Northside Massage and Natural Therapies Centre

Remedial Massage Deep Tissue Massage Sports Massage Trigger Point Therapy Dry-Needling Hot Stone Massage Swedish / Relaxation Massage Treatment of Musculoskeletal conditions Pregnancy Massage Cupping Lymphatic Drainage Reflexology

Nutritionist Myotherapy Musculoskeletal Therapy Myofascial Dry Needling Taping (Rocktape, Kinesio & Rigid) Hot Stone Massage Remedial Massage Therapy Remedial Massage is a treatment for specific injuries or muscular dysfunction. The massage is tailored to address the specific needs of the individual, in order to improve or ultimately resolve the underlying problem. Remedial Massage may consist of a combination of Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy and stretching techniques, and is great for that nagging pain that just won't go away. Skillfully used, Remedial Massage therapy can assist the body in its own healing processes, where disease or injury has occurred in muscles, connective tissues, bones, joints and internal organs. Massage can also assist healing through its effect on the psychological condition of the patient, increasing a sense of confidence, well-being and relaxation. Deep Tissue Massage Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. For those who like firm pressure it feels good and it is beneficial to your health. When muscles are stressed, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue. The purpose of the massage is to "un-stick" the fibres; it aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep pressure on the contracted areas, either going with or across the fibres of the muscles, tendons and fascia. A Deep Tissue Massage helps loosen muscle tissues, release toxins from muscles and get blood and oxygen circulating properly. Deep Tissue Massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness during or right after the massage. That said, you should feel better than ever within a day or two. It is important to drink plenty of water, do some light exercise or have an Epson salt bath afterwards to help eliminate the toxins from the body. Trigger Point Therapy Trigger Points are areas of tenderness in a muscle. These can sometimes be felt as a lump when the muscle is massaged. On a microscopic level, Trigger Points are made up of segments of muscle fibres which remain in their contracted or shortened state. These develop due to sustained use of the particular muscle in various postures or with various sporting activities. Trigger Points are so named as they can trigger an area of referred pain when they are compressed. These areas of pain do not correlate with the nerve supply to the overlying skin. Trigger Point Therapy involves applying pressure (within the Client's comfort zone) to these Trigger Points, in order that the whole muscle can then relax and return to its resting length. As a result of this release, any metabolites and waste products that have accumulated in these muscle knots are then moved into the circulation. It is important that after a massage, adequate water is consumed to flush out the circulatory system, otherwise one can experience headaches, dizziness, tiredness or muscle tightness. Trigger Points can also be treated by regular stretching. Pregnancy Massage There are many benefits to having regular massage during the baby making years, pre-conception, post natal and postpartum. Regular massage can help the woman to prepare for the changes that are coming into her life, both physically and emotionally. Benefits include: Massage increases circulation - bringing more oxygen and nutrients to cells, both in the mother and the developing baby. By increasing circulation, blood pressure may also be kept in check. The pregnant woman can suffer from anxiety and depression during this period of her life that is so 'life changing'. Massage can soothe and ease the woman's fears, preparing her physically and mentally for upcoming labour. Massage can assist with stabilizing hormone secretions, especially during the 1st trimester. Being stressed and anxious can affect the baby - relax Mum and the baby will settle. The normal discomforts of pregnancy such as: backache, headaches, leg cramps, carpel tunnel type symptoms, and swelling of hands and feet can all be addressed by massage. Many women are reluctant to take pain medication throughout the pregnancy. Massage can help with the pain normally associated with pregnancy, thereby reducing the need for medication use. The lymphatic system is often overloaded during pregnancy. Massage can assist to move the lymph safely through the body. As the pregnancy develops, it is quite common to feel varying degrees of discomfort. This can be managed by relaxing tight muscles, toning loose muscles and applying other specialised pregnancy massage techniques. Not all pregnancies go according to plan. We will work with your other health care professionals to help make the journey as smooth as possible. All of our Therapists are trained and qualified to perform Pregnancy Massage. Lymphatic Drainage Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle form of massage used in aiding the immune system. Lymph begins as the fluid surrounding the cells in our bodies which contains waste products, toxins, enzymes, hormones, white blood cells, proteins and plasma. It may contain bacteria and viruses. This fluid is channelled via the lymphatic system consisting of lymphatic channels and ducts and lymph nodes back into the blood. Lymphatic Drainage is helpful in detoxifying our bodies as well as stimulating our immune system. It can also help with reducing swelling or fluid retention. Lymphatic Drainage can be useful pre- and post- surgery and after soft tissue injuries. The strokes used in this type of massage are very light and relaxing.