, and lower legs, Thai foot massage employs hands, thumbs, knuckles, and a rounded wooden Thai foot massage stick. This technique stimulates specific areas of the feet, relieving muscle tension and promoting overall well-being.
Myofascial cupping:
Myofascial cupping involves the application of decompressed cups on the skin. These create a vacuum effect that lifts underlying tissues such as the fascia and muscles, blood and other fluid that is close to the surface of the skin. Sometimes the suctioned cups are moved across the affected area. This can be a somewhat aggressive technique that can sometimes leave bruising after the treatment.
Professional massage therapist regulation
While many offer massage services, opting for a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) is a wise choice. RMTs undergo comprehensive training and their services are covered by private insurance plans. To become a member of Canada's RMT associations, RMTs complete a diploma program at recognized schools.
In Alberta, the professional development of massage therapy is overseen by four key associations: the MTAA, the NHPC, the CMMOTA and the CRMTA Ensure the legitimacy of your massage therapy in Lethbridge by using the search tools on each association's webpage. These associations actively advocate for the regulation of the profession in Alberta. Regulation would establish standards of practice and codes of ethics, reducing the risk of harm and maintaining a public record of practitioners violating the College's Code of Ethics. It would also create a public registry of all RMTs in the provincial College, safeguarding professional titles like "Registered Therapist" (RMT).
For further details on the topics discussed, reach out to our clinic. With seasoned therapists, direct insurance billing, and a central location, Able Body stands as the premier destination for massage therapy in Lethbridge.