Registered Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy in general focuses on the manipulation of soft tissue. Target tissues include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin and joints.
Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilization consists of small passive movements, applied either as a series of gentle stretches in a smooth, rhythmic fashion or as a sustained gentle stretch to an individual joint. A bone is slowly moved in a specific direction, relative to its adjacent joint surface. There’s no fast thrusting, no sudden moves. Slower movement allows the joint to be taken further, to stretch and massage the connective tissue in and around the joint. This can facilitate a deep release, and lasting change.
Myofascial Release
Fascia is a fibrous connective tissue. It lines the skin and interpenetrates and envelops muscles, bones, organs, nerves, blood vessels–nearly everything in the body. It is an uninterrupted, three-dimensional web of tissue that extends from head to toe, front to back, interior to exterior. Oftentimes, adhesions or restrictions in this connective tissue can be the source of pain and dysfunction in the body. “Myofascial release” addresses these restrictions in effort to increase slide and glide between structures, restoring range of motion, blood supply and innervation to tissues throughout the body.
Trigger Point Release
Trigger points are hyperirritable points in skeletal muscle tissue that are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers. These may be described as “knots”. They are a very common cause of myofascial pain. Compression or activation of a trigger point may elicit point tenderness or referred pain. Trigger point release acts to “melt” these nodules to restore function and blood supply and to decrease pain. Sometimes lasting results are immediate, but it may also take several treatments to completely restore function.
New Patients - What to Expect
If it is your first massage appointment at Catalyst, you will be asked to fill out an intake form, so please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment so that it doesn't cut into your treatment time.
A typical 60-minute massage session includes an assessment, treatment and education/homework.
Your massage therapist will take a thorough history of your health and current condition and will perform a detailed examination of the area of concern and your body as a whole. This may include range of motion testing, differential special testing and joint play, or any other tools that may help the massage therapist in differentially diagnosing your condition. Assessment techniques and duration will vary depending on your condition or injury.
Prior to your massage, you will be asked to undress to your comfort. As most treatments include the use of a lotion or oil, clients are generally treated unclothed. Our massage therapist uses a variety of modalities including swedish massage, joint mobilizations, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, active and passive stretching, and will tailor your massage to suit your needs. If you have any questions about these techniques, don't hesitate to ask.
In order to help maintain treatment results and eliminate perpetuating factors, your massage therapist may prescribe stretching or strengthening exercises, or may talk to you about changing your routine slightly to accommodate positive change in your body's health. You and your massage therapist will work together to achieve optimal results.
*A 60-minute appointment is recommended for your initial visit to allow adequate time for assessment and treatment.
© Sarah Wex 2010
