Types of Massage

Neuromuscular massage is specific to the individual muscles and concentrates on the relief of trigger points through static pressure on tender, congested muscle fibers. It is used to improve function, reduce muscle tightness, strengthen postural muscles, protect joints, and minimize the toll stress can have on the body.

Swedish massage is a system of therapeutic, manual manipulations of the body's soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia) for the purpose of enhancing circulation to restore or maintain health and overall well-being. Increased circulation aids in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to all cells and cleanses the tissues of cellular metabolic waste. Other benefits include: relaxation of tense or spastic muscles, increase in joint range of motion, soothing the nervous system, increase in respiration, and reduction of swelling from the accumulation of fluid in the extremities.

During Thai Massage the therapist uses their hands and feet to apply firm rhythmic pressure to the client's entire body, gently assisting the client into yoga like poses which encourage relaxation and ease the aches and pains of modern life. Unlike swedish relaxation massage, lotion is rarely used and the massage generally follows the Sen lines on the body—somewhat analogous to meridians - to stretch, lengthen, and relax muscles.

The legs, feet, hands and arms of the therapist are used to fixate the clients body and limbs into specific positions thus optimizing the benefit to shortened, tense muscles and aching joints.

The massage client wears loose, comfortable clothes and lies on a mat specially designed to give support and provide comfort during the massage.

Therapeutic massage increasingly is being prescribed by physicians to complement traditional medical treatment for illness, injury and pain as a growing body of research documents its efficacy. Massage doesn't just feel good; it reduces the heart rate and blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, reduces muscle tension/spasm, improves range of motion, and helps relieve pain -- all of which enhance medical treatment.

Therapeutic massage involves manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body. It soothes, calms, and aids in stress reduction, and it may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness. Current research is finding massage therapy can help the body naturally and dramatically decrease its levels of cortisol, norepinephrine and dopamine, and increase levels of endorphins and serotonin, which contribute to pain reduction and reduced levels of delayed onset muscle soreness.

Pregnancy is one of the most transformative times during a woman's life. It encompasses major physiological, psychological, emotional and social changes. Prenatal massage helps support these changes as the entire body adapts to the new life growing within the mother. Massage is a wonderful way to relax, increase energy, prevent stiffness, promote circulation, build and maintain muscle tone, and relieve discomfort during pregnancy. It also helps prepare the body for the process of labor.

Postpartum massage is beneficial after the birth of the baby to help ease the transition from expectant mother to new mom. Massage can assist and promote the body's rehabilitative efforts, reduce stress, and increase energy.

Therapists performing medical massages give specific attention to muscle groups related to an injury or medical condition. These massages include specialized techniques such as connective tissue massage, trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, and neuromuscular reeducation.

While massage therapy is not intended to replace appropriate medical care, there are numerous conditions in which it is used as a form of treatment. Some of these conditions include: adhesions, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic pain syndromes, depression, digestive disorders, headaches, insomnia, muscle tears, nerve impingements, paralysis, postural distortions, sciatica, sprains, surgical rehabilitation, spinal/neck injuries, temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and tendonitis. Frequently, a physician will order medical massage as part of the patient's treatment plan.

The seated upper-body massage, which is performed fully clothed, is intented for immediate relief of muscle tension or stress. It is a relaxing massage with light to medium pressure and provides a soothing and satisfying introduction to the benefits of massage.

Pathway Wellness Centré helps meet the needs of corporate clients and businesses by giving onsite seated massages at your place of business. This service is ideal for bosses and managers to provide for employees. Our highly trained therapists can help you to eliminate work-related stress and increase moral and productivity. The service can also act as a reward or a way to show appreciation to the whole office for special events, a holiday, or after a goal or deadline is reached.

A variety of packages and services can be arranged to fit the needs of any office or staff. Please contact us for more information.

A hot stone massage soothes the body and soul. Smooth, flat, fragrantly oiled stones are heated and placed on strategic points on your body -- even tiny ones between your toes. While the stones work their magic, the massage therapist uses both the stones and her hands to apply gentle massage strokes to sore muscles.

One person's experience: "... I sat up while the hot stones were arranged for me to lie on. At once, I felt the soothing heat creep into my back. As the therapist placed hot stones in each of my palms, down my chest, and on my forehead, I drifted into a heavenly, nearly meditative state. When I flipped onto my tummy, and the therapist started massaging my neck and back, I discovered utter serenity as every kink disappeared. Afterward, I felt stress-free and relaxed beyond belief."