Aquatic Massage Therapy

Complimentary to the various styles of massage therapy in Carleton County, an aquatic massage therapy treatment is a productive way to spend some time nurturing the body.

This passive treatment alternative offers a deeply effective total body experience in the comfort of warm water (97 F). The client wears floatation straps on the legs while the therapist holds the body in various positions while supporting the face out of the water. Instead of feeling the pressure from above the client’s body, the therapists’ hands effectively work from underneath the person in conjunction with the buoyancy from the warm.

During the 50 minute treatment the client effortlessly floats while the therapist massages different areas of the body. The session involves a combination of range of motion exercises and superficial massage techniques in a fluid, gentle sequence. Often the quiet environment offers the client an experience of sensory isolation, allowing them to forget that the water or therapist is present. Low-gravity from the buoyancy of the warm water allows the relief of pressure on all joints simultaneously.

Aquatic massage is ideal for post surgery healing, arthritis and other joint conditions, pregnancy discomfort, neurological conditions, anxiety-based conditions such as insomnia and many other conditions.

Aquatic massage is an alternative option if table massage is too rigorous for a client’s preference or if a client is unable to lie on the table comfortably.

Clients also choose this type of treatment to help overcome fear of water, for general stress reduction and maintenance and for those for those who simply enjoy massage and water.

Like all types of massage, the aquatic treatment is not for everyone. Individuals with open wounds or sores, those susceptible to motion sickness and anyone with a medically supervised condition who does not have permission to proceed with an aquatic therapy treatment.

This technique was born from a combination of Watsu® and Jahara®, two aquatic therapies popular throughout the world. It was transformed into a massage modality by Claudia Salzmann, RMT of The Waters, Niagra-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

Salzmann adapted her training from these two therapies to make aquatic massage touch appropriate, bio-mechanically safe and treatment-oriented. In 1999 Salzmann’s work was approved by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.

Celtic Knots is pleased to introduce this to New Brunswick and has gained immediate acceptance, both by the Association of New Brunswick Massage Therapists and various health insurance providers.

Treatments are available at a therapeutic pool at Riverside Court Retirement Residence, 870 Main Street, Woodstock.

Shed the tension of a chilly fall and enjoy an aquatic appointment today.

Reiki

If a massage therapy treatment is compared to a buffet meal, Reiki would be the ice cream Sunday dessert. It is a complimentary technique that is most versatile and beneficial.

Discussing energy in its simplest form is important when seeking to understand Reiki.

Everywhere we look there are examples of energy; when we go for a walk, a busy mall full of stressed out, hurried shoppers, a toddler bouncing about at a birthday party, a little shock from touching a television screen, and on and on. These forms of energy are obvious.

More subtle forms of energy exist around us as well. We are comprised of trillions of cells, and in each of those cells, many things are happening all at once, then all over again, continuously. Even when we are still, there is movement. There is a life force, an energy.

If someone's energy is low, then they are more likely to get sick or feel stressed. Reiki is a fantastic modality to combat these common occurrences.

In Japanese, rei means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and ki means "life force energy". It is practiced by the laying on of hands and is based on the idea that the unseen life force is a powerful and natural tool for healing and self-improvement.

Benefits of Reiki are similar to those of massage; it Induces relaxation, develops inner peace and self awareness, reduces stress, sooths anxiety, increases energy and a sense of well being. In addition to these, help shorten recovery time after surgery, and help cultivate compassion for all living things. Reiki compliments all other therapies as it is gentle and non invasive.

Reiki is not a religion. It does not hold any religious creed or doctrine to any one religious background or denomination. It can be practiced and experienced by anyone regardless of their religious orientation without conflict to their faith. It is however important for the client to feel comfortable receiving the treatment. A great web site further hammering out these details can be found at www.christianreiki.org .

Reiki is already used in our everyday lives, when we hug a loved one or kiss a child’s sore spot, when we place our hands on our chest in disbelief or awe, when we hold our head when it aches. When applied during a treatment setting, clients often experience a deep felt state of relaxation and recuperation.

There are a number of practitioners in Carleton County as well as opportunities for training in Reiki.

To learn more visit the Canadian Reiki Association at www.reiki.ca .

Massage for Seniors

Massage therapy is great for all ages, but a segment of the population that could benefit from it the most, use it the least. They have known the planet for many a spin around the sun, fittingly coined the golden age group.

With the elderly, there are a few general challenges in getting them in the clinic room door. Women who spent the majority of their adult years caring for others (often before themselves) are hesitant at the idea of receiving manual care. Gentlemen may be reserved about massage due to the reputation massage parlours have shed on the profession.

Commonly, massage is seen as a therapy that is not needed, something that, after a series of other medical appointments, and perhaps in combination with adjusting to the transition in control of life’s decisions to family members, they decline. Just as in paediatric massage, simply saying no to a treatment is at the very least claiming power, be it power to choose the treatment or power to refuse it.

Including regular massage in a senior’s life is well worth a second look. The regrettable, yet common occurrences in the senior’s age group of losing a spouse or pet can mean a new found lack of touch in a their life. Minimal or interrupted sleeping patterns also plague the elderly.  Pain becomes accepted as the norm. Touch, relaxation and pain relief are few examples of where older adults can reap the rewards of incorporating massage into their lives.

Registered therapists are trained in dealing with a myriad of conditions specific to the elderly, such as chronic pain, back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fibromyalgia, headaches, diabetes and cancer. The preventative perks of a relaxation massage include reduction in stress, decreased blood pressure pain, increased circulation, increased skin temperature and overall wellness. Registered therapists know the precautions needed when clients are taking medications to adapt massage techniques appropriately.

An RMT confident in working with the senior population will offer assistance in dressing and undressing in a manner which preserves the client’s privacy and dignity. A robe should be on hand if the appointment needs to be interrupted for an emergency bathroom break.

There are also audio adaptations to be mindful of with the geriatric age group; conducting the health history form verbally if needed, facing the client when speaking and sitting to the side where hearing is intact are all indications of a well suited RMT.

Health insurance premiums are sometimes too high an expense when including extras such as massage therapy for a retired individual. Sometimes the cost of the treatment is enough to keep seniors away. Check around for a therapist that honours a seniors discount, and who offers half hour appointments.

Look for a therapist that enjoys offering the extras, such as a courtesy call the day before to remind client of appointment, the option to add extra warmth to the table and or room, and someone who can provide instructions, stretches and the next appointment in writing.