A calming space for expert therapeutic massage in the heart of Sherwood Park.

Relaxation Massage

In the classical treatment this gentle technique of long strokes, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration and kneading movements are used to release muscle tensions, remove the pain and improve blood circulation. Rubbing between bones and strokes generally are performed in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

Swedish massage reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested as part of a regular program for stress management. The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. It also just simply feels good.

Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It also has specific clinical uses in a medical or remedial therapy. The strokes and manipulations of Swedish massage are each conceived as having a specific therapeutic benefit: Swedish massage techniques include:

• Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingertips.

• Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips.

• Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingertips.

• Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body.

• Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping.

• Passive and Active Movements: Bending and stretching.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is a general term covering a range of strategies that deal with assisted muscle release at a deeper level. Other systems that include deep tissue massage are Rolfing, Soma bodywork and Sports Massage.

Neuromuscular massage techniques are employed to detect muscle tissues that have become distressed. Effective manipulation of stiff or painful musculature using specific hand positions, strokes and specifically developed techniques, bring about relief from muscle tensions and increase flexibility. Treatment for low back and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel, sciatica, headaches, knees and neck are amongst the common complaints that Deep Tissue specialists treat.

Micro scarring is caused by injuries and often surgery. This ailment is commonly benefited from this type of therapy. Often the treatment and pressure begins gently and can gradually escalate to points of temporary discomfort. Treatment ranges from generally therapeutic to corrective in nature. Deep tissue massage can cause an increase in muscle strength and length appreciably and rapidly.

Deep Tissue Massage therapy usually involves warming the skin and superficial soft tissue of your body prior to the therapist using greater pressure to access the deeper connected tissue underneath.

Prenatal Massage

The expanding popularity of prenatal massage is a result of the modern tendency to increase levels of well-being, education and opportunity. Your growing and changing shape is one of nature's most incredible occurrences. Knowledgeable pregnancy massage therapists can help you gain the most from this specialized treatment.

 Importantly, the prenatal period can be a very stressful physical and emotional time for a mother-to-be. Proper management of stress itself is of great consequence. Clearly documented evidence exists to suggest that very high levels of stress may increase the probability of pre-term labor and lower birth weight of the newborn.

Prenatal massage by a professional offers numerous benefits including but not limited to:

• Creates a positive environment of wonderful relaxation and soothing stress relief.

• Promotes proper postural maintenance to ease physical stress.

• Provides relief from musculoskeletal strain, aches and pains, muscle spasms and cramps.

• Increases circulation of the blood & lymph.

• Reduces edema and blood pressure through promoting better blood circulation.

• Increases blood and lymph circulation for increased toxins elimination and immune system functioning.

• Affords welcome release from chronic tension in the neck, shoulders, lower back, abdomen and thighs.

• Eases childbirth by preparing the muscles used in childbirth.

• Actively aids in reducing fluid retention, swelling in hands and feet, headaches and sinus problems as well as digestive irregularities.

• Helps you to sleep better while reducing fatigue and discomfort caused by physical and emotional stresses. Energy levels and mental alertness increase.

Cranial Sacral

CST is a gentle, hands on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams of pressure, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventative health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.

Myofascial Cupping

Plastic or Silicone Cups are applied to the skin, creating a vacuum seal on areas of the body to create change in both muscles and fascia.  

Cupping would be incorporated with your regular massage treatment.  

The pressure in the cup is reduced relieving suction so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup.

The suction created brings blood to the surface of the skin, relieving pain, and softening the underlying muscle tissue.

***Although Cupping is not painful, the recipient usually will experience bruises on the areas where the cups were applied, which can last for a few days.

***There is no extra charge to have cupping added to your massage treatment.  Regular massage therapy pricing applies.

Reiki

Reiki as a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing.

​

It is administered by “hands on” gentle touch and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of feeling happy and healthy.

Reiki is a natural and safe method of healing and self improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.  Reiki can also be part of your massage therapy treatment.  *Your Registered Massage Therapist/Reiki practitioner can tailor your Reiki treatment to be part of your massage or as a stand alone Reiki session that can be billed to insurance.

Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a gentle, connective tissue massage technique that accelerates the movement of the lymphatic fluid that bathes the tissues, through the lymphatic system and into the bloodstream.

​

Your Registered Massage Therapist will use gentle, precise, rhythmic strokes. The pumping action of the massage causes small capillaries to open and close, enhancing reabsorption of lymph from the tissues back into the lymphatic vessels.

​

The lymphatic system is responsible for keeping the connective tissue surrounding cells free from excess water, proteins, bacteria, viruses, inorganic materials, destroyed cells resulting from surgery or trauma, red blood cells, and other dead cells.

​

This technique helps to reduce edema or tissue fluid retention and decongests lymphatic pathways. The repetitive and soothing techniques also stimulate pain-inhibitory reflexes. Lymphatic Drainage Massage may enhance immune function, increase tissue metabolism, improve nutrition to the tissues, promote eliminative functions, establish fluid balance, reduce pain, and induce deep relaxation.

​

Your RMT will work with you to individualize this treatment to the specific, targeted area(s) needed. Lymphatic Drainage Massage is not a relaxation massage, but rather a therapeutic treatment with relaxation benefits. However, you can incorporate a traditional massage treatment with Lymphatic Drainage***

​

PLEASE NOTE: Post-surgical treatments may result in the charge of an additional treatment fee. Please contact the clinic directly if you have had surgery in the last 3-months and are seeking Lymphatic Drainage Massage as part of your healing process.