Our Treatments

Registered Massage Therapy

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissue of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy is a clinically-oriented health care option that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions. 

Massage Therapy can be used as a treatment for both acute and chronic conditions. RMT’s can work with a wide variety of patients in the treatment of illness, injury rehabilitation and disability. 

Benefits of Massage Therapy

There are significant benefits to be achieved through the use of regular massage therapy treatments from a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). Massage therapy can be an important part of your health maintenance plan by: 

  • Reducing or eliminating pain

  • Improving joint mobility

  • Improving circulation

  • Improving lymphatic drainage

  • Reducing depression and anxiety

  • Reducing muscular tension 

The following is a list of some of the conditions for which massage therapy can prove beneficial: 

  • Anxiety & Depression

  • Arthritis

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Headaches

  • Inflammatory conditions

  • Insomnia

  • Muscle tension & Spasm

  • Plantar Fascitis

  • Post-Surgical Rehab

  • Pregnancy

  • Repetitive Strain Injuries Carpal Tunnel, Frozen Shoulder, Tendonitis

  • Sciatica

  • Stress & Stress Related conditions

  • Whiplash 

Combined Decongestive Therapy

What is Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

It is the internationally recognized “gold standard” treatment system for the vast majority of patients affected by lymphedema. CDT has shown to be safe and effective as the standard therapy for lymphedema. It is listed on the website of the American Cancer Society (ACS), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the International Society of Lymphology (ISL) and the National Lymphedema Network (NLN) as the main component in the treatment and management of primary and secondary lymphedema. Applied correctly by a skilled lymphedema therapist, CDT shows excellent long-term results in both primary and secondary lymphedema. Numerous published studies describe the effectiveness of this non-invasive, safe and reliable treatment approach, which has been well-established in European countries since the 1970s. 

Treatment of Lymphedema

Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is a specialized treatment which stimulates and improves the functioning of the lymph vessel system. In addition to this, lymph can be re-routed into existing pathways to improve lymphatic return to the blood stream. CDT works first by reducing the size of the limb/affected area. The second step is wrapping the limb with a combination of short stretch bandages in a specific pattern to keep it at the new, smaller, size & to encourage more drainage. This is repeated daily until the normal/healthy size is reached and a compression garment is ordered. By this stage of the therapy, the patient is able to do the daily maintenance routine on his/her own & is once again in control of his/her body. 

What to Expect

CDT is performed in two phases. In phase 1 also known as the intensive or decongestive phase, treatments are administered by trained lymphedema therapist on a daily basis until the affected body part is decongested. Lymphedema most often affects the extremities, but can also be present in the head and neck, trunk, or external genitalia.

The duration of the intensive phase varies with the severity of the condition and averages 2-3 weeks for individuals with lymphedema affecting the arm, and 2-4 weeks for lymphedema affecting the leg. In extreme cases the decongestive phase may last up to 6-8 weeks and may have to be repeated several times.

The end of the first phase of CDT is determined by the results of measurements on the affected body part, which are taken by the therapist. Once measurements approach a plateau, the end of phase 1 is reached and the patient progresses seamlessly into phase 2 of CDT, also known as the self management phase. Phase 2 is an ongoing and individualized part of CDT, in which the patient assumes responsibility for maintaining and improving the treatment results achieved in phase 1.

During the intensive phase the patients are instructed in the individual components of self-management, which include a skin care regime, home exercise, self-manual lymph drainage and the application of compression garments for daytime use. In some cases it may be necessary for the patient to apply padded compression bandages for nighttime use.

Regular check ups with the physician and the lymphedema therapist during phase 2 are necessary. 

Integrated Lymphatic Drainage

What is Integrated Lymphatic Drainage

Integrated Lymph Drainage (ILD) is a precise technique designed to accelerate the normal functioning of the lymph vessel system. 70% of our lymph vessels are situated just below the surface of the skin, which is why this therapy is performed as a gentle, rhythmic, hands-on technique that will enable the therapist to influence this vital system. ILD can assist with the removal of excess fluid from the tissues without first bringing extra load to the area in the form of circulation. There are many reasons for the lymphatic system to be sluggish and not functioning well, leaving fluid stagnant in the tissues. Pollution, toxins, poor nutrition, mucous formation, overload from previous viral or bacterial infections, traumas, injuries, surgeries etc., 

Benefits of receiving Lymphatic Drainage

  • Reduced Stress

  • General relaxation

  • Improves nerve & muscle function

  • Improves circulation

  • Cleanses impurities from the system

  • Detoxification

  • Balances the whole body

  • Revitalizes energy

  • Preventative health care 

Some examples of conditions which can be successfully treated with ILD are:

  • Primary & Secondary Lymphedema

  • Traumatic injuries

  • Burns

  • Sinusitis

  • Headaches

  • Whiplash

  • Skin Ulcers

  • Sports Injuries (bruises, sprains/strains)

  • Varicose Veins

  • Pre & Post Operative

  • Repetitive Strains

  • Scars

  • Acne

  • Reduce Cellulite

  • Pediatric Ear Infections

  • Fractures

  • Tendonitis

  • Rheumatic Diseases

  • Constipation

  • Chronic Bronchitis

  • Raynaud’s Syndrome

  • Fibrocystic Breast Disease