​Ever wonder about some FACT or FICTION about Massage Therapists? Take a read!

1. 1. Ladies, we get very offended if your legs are unshaven: FICTION! It’s ok to come with unshaven legs! We’re not here to judge. We work on all different types of bodies with varying levels of hair in all places and don’t think twice about it!


2. 2. Having a high pain tolerance means we will increase our force and give you an extra deep tissue treatment: FICTION! Our treatment techniques and pressure will depend on what you are requesting treatment for. Sometimes, it pays to work smarter, not harder. Just because you don’t ‘feel pain’ while you are being treated, doesn’t mean your treatment wasn’t effective. Some of the best therapists have the most subtle, yet effective approach to their treatments.
3. Massage therapists are all interested in essential oils, energy work and balancing chakras (think Phoebe from the TV show ‘Friends”): FICTION! Just like dentists, physical therapists or doctors, massage therapists all have unique personalities and special interests. It is usually pretty easy to gauge what your massage therapist is interested in based on the location of work they choose, how they decorate their treatment room, what continuing education they take and what their treatment approach is like.
4. We like being called a ‘masseuse’: Definitely FICTION!  We are therapists. The term masseuse used to be the standard term for a female massage therapist and massuere for a male therapist. In the 1980’s , the term fell out of use in the professional massage industry as it came to be associated with sex work.  So, now you know why your massage therapist cringes when you mention how great of a ‘masseuse’ they are!
5. Massage therapists just know about muscles: FICTION! We are trained to know about the entire body, all of its systems and how they function. We are also trained to assess the skin and know how to differentiate between common skin conditions and serious concerns. We spend over 2200 hours in an academic setting learning about human anatomy, physiology, disease, injuries, exercise prescription and business practices. Many of us also take regular continuing education amongst our colleagues (including chiropractors and physical therapists) to enhance our knowledge base yearly. So yes, we know about muscles and wealth of other things too!

 
Wishing you all health and happiness as we end 2019 and enter a new decade in 2020! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

~ Michelle Smith, RMT

Massage therapists are constantly expanding their knowledge and practical skills to treat their patients. One unique treatment method is Canadian based RAPID Neurofascial Reset (NFR) developed by Massage Therapists Robert and Sherry Routledge. Robert and Sherry have been using RAPID for over two decades to successfully treat patients in their busy clinic located in Three Hills Alberta.

RAPID NFR is a soft tissue based technique where the patient is involved in active movement during the treatment. The technique addresses the role of the central nervous system in alleviating pain, tension and longstanding restrictions within our muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and fascia. RAPID directly impacts neurological hypersensitivity which develops with longstanding dysfunction within the body.

Neurological hypersensitivity contributes to sympathetic (‘fight or flight’) dominance. When this occurs for a long period of time, our brain becomes stressed and creates a ‘lock down’ in our affected bodily tissue.  When left untreated, this neurological lock down literally binds up and ties down tissue.  This ‘lock down’ results in long standing pain, loss of strength and decreased range of motion. Over time, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on the tendons increase causing tendonitis and nerves can become entrapped.  

A RAPID treatment directly impacts the neurological lock down and restores the tissue and nerves being addressed.  Each treatment is unique as it involves a thorough assessment. The therapist uses his or her hands to locate and evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. But don’t mistake a RAPID treatment for a deep tissue massage! When you are getting treated with RAPID, you will remain fully clothed and the treatment can be uncomfortable to endure. This occurs as the neurological system is being stimulated to restore normal function. Many patients and therapists refer to the RAPID ‘burn’ sensation experienced when the therapist compresses tissue while the patient moves. This ‘burn’ sensation typically means the underlying tissue is bound up and in a state of neurological lock down. The good news is, the treatments go relatively quick and the results are ‘RAPID’. Treatment frequency is also usually quite short. A client can expect full recovery within 6 to 8 treatments.

RAPID NFR is beneficial for everyone for but not always preferable by everyone. If you are someone who prefers a less intense massage treatment you may want to discuss easing into a RAPID treatment with your therapist. Your therapist can begin with RAPID light, which is a gentler introduction to the treatment. RAPID light still provides great results and can help better prepare your nervous system for a regular RAPID treatment.

To learn more about RAPID and to find certified practitioners, visit www.rapidneurofascialreset.com
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*All information in this post was written with approval by Robert and Sherry Routledge. 

~ Michelle, RMT

 

Touch is the first sense to develop in humans. A baby will not thrive without touch and in some cases babies have even been known to die without an adequate amount of human touch. The sense of touch is critical to our well being and we can teach our children the benefit of healthy touch by providing them with regular massage therapy.
The benefits of massage therapy for children are priceless and these benefits carry over into adulthood.
Research shows that massage can benefit your child in the following ways:

• Improved sleep
• Relief of growing pains
• Enhanced performance on intellectual testing
• Reduction of anxiety
• Enhanced feelings of self-acceptance and self-confidence
• Promotion of a sense of comfort
• Reduction of colic
• Promotes strength, motor co-ordination and self confidence as the infant body prepares for sitting, standing and walking
• For children with ADHD, massage helps to reduce hyperactivity and increase focus
• For children who are on the autism spectrum, massage has been known to decrease touch sensitivities, disruptive behaviours and anxiety

Most of us access massage therapy as adults but touch is essential to a child’s development, sense of well-being and overall good health. Children of all ages can benefit from a massage and the next time you consider booking a treatment for yourself, book one for your child as well. Typically, less time is required for children and a 30 to 45 minute massage is adequate. And did you know most insurance plans cover the cost of massage therapy for your children? Speak with your registered massage therapist to learn what he/she feels your child would require. A good massage therapist will not only have experience treating children, they will be comfortable and confident in providing the best experience possible for your child.

​~ Michelle Smith, RMT

Cupping is a therapy in which glass or plastic cups are suctioned onto the skins surface through negative pressure. The suction and negative pressure stimulates the lymphatic system to drain excessive fluids and toxins, pull fresh blood flow to stagnant muscles and skin, loosens adhesions and stubborn knots in muscle and myofascial tissue and stimulates the nervous system. Ancient Chinese Medicine believes cupping opens up meridian pathways to all Qi (‘chi’) to flow thru. When Qi flows freely throughout the body one enjoys good physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
 
Types of Cupping
 
Stagnant Cupping is when a cup is placed over a specific acupressure point and left for a few seconds or minutes. This stimulates the Qi at that specific point to clear blockages or harmonize energy. This is often used to clear cold or flu, detoxify specific organs or to place a specific stretch on a muscle or knot. With stagnant cupping you will experience a gentle pulling sensation
 
Sliding Cupping is when oil or lotion is first applied to the area being treated and the cup is moved around to manipulate the tissue. This type of cupping releases the myofascial and muscle tissue increasing overall circulation and reducing the buildup of by products of inflammation and toxins in the tissue. Sliding cupping feels very similar to massage with the pressure varying depending on the amount of suction and how the cup is being manipulated. With sliding cupping you can often get the results of deep tissue massage with less discomfort and less time. Clients often report that the release from sliding cupping lasts longer and is faster than with regular therapeutic massage.
 
Areas Most Commonly Cupped
 
Cupping is most commonly used on the back because this is the most common area for pain and tension. The back is also the location of a series of acupressure points that connect to specific organs and can stimulate and harmonize the energy of those organs. Cupping can be done anywhere on the body suction can be achieved and works well for relieving pain and disorders of the shoulders, neck, hips and feet.
 
Cupping Marks
 
Cupping does commonly leave marks on the skin that vary in pattern and color and usually last from 3 days to one week. The marks may last even longer if the client is sedentary or has had a severe trauma to the area. The marks are often referred to as bruising because of how they look, however, the marks are simply dead static blood, lymph, cellular debris, pathogenic factors and toxins that are being released from the tissue to the surface. Unlike a bruise, the marks are rarely sensitive to touch afterwards unless there are large amounts of toxin being released. By clearing this stagnation in the tissue it allows fresh oxygenated blood to nourish and heal the muscle and surrounding tissue. As the stagnation clears over a series of treatments the marks will lighten and eventually the cupping will leave little or no marking.
 
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