Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of soft tissues (muscle, ligament, tendon etc) with the main purpose of decreasing pain by improving muscle and joint function. A massage therapy treatment will also help improve the body's overall blood flow and lymphatic circulation which will speed the healing process and improve the function of the immune system. 

Massage therapists have the specialized training to assess and treat the majority of soft tissue injuries along with other conditions that may negatively affect your life and well being. Some of the many examples include strains, sprains,tendinitis,bursitis,fibromyalgia, headaches and a variety of conditions affecting central (Multiple sclerosis, Cerebral palsy...)and peripheral (carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatic nerve lesions...) nervous system. Using specialized techniques, massage therapists have the ability to reduce muscle pain and spasm, decrease scar tissue, decrease swelling and improve the range of motion and function of a joint. When you visit your massage therapist, they will perform an assessment to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs. All treatments will be explained to you and proceed only with your understanding and consent. This will usually include therapeutic massage, stretching, possible joint mobilizations, possible use of hydrotherapy and an exercise plan to aid in rehabilitation and prevention. Along with all the physical benefits, there are also the psychological benefits that include relaxation and thus stress management which will improve your heart rate and blood pressure.

Many private health insurance companies and government group medical insurance provide full or partial coverage under extended health care plans. Some plans require a physician's referral or other specific criteria. Please check your individual policy to determine your type of coverage. 

 

Jennifer Petley has been practicing massage therapy for 6 years since graduating with honours from Northumberland College in 2002. While in school, she completed courses in pregnancy massage and myofascial release. She also has additional training as a personal trainer, birth doula and certified aromatherapist. Jennifer loves to educate and has recently spent 4 years teaching anatomy at the College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in Bedford. She is passionate about helping others and is always looking for new ways to address the client's needs.

Aromatherapy is the art of using pure essentials oils to enhance the well-being of mind body and spirit. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that form the basis of aromatherapy. These oils may be extracted from the roots, leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds or wood.

 

Aromatherapy is becoming a popular branch of alternative medicine and is very useful in treating many conditions ranging from anxiety and depression to headaches and muscular pain.

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greeks and is a care provider that is experienced in childbirth and who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.

 

A birth doula recognizes birth as a key life experience and perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience. The doula understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor. She will assist the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth as well as facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner and the clinical care providers.

 

Like massage therapy, personal training will start with a review of your health history and client intake in order to determine your goals. The most common reasons for seeking the aid of a personal trainer is weight loss, improve cardiovascular health, learn more about resistance training,improve muscle mass / tone, increase energy, improve posture, decrease incidence of injury and to refine their current work-out for efficiency / effectiveness.