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Massage Therapy at Kinetic Health

Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are health care professionals committed to restoring and maintaining optimal health and pain-free function of the body.

They are educated and trained to accurately assess and treat with techniques that include massage and manual therapy, rehabilitative exercise such as stretching, strengthening, postural exercise and patient education.

Massage Therapy is an effective approach to pain management and rehabilitation. RMTs are effective in treating and providing relief for a wide range of conditions such as migraine headaches, tendonitis, arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, as well as many other common conditions related to soft tissue and joint dysfunction.

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Our Therapists

Ms. Sherry Sands, RMT.

Ms. Marni Laxdal

Ms. Marni Laxdal graduated from the Professional Institute of Massage Therapy in Saskatoon Saskatchewan with 2200 hour Diploma. She is a registered massage therapist with the Massage Therapy Association of Alberta.

She has have worked at Lenore Chiropractic in Saskatoon, Athletic and Therapeutic Massage in Yellowknife and with the Alberta Tourism Spa Zone at the Rendezvous Canada Expo in Saskatoon and in Toronto this year.

She enjoys treating musculoskeletal conditions such as whiplash, repetitive strain injuries migraine/tension headaches, stress management and chronic/acute pain.

Her therapeutic massage includes manual lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, deep tissue stripping, PNF and joint mobilization. When she is not working, her favorite past times are hiking, canoeing, playing piano, strength training and being with my family.

"Thank you for taking the time to get to know a little about me, I look forward to seeing you at the clinic."

Marni Laxdal

  Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

Massage provide athletes a variety of benefits, including:

  • Reduced acute and chronic pain;
  • Increased muscle flexibility;
  • Improved muscle tone;
  • Reduced post-traumatic headache;
  • Reduced swelling;
  • Reduced, delayed-onset muscle soreness;
  • Lower blood pressure and heart rate;
  • Relaxed muscles.

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Resources & Articles about Massage Therapy

Associations/Schools

Massage Therapy for the relief of Pain
(Massage Therapists Association of BC)

Massage therapy is more effective than drugs when treating back pain for fibromyalgia. Over 40 per cent of patients who used deep-tissue massage said it helped them feel better, in comparison to on 35 per cent said prescription drugs were effective. (Consumer Reports magazine, 2000)

Massage therapy is more effective than acupuncture for treating chronic lower back pain. Patients who received massage therapy used less medicine and had the lowest costs for subsequent care. (Archives of Internal Medicine, 2001)

Fifty-two patients with back pain, most of whom had tried other therapies without success, received eight massage therapy treatments over a one month period. Eighty-six per cent said they felt dramatically better following treatments. (Weintraub, 1994)

Massage therapy increased the amount of beta-endorphins in the blood by 16 per cent. Beta-endorphins are believed to be responsible for pain relief and a feeling of well being. (Kaada and Torsteinbo, 1989)

Daily massage treatments reduced the pain and stiffness of people with fibromyalgia. (Field, 1996)

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FAQ About Massage Therapy

 

Q: Why should I Have A Massage?A: With massage you will experience relief from chronic muscular tension and pain, have increased joint flexibility, and feel a reduction of mental and physical fatigue and stress. Massage is a way to do something for yourself that pays off in both physical and emotional dividends.

Q: I'm slightly uncomfortable with the idea of a stranger touching me . A: Some first-time clients are apprehensive about the personal nature of massage, but generally lose any apprehensions within the first few minutes. Both therapists are highly trained professionals who will do their utmost to make you comfortable.

Q: Do I have to take off all of my clothes?A: Your personal comfort during a massage is the key to its effectiveness. Remove only the clothing you're comfortable about removing. Traditional full-body massage techniques are more effective when they aren't administered through the barrier of clothing, but you will be fully draped during the entire session with no compromise of your modesty. Only the area being worked will be uncovered. Before and after the session, you will undress and dress in private.

Q: What parts of my body will be massaged?A: Our therapists will ask you about any problems you're experiencing and about any chronic medical conditions. Tell the therapist what you want to get out of the session and determine which areas of your body need work. A typical full-body session includes work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.

Q: How will I feel after the massage?A: Most people feel very relaxed, and often experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. The deep relaxation may leave your body slightly tired, but this feeling passes quickly and you will then notice increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity that can last for days.

Q: Should I expect muscle soreness following a massage?A: Some people, particularly clients who are new to massage or those who request deep-tissue work, experience mildly sore muscles after a massage. The soreness passes in a day or two, leaving you feeling much looser and relaxed. Drink plenty of water after a massage to help flush out released toxins and minimize resultant discomfort.

Q: Can I give a massage as a gift?A: Absolutely! A therapeutic massage is a wonderful gift and a great way to show someone special how much you care.Back to the top!

Articles/Sites/Resources

Massage Therapy for the relief of stress

Young psychiatric patients who underwent massage therapy had lower stress hormone levels, better sleep patterns and less anxiety. (Field, 1995)

Massage therapy resulted in lower anxiety and stress among children with conditions such as autism and children who were victims of physical and sexual abuse. (Field, 1995)

Female patients suffering from chronic tension headaches who received 10 massage therapy treatments in two-and-a-half weeks experienced a significant long-term improvement of their headaches and moods. (Puusjarvi et al, 1990)

Massage therapy promoted relaxation among patients between 56 to 96 years of age and reduced blood pressure. (Fakouri and Jones, 1987)

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Conditions

 

Massage Therapy Pregnancy/Infants

Premature babies who received daily massages gained 47 per cent more weight and went home an average of six days sooner than those who did not receive massage therapy. The early return home saved about $3,000 (US) per infant in hospital costs. (Field et al, 1986)

Women who received massage therapy during childbirth reported less pain and anxiety. (Field et al, 1997)

Cocaine-exposed premature babies who received massage therapy gained 28 per cent more weight and developed significantly faster. (Wheeden et al, 1993)

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Massage Therapy & Disease

In a study comparing massage therapy to Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation, patients with fibromyalgia who received massage therapy reported less pain, stiffness and fatigue. (Sunshine et al, 1996)

Children with rheumatoid arthritis who were given massage therapy treatments had much greater reduction in pain than those involved in progressive muscle relaxation therapy. (Field et al, 1997)

People with asthma who received weekly 15 minute massage therapy treatments reported reduced chest tightness, wheezing, physical pain and fatigue. (Munson and Yekyal, 1995)

Patients with cancer who received massage therapy experienced less pain, improved mobility and less swelling, (Wilkinson, 1996)

Young girls suffering from bulimia had lower depression scores, lower stress hormone levels and improved attitudes about eating and their bodies following 10 massage therapy treatments over five weeks. (Field et al, 1997)

Massage therapy had positive effects on the immune systems and stress levels of people with HIV. (Field, 1996)

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Links on Reflexology

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How do I make an appointment at Kinetic Health?

Phone, Fax, or Email us to make an appointment at Kinetic Health. To make your initial appointment more efficient, please download and print off the Admittance Form and fill it out before coming to your initial assessment.

 

Download Kinetic Health Admittance Forms

Please click on the following links to download our Massage Therapy admittance form.

Phone: 403-241-3772
Fax: 403-241-3846
email:
abelsonb@shaw.ca


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Fee Schedule

Therapeutic Massage (Aroma therapy Oils Included)

We accept cash, cheque, Master Card, Visa and Bank Cards.

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Disclaimer

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner. We accept no responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.

All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

The information provided by or linked to on this site may or may not reflect the opinions of Dr. Brian Abelson. It does not represent the opinions of the Alberta Chiropractic Association or other affiliated associations.