Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body in order to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress. At Kneaded Touch, we use mainly Swedish Massage techniques.
Swedish Massage
Manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, including skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Most often performed with oil or lotion. Techniques include effleurage (light long strokes), petrissage (circular manipulation), tapotement (percussive techniques), rocking and vibration techniques.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST)
The bones of the skull and face (cranium) and the tailbone (sacrum) are linked via the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that protect the brain and spinal cord.Once an imbalance is detected the body and the bones are used as levers to decrease bony and/or membranous restrictions.
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on modality that uses the body’s own wisdom and therapeutic tools to facilitate natural health.
SomatoEmotional Release (SER)
SER is a variation of CranioSacral Therapy that acknowledges and treats the emotions linked in with tissue memory.This could be the result of an injury, illness, traumatic incident or a life process.An SER treatment often incorporates dialoguing; with the client, their Inner Physician (aka Inner Wisdom) and sometimes with the tissues themselves.
Passive Stretch Massage (PSM) - this service is offered exclusively at the Westboro location with Jonathan
PSM is a form of bodywork in which the client is dressed in loose clothing and positioned supine on a mat on the floor, while the therapist performs a series of relaxation techniques followed by tractioning of the limbs and head.
After the therapist teaches the client abdominal breathing, they assist the client with relaxation by the use of gentle muscle squeezing, rocking, and shaking techniques. As the client remains fully relaxed and breathes abdominally, the therapist slowly and gently tractions the clients limbs in co-ordination with the client’s rhythmic breathing pattern, gradually increasing the traction of the limb until a full stretch has been achieved. The stretch is then slowly released and the limb is repositioned and the stretch at a different angle.
A full body PSM session includes an assessment/ relaxation phase and the tractioning of the legs, arms, and head resulting in elongation of the entire vertebral column. What makes this modality unique is that it can be applied with relaxation as a lower or upper body treatment, or full body.
PSM is very beneficial in the rehabilitation of such conditions as whiplash, thoracic outlet syndrome, headaches, stress, reduced range of motion at any joint, degenerative disc disorder, SI joint dysfunctions, sciatic problems, and non-specific low back pain. It also has a considerable positive effect on all soft tissues and joint structures especially the fascia, muscles, tendons, ligaments and joint capsules.
Tibetan Acupressure System (TAS) - this service is offered exclusively at the Merivale location with Andrew
An ancient system of reflexive pressure point healing, which accesses the body's natural corrective energies in order to bring balance to the body as a whole. The technique is non-invasive and the effects are profound. TAS can be used in treating specific conditions including chronic pain, mental distress or the overall well being of the body.
Myofascial Release Techniques
The muscles of the body are enveloped in several thin layers of fascia. Myofascial Release works to stretch and reshape the fascia and help restore full range of motion. Based on the body's feedback, the therapist can determine how much force to use, the direction of the stretch and how long to stretch.
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
MLD is a gentle massage technique designed to promote the flow of excess lymphatic fluid in thelooseconnectivetissue. It is a non-invasive, painless therapy intended for conditions such as swelling, neuromuscular disorders and congestion. It is also beneficial for decreasing some types of edema caused from trauma or scarring.
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is offered to pre-, peri- or postnatal mothers. It addresses the specific needs of pregnant women such as discomfort in the lower back, feet, and legs. Labour support is also available.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points are painful or irritated spots within a band of muscle which often show a predictable referral pattern of pain. Treatment involves stretching and the application of heat, along with specific manual manipulation.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy makes use of the healing properties of water to affect the soft tissues of the body. By applying heat or cold, the circulationcan be increased or decreased, thereby relieving pain and promoting relaxation. Frequently used hydrotherapy tools include heating pads, cold packs and steams.
Hot Stone Massage
A massage using smooth, heated balsat stones to relieve stiffness and soreness and restore energy.
