A term heard a lot. There are 5 different styles of long, flowing strokes; Effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration, rocking & shaking.  This type of massage is usually used when someone is experiencing pain, joint stiffness, poor circulation, hypertension or tight muscles.

There is no extra Charge for Pregnancy Massage.

Pregnancy Massage Therapy Foundations Course completed

Updating the knowledge and experience with pregnancy massage was important to provide a safe and effective massage to mom’s to be. The new pregnancy system of side lying is now in effect..

What’s happening to a pregnant woman’s body

• Blood volume increases 45-50%. This is needed for extra blood flow, perfusion to kidneys and other organs to compensate for blood loss during delivery.
• Increased cardiac output by 40% about halfway through gestation. The heart increases in size by 12%.
• Blood pressure typically declines slightly; diastolic decreases after 12 wks and continues to 26 wks, and then increases after the 2^nd trimester. .
• Body temp is 100.6 fahrenheit/38 Celsius.
• Full ventilation of lungs diminishes during late pregnancy (pressure of the uterus and displacement of other organs into the area lungs.)
• Joints and ligaments become lax due to the hormone relaxin.
• Skeletal muscle has to adapt to the changes in weight, gait and loosening of the joints.
• Nipple and areola enlarge and darken, and become more sensitive.
• Breast tissue becomes enlarged and tender
• In the first trimester, there may be nausea and vomiting because of the hormonal influx.
• Often called “morning sickness” but can occur at various times of day.
• In severe cases: Diclectin is administered (vitamin B12 combined with a low dose of gravol).
• more fluid in body increases by 50% which makes the kidneys have to filter more fluid
• Increased urination occurs in the 1^st trimester due to hormonal changes and in the 3^rd trimester because of pressure on the bladder.

1^st TRIMESTER: 1-13 weeks gestation

What’s happening to your body:

Your body is going through changes and a lot of it is because of hormonal changes often leading to fatigue/exhaustion; hormonal changes can cause an increase of urination, nausea and vomiting are common. In some cases you may experience dull ache above pubic bone, breast tenderness is typical emotional (mood) fluctuations, constipation, headaches and heartburn

What to expect in a massage therapy session

It is important to be reminded that with all the changes that are going on in the body with pregnancy, we need to remember there is a fetus that is developing and growing inside. The uterus is getting bigger which means that the ligaments keeping it supported are being stretched more and more, the increase of fluid including blood flow is occurring, and the word “intrauterine pressure” is now becoming a concern.

Prone Positioning Restrictions: While stomach sleeping may be a safe, comfortable resting position for the early pregnant woman, the pressure necessary for massage in this position creates an unreliably safe situation. – Side-lying positioning:
When supported sufficiently with firm pillows, bolsters, and/or a Contoured body Cushion, side-lying position is the safest, most posturally neutral, and most comfortable position for most women to receive prenatal massage therapy.

2^nd TRIMESTER: 14-27 weeks gestation.

What’s happening to your body:

You will notice that Fatigue/nausea should dissipate (however there are some women who have been known to have nausea throughout the pregnancy). You will feel more energetic, weight increase will shift the center of gravity,  you will feel the baby move “quickening” for the first time, the uterus reaches umbilicus, baby grows to 1.5lbs, increased strain/fascial restrictions on abdominal muscles and lumbar vertebrae (low back), referred pain from uterine ligaments, frequent urination (due to pressure on bladder), spider veins/varicosities and enlarged uterus can cause changes to blood flow to legs, you will notice you walk different and weight changes will influence your posture in the spine especially cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back) as well as lumbar (low back) spine, Anterior pelvic tilt (your pelvis is tilted forward), you get heartburn (worsens as pressure in abdomen increases), and start getting Braxton Hicks (involuntary contractions of uterus preparing for labour.)

What to expect from massage therapy session

Positioning:

Prone is contraindicated because it puts strain on ligaments and creates intrauterine pressure which can put the fetus at risk.* This is something that is extremely important, especially if considered high risk (increase in intrauterine pressure puts added stress on the pelvic floor), Side lying is indicated. Both sides are safe in a healthy pregnancy; left side lying position creates optimal blood flow to fetus. Most woman who hear “side lying only during pregnancy massage” tend to be turned off by this. After hearing the words “increased intrauterine pressure in the prone position” the most important concern is for the fetus’ health.

Contraindications and Modifications for 2^nd  trimester:

(in addition to applicable CI’s from 1^st trimester list):

Do not use prone position. (reason indicated in positioning) If on bed rest, be cautious in some cases blood clots in legs can occur and consider exhaustion and fatigue.

3^rd TRIMESTER: 28-40wks gestation.

This is when fatigue can often return, Nausea may return, dramatic weight, symphysis pubis separation (SPS): Sharp, shooting pain, especially when standing from sitting or lying. The pubis can separate, yet heal postpartum, bladder compromised and short of breath (let’s face it, baby is taking a lot of space). During this trimester the baby will drop, frequent Braxton hicks contractions likely.

What to expect from massage therapy session

Side lying mainly. The beautiful thing about being side lying is the different angles the massage therapist can access the tight muscles, Breast massage. may be an option, which both therapists are trained to do, due to increased edema (swelling), massage therapist can help reduce this using lighter pressure, calf cramps due to calcium/magnesium imbalance so massaging the tight muscles can help relieve the pressure.

Contraindications and Modifications for 3^rd trimester:

(in addition to applicable CI’s from 1^st  and 2^nd trimester list):

Do not use prone position. (reason indicated in positioning) If on bed rest, be cautious in some cases blood clots in legs can occur and consider exhaustion and fatigue.

*The Aortic artery supplies your lower body with blood; the aortic vein brings the blood back to your heart.

** Videos from Body support website**

Contraindications (CI) ^

-Abdominal and sacral massage is compromised of only light strokes or should be avoided, if the risk of miscarriage is present during the 1^st trimester

-Deep massage and facial techniques are CI over the low back during the first trimester

-Avoid deep massage over varicose veins

 -Massage is CI if a change in blood pressure is noted and if it is combined with other symptoms of preeclampsia

-If the client has diabetes, a snack or juice should be eaten prior to treatment to maintain blood sugar levels

– In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, the client must be carefully positioned in a slight incline on her back to avoid compression of the aorta and inferior vena cava. If nausea or discomfort is experienced, despite appropriate modifications, the position is changed to side ling or seated, or the treatment is discontinued

Resources

Clinical Massage Therapy; understanding, assessing and treating over 70 conditions, by Rattray and Ludwig

Perinatal Massage Therapy Education; by Michelle Francis-Smit B.A., RMT & Nicole Nifo RMT

Online resource: http://www.massagetherapycanada.com/finance/positioning-concerns-1298

Oakworks inc

Most of Melissa’s clients enjoy deep tissue massage. But it doesn’t necessary mean she’s going to show you how strong she is! The basis of this technique is to address the deeper muscles, not to feel pain with massage. Deep pressure should be applied within a person’s pain tolerance. If this technique is too deep, you will react by guarding and contracting your muscles, so you won’t get the benefits of this technique. Trigger point therapy (ischemic compression) and muscle stripping are some of the techniques Melissa uses to reach those deeper structures. Ulnar border kneading (using the forearms instead of hands or thumbs), helps breakdown the tight connective tissue and is a firmer form of deep tissue massage. There are certain situations that heavy deep pressure will be used, consent will be asked before this will take place. Communication is key, if you don’t let Melissa know it hurts, she may not realize the pressure is too much!

The best way to describe being massaged by hot stones:
“It’s like having mini heaters rubbed over your muscles, preparing your muscles for deep tissue massage.”

Benefits of Hot Stone Therapy
– Reduces back/shoulder/neck pain
– Increases circulation
–  Improves lymphatic circulation
– Decreases joint pain
– Decreases menstrual pain
– Relieves tension headaches

Difference between regular massage and Hot Stone massage

Preparing your body for a regular massage, Melissa slowly warms up your body tissue using various massage techniques to prepare your body for deep tissue massage. With Hot Stone massage, your body soaks in the heat quickly, saving the time it takes a regular massage to “ready” your body for deeper pressure, AND it feels good!

Basalt stones are heated in a water-filled heater, and only applied when at the ideal temperature. Melissa slowly introduces one stone to your body; she tends to cool the first stone to a lukewarm temperature to slowly introduce the temperature variance to your body. The first time anyone experiences a Hot stone massage, they cannot help but feel a little uneasy, because it is hard to know what to expect.

History of Hot Stones

The origin of Hot Stone Therapy dates back more than 5000 years. Healers collected stones from riverbeds and warmed them in water or on hot coals. The stones were then used to massage the body to relieve muscle pain and discomfort. They were also placed on the body along energy pathways to allow the Prana, or life force, to heal on a physical, emotional and spiritual level.
In 1993, Mary Nelson of Arizona intuitively began to use hot stones. Today, she is credited as being the founder of “La Stone Therapy”, a world-renowned technique of Hot Stone Massage.

Properties of Basalt Stones

Basalt stones* are most recommended for use in Hot Stone Therapy. Their ultra smooth texture and strong heat retaining qualities make them the ideal choice. Basalt is formed as lava cools following a volcanic eruption. Another important quality of basalt stones is their inherent magnetic field, which helps to rebalance the body’s energy centers during treatment.

*Basalt stones are found in the Andes Mountains of South America.

Is Hot Stone Massage accepted under your benefits?

Everyone is asking! With all the new privacy laws, a quick phone call to your insurance company will answer this question for you. Don’t forget to tell them Melissa is a Registered Massage Therapist.

Cupping Massage brings the ancient art of cupping to the modern day practice. This modality allows for a unique approach to the fascia and body fluids. Cupping has an ability to affect deeper tissue, remove fascial restrictions, and increase range of motion. Cupping, like massage, is another form of healing. It has also been used for centuries, predating 3,500 years.

What is cupping used for?

Cupping goes far beyond simple fascial techniques, concepts such as angiogenesis, metabolism and immune response will be explored. Cupping therapy can also be used on specific pressure points on the body to remove obstructions in the body’s natural healing energies. In this way, cupping therapy can be used to treat skin, blood, respiratory, back pain, nerve conditions and many more. Application will cover more than just the back; scars, fascia, joints, trigger points, muscle imbalances and even pleura techniques will be applied.

Is cupping painful?

Cupping is not generally painful and most patients have commented that it felt like a slight pinching or burning sensation. The suctioning effect is lifting/pulling the skin in an upward motion, gently separating the fascia apart.

Why are there marks after cupping?

The marks, or circular bruising that you see on a patient is a normal effect. Those who have had a cupping treatment, the marks that appear are the result of the suction from the cups manually bringing up the blood into the area that’s being cupped. These are normal and are rarely painful. Sometimes the marks can stay up to one week after treatment (in some cases they disappear sooner, others takes longer).

Note: Health professionals require training and certification to be covered within liability insurance. Traditional cupping (fire cupping) is restricted to Acupuncturists and TCM practitioners. http://www.collegeofacupuncture.com/

There are intra-oral and working muscles of mastication (chewing muscles). Melissa tends to shy away from the intra-oral, as she find it a little too invasive. Working on the face muscles, especially around the TMJ and jawbone as well as the sub occipitals (tiny muscles located on either side of base of the skull), is where Melissa focuses her treatment of TMJ.

Whatever you call it, it just sounds nice and relaxing!

WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT OIL IN HIS OR HER HAIR? We strip our hair every time we wash it with shampoo. Believe it or not, leaving the oil in your hair for a few hours after you experience the massage, will allow you to experience the best results and rejuvenation of the scalp.

Benefits: Increased circulation, decrease headache, stress reliever AND the oil used!

What is Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy is the use of monochromatic light emission from a low intensity laser diode (250 milliwatts or less) or an array of high intensity super-luminous diodes (providing total optical power up to the 2000 milliwatt range) to irradiate diseased or traumatized tissue with photons.

These particles of energy are selectively absorbed by the cell membrane and intracellular molecules resulting in the initiation of a cascade of complex physiological reactions leading to the restoration of normal cell structure and function

The process is curative and therefore results in the elimination of symptoms including pain. Conditions treated include musculoskeletal problems, the arthritides, sports injuries and dermatological conditions. The light source is placed in contact with the tissues allowing the photon energy to penetrate widely, where it interacts with various intracellular biomolecules resulting in the normalization of cellular components. This also enhances the body’s natural healing processes.

The Practice of Low-Level Laser Therapy

Author: Bernard E. Filner, MD
Source: Meditech International Inc.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has only been used in the United States since 2002, although it has been used widely in Europe and Asia for the past several decades. I admit to being biased—originally against it, and now energetically in favor of more widespread use of this valuable technology. Insurance companies are very short-sighted in refusing to pay for this therapy; it is less costly, safer, and allows for a more “complete” treatment of chronic pain syndromes. Read More