Massage Therapy
Massage therapy consists primarily of hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically, the muscles, connective tissue, fascia, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massages are meant to optimize health and wellness and to provide restorative relaxation by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Massage therapy uses a range of modalities including Swedish massage, craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage therapy, scar treatments and cupping. Our massage therapists support, maintain and improve physical function and work to relieve physical dysfunction, pain and the effects of stress. Massage therapy has a therapeutic effect on the body and can be beneficial to a multitude of people for a variety of reasons, as outlined further below.
Massage therapy can be a part of your personal self-care to manage stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Restorative massages can be effective in calming the body and mind.
Preventative massage can also be effective in keeping muscles pliable and joints moving with ease. A well-functioning body is less prone to injury and has fewer aches and pains to manage. Maintaining and improving physical functioning is an integral part of massage therapy.
Rehabilitative treatments focus on recovery from injury, accidents or surgery. The goals of this approach is to help you get back to feeling as well as you did in the past.
Treatments for specific conditions such as headaches, back pain and repetitive strain injuries are also available.
In particular, the CHI wants to invite caregivers, family members, loved ones and other integral supportive members of patients with cancer to consider a massage as a wonderful way to maintain their energy. As the common saying goes, you cannot pour from an empty cup.
Amber Young, RMT, also offers a personalized breast massage program and oncology massage, as well as lymphatic drainage therapy.
Jennifer Machado Espinoza, RMT, offers treatments that include deep tissue massage, myofascial release, pregnancy massage, PNF and other stretching modalities, cupping, Thai yoga massage, craniosacral therapy, Reiki, and Sound Healing.
Personalized Breast Massage Program
This program with RMT Amber Young includes four, 90-minute sessions;
Two-week intervals between sessions, or once a month.
1st Treatment: Introductory session: 90 minutes in length
- Covering basic breast anatomy for all genders
- Considerations for breast massage specific to your needs and your health history
- A discussion of your individual goals and the goals of massage
- Draping options and discussion on consent
- The massage portion will cover the muscles of your upper body, chest wall, ribs, abdomen, and an introductory breast massage
2nd Treatment: The Supporting Tissues: 90 minutes in length
- The major focus of this session will be placed on the muscles and tissues which surround and underly the breast tissues. This will increase our efficacy of the and release potential compression sites that may affect the circulation of blood, lymph and nervous tissue to and from the breast area.
- Goals of this session are to open and release the chest muscles through specific massage techniques, decreasing tightness, assess posture and create a greater sense of openness through your chest.
- You will learn some take home stretches and exercises specifically for optimizing mobility of the breast tissue, releasing your muscles of respiration, and supporting your posture
3rd Treatment: Exploring the lymphatic system: 90 minutes in length
- We will be working specifically with the lymphatic system, and you will learn about how this system supports your overall health.
- You will experience a full body lymphatic drainage treatment considering your personal needs. We’ll also spend time treating your liver, colon, and optimizing tissue mobility.
- You will also learn about dry brushing and other practices to support your lymphatic system
4th Treatment: Bringing it all together: 90 minutes in length
- In this session we focus on a complete approach, treating your whole body and focusing on your unique goals.
- We will spend increased time with areas we have identified as areas of concern through the program, integrating a complete upper body treatment.
- You will learn some take home self massage techniques.
- My intention is to support you to feel more empowered and comfortable with your body as a whole!
Massage Therapy - Supportive Cancer Care
Oncology Massage addresses the specific needs of patients undergoing treatment for cancer, as well as managing long-term side effects of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Our massage therapists have extensive experience with people living with cancer and understand where and when contraindications are necessary.
When caring for a patient with cancer, massage can be part of personal self-care to manage stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Regular massage promotes overall health and wellness. Patients with cancer might also opt for a massage for preventative reasons, such as keeping muscles pliable and joints moving with ease.
Massage therapy can also be of help to cancer patients in both the preparation for and in the recovery from surgery. Post-surgical scars and cording can successfully be treated in order to reduce movement-limiting and painful restrictions. Radiation fibrosis, or thickening of soft tissues, can result from radiation treatments. Over time, this density can result in decreased range of motion and discomfort.
Patients with cancer often find massage therapy as a good complementary therapy while undergoing conventional treatments. Gentle massage is effective in reducing radiation fibrosis. Chemotherapy can leave you feeling unwell and with numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. A focused massage treatment can help to reduce these unpleasant side effects. Finally, pain can be better managed using massage. Less pain results in better quality of life and improved sleep.
Massage Therapists
Fees & Schedule
Please see our online booking site regarding fees and schedules.