Schedule this appointment if you do not possess extended health insurance or have exhausted your insurance benefits for the year. Our Spa Massage Practitioner is currently a second-year student at the Alberta College of Massage Therapy, set to graduate in March 2025. She is skilled and well-versed in delivering therapeutic treatments, including deep-tissue massage, relaxation techniques, and myofascial cupping, all designed to promote deep relaxation and alleviate your pain.

Thai massage is also known as Thai Yoga Massage, or informally as "the lazy person's yoga- combines assisted yoga with acupressure techniques. The therapist will incorporate yogic stretching movements as they knead and press muscles along the body's energy line with the hands and feet. Thai massage combines the principles of acupressure whereby the Sen is stimulated, which is said to balance the energy system in the body.

The passive stretching can also help to open up the body which can help increase flexibility and relieve tension within the joints and the muscles. A Thai massage treatment typically begins at the feet with the client lying face down and is more energetic and rigorous than your usual massage. The therapist also often use their hands and feet to apply pressure, and the treatment usually is done through the clothes, although oils and lotions can sometimes be used if requested.

Benefits of Thai massage are: improved flexibility and range of muscle movement through assisted stretching, blood flow is increase, and circulation, release of physical tension to relieve aches and pains, release emotional tension held within the body, combating stress and providing a feeling of relaxation and lastly, like all massage, the stimulation of nerves and skin cells can improve skin quality and muscular function, and contribute to an overall sense of well-being.

Heated Bamboo Massage, similar to hot stone therapy, is a distinctive form of massage that employs heated bamboo sticks to deliver a deep tissue experience. The bamboo is warmed to an optimal temperature, enabling the therapist to effectively address persistent muscle tension while fostering relaxation.

In a Heated Bamboo Massage session, the therapist utilizes a variety of techniques, including rolling, kneading, and tapping with the bamboo sticks, to create a calming and revitalizing massage. The warmth from the bamboo aids in relaxing muscles, enhancing circulation, and gently alleviating tension.

A significant advantage of Heated Bamboo Massage is its capacity to perform deep tissue work without inducing discomfort. The smooth texture of the bamboo sticks facilitates effortless movement across the skin, enriching the overall massage experience.

This innovative therapy is especially advantageous for individuals experiencing muscle stiffness, chronic pain, or those seeking to relax and de-stress. The combination of heat and pressure from the bamboo massage effectively relieves tight muscles and fosters a sense of well-being.

Heated Bamboo Massage provides a unique fusion of relaxation and therapeutic effects that can enhance both physical and mental health. Whether you aim to relieve muscle tension or indulge in a refreshing spa experience, this ancient technique offers a comprehensive approach to healing and relaxation.

What is Myofascial Release Therapy?

It is a specific type of soft tissue therapy that is used to treat various types of muscular pain. Based on the principle that the body’s web of connective tissues, or fascia, can become restricted and cause pain, myofascial release massage uses a variety of techniques to release these trigger points and relieve you of pain.

In other words, when the layers of fascia become tight or restricted due to injury, inflammation, bad posture, or stress, it can cause pain all over the body and the problem is – you can’t localize it.

What Does a Myofascial Release Do?

This specific massage works by stretching and lengthening the fascia – a web of body’s connective tissues. It helps to release blockages and painful trigger points, which improves range of motion.

The pain you’re feeling is in trigger points, which are small knots of muscle fibers that have become tight and irritated. The trigger points can develop in response to injury, muscle overuse, or stress. Once they develop, they can cause pain and stiffness in the muscles, as well as problems with your range of motion.

Treatment for myofascial pain typically involves trigger point massage and release. The key is that the therapist doesn’t necessarily have to apply pressure to where you originally feel pain. This treatment works on a broad network of muscles causing you pain, so after it you can find an all-encompassing relief from your symptoms.

Is Myofascial Release Really Effective?

The Tried and True Techniques
Myofascial release techniques may include both gentle and heavier hands-on pressure massage, normally without any oils. By applying gentle, sustained pressure to the myofascial layer, the myofascial therapist will stretch the fascia with slow, deep strokes, and at times with more pressure. This pressure works to loosen the restrictions in the tissue, rehydrate it, and improve circulation. Your registered massage therapist may use their hands, elbows, or forearms during the massage.

As one study review notes:

“The result of the studies was encouraging, particularly with the recently published studies. MFR (Myofascial Release) is emerging as a strategy with a solid evidence base and tremendous potential.”

How Do You Know If You Need Myofascial Release?

If you are living with chronic pain – and especially back pain – studies show myofascial release massage can be a promising and effective treatment for you. It is safe for most people, with only a few categories, such as people with certain medical conditions, and those taking blood thinners who should avoid it. If you’re in Fort McMurray, visit our massage clinic with qualified massage therapists who’ll suggest the best treatment for your specific situation.

Benefits of Myofascial Release

You can witness many benefits of this specific kind of therapy, including:

Relief from chronic pain
Improved range of motion
Reduced inflammation
Improved circulation
Increased joint mobility
Reduced stress and anxiety levels
Improved sleep quality
Decreased tension headaches
TMJ disorders and fibromyalgia help
A photo of a lady during Myofascial Release Therapy in a blog about its effects
What is the Difference Between Massage and Myofascial Release?

Myofascial release is a special type of massage treatment. Every MFR is a massage, but not vice versa.

What Does a Myofascial Release Feel Like?

You may feel discomfort during an MFR massage as the therapist applies pressure to the knots or trigger points in your muscles. However, this should not be painful. One of our highly-qualified massage therapists will work with you to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the session, as well as recommend a post-session plan so that you get the best out of your treatment. Here at Gwen Massage Therapy our approach to your health is holistic and we take care to listen to your individual needs for your optimal well-being.

Thai Reflexology Massage is an integrative practice that merges Traditional Chinese Reflexology with Thai Yoga Massage techniques. This approach involves the gentle and systematic stimulation of pressure points along the Sen or Meridian lines, promoting the unobstructed flow of energy throughout the body. The treatment not only leaves individuals feeling revitalized and relaxed but also enhances overall well-being through the stimulation of reflex points on the feet, which correspond to various internal organs. The combination of acupressure and stretching further contributes to this holistic experience.

What distinguishes Thai Reflexology Massage from Traditional Reflexology?
While traditional reflexology focuses solely on the feet as an energy treatment, Thai Reflexology Massage expands this concept by integrating the therapeutic benefits of yoga massage. This method encompasses the entire lower leg, knee, and foot, thereby enhancing the overall treatment experience.

Reasons to explore Thai Reflexology Massage
This treatment offers numerous potential benefits, including:

- Enhanced circulation throughout the body, particularly in the feet and legs.
- Stimulation of the lymphatic system, aiding in the reduction of swelling, detoxification, and the acceleration of tissue and cell regeneration.
- Strengthening of the immune system, given the interconnectedness of the lymphatic and immune systems.
- Alleviation of stiffness and improvement in flexibility within the feet and ankles.
- Relief from pain and stiffness associated with physical activities, workouts, or athletic endeavors.

Myofascial cupping is a soft tissue therapy that involves the application of decompressed cups on the skin, creating a vacuum effect that lifts up underlying tissues such as the fascia (connective tissue) and muscles, blood and other fluid, close to the surface of the skin. Once the muscle layer is drawn up into the cup, it stimulates the circulation of blood, breaks up adhesions, and creates a pathway for toxins to be drawn out of the body through the lymphatic system.

Myofascial Cupping has been found in ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Hindu writings. This is a therapeutic practice that involves the attachment of small glass or plastic cups to the skin through suction. And is a staple in eastern medicines.

It can be beneficial for conditions such as: Tight and stiff muscles, sciatica, piriformis syndrome, IT band pain, rotator cuff injuries, plantar fasciitis, respiratory conditions, asthma, and bronchitis.

It can also assist with some emotional balance issues such as: anxiety, depression, stress, migraines, high blood pressure by calming the nervous system, cellulite

Myofascial Cupping stimulates a whole body relaxation response (parasympathetic response) in the body which assists in counteracting the toxic effects of chronic stress by slowing breathing rate, relaxing muscles, and reducing blood pressure. MC also promotes oxygenation and detoxification of blood while promoting a feeling of lightness and relief of pressure.

Myofascial Cupping also detoxifies metabolic debris in our muscle tissue, fascia and skin while increasing our range of motion, breaking up adhesions and promoting healing in scar tissue and chronic injury sites while also promoting increased lymphatic drainage improving circulation and reducing swelling. This aids in reducing recovery time for some chronic injuries.

Myofascial Cupping is not without its side effects; if you have ever seen the marks left behind by a cupping session, you may expect this treatment to be painful, however it is most often pleasant and as enjoyable as a regular massage. It differs from a regular massage in that the cups pull up the tissue in areas where you are being treated, as opposed to downward pressure with a regular massage. It does leave deep red circles which can be expected to fade over a few days to a week. One may remember all of the media frenzy around Michael Phelps’ relay team event at the 2016 Summer Olympics where he looked like a dalmatian. This brought MC to the forefront of discussions and today there are more and more athletes who swear by it, including Phelps, saying it keeps them injury free and speeds recovery.

According to Houman Danesh, M.D., Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Rehabilitation Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital: “blood flow is the body’s way of naturally healing”. Danesh frequently combines cupping with mainstream pain therapy techniques stating that “increased blood flow can be beneficial to jumpstart or restart a blunted healing response.”

At Gwen Massage Therapy we use a technique called gliding cups. It directly focuses on the fascial system with an intent to have soft tissue change and release. This will have you going from dysfunction to function.

The most popular form of massage, it involves long, flowing strokes along with kneading and circular movements. Usually the whole body is massaged, hands, feet and scalp included. It's used for its deep relaxation benefits for mind and body. This type of massage is suitable for people that enjoy light to moderate pressure only. Great for relieving stress, increases blood flow to muscles which in turn increases nutrients to them, aiding recovery, and relieve pain. Helps improve sleep, increased flexibility, and improve immune system.

Swedish massage is the basis for deep tissue massage techniques. These two massages are different, yet share many similarities. The main difference between the two is the amount of pressure applied by the therapist.

Under Swedish massage, therapists use long strokes and light pressure to offer gentle relaxation to the body. Deep tissue massage uses more pressure to release tension deep in the muscles and connective tissues of the body.

Deep tissue massage targets chronic tension in muscles that lie far below the body's surface. Deep muscle techniques involve slow strokes, direct pressure or friction movements that go across the muscle grain.

When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement.

Massage therapists will use their fingers, thumbs, elbow, forearm and occasionally even knees to apply the needed pressure. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders. Some of the same strokes are used are classic massage but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.

Unlike Swedish relaxation massage, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as: chronic pain, limited mobility, recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury), repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis pain, fibromyalgia, and muscle spasms.

A postpartum massage is just as important as prenatal massage. Growing a baby for 9 months and the marathon of childbirth certainly take a toll on your body.
Our body recovers fastest with proper sleep, rest, light movement, nutrition and hydration. Most new moms are so busy taking care of their new baby that little time is left for themselves.

Not to mention, caring for a new baby adds a new host of aches and pains and it is important to address them to avoid long term injuries. Postpartum massage can also have a positive impact on your mental health and help with postpartum depression.

What is a postnatal Massage?
Postpartum massage is a massage received anytime after giving birth up to a year postpartum.

When can a new mom start a postpartum massage?
A new mom can begin to receive a postpartum massage as soon as the day after giving birth! A post-delivery massage within the first 4 days is highly recommended, at Mama Mobile we call this a “labour recovery massage”.

The purpose of this postpartum massage is to help you recover from the marathon of labour.

This labour recovery massage is slightly different than a typical massage. Instead of using deep targeted pressure points your postpartum massage therapist will use very light pressure and broad strokes. Rather than focusing on a few sore muscles your postpartum massage therapist will perform a full body massage. The aim of this massage is to help you relax and to boost circulation in your body.

Your children have the same massage therapy coverage as you do.

Child and youth massage involves the gentle manipulation of soft tissues to enhance health and well-being in kids and teens. Nurturing touch is crucial for helping children grow into well-adjusted adults, and massage is an excellent way to provide that care. Kids respond very well to massage, which positively stimulates their bodies to support growth and development.

Massage is beneficial at any age, but it is particularly advantageous for children and teens who are still developing. Pediatric massage therapy considers each child's unique physical and cognitive growth, as well as their health needs.

Research shows that child and youth massage can improve sleep, reduce stress, alleviate growing pains, and correct muscle tone imbalances. It also helps relieve tension and pain in developing muscles, which supports the growth of motor skills. Additionally, studies indicate that massage can enhance concentration, increase focus, and lower aggression levels in children. Some researchers even suggest that regular massage therapy may lead to higher IQ levels in kids.

Children experience physical strain just like adults. They face postural issues daily, such as carrying heavy backpacks, slouching while sitting in school, or playing video games for extended periods. Many kids also engage in sports multiple times a week, which can lead to muscle strains and injuries. Massage helps relieve their sore muscles and joints, boosts blood flow for better circulation, corrects muscle imbalances, and creates a calming environment to ease anxiety and hyperactivity.