Treatment Modalities

Swedish Massage

Blissfully relaxing and therapeutic, this is the most common style of Western massage. Oil or lotion is applied to the body with firm, soothing pressure. Long, gliding strokes and muscle kneading are applied to increase circulation, release tight muscles, relieve pain and banish stress.
 It is used as a base for most of our treatments, often bookending deeper, more intense work.
Recommended for: Everyone, stress relief, first time massage clients,clients, headache.

Deep Tissue Massage

This treatment involves firm, direct pressure, friction. and stretching to release adhesions in the deeper muscle layers and connective tissue. More relaxing techniques are interspersed with the deeper work.
Recommended for: Sports and repetitive strain injuries, chronic tension, decreased range of motion. postural imbalance, clients who prefer deeper work. 

Myofascial Release

This treatment assesses and treats restrictions in the fascia.
Fascia is strong, dense connective tissue that surrounds and supports every structure in the body. In its healthy state, fascia is soft and pliable, able to move and stretch with the body. Physical scarring, trauma or inflammation can cause the fascia to become tight and restricted, causing pain and limited range of motion.   As Myofascial release can sometimes be uncomfortable, only a few parts of the body are treated in one session. Soothing Swedish massage is interwoven throughout.
Recommended for: Unresolved injuries, chronic tightness, limited range of motion, scar tissue, postural imbalance.

Sports Massage

A vigorous combination of Swedish and Deep Tissue massage, with a focus on the needs of the athlete. Deep and rhythmic massage reduces trigger points and adhesions in the soft tissue, preventing injury and enhancing peak neuromuscular function. 
Pre-event massage stimulates circulation, calms nervous tension and warms up the tissues for optimal performance with a reduced chance of injury. Post-event massage assists recovery from hard training and competition.
Recommended for: Athletes, week-end warriors, clients with physically demanding jobs, to wake up and stimulate the senses.

Trigger Point Therapy

A trigger point is a hyper-irritable, tender spot located in a tight band of muscle fiber that causes referred pain to other areas. The most common example is when a trigger point in the neck or shoulder refers pain upwards, causing a headache. 
Trigger points are treated by applying deep, static pressure and repetitive stroking along the muscle fiber, followed by heat and stretching. Long-standing trigger points may require more than one session to treat. 
As trigger point therapy can be uncomfortable, only a few body parts are treated at a time, incorporated into a more relaxing treatment. 
Recommended for: Long-standing, recurring and predictable pain patterns, stubborn and chronic muscle tightness, 
chronic headache, whiplash, post-injury, athletes. 

Manuel Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic drainage massage uses very slow, gentle, rhythmic movements to stimulate the flow of lymph throughout the body. An important part of the immune system, lymph is a clear fluid that circulates throughout the body, draining waste and toxins, and circulating white blood cells, which help the body fight infection.
Lymphatic drainage is used to reduce swelling and edema, especially excess fluid build up from injured tissue, and swelling related to pregnancy. It can also improve the body's removal of metabolic waste, help calm the nervous system, promote deep relaxation, and may enhance the body's immune system.
Recommended for: Lymphedema, swelling due to bruising, fractures, sprains and joint dislocation, after surgery to reduce scar formation, respiratory ailments, sinus infections, headaches and migraines, constipation, premenstrual water retention, to reduce prenatal swelling in the hands, feet, face and breasts. 
Not Recommended for: Malignant tumors that are untreated or undergoing active treatment, acute inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses or allergens, thrombosis, phlebitis, cardiac insufficiency

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​All therapists at Neighbourhood Massage Therapy are registered and licensed
under the Regulated Health Professions Act.

Breast Massage

Many women have never considered breast massage, whether out of modesty, embarrassment, the perception that it will be a sexual experience, or simply because they have never thought of the breasts as needing massage. However, breasts are body tissues that deserve as much attention as the rest of the body.

Breast massage is effective at promoting lymphatic drainage, reducing pre-menstrual or post surgical swelling, softening scar tissue, easing congestion and relieving pain. Pregnant or breast feeding women benefit greatly from this treatment. Breasts need good circulation for optimal health. Scarring and congestion can obstruct the flow of blood and lymph, causing chronic poor drainage. 

This treatment involves gentle massage techniques that enhance and support lymphatic drainage, preceded by swedish massage to the surrounding musculature. Breast massage is most effective when incorporated into a relaxation massage. The client is discreetly draped throughout the treatment.

Due to the sensitive nature of breast massage, we do not include it into a massage unless requested by the client. If it is indicated, we may suggest the client consider breast massage on their next visit. However, we recognize that clients may need time to feel comfortable with this treatment and will not pursue the issue if the client is reluctant. 
Before giving breast massage, we ensure that the client is informed about the treatment, that we have their consent to proceed, and that they know they can stop the treatment at any time.  

We recognize that you may feel emotionally vulnerable during breast massage; we make every effort to ensure you feel comfortable, safe and empowered.

Recommended for: Pregnancy, breast feeding, pre-menstrual congestion, edema following surgery or injury, painful or congested breasts, promote healthy scar tissue, adhered scar tissue.
Not Recommended for: Infection (i.e. mastitis), undiagnosed lump, abscess, client not comfortable

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Abdominal Massage

Often neglected during treatment, abdominal massage can have profound therapeutic benefits. Massaging the stomach promotes digestion, alleviates gastric upsets, calms the nerves related to the area, and benefits the organs and intestinal tract. Many clients find they hold their stress in their stomach which manifests as a feeling of tightness or "knots". 
Abdominal massage is an effective treatment for constipation and can relieve the symptoms of IBS. Specific work to the borders of the diaphragm can help ease breathing. Stomach massage is also an excellent sedative!
Many clients feel uneasy about receiving abdominal massage-at least until they try it. We recognize that this can be a vulnerable area to have treated, so we do not generally include it in a massage unless the client requests it or is comfortable with it. The chest area remains covered during abdominal massage.

Recommended For: Clients with digestive concerns, constipation, IBS, bloating, excess gas, stomach pain, stress, insomnia.
Not Recommended For: Abdominal obstruction, abdominal mass, strangulated hernia, less than 6 weeks post surgery, pregnancy in the first trimester or high risk pregnancies.

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TMJ Massage

The TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint, is a hinge joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. Muscles attached to and surrounding this joint control the position and movement of the jaw. Massage therapy can help relieve some of the discomfort associated with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).

TMD is an umbrella term that refers to problems related to the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Some of the symptoms of TMD include pain in the jaw, face, ear, neck and shoulder, restricted opening of the mouth, locking or stiffness of the jaw, and clicking or popping in the jaw joint. TMD may also cause headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ear and and toothache. Some of the causes of TMD include grinding or clenching of the teeth, trauma to the jaw, and extensive dental work

Gentle massage to the jaw, face, temple, scalp and anterior neck will relax tight jaw muscles and help relieve TMD pain. If indicated, while wearing gloves, the therapist may also perform intra-oral massage to release trigger points and adhesions in the jaw muscles. As many causes of TMJ are exacerbated by stress, this treatment is most effective as part of a relaxation massage.

Recommended for: Clients who clench or grind their teeth, headache sufferers, after dental work

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