About Massage Therapy
Massage therapy stimulates incredible healing through biochemical and bio-electric effects at the cellular level to achieve a healthy elastic suppleness for the prevention of further overuse injury.
Did you know that RMT’s in BC are:
(1) The most highly trained in North America;
(2) Legislated by the government under the BC Health Professions Act;
(3) Continuously up to date with educational and professional development.
Increasingly, scientific research indicates that massage therapy doesn’t really ‘melt’ or ‘stretch fascia’ but interplays with the body’s nervous system to heal injured tissues.
What is Fascial Manipulation?
Fascial Manipulation is a combination of methods, including Acupuncture, Osteopathy, and deep friction massage to target pain and dysfunction throughout the fascial system. Fascia is the web of connective tissue that surrounds the muscles and other structures around our body.
A specialized assessment is used to find restrictions in the fascia and specific anatomical points are treated with deep friction massage affecting the deepest layers of fascia. No oil is used for this specific treatment and usually, no more than six areas are treated in one session. It is best to wear comfortable shorts (and a sports bra).
Therapeutically induced inflammation may be a result, so expect a bit of soreness for a day or two but you should feel the pain from your previous injury/dysfunction diminished and return of function. A follow up session, usually a week to ten days later, may focus on another line or group of points related to the injury.
What is Visceral Manipulation?
Visceral Manipulation is a very gentle technique relying on enhanced palpation skills. The fascial network provides structure to our muscles and continues its shaping and support to our vital organs. Not only does fascia provide support for our vital organs, but it also allows the organs to expand, shift and slide within its boundaries. However, due to surgery, life stresses, illness, and even bad habits, the natural rhythmic movements of our organs can become restricted, thus forming adhesions. These adhesions can create pain locally and can be referred to other parts of the body. An important part of the assessment for this technique is the skill called ‘Listening’ wherein tensions in the body’s fascial system can be detected by the therapist’s hand. This is done to locate the primary area of restriction and then provide a gentle nudging as if to re-awaken the affected organ or tissues so the healing can begin. Loose, comfortable clothing is best worn for Visceral Manipulation treatment.
What to expect at your first session
Your initial massage therapy session at Brio begins with a thorough assessment and treatment lasting 60 minutes. Your treatment plan may employ a number of modalities best suited to your condition, including: massage, manual therapy, joint mobilization, lymph drainage, stretching, heat application, rehabilitative exercises, as well as the more specialized techniques of Fascial Manipulation and Visceral Manipulation.