Alternative Routes Therapies

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy Benefits People of All Ages

Alternative Routes Massage Therapy provides home treatment for people of all ages. Tanya Meyers, RMT and Stacey Hauserman, RMT both have extensive experience with pregnancy massage and are trained in Infant Massage Instruction. (see Infant Massage and Labour Support ). We have many clients who are in their senior years – ranging from extremely active folks, to those who are less mobile. Massage Therapy is an excellent health care modality for people of all ages. Many elderly clients who do find it harder to get around (especially in Winter), benefit greatly from home based treatments. In order to accommodate this we have a discounted rate for those over 65 years of age.

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage Therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to gain a therapeutic response. Soft tissue includes muscles, skin and connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and membranes. Massage Therapy provides an alternative health care option to help alleviate the soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use, many chronic pain syndromes, and the rehabilitation of various injuries and illnesses.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

In general, massage therapy can help increase alertness, enhance self-image and decrease anxiety. It aids in strengthening the immune system, decreasing blood pressure, increasing circulation, improving digestion and helps to regulate sleeping patterns. Massage Therapy is also widely used to help patients obtain relief from many specific problems, including the following:

  • Stress/anxiety related conditions
  • Discomforts of pregnancy
  • Neurological disorders e.g. MS
  • Nerve compression syndromes
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Whiplash and related injuries
  • Headaches ( migraine & tension )
  • Postural imbalances
  • Arthritic conditions
  • Strains, sprains, contusions
  • Fractures and dislocation
  • Digestive disorders
  • Respiratory disorders e.g. asthma
  • Shin splints and leg cramps
  • Chronic pain syndromes ( i.e. Fibromyalgia )
  • Post surgery rehabilitation including reduction of scarring

Massage Therapy is commonly used as a preventative therapy to help prevent some of the above conditions and improve general health. Regular massage therapy treatments are an excellent way to enhance health and also to complement to many conventional medical treatments.

For more details see our on-line Frequently Asked Questions.

Pregnancy Massage

Massage Therapy is an excellent step in maintaining physical and emotional health during pregnancy. Massage relieves muscular aches and pains, and also prepares the muscles and joints for the labour process. Some examples of the benefits of massage are:

  • Relieves muscle and joint pain caused by weight gain
  • Increases flexibility, so your body can adjust to the weight increase
  • Promotes healthy circulation helping to regulate blood pressure and slow the progress of varicose veins
  • Addresses some of the main causes of headaches ( tension, constipation, circulation impairment )
  • Reduces excess fluid retention, decreasing the incidence of nerve compressions
  • Decreases discomfort of digestive disorders such as constipation and heartburn

Massage during pregnancy can enhance health and be extremely enjoyable. However, because massage is not appropriate in some conditions, your therapist will need to know about your general health and progression of your pregnancy. In the months of pregnancy, there are many physical as well as emotional changes that take place in your body. The caring touch of massage can help you experience these changes in a positive, accepting way.

Labour Support

A massage therapist can play a key role in the Labour Support Team. Several techniques are used to help manage the pain, soothe the labouring mother and her partner, decrease pain of back labour and assist with breathing and concentration. You may choose to have your Massage Therapist present at your labour or you may want to ask your therapist about instructing you and your partner or birth coach on techniques that may be used.

Post partum treatment and Infant Massage

Massage therapy can also be of great benefit after giving birth. The therapist can provide postural and relaxation techniques to assist your body in adjusting to the physical changes and also treat strains and sprains, and any scarring from Cesarean Sections. Caring for a newborn, as rewarding as it is, can be physically and emotionally taxing. Massage is a great way to ease the tension and provide nurturing for yourself. Also ask your therapist about assisting you in learning infant massage. This can be a great tool for new parents in bonding with their baby, soothing an upset infant, preventing and relieving gas and colic, and many other benefits. Tanya Meyers, RMT has specific training in infant massage and can teach you some great tools. It’s a great idea to combine this instruction with a post-partum home care treatment.

Reiki

Tanya Meyers, RMT has received her level 2 Reiki certificate and combines this subtle energy work into many of her treatments. A full Reiki treatment can be booked, or a combination of Reiki and massage therapy. Reiki is a holistic hands-on technique of channeling the natural life force also referred to as universal energy. This ancient form of healing is based on the belief that there is a universal energy that forms the basis of all life and flows through all living things. The therapist is a facilitator for this energy to enter the clients’ body and assist in clearing energy blockages and stimulating the body’s intrinsic healing mechanisms. Reiki is a very gentle and non-invasive therapy, yet can have powerful, profound results. “When I have a Reiki treatment, I feel my body drift into an almost meditative state. It is such a peaceful feeling, that I have not been able to achieve with any other therapy or exercise. I feel that Reiki has really aided in my recovery from a serious illness, and I will always include it in my health care routine.”

Thai Massage

Tanya Meyers, RMT has studied Thai Massage in Thailand as well as here in Canada. A trip to Thailand in 1996 introduced her to this profound ancient healing art. The traditional form of Thai Massage practiced today is a combination of pressure point work (similar to the points used in shiatsu, reflexology and acupuncture) and passive stretching (similar to the positions used in yoga). This therapy is sometimes referred to as Thai Yoga Massage and is done in a rhythmic fashion, naturally promoting relaxation and release of tension from the body. Thai massage is a remarkable and unique healing art, which activates the body’s intrinsic healing mechanisms. It is a very enjoyable form of massage, aiding in improving circulation, tension release, overall well-being on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Thai massage differs from Swedish – based massage therapy in that:

  • it is done on a mat on the floor as opposed to a massage table
  • The client remains fully clothed, and therefore should where loose comfortable clothing to allow for optimal flexibility and accommodate the extensive stretching techniques.
  • No oils are used for this body work, as it is done through the clothes, using pressure point work

Craniosacral Therapy

Stacey Hauserman, RMT has is certified at the second level through the Upledger Institute. Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive method of evaluating and treating restrictions within the body’s connective tissue and dural membranes. Using light touch the therapist assists your body’s natural self-correcting abilities to promote healing. Craniosacral Therapy is used to treat a wide variety of conditions, which include:
  • Chronic pain conditions
  • Headache
  • TMJ dysfunction
  • Dizziness
  • Tinnitus (ringing in ear)
  • Attention Deficit Disorder

Craniosacral Therapy can either be utilized in conjunction with other modalities or full hour treatments can be provided on it’s own. Treatment is done through clothing and is a safe and comfortable modality for all age groups.

Alternative Routes Massage Therapy, Toronto, ON Canada
Phone 416-420-5457