Swedish Massage Therapy
The Swedish massage is a very common and popular type of massage therapy. It involves the massage therapist manipulating the muscles and joints to alleviate tension and pain as well as promoting increased blood and lymphatic fluid circulation. The massage strokes are typically done in the direction of the flow to the heart. Massage oil or lotion is used to reduce friction on the skin. Swedish massage is recommended for all ages groups and body types and has numerous health benefits such as managing chronic pain, decreasing muscle tension, boosting immunity, improving sleep and stimulating nerve receptors. Massage has also been found to promote the production of happiness hormones – dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin and reduce the production of cortisol, a major stress hormone.
Hot Stone Massage Therapy
Hot stone massage therapy is a wonderful treatment for all times of the year but especially during our long, cold Canadian winters. Smooth, flat, heated volcanic rocks are placed on different areas of the body to help relax and ease tense muscles. The stones penetrate deeper layers of muscles, leaving the recipient relaxed and rejuvenated. The RMT also holds the stones and performs different massage techniques with the stones. Patrizia has been certified in Hot Stone Massage since 2011.
Prenatal Massage Therapy
Prenatal massage therapy is a safe and effective way for moms-to-be to relax and reduce muscle tension. The massage is performed in a side-lying position with a pillow in between the legs and a pillow under the head. The last 10-15 minutes of the massage is typically performed with the client lying on their back with a bolster under the right hip to reduce any chance of compression on the inferior vena cava blood vessel of the mother. Patrizia has over a decade of experience performing prenatal massage therapy with experience interning at Women’s College Hospital with bed-ridden pregnant patients.
Postpartum Massage
Being a new parent is physically taxing. Holding, lifting and carrying the baby around (not to mention the car seat) increases the load on the spine, shoulders, arms and neck. If you’ve had a C-Section, your scar may be healing irregularly (thick, nodular, keloid, textured). Cupping for healthy scar healing and Swedish massage for sore upper body muscles are effective methods of self-care for new, exhausted parents.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymph nodes are tiny bean-shaped glands that play a vital role in our immune system. They are found all over the body – in highest concentration in the neck, armpit (axilla) and groin (inguinal) area. Lymph nodes are the recycling plants of the human body – they filter lymphatic fluid and break down foreign cells such as bacteria and viruses as well as waste products (damaged and dead cells) out of our body.
Lymphatic fluid is also home to lymphocytes – a type of white blood cell that has the superpower of destroying bacteria, fungi and viruses from the body. The broken-down waste products from the lymph nodes then travel to the kidneys and the liver which in turn are excreted through urine and feces. Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle, wave-like massage which moves the lymphatic fluid towards the lymph nodes and helps to speed up its circulation.
The benefits may include:
- reducing symptoms of swelling and puffiness (post SURGERY)
- decreasing lymphedema
- increasing the flow of the lymphatic fluid which can help with immunity, fatigue, sleep disorders, chronic pain and stress
- Please talk to your health care provider if you have the following contraindications: heart condition, kidney failure, blood clots, an infection or are going through active cancer treatment.
Cupping Therapy
Dry cupping is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves applying suction to different parts of the body. The benefits of the suction includes helping to mobilize scar tissue (C-Section, mastectomy and other surgical/trauma scars), increasing circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid, loosening deep, dense muscles and detoxification of tissues. Cupping is very popular with professional athletes for its powerful effects of helping to mobilize and loosen muscle tissue. Note: Cupping may leave circular bruise marks for 1-2 weeks.
Massage for Under 19 years of Age
Massage therapy is very beneficial for children and teens. Massage can help alleviate growing pains, tight muscles from heavy backpacks, studying and extra-curricular sports and activities. Massage also helps with anxiety and depression in children and teens. Parents can be present in the room or out of the room depending on the client’s preference. Patrizia has a vast amount of experience working with youth clients and is also trained in infant massage.
