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| Often when people think of massage, they think of it
only as a relaxation treatment. While relaxation is an
important part of our high stress society, it is only
one of the many benefits massage therapy can provide.
More importantly, massage can be a drug-free alternative
to pain relief. Deep tissue therapeutic massage, when
used to treat pain and injuries can help speed healing,
reduce tissue damage and restore flexibility, mobility
and strength. Therapeutic treatments are significantly
different from relaxation treatments, using deeper and
more specific techniques to correct problems and make
long term tissue changes. |
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| Although injury can be a result of trauma, such as ankle
sprain, accident or surgery, it is more commonly due to
repetitive strain, from postural and occupational stresses.
Many people are unaware that their aches and pains are
symptoms of underlying tissue damage, caused by overuse
of their muscles. Even the seemingly harmless act of sitting
in front of a computer all day is very demanding on our
muscles. It is similar to going to the gym and holding
an exercise for 8 hours at a time, which of course we
would never do. |
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| Regardless of the cause of injury, either trauma or
repetitive strain, the damage to tissues is the same.
Muscles shorten and/or tear, causing scar tissue to form,
similar to that which forms on the skin. This damage weakens
the muscles and exerts pressure on joints, causing pain
and restricted mobility. Soft tissue damage can also entrap
nerves and restrict blood flow, leading to a variety of
conditions. Massage therapists can treat these soft tissue
injuries, thereby alleviating pain, freeing the muscles,
nerves and blood vessels and restoring normal function. |
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Massage therapy is beneficial to people of all ages,
from infants who have colic/digestive difficulties to
seniors with chronic care conditions. Aside from general
aches and pains, massage therapy is effective in the treatment
of many injuries and conditions, including:
•
Ankle sprains and fractures
• Whiplash
•
Frozen shoulder
• Carpel tunnel syndrome/tendonitis
• Headaches/migraines
• “Growing
pains”
• Pregnancy/breast feeding discomfort
• Post surgical rehabilitation
• TMJ/jaw
pain
• Arthritis
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Diabetes (by improving circulation)
•
Parkinson’s disease (by reducing muscle spasms)
|
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| When seeking therapeutic treatment for an injury or
condition, it is important to ensure that the therapist
is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of
Ontario, and that they specialize in deep tissue therapeutic
treatments. Also, ensure that your therapist has experience
in treating your specific condition. |
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| Janice McCord is a registered massage
therapist, practicing at the Bellesmere Massage Therapy
Clinic, 1920 Ellesmere Road, Suite 203, Scarborough. The
clinic focuses on therapeutic treatments. All therapists
are registered and specialize in deep tissue treatments.
The clinic is open seven days a week and provides evening
appointments for your convenience. For further information,
contact the clinic at (416) 431-9791. |
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