Massage therapy is a comprehensive intervention involving a range of techniques to manipulate the soft tissues and joints of the body. The purpose of massage therapy is to prevent, develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function or relieve pain (Massage Therapy Act, 1991). It is a clinically-oriented health option that achieves undeniable results in the relief of an array of discomforts stemming from stress, muscular overuse and many chronic pain syndromes.

Relaxation massage is essentially the same as a gentle Swedish massage. Swedish massage uses a variety of smooth, gliding strokes, with some kneading or compression techniques, designed to ease muscle aches and tension. The primary goal will be to promote relaxation, and the RMT will probably move at a slower pace and use lighter pressure.
There are substantial health benefits to a Relaxation/Swedish massage, including calming the nervous system, promoting a sense of well-being, improving blood circulation and stimulating the body’s lymphatic system, which carries away waste products. The increase in circulation helps supply the skin and organs with more oxygen creating a relaxing effect on the body leading to improved sleep and digestion.
During a Relaxation massage there is less emphasis on working out serious adhesions or knots in the muscle tissue and the RMT will not push your pain limits in order to get the muscle to release. Sometimes people even fall asleep during a relaxation massage.
A Relaxation massage is beneficial for the body to receive on a regular basis as a way of achieving optimal health and well-being, as well as in times of great stress. Relaxation/Swedish techniques can also be integrated into a Therapeutic Massage or Pregnancy Massage.

Deep tissue massage therapy focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. The goals are to balance and decrease muscle tone, address postural concerns, and release chronic pain from muscles.
Deep tissue techniques are similar to those of Swedish massage, but the pressure is generally more intense, and designed for more focused and specific massage work. By working a specific joint, muscle or muscle group, the practitioner can access deeper layers of the soft tissue. Starting superficially and easing into the depth of the muscle slowly often allows for more movement.
Each person experiences pressure differently. It is important to remember that increasing the pressure may result in some discomfort or pain however, if the pressure causes pain that becomes uncomfortable, causes you to hold your breath or resist the technique, it is most likely too much pressure. The RMTs will ask you, during the deep tissue treatment, about the pressure however, please feel free to communicate whether you would like the pressure adjusted. Every day your body is different, so what feels good one day may hurt the next. And, what one person calls deep tissue another will call light. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable during your massage.
Increasing the pressure and pain will not necessarily lead to eliminating knots in one treatment. Chronic knots and tension built up over time are best suited to an integrated program which may include postural analysis, exercise, and a regular massage therapy treatment plan.

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils to enhance the well-being
of body, mind and spirit. The essential oil of each plant is its life force containing both medicinal and aromatic characteristics.
The therapeutic power of touch combined with the healing and balancing properties of essential oils is by far the most effective method to use essential oils. The therapeutic use of essential oils and massage can affect all the systems of the body – in particular the muscular, circulatory, lymphatic (immune) and nervous systems.
Pure essential oils can be used within any massage therapy treatment.