Massage is one of the oldest natural healing therapies. Early records date it back nearly 4000 years to China and Hippocrates also wrote of the therapeutic benefits of massage. Today, massage therapy combines many of the ancient approaches with anatomy, physiology and many different techniques developed over the years.
Massage Therapy is the assessment and planned treatment of soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, tendons) and the joints of the body. It provides relief and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain. Therapists apply soft tissue manipulation and some joint mobilization techniques to assist the body’s efforts to heal and relieve pain.
Massage is beneficial in conditions where muscles have contracted around a painful sight to protect the area. If pain persists, muscles may contract out of habit, which may lead to pressure on nerves, causing tingling, numbness and more pain. Massage acts directly on the muscles and also stimulates the nervous system to instruct muscles to relax even more.
Massage can help heal injuries from overuse or trauma by reducing inflammation and increasing circulation. Certain massage techniques can limit scar tissue formation in new injuries and reduce scar tissue around old injuries which may be restricting joint movement.
Massage promotes relaxation and helps you to recognize unconsciously held tension, helping to release the tension before it creates problems. It can also make you aware of tight, restricted areas before they turn into painful conditions. Regular massage helps a person achieve a feeling of well-being and assists in maintaining optimum health. The greatest benefit of massage comes from prevention.
On your first visit, it's best to arrive 15 minutes early to fill out a brief health history form, relax and visit a washroom. Your massage therapist will ask you general health questions, review any referring practitioners recommendations and discuss your goals. Your problem will be assessed to determine the best approach, and usually includes checking for painful or restricted movement, muscle weakness, posture evaluation and gently feeling for tenderness.
After your assessment, a personalized plan will be discussed and the massage therapist will leave the room while you undress and allow you to get positioned on the table. The amount of clothing removed depends on what areas are being massaged. Some people prefer to wear under-garments and a tank top, while many others are comfortable removing all clothing. What’s most important is YOUR comfort level. You will be warmly draped with a sheet or large towel at all times, except for the area being worked on.
At ALL times, feel free to ask questions and give feedback to your therapist. If you feel any discomfort or pain, let your massage therapist know so they can change their approach and work within your tolerance. The most effective massage works with the body’s natural responses, not against them. A painful injury may cause some discomfort while being massaged, but should lessen noticeably in the first few minutes. Massage on healthy tissue feels good, and you should find yourself able to relax during much of the treatment.
The conclusion usually involves a discussion about appropriate homecare and various stretches and/or hydrotherapy applications that you can do to enhance the massage. You may wish to book a follow-up visit to continue the positive effects.
Alberta Health Care does not cover massage therapy. As more individuals are seeking massage as their desired form of treatment, many extended health benefit plans now include massage therapy coverage. This information can be obtained from your policy provider. Massage therapy treatments can be used as a medical expense on your income tax.
90 minute massage $110.00
60 minute massage $80.00
45 minute massage $65.00
30 minute massage $45.00
60 minute 'Hot Stone' massage $90.00
60 minute Reflexology massage $90.00
Aromatherapy add-on $10.00
Once you’ve booked a massage, we’re counting on seeing you. We understand that occasionally things come up, but please call to inform us with as much notice as possible and we’ll do our best to re-schedule you.
If you need to cancel an appointment, please call by noon the day before your appointment. If cancellations are not received before noon the day before your visit you will be billed at 50%. “ No shows” will be billed for the full visit amount.
