Massage - Brent Rousseau RMT

Massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, fascia, ligaments, and joints. Massage therapists use their hands and arms to manipulate these soft tissues in order to alleviate the discomfort associated with muscular imbalances, over-use injuries, chronic pain, occupational, and every day stresses. Massage therapists use mainly Swedish massage, along with many other techniques such as neuromuscular facilitation, trigger point therapy, myofascial release and lymphatic drainage, in addition to therapeutic exercise, stretching, and postural education. Massage therapy helps to reduce scarring and adhesions that occur in the soft tissues of the body after trauma, such as a car accident. Massage also aids in the removal of waste products and assists in bringing nutrients to the site of injury during the healing process.

Registered Massage Therapists are fully trained to help relieve:

Ø      Inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and tendonitis

Ø      Stress and associated conditions

Ø      headaches and migraines

Ø      Muscle spasms and strains

Ø      Back pain

Ø      Repetitive strain injuries                              

Ø      Circulatory and respiratory problems

Ø      Pregnancy and labour discomfort

Ø      Post-injury and post-surgical rehabilitation

Ø      And many other conditions


Glossary of Terms

Swedish Massage – Swedish massage is what many people think about when massage is mentioned. It involves using a system of long flowing strokes, kneading, and frictioning techniques, combined with active and passive joint movements.

Deep Tissue – Deep tissue massage is applied to the deeper layers of soft tissue, and encompasses deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons, and fascia.

Trigger Point Therapy – Trigger point therapy involves sustained pressure on a taut band of muscle or its fascia (also referred to as a trigger point), where the therapist applies concentrated finger pressure on the trigger point to facilitate in its release.

Myofascial Release – Myofascial release involves the manipulation of the connective tissue of the body known as fascia. When the fascia becomes tight or restricted it can cause an asymmetry in the surrounding tissues. This technique assesses the looseness, tightness, and inherent mobility of the fascia throughout the body, and uses slow subtle techniques to release restrictions within the fascial sheaths.

Hydrotherapy – Hydrotherapy is the external use of water in any of its forms (solid, liquid, or gas) for the treatment of disease or injury. Hydrotherapy includes the use of ice packs, thermophores, steam cabinets, saunas, and whirlpools.