Welcome to Georgian Bay Massage Therapy

Massage and WW1

2012-11-09T10:21:00.000-05:00

With Remembrance Day this weekend we take a moment to remember those who have fought for our country, our rights and those who are still fighting. We remember and reflect upon their sacrifices, that have allowed us the freedoms we enjoy today.
An article done for the CBC below talks about some of the health care and Orpinton Hospital that set up on of the first occupational therapy programs. As a part of that program modalities such as hydrotherapy and massage therapy were used to help rehabilitate and treat the wounded soldiers.
Remembrance Day was first recognized in 1914, it is also the year that the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario was created to regulate and govern the practice of massage therapy.

Orpington Hospital

Canada's contribution to the First and Second World Wars is recognized and remembered all over the United Kingdom, especially around Nov. 11. Among the ceremonies in 2009 was the unveiling of a historic mural at a hospital in Orpington, Kent.
The mural commemorates a once-famous hospital that was paid for by the people of Ontario.
In 1915, the Ontario government donated $2 million to build a treatment centre for soldiers wounded on the battlefields of France. It was a huge amount of money for the time, and the hospital became one of the most up-to-date in the world.
Fully staffed by Canadian doctors and nurses, the Ontario Military Hospital treated more than 25,000 badly injured soldiers between 1916 and 1919. The majority of patients were Canadian, but the hospital also saved the lives of soldiers from Britain, Newfoundland (then a British colony), Australia and New Zealand. Thanks to state-of-the-art treatment, just 182 patients died — less than one per cent of those admitted to the facility. Those who didn't make it are buried in what's know as "Canadian Corner," a graveyard in nearby All Saints Church.
One of the Canadian doctors who worked at the hospital was Thomas McCrae, brother of John McCrae who wrote the poem In Flanders Fields. Forced to deal with soldiers suffering from horrific facial injuries, Thomas McCrae was an early pioneer of plastic surgery in the Ontario Military Hospital.
The hospital also set up one of the first occupational therapy programs for shell-shocked survivors of trench warfare.
The hospital, renamed the 16th Canadian General Hospital during the war, was torn down in the 1960s. It has been replaced by the modern Orpington General Hospital which now boasts a Canada Wing, as well as Ontario, Quebec and Mackenzie King wards.
Hospital officials hope the new historic mural will be a constant reminder of Canadians' sacrifice and life-saving service.
— Ann MacMillan, CBC News
from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2008/11/07/f-remembrance-day.html

Ever wondered how Massage was used during the First World War?
A short video on the history of massage please click here

Patients and staff in the Massage Operating Room at No 3 Australian Army Auxiliary Hospital. Dartford, England, 1918. Australian War Memorial Negative Number H03903. From: http://www.defence.gov.au/health/infocentre/journals/ADFHJ_Jun08/ADFHealth_9_1_43-46.html

Thank you Veterans and Active Duty Military Personnel

Lest we forget

Stressed???

2012-06-26T11:44:00.001-04:00

Here is a quick little quiz to check your level of stress.

Give yourself one point for each yes answer.

Do you constantly feel exhausted?
Have you had problems with insomnia?
Do you get occasional or frequent headaches?
Do you hate it when your plans change?
Do you get upset having to wait in a line?
Have you had a cold in the past 6 months?
Do you find it hard to say “no”?
Does your life feel out of control?
Have you lost a job, moved, broken up or had any other big changes in the last year?
Do you never have time to daydream?
Do you hate the shape of your body, but can’t seem to do anything about it?
Has it been more than a year since your last vacation or massage?

The closer your score is to 12, the higher your stress level. If you rate 6 or more, it’s time to start managing your stress better.

What is stress?

Stress is defined differently by everyone. A common ground is the body's reaction to a change that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment or response. Stress includes the usual physiological activity required to maintain homeostasis and the healthy emotional stress that makes life interesting and exciting. Distress is the term used to denote harmful aspects of physical and emotional stress. Through the common use of the term stress it is now linked to the negative aspects of this state.

Stress can affect everyone differently. It can show up in physical and/or emotional symptoms.

There are also a variety of triggers that differ from person to person, what may stress one person out may have no effect on another.

There are several different ways in which people deal with stress and it is an individual choice. Some techniques include exercise, yoga, breathing, walking, talking to friends, write a journal, listen to music, take a long bath and many more. One of the more common ways people deal with stress is by getting regular massages to promote relaxation.

How does Massage help reduce stress

Massage is been shown to be very beneficial to alleviate the symptoms of stress. The rhythmic movement and flow of a massage allows the body to relax. "Massage has been found to reduce the levels of cortisol in the body and to decrease the person's perceived stress and anxiety levels. It increases the person's awareness of tense areas in the body which enables the person to develop more relaxed posture and better breathing." (Rattray &Ludwig, 2000) Clinical Massage Therapy Elora, Talus

Massage and Arthritis

2012-04-20T11:41:00.001-04:00

I was asked this week if Massage Therapy can help arthritis. The answer is yes.
Massage therapy cannot cure or stop the progression of any of these arthritic conditions, but massage can most assuredly ease the symptoms associated with inflammation, and help improve the quality of life of someone affected by arthritis.

What is Arthritis?

There are over 100 different types of arthritis. We will look at the most common 2, Osteoarthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

1. Osteoarthritis - is inflammation of joints brought on by general wear and tear causing damage to the cartilage. It presents as stiff, painful and occasionally visible swelling of the affected joints. Most common in the knees, hips and fingers.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis - is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the synovial membranes of the joints. It usually affects the body symmetrically. It presents as red,swollen, painful and hot joints. The affected joints often become gnarled and distorted.

The benefits of massage include:

increase in circulation and reduce swelling
increase in flexibility and mobility
decrease in pain
relief of muscle aches and stiffness
a sense of overall relaxation and wellness
improve sleep and immune function
increases the body's production of natural pain-killing endorphins

MASSAGE IS CONTRAINDICATED WHEN SYMPTOMS ARE ACUTE!!!

Massage will not reduce inflammation or damage to the joint.
There are always risks involved when starting new treatments, always check with you rheumatologist or doctor.

MASSAGE WILL NOT CURE YOUR ARTHRITIS BUT MAY HELP PROVIDE PAIN RELIEF, IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY AND REDUCE MUSCLE TENSION.

General treatment for arthritis starts with rhythmic techniques and Swedish techniques are used to reduce hypertonicity in the affected muscles. Fascial techniques are use to reduce tissue contratures if present. Heat may be used with chronic conditions to control pain and spasms. Cold applications (cold compresses, ice, biofreeze, etc.) may be used to affected joints during flare ups.

So if you suffer from Arthritis why not try massage? Be sure to select and Registered Massage Therapist and discuss your conditions and concerns with them.

A Good Night's Sleep

2012-04-11T14:17:00.001-04:00

Wish you could sleep like a baby?

Massage and Sleep

What are sleep Disorders?

Sleep disorders are a collection of problems including insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and circadian rhythm disruption that make it difficult to get enough sleep, or to wake up feeling rested and refreshed.

How to recognize a sleep disorder?

The primary symptom of sleep disorders is excessive daytime sleepiness. If this continues for a prolonged period, a weakened immune system, memory and concentration loss, and an increased risk of automotive or on-the-job accidents may occur.

How massage helps

Sleep disorders indicate massage. Bodywork may not correct a mechanical or psychological dysfunction that leads to sleep deprivation, but it can improve the quality of sleep and can reduce the mental and physical stresses that may interfere with sleep.
Anyone who experiences restless nights and persistent daytime sleepiness appreciates the opportunity to "tune out" while they receive bodywork. Some studies indicate that massage increases the time spent in Stage 3 or 4 restorative sleep, which decreases pain sensations and speeds healing. Massage can improve the quality of sleep for insomniac clients, and although it does not reverse sleep apnea, a massage therapist may be the first person to bring the habit of not breathing and then gasping to a client's attention.

Taken from: Werner, Ruth, A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology. Baltimore, MD. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005

Visit our website www.gbmt.ca

2012-04-03T10:07:00.000-04:00

The following article was posted in Massage Magazine.

Research Shows How Massage Reduces Inflammation and Promotes Growth of Mitochondria in Skeletal Muscle

posted:2/7/2012

New research indicates something athletes and sports massage therapists know well: Massage therapy reduces inflammation following strenuous exercise.
On the cellular level massage reduces inflammation and promotes the growth of new mitochondria in skeletal muscle, according to the research conducted by scientists from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario.
The study involved the genetic analysis of muscle biopsies taken from the quadriceps of eleven young males after they had exercised to exhaustion on a stationary bicycle, according to a university press release. One of their legs was randomly chosen to be massaged. Biopsies were taken from both legs prior to the exercise, immediately after 10 minutes of massage treatment and after a two-and-half-hour period of

recovery.
"Our research showed that massage dampened the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the muscle cells and promoted biogenesis of mitochondria, which are the energy-producing units in the cells," said Buck Institute faculty Simon Melov, PhD, who was responsible for the genetic analysis of the tissue samples.
He added that the pain reduction associated with massage may involve the same mechanism as those targeted by conventional anti-inflammatory drugs.
"There's general agreement that massage feels good, now we have a scientific basis for the experience," said Melov.
The research appeared in the Feb. 1 online edition of Science Translational Medicine.

2012-03-13T11:49:00.000-04:00

How to ICE....

Have you ever been told to put ice on an injury then have someone else say to put heat on it? It gets very confusing to remember which to use and when. So I thought I might offer a refresher for those who can't quite remember and a quick lesson for the rest.

RICE for your injuries

It’s easy to pull a muscle or sprain a joint. These kinds of injuries may result from simply overdoing everyday activities like gardening or shoveling snow or they can be caused by an accident, like a fall. Use the RICE formula immediately after hurting yourself. You’ll dramatically reduce the time it takes for your injury to heal and get back to your normal routine as quickly as possible.

REST. The simplest and most effective thing you can do is rest. Many people try to “work through” the injury in the hopes that it will go away or work itself out. Injuries don’t spontaneously disappear. In fact, the excessive movement may damage the tissue further, increasing the amount of inflammation and pain.

Unless the injury is severe, absolute rest should not exceed 48 hours. Otherwise, your muscles will become stiff and weal, and scar tissue around the injury will tighten up. So as soon as the initial pain and swelling subside, you should begin to gently exercise the injured area.

ICE. Apply ice immediately. The importance of icing your injury cannot be emphasized enough. Ice is a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. It slows down blood flow to the area and reduces internal bleeding and swelling. Depending on the type of injury, your healing time may be cut in half.

Simply place ice cubes in a plastic bag. You can also use commercial gel packs that you keep in your freezer or a bag of frozen vegetables. (Peas seem to work well) You may find that these mold better to your body. Wrap whatever you’re using in a towel or cloth and apply it to the injured area. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes and then allow your skin to warm up. As a general rule, don’t leave ice on for more than 20 minutes because you may cause frostbite. Ice the injury as frequently as possible, preferably at least once every waking hour.

COMPRESSION AND ELEVATION. Compression and elevation help reduce swelling. You can apply compression to the area with an elastic type bandage. Be careful not to tie the bandage so tightly that you cut off your circulation. If one of your arms or legs is injured, you can elevate the extremity above the heart level.

HEAT can hurt

When your body’s hurting it feels comforting to put a hot water bottle or a heating pad on the sore area. But it may not always be a great idea. Heat can aggravate your injuries and prolong your pain, When should you use heat and when should you use ice? If you’re ever in doubt use ice, but here are some guidelines:

Use Ice if::

* Your injury is recent (within 48 hours following the injury)

* Your muscles are in spasm

Why Ice?

Ice will reduce inflammation and decrease the time it takes for your injury to heal. It also has an anaesthetic effect that will lessen your pain and relax muscle spasms.

Use Heat if:

* Your injury is chronic (more than 48 hours old)

* Your muscles are tense

* You have pain that’s the result of trigger points or muscle knots

Why Heat?

In either of these cases, there is no danger of aggravating the inflammation. The heat will relax your muscles and help improve your circulation.

Hope this helps. There is more in this month's edition of "the Massage Message" Sign up below to receive our newsletter.

Research Shows How Massage Reduces Inflammation and Promotes Growth of Mitochondria in Skeletal Muscle

2012-02-16T15:39:00.001-05:00

Below is another article that is from Massagemag.com

Research Shows How Massage Reduces Inflammation and Promotes Growth of Mitochondria in Skeletal Muscle

New research indicates something athletes and sports massage therapists know well: Massage therapy reduces inflammation following strenuous exercise.
On the cellular level massage reduces inflammation and promotes the growth of new mitochondria in skeletal muscle, according to the research conducted by scientists from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario.
The study involved the genetic analysis of muscle biopsies taken from the quadriceps of eleven young males after they had exercised to exhaustion on a stationary bicycle, according to a university press release. One of their legs was randomly chosen to be massaged. Biopsies were taken from both legs prior to the exercise, immediately after 10 minutes of massage treatment and after a two-and-half-hour period of

2012-02-04T09:53:00.000-05:00

The article posted below is from http://www.cbc.ca. I thought it was a good article to share and pass along.

How massage aids muscle healing

Works like anti-inflammatory pills

CBC News

Posted: Feb 1, 2012 2:14 PM ET

Last Updated: Feb 1, 2012 4:43 PM ET

Massage mystery, Science Translational Medicine

(Note:CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external links.)

Science behind massage therapy1:59
Watch the video

Massage helps relieve pain in damaged muscles by sending anti-inflammation messages to muscle cells, Canadian researchers have found.
Athletes have long sought massages to relieve pain and promote recovery. Despite reports that long-term massage therapy reduces chronic pain such as back pain, the biological effects of massage on muscles weren't known.
Now scientists at McMaster University in Hamilton have found evidence at the cellular level that massage blunts muscle pain in a similar way to anti-inflammatory pills.
The study in Wednesday's issue of the journal Science Translational Medicine examined the effects of massage therapy versus no treatment on the quadricep muscles of 11 young men who were recreationally active.
Scientists studied samples from the men before they exercised to the point of exhaustion, just after and then 2½ hours afterwards.
Massage could also help the elderly, those suffering from musculoskeletal injuries and people with chronic inflammatory disease, although that idea still needs to be tested, cautioned the study's lead author, Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky of the pediatrics department at McMaster.
Massage seemed to blunt muscle pain using the same route that anti-inflammatory pain relievers do. (Jack Dempsey/Associated Press)The study does offer evidence that massage is a safe and viable option to use in medical practice, he said.
"We know that exercise is a panacea of goodness," Tarnopolsky said in an interview. "Massage might enhance some of the favourable benefits that we get from exercise."
When the researchers analyzed the muscle tissue samples for tears and signs of damage in the cells, they found massage seemed to blunt muscle pain using the same route that anti-inflammatory pain relievers do.
What's more, Tarnopolsky said, the anti-inflammatory signals released by massage also improved the ability of muscle cells to make new mitochondria — the furnaces that convert food into energy.
That could explain how massage seems to speed up recovery in athletes with injured muscles, the study's authors said.
Tarnopolsky, who normally treats muscular dystrophy and mitochondrial disorders, became interested in investigating massage after he tore all of his hamstring muscles while waterskiing. He received massage therapy as part of his physiotherapy following surgery.
Massage is a safe and viable option to use in medical practice, said Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky. (CBC)The analysis also suggested that one commonly held idea about massage isn't true: the researchers found no evidence that massage helped clear lactic acid from tired muscles.
None of the researchers knew which leg was massaged except the massage therapist and the leg that was massaged was randomly selected — two experimental steps that add validity to the findings.
The convenience factor of pills, the expense of massages and whether they are covered by provincial health plans are deterrents to greater use of the therapy, Tarnopolsky acknowledged.
"Definitely, [massage] is tiring the muscles out so they can relax and recover," said Jaqueline Gradish, a personal trainer in Toronto who lifts at least 1,000 pounds a day with her clients.
The study was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and Warren Lammert and family.
With files from CBC's Kelly Crowe and Melanie Glanz

How massage aids muscle healing Read 30 comments30

Shoveling Tips

2012-01-18T11:04:00.000-05:00

With the blast of winter we got last night I thought I would post an article from January's "the Massage Message" I hope it is helpful!

Here are some tips to help minimize the risk of injury.

1. Pick a shovel that is light weight and comfortable.

2. Keep you hands far apart (creates better lever)

3. Keep a wide stance with your feet.

4. Turn with your feet instead of twisting to throw snow.

5. Don’t let the snow pile up. Fresh snow is lighter and easier to push.

6. Take Breaks.

7. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

8. Stretch before and after to warm up muscles.

9. STOP!!! If you experience any pain, shortness of breathe, numbness or tingling in the arm. Seek medical attention.

10. Remember to bend at the knees.

11. Push the snow as much as possible and lift only at the end.

12. Dress for the weather. You lose up to 50% of your body heat from your head, so put a hat on.

13. Get a snow blower! ;)

Lymphedema Education.....

2012-01-16T09:36:00.000-05:00

As some of you may have seen last week I announced the dates of this year's Lymphedema Lectures. Not all of you may know what this is all about so I thought I would take the opportunity to get you in the loop.

Last March I finished my training to become certified in Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT is a specialized training taken over the past two years that focuses on the treatment and management of Lymphedema. (I posted an article on Lymphedema last November) With this training I became determined to educate the public about this condition.
Lymphedema is a non-curable condition but it can be managed and those who are diagnosed can continue to live their normal life. It is common in cancer survivors. As I was preparing to take my final Level of CDT training, an article appeared in the local paper that announced the opening of Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre. (http://www.simcoe.com/community/health/article/906371--filling-a-serious-gap-for-cancer-patients) What a great platform for me to educate those who may already or are at high risk of developing lymphedema!
I got in touch with Sandy Cornell the Director and Founder of the centre and pitched my idea. She was just as excited as I was. So the Lymphedema Lecture Series - Lymphedema and Me, was developed. The idea started as a series of 3 lectures covering a boat load of information. It was well received by the members.

The 3 topics were:
1. Getting to know Lymphedema
This covered the basics, What is lymphedema? What is the lymphatic system? Who is at risk? Types of lymphedema, and signs and symptoms of the disease.
2. What are my options?
In this lecture we covered in more detail what treatment options are available and what those at risk can do to help lower their chances of developing lymphedema.
3. Compression Bandages
In the final lecture we covered bandaging and garment options that are out there. A demonstration done on myself of what is involved with self bandaging was performed.

This year we are going to change things up a little bit and combined the first two lectures into one and offer the third if there is interest.

The dates for the year are:

Thursday March 8, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Thursday June 7, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Thursday September 13, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Thursday December 6, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00pm.

The presentations will be help at the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre which is located at 15 Jeffery Street, Penetanguishene, ON.

If you are interested in attending or have further questions please contact us at info@gbmt.ca

New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-11T13:53:00.001-05:00

Well we are now a good way into January 2012. Did you make New Year's Resolutions? Are you still sticking to them? It's not always easy to start fresh and change old habits.
Was one of your resolutions to take better care of yourself and make time for yourself? A great way to keep this resolution is through regular massage. There are many benefits of regular massage.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY?

(Answer below is taken from the RMTAO website)

There are tremendous benefits to be achieved through regular massage therapy treatments from a Registered Massage Therapist. Whether your need is to have a moment of relaxation, reduce muscle tension or attain relief from chronic pain, a therapeutic massage can enhance your overall sense of emotional and physical well-being as well as your quality of life.

Massage therapy benefits people of all ages. While it benefits the injured, the ill and the stressed, the strength of massage therapy in preventing illness and conditions before they develop cannot be overlooked. Massage therapy can be used in the treatment of both acute and chronic stages of conditions.

The following is a list of conditions for which massage therapy, when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist, can prove beneficial:

Anxiety and depression	Asthma and Emphysema
Back, leg, and neck pain	Cancer
Carpal tunnel syndrome (repetitive strain)	Chronic Fatigue syndrome
Dislocations	Fibromyalgia
Fractures and edema	Gastrointestinal disorders
Headaches	Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and bursitis
Insomnia	Kyphosis and Scoliosis
Multiple sclerosis	Parkinson’s disease
Muscle tension and spasm	Palliative care
Post-surgical rehabilitation	Pregnancy and labour support

Interesting Article on Back Pain

2011-12-12T16:51:00.001-05:00

I would like to share an article that I came across today that will sound familiar to some of my low back pain clients. I often check the piriformis muscle when treating certain low back and sciatic issues. I really like the stretches and think the trigger point one done with the Mini Acuball would work wonders! If after reading this article you have questions please ask!

Thanks and enjoy!

Here is the link,
http://tao-fit.com/low-back-and-sciatic-pain-piriformis

Acuball

2011-12-05T10:18:00.001-05:00

Some of you have seen or at least heard me talking about this great little gadget that I got from the Canadian Massage Conference last month.

Well after using it myself over the past month I am pleased to announce that Acuball is now available at Georgian Bay Massage Therapy for purchase!

I would like to share my experience up to this point and hopefully you will understand why I am loving Acuball.

First you are probably wondering what is this Acuball. It is a heatable self massage tool. It comes in two different sizes. Both sizes look like a drier ball (round with little bumps all over) The large ball has a track around the center to help proper placement along the spine without unnecessary pressure on the Spinous processes.

So here is my story:
I saw these little things at the conference last month and thought to myself if it can help with my chronic pain then I will tell everyone who will listen about this amazing little ball.
So I purchased a kit and headed home. I heated up the large Acuball and placed in under my low back. (For those who don't know I suffer from chronic low back pain. I wake up in discomfort every time I turn over in my sleep, if I am caught off-guard when I sneeze I can throw my back out and end up on the floor!) So I went through the suggested spots to place the ball and held each one for almost 3 minutes. Some positions were uncomfortable to start. I would lay on the floor in front of the tv, and this was great until the dog found me! Lately I have been heating it up and using it at night in bed. I lay there with the heat penetrating and my body relaxing into the ball. (The softness of the mattress makes some of the positions more comfortable). I love the feeling of laying there warming up and relaxing. The best part is that I haven't woken up during the night in pain!
There was another symptom of my chronic pain. I would wake up in the morning unable to get out of bed without a large amount of pain. I sometimes needed help to get out of bed. Since using the acuball, the pain has diminished. I won't lie and tell you that it is gone, but I am able to get up most mornings without help and start walking around right away. I am hoping that this will continue on an upward swing and that the pain will be minimal at all times. (they say it can take months to undo years worth of dysfunction and pain)
The Acuball mini, I use while sitting on the couch and I roll it around in my hands giving them I nice massage. I also roll it under my foot to release restrictions that form from being on my feet most of the day.
I have had clients with Plantar Fasciitis use it and they are reporting relief from their symptoms.
What I like is having the control over the amount of pressure applied.
For my client I am recommending it as home care between sessions. For the most part they are able to target specific spots and maintain the results achieved during treatment.

If you are interested in learning more or coming by the clinic to try it let me know. I believe that you need to try it before you buy it. I also think that once you have tried it you will love it!

I have information on pricing available on the website.

Deep Tissue Massage

2011-11-23T16:30:00.001-05:00

So when you hear Deep Tissue Massage you might picture your therapist walking on your back, grinding their elbow into your poor muscles, you holding in cries of pain and tears!

This is not what Deep Tissue Massage is about.

There is a difference between a deep tissue massage and a deep pressure treatment.

Deep Tissue Massage focuses on the deeper layers of tissue. It uses slow and deep pressure on the contracted areas. It is not uncommon to have some discomfort during the treatment (if it is too much to tolerate let your therapist know), or for a day or so after receiving treatment. This technique is best used for chronic tension and re-occurring injuries.

The therapist may use techniques involving elbows and fingers in order to access the deeper muscles of the body. These techniques may be used going with or against the muscle fibers. It can also use techniques referred to as Myofasical release (more in another blog)

Deep pressure massage would consist of a steady use of an increased pressure using basic techniques throughout the treatment. It does not focus on a particular compliant.

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage taken from: http://altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/a/massage.htm

Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:

Chronic pain
Limited mobility
Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
Postural problems
Ostearthritis pain
Fibromyalgia
Muscle tension or spasm

A common misunderstanding of the therm deep tissue massage is that the whole treatment will use deep consistent pressure. It would be to taxing on the therapist and the client on both a physical and emotional level.

Swedish Massage

2011-11-17T14:33:00.001-05:00

What a great week it has been here at Georgian Bay Massage Therapy!! We took part in the Annual Fall Trade show put on by our local Chamber of Commerce (well done ladies!) This coming Saturday we are going to be a part of the Christmas Shopping Extravaganza at the North Simcoe Sport and Rec. Centre. We will be selling gift certificates, answering questions and booking appointments. I want to thank my dear friend Denise for her help :) Also my amazing and supportive boyfriend for all his help.

Now let's get into something a little more massage related.

Do you ever look at a list of services offered by an RMT and wonder which one is right for you? I am hoping that the next few blogs will help clearly define some of the more popular types you will see.

The most common is "Swedish Massage". This is the most common form of massage offered in North America. If you are unsure with what type is best for you, start here. During your first treatment you will be able to discuss your needs with your therapist. They will advise you as to which type is going to work best for your specific goals.

Swedish Massage is a term that covers a broad range of techniques that are used to manipulate the tissue, relaxes the muscles and provide a general feeling well being. It combines the use of several techniques including effleurage, kneading, squeezing, muscle stripping and tapotement. This treatment uses gentle to firm pressure in rhythmic strokes to promote relaxation, decrease tension and increase circulation.

So whether you are a first timer or a seasoned massage goer, a Swedish Massage will benefit you.

Next time we will look at Deep Tissue Massage.

Your Good Health - Lymphedema

2011-11-10T13:03:00.001-05:00

I had the opportunity to write an article this month for our local paper. The second Thursday of each month there is a section called "Your Good Health". I took this opportunity to try and increase awareness of Lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition that mostly affects people post cancer treatment. There are ways to manage the condition and I think I achieved my goal of getting the word out there through the article. Please have a look and let me know what you think!

Lymphedema:

Have you had radiation therapy for cancer or lymph node removal to see if a cancer has migrated? If you or anyone you know can answer yes to these questions, have you ever heard of lymphedema? No? Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of tissue fluid in a limb due to ineffective lymphatic system. Procedures such as radiation and lymph node removal cause trauma to the system and may result in a sluggish lymphatic system. It is not a condition that affects everyone, and there is no way to determine if or when someone at risk will get it. It occurs most commonly in women who have had breast cancer or cervical cancer, and as a part of the staging process had lymph nodes removed or radiation treatments to the axilla or groin areas. It occurs mostly in the arms, legs, and abdomen but can be anywhere in the body. It first starts with any or a combination of the following symptoms: feeling of heaviness in the affected limb, swelling in the limb as the day progresses, clothing or jewellery fitting tight, skin tightening, achiness, limb feels full and a decrease in mobility. It can progress to constant swelling, discomfort, skin changes, infection, pain and skin pitting. It is non-life threatening but some of the complications such as infections must be treated by medical professionals immediately. If you have been diagnosed with lymphedema, Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT), is the most recognized and successful treatment available at this time. CDT combines several modalities of treatment to achieve, maintain and manage the best results possible. These modalities are:

Integrated / Manual Lymphatic Drainage: hands on massage techniques used to help redirect the fluid into other pathways of the lymphatic system to encourage drainage.
Compression Therapy: use of special bandaging or compression garments to help maintain and manage results achieved from hands on treatment.
Exercise: review of current programs to identify possible triggers or modifications to help maximize quality of life.
Education and Self Care: provided by the therapist to the client and the client’s family about the condition, reducing risks of triggering an incidence, managing and taking steps to keep tissue healthy.

The primary goal of CDT is to mobilize the congested tissue fluid, reduce the proliferation of connective tissue and fat and diminish symptoms. Only certified therapists should treat Lymphedema. You can find a certified therapist and more information through associations such as The Lymphedema Association of Ontario (www.lymphontario.ca). If you think you may be at risk or want to find out more you can contact the Lymphedema Association of Ontario, or check with your local cancer support centers to see if they offer an education series dealing with lymphedema or have other resource material dealing with lymphedema.

A Short Introduction

2011-11-07T18:12:00.001-05:00

Hi,

Welcome to the Georgian Bay Massage Therapy.

For our first blog I thought I would share a really short introduction.

We are a therapeutic massage clinic located in the beautiful town of Penetanguishene, Ontario.

We specialized in Lymphedema treatment / management, injury management and of course relaxation!

We offer a range of specialized techniques that are effective in the treatment and management of many conditions.

Our next few blogs will discuss in more detail the services offered at our clinic and introduce myself.