Massage

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) - a gentle hands-on technique that is used to assess if there are any restrictions within the craniosacral system. CST is often practised by Chiropractors, Osteopaths and Massage Therapists. Using gentle pressure on key parts of the craniosacral system such as the cranium, face, neck, spine and sacrum focuses on removing restrictive patterns. CranioSacral Therapy works on the whole person, and because it is so gentle, it is suitable for all age groups. During the session, you remain fully clothed, usually lying on your back or side, wrapped in a warm blanket, you will find you drift in and out of the treatment due to its relaxing nature. Benefits are often felt after the first session; chronic conditions may require a couple of sessions in quick succession. The technique enhances the mobility of the craniosacral system and improves the circulation of both blood and cerebrospinal fluid to the brain, spinal cord, pituitary gland, pineal gland and cranial nerve systems, amongst other things. CranioSacral Therapy can alleviate a number of conditions that, include lower back pain, headaches, migraines, neck and shoulder pain, and TMJ/TMD. In addition, it can ease symptoms of chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia, reduce stress and anxiety, improve the quality of sleep, boost your immune system and improve your vitality. This technique is particularly helpful if you find deep tissue massage aggravates your chronic pain condition. Click the link below to read more about this technique.

EMMETT Technique - Is a soft tissue technique that is both gentle and generally pain-free. It involves using a light touch that can be used to relieve tension and chronic pain in the body. Similar to myofascial release, it can generate a neurological response that relaxes the body, thus releasing stored tension. Using the EMMETT Psoas Release can ease tension and pain in the shoulder and lower back. As an Advanced EMMETT Practitioner (EP4), I find patients enjoy receiving this treatment and are often at a loss to understand the enormity of the change they experience afterwards. ​ I frequently combine EMMETT and soft tissue work in massage therapy to release pain and tension in the body, resulting in greater mobility and a reduction in pain and stress levels. Patients report feeling rejuvenated and rebalanced. Working together at Complete Balance, noticeable results can be achieved quickly.

Deep Tissue Massage - This form of massage therapy is a massage technique similar to Swedish massage, but it is a deeper and firmer type. It engages with the deep layers of muscle and fascia and involves applying firm and slow strokes to the musculature. Sinking through the various layers of muscles is quite subtle and requires a slow and steady pace. Easing the symptoms of sciatica is a good example, as it involves at least two muscles: the Gluteus Maximus and piriformis, as well as several layers of fascia that may be compressing the sciatic nerve. Digging into the muscles may feel relieving, but the muscle can react poorly and create more tightness than before. I sometimes use this technique as a preparation for trigger point therapy and/or myofascial release. It’s very effective if the patient is preparing to take part in or has been involved in a sporting event.

Soft Tissue Release is a technique that stretches muscle fibres, tendons and fascia. This is a very effective tool that breaks up fascial and muscle adhesions repeatedly and quickly, stretching small areas of soft tissue either through active or passive movement. Applying targeted pressure to shorten the muscle, using my hands, forearm or elbow, I can instigate a passive or active stretch which will release tension and improve mobility. Soft Tissue Release is highly effective for releasing tight hamstrings, quadriceps and calves; by applying pressure, the patient is instructed to move the knee in a certain direction. Depending on the muscle in question, this creates an active stretch, which in turn stretches and releases the muscle. A passive stretch is conducted in a similar manner, but in this instance, I will invoke the stretch rather than the patient.

Muscle Energy Techniques use your muscles’ own energy by enabling a gentle isometric contraction which relaxes the muscles via reciprocal inhibition and lengthens the muscle. MET is an active technique, meaning that the patient is an active participant. These stretches can be used to improve neck mobility or release a tight piriformis, easing symptoms of sciatica and back pain. I use the most popular Muscle Energy Techniques, which are PIR and PNF: Post-Isometric Release (PIR) During treatment, I will assess if the patient can take the affected muscle to the end range. If this isn’t possible, I use PIR Technique to improve the end-of-range by taking the affected muscle into a gentle end-of-range stretch; the patient pushes slightly against me for a short period, and the muscle will contract. Once I ask the patient to release the pressure, I will reassess the end range as the muscle relaxes. This exercise may be repeated until the end of the range of improves. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is very similar to PIR: as before, the muscle group is taken to its end-of-range, and again, the patient participates by actively engaging the muscle. At the end of the hold/push period, the muscle is taken into a controlled stretch for approximately 30 seconds. At the end of this process, I will reassess the end of the range and may repeat this exercise 2-4 times.

Acupressure, Amma Fusion and Table Shiatsu are Eastern medicine techniques that believe that ill health occurs from an imbalance of qi (similar to energy). Qi can be manipulated via manual techniques that work with the energy channels or meridians. There are distinct points on the meridians that can be accessed relatively easily; these points are called acupressure points. Using my thumb or fingers, I can ‘stimulate’ these points enabling the flow of blocked energy. I incorporate these principles as part of my massage therapy bodywork techniques.