Osteopathic Practitioner
By Appointment Only
Rachel Bianchi
Rachel Middlemiss
Stoney Creek Massage
Hamilton Massage Therapy
Manual Osteopathy
Manual osteopathy is a holistic approach to the body. Everything in the body is connected. This means that structure and function are closely dependent upon each other. A manual osteopath assesses the symptoms and examines the body to discover the root cause of pain or dysfunction. Through various osteopathic techniques, the treatment is focused on restoring function and allowing the body to self heal and regulate. Osteopathy addresses the musculoskeletal, fascial, lymphatic, nervous, and visceral systems.
Fascial Stretch Therapy
Fascia is a network of layered connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones and joints. Often, our range of motion can be restricted, when fascia becomes taut. Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) is a unique stretching system, which focuses on the muscles and fascia. This particular style of stretching is different because the joints are tractioned through the movements, allowing for a deeper level of stretch. This is a wonderful treatment for athletes pre and post events. This is also an excellent treatment for low back pain and lack of joint mobility.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage uses firm pressure to treat deeper layers of muscle and fascia. In addition to deeper General Swedish massage techniques, Rachel’s deep tissue treatments can include joint mobilization, fascial techniques, and trigger point therapy. This treatment is beneficial for chronic upper back pain, hypertension in leg musculature, or shoulder stiffness. Deep tissue massage breaks down “knots” in the tissue, which allows new blood flow to the area. It can increase range of motion, decrease muscle tension, and reduce pain.
Hot Stone Massage
In this type of massage, smooth, warm basalt stones are positioned on the body. Basalt stones are high in iron and retain heat well. This heat can relax muscle tissue and reduce pain, allowing the therapist to treat the tissues on a deeper level. Smaller stones are then used as an extension of the RMT’s hands to relax and treat other tissues. This type of massage is commonly used for relaxation. However, therapeutic massages may be performed with the stones as well. Let the heat melt your aches and pains away!
Relaxation Massage
Relaxation massage consists of light, slow, and rhythmic strokes. The benefits of relaxation massage are that: it increases circulation, stimulates sensory nerve endings, and places the body in a relaxed state. This massage can ease muscle tension and increase lymphatic circulation. Relaxation massage is not painful and is recommended for people who need to reduce their stress.