Our services

Swedish Massage (relaxation/therapeutic)

This form of hands on treatment is probably the most well known and most requested massage in North America. It involves various techniques such as effleurage, rolling, stripping and kneading, designed to apply pressure to the body’s musculature. The majority of the massage strokes follow the the direction of the blood flow returning to the heart. The application of these techniques combined with pressure encourages the rush of fresh oxygenated and nutrient rich blood into the muscle tissue thus enhancing it’s health. Swedish massage is used for relaxation but also for more “therapeutic” means of treatment. The relaxation massage is more general techniques while the therapeutic work requires much more specific strokes often applied with the thumb instead of the entire hand. Swedish massage is an art which has been applied to sooth the body for many many years and has proven over time to be a very beneficial form of treatment.

Myofascial Release

Fascia is a web of connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones and internal organs. Myofascial release is quite different than Swedish massage. It is a technique where the therapist is in direct contact with the patient’s skin without the use of any massage oils. The fascia is manipulated directly or indirectly allowing the connective tissue fibers to become more flexible thus more functional. The goal of this technique is to release fascia restrictions and restore tissue health and thereby resulting in an increase of range of motion as well as balancing of the body.

Pregnancy Massage

1 General application: this approach consists of a relaxation massage applied on a pregnant woman in a lateral recumbent (side line) position to accommodate the baby. Most of the Swedish massage techniques may be used during a pregnancy massage depending on which part of the body is being addressed. this type of massage is very helpful for “heavy legs”, swollen feet, low back pain and tension in general. Massage should not be applied in the first three months of the pregnancy as a precaution.

2 Specific application (the pregnant pelvis):This specific approach to pregnancy massage aims to maintain proper pelvic function. This type of massage, just as in general massage, is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. The session begins with an assessment of the pelvis to establish the order of the treatment protocol. The patient, depending on belly size and/or comfort, will be treated in side line and/or semi-seated position. Techniques will involved those used during a relaxation massage with incorporation of techniques specific to the ligaments and structures pertinent to the pregnant body. The ultimate goal of the session is to produce relaxation for the mother resulting in harmony between mother and baby.

Temperomandibular Joint (TMJ) Treatment

The temperomandibular joint is the articulation between the mandible (jaw bone) and the skull just in front of the ears. Pain, resulting from a variety of causes, may be alleviated by massaging the musculature of the jaw or TMJ. Treatment includes the facial and neck muscles for profound relief. Some of the work performed by the gloved therapist will need to be applied inside the mouth in order to access the inner jaw muscles. This kind of treatment may be intimidating but has proven time and again to be quite beneficial.

“Deep Tissue” Massage

This expression is often used by clients and therapists alike. It refers to pressure applied during a massage rather than a particular treatment or style. In the instance of a “deep tissue” massage, basic Swedish techniques are applied using deep and sometimes intense pressure. Each of the the therapists at Provencher Therapeutic Massage Thérapeutique are trained and possess the “know how” to offer this type of massage.