Registered Massage Therapy
The practice of massage therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain. (Massage Therapy Act, 1991)
Massage Therapy can have both physiological as well as psychological benefits. Physiologically, it can have mechanical effects on adhesions, the vascular system, and lymphatics, and/or reflexive effects through the neurological systems. Performed on a healthy individual, massage can improve muscular flexibility and relaxation as well as decrease stress levels. The psychological effect of massage is the increased well-being that usually occurs with positive touch. The most profound changes from massage therapy seem to occur in the body in areas that were experiencing pathology or trauma, such as tissue that was edematous, fibrous, ischemic or painful.
Massage therapy can be used to help:
- Sports injury prevention and treatment
- Circulation issues Lymphatic system
- Musculoskeletal system
- Respiratory System
- Degenerative conditions
- Digestive system complications
- Pain Management in Pregnancy (pre/post natal)
- Therapeutic Touch Acute Trauma
- Nervous System Disorder
- General Relaxation
- Oncological and palliative stages
Athletic Therapy
The provision of on field immediate care of athletic injuries by a Certified Athletic Therapist includes: injury assessment, basic emergency life support, recognition and management of acute traumatic neurological dysfunction, provision of first aid, preparation for entrance into appropriate health care delivery systems, or, where appropriate, utilization of techniques facilitating a safe return to participation.
A Certified Athletic Therapist assesses injuries and conditions, uses contemporary rehabilitative techniques, therapeutic modalities, soft tissue mobilization, physical reconditioning, and supportive strapping procedures to promote an environment conducive to optimal healing in preparing the individual for safe reintegration into an active lifestyle.
The Athletic Therapist, in cooperation with all performance enhancement personnel, and members of the health care delivery team, is an integral part of a total service to maximize the performance and welfare of the individual.
Fascial Stretch Therapy
Fascia is a network of layered connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones and joints. A joint capsule is also a connective tissue structure that surrounds joints and is involved in optimizing the mechanical function of the joint as well as gives it nutrients. When the fascia and joint capsules are restricted it can cause:
- Decreased joint space which can lead to degenerative joint diseases and osteoarthritis
- Increased muscle tone which can lead to trigger points, strains, tendonitis and tears
- Increased nervous tissue tone which can lead to headaches, trigger points and muscle tightness
- Increased scar tissue formation
- Decreased blood flow and energy levels, and much more
Stretching Benefits:
- Improved posture
- Anti-aging
- Reduced risk of injuries
- Releases endorphins which are natural pain suppressants
- Improved strength
- Decreased stress
- Improved athletic performance
- Decreased muscle soreness
- Improved sex, and much more
**Permission has been granted by the Stretch To Win Institute to use the trademark Fascial Stretch Therapy (TM) or FST(TM) as long as certification is maintained in good standing. For more information about FST(TM) please visit www.stretchtowin.com.**