Services

• Registered Massage Therapy
• Acupuncture
• Reiki
• Craniosacral
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage
• Integrative Manual Therapy
• Registered Nutritional Consulting

 

Registered Massage Therapy

Massage Therapists are Primary Health Care Practitioners and provincially licensed by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. They are regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act, the Health Care Consent Act and the Massage Therapy Act, which sets out the rules and regulations for the profession. Their scope of practice is defined as follows:

"The practice of massage therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain". (Massage Therapy Act 1991)

Soft tissue includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, membranes, skin and connective tissue. Hands-on techniques such as trigger point therapy, hydrotherapy (the use of heat and cold), myofascial therapy (connective tissue work), manual lymphatic drainage, deep tissue massage, rhythmic joint mobilizations, remedial exercise, craniosacral therapy, hot stone massage, and others are used to treat a specific condition or to enhance your general well-being. Lotions or oils are often used to facilitate the treatment.

On your first visit you will be asked to complete a confidential case history form, which will be reviewed with you – this process may involve some testing and assessment. After consenting to the prescribed treatment plan, therapy can begin.

The atmosphere of the treatment room is calm and quiet. Your privacy will always be respected and during the treatment you will be draped so that only the portion of the body being treated will be uncovered. You will never be asked to undress beyond your level of comfort and you will always have the right to accept or refuse treatment.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

All adults, children and infants can benefit from massage therapy. Massage can treat or prevent pain and dysfunction arising from soft tissues or bones, as well as systemic conditions affecting circulation, digestion or general well-being.

Although this list is by no means exhaustive, the OPTC team has treated many persons with the following ailments:

• Stress, Anxiety & Depression
• Headaches/Migraines
• Arthritis/Joint conditions
• Sciatica/Low back pain
• Neck and Shoulder pain

Helping baby Kristine's intestines to
get things moving down and out!
• Whiplash/Motor vehicle accident injuries
• Tendonitis/Repetitive strain injuries
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Bursitis/Frozen shoulder
• Muscle spasms
• Fractures/Disclocations
• Stroke
• Kyphosis/Scoliosis
• Compromised lymphatic drainage
• Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Respiratory conditions (Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema)
• Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinsonism
• Constipation/Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and /or dysfunctions (TMJ)
• Orofacial pain/Bell’s Palsy/Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Sinusitis
• Post-surgical rehabilitation and scar tissue work
• Athletic injuries
• Prenatal/postpartum discomfort
• Palliative conditions (AIDS, cancer)

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a system of healing developed over thousands of years as part of the traditional medicine of China, Japan and other Eastern countries. It is thought to have begun with the discovery that the stimulation of specific areas on the skin affects the functioning of the body.

It has evolved into a system of medicine that restores and maintains health by the insertion of fine needles into acupuncture points just beneath the body surface. These points are in very specific locations and lie on channels of energy. It is extremely effective in a wide variety of conditions through its power to stimulate the mind and body’s own healing response.

Benefits of Acupuncture

During the first consultation, we aim to determine the nature of the disharmony in the patient’s mind/body by careful questioning and observation. A detailed understanding of the patient is required, including: symptoms, past medical and family history, lifestyle and diet, behaviour of all the systems in the body such as digestion and circulation, sleep patterns, and emotional feelings. We are looking not only for the symptoms, but rather a pattern into which is woven a total picture of the patient.

Acupuncture treatments last an average of 30-45 minutes. During this time there may be a heavy sensation in the limbs and a pleasant feeling of relaxation.

Acupuncture is beneficial for body pain and discomforts including headaches, arthritis, tendonitis, and muscle tension. It can also help with insomnia, seasonal allergies, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), women’s health issues, stress relief, and many more internal problems or discomforts.

Treatment with acupuncture can produce rapid results but more often it requires a number of treatments over a period of time. There is, however, usually some change after about four treatments.

Reiki

Reiki is the transfer of energy to promote healing. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words: the “Rei” (energy, source) directs positive energy through the practitioner’s hands and into the receiver using the “Ki” (the individual’s energy). Reiki is referred to as the Universal Life Force Energy.

Reiki treats the whole person including the body, mind and spirit. While it is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion and there is nothing you must believe in order to experience its benefits. Reiki can be practiced on it’s own (usually no touching is involved) or during a massage therapy treatment (i.e. with touch).

Benefits of Reiki

Any adult, child or infant can benefit from Reiki as it is a simple, non-invasive and natural way to restore balance. It can be used to complement other more conventional forms of medical, psychological or spiritual care.

It reduces stress and tension by promoting feelings of relaxation, peace, security and well-being.

Craniosacral Therapy

The Craniosacral system consists of membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth, (cranium); down to the sacrum or tailbone area. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is the gentle detection and correction of imbalances and restrictions in the membranes. C.S.T. encourages the body’s natural healing mechanism to dissipate the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system.

C.S.T. is performed on a person fully clothed. Using very light touch the therapist monitors the rhythm of the Craniosacral system. The therapist then uses very delicate manual techniques to release problem areas and relieve undue stress on the brain and spinal cord.

C.S.T. is safe and beneficial for adults, children and infants and can be used to treat: migraines/headaches, chronic pain, motor-coordination impairments, stress, chronic fatigue, learning disabilities (ADD, ADHD), TMJ, brain and spinal cord injuries.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

The lymphatic system is the “waste removal” system of the body. The lymphatic system removes impurities and debris from the body’s tissue and blood. This debris is called the “lymphatic load” and consists of toxins, protein, water, cells and fat. Lymph flows in one direction only; towards the heart. Its movement is stimulated by the movement of skeletal muscles, diaphragmatic breathing and massage (Manual Lymphatic Drainage).

Lymphatic vessels begin in the tissues of the body as tiny capillaries. These capillaries eventually connect with larger and deeper vessels. Interspersed along the lymphatic vessels are lymph nodes where foreign substances like bacteria are filtered out and immune responses are activated. The lymph then drains into the lymphatic ducts which then empties the lymph into the circulatory system.

As long as the lymphatic “load” remains lower than the transport capacity of the lymphatic system, it runs smoothly. If the “load” increases due to inflammation, surgery, radiation or trauma, and exceeds the ability of the lymphatic system, edema (oedema) will occur. The physical symptoms are swelling or puffiness in the tissue.

In early stages, edema can be treated with lymphatic massage, elevation of limb, compression stockings and remedial exercises. Lymphedema left untreated can gradually worsen. Edema will slowly be replaced by fibrotic tissue, making the swollen area feel hard. Patients who do not address their edema can experience frequent infections, changes in their skin and loss of function in the affected joint. Since lymphedema is a progressive condition treatment should begin as early as possible.

Causes of Edema:

• Trauma
• Immune Response
• Burns
• Allergies
• Radiation treatment
• Scarring (ie. post-surgical scars, removal of breast or breast augmentation)
• Infections

Women please note, edema may be experienced because of the following:

• Removal of lymph nodes (ie. Mastectomy)
• Pregnancy
• Sodium retention may lead to premenstrual edema

Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage:

• Decrease in appearance of swollen area
• Decrease in headaches and sinusitis
• Decrease in allergies (due to removal of toxins)
• Decrease the probability of frequent infections
• Decrease swelling due to surgeries
• Increase the speed of the body’s natural healing process
• Decrease edema due to the removal of breast tissue and the surrounding lymph nodes
• Decrease the symptoms of P.M.S.

Integrative Manual Therapy

What is Integrative Manual Therapy?

Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT)TM is a treatment method that uses a light touch and subtle manipulations to treat a wide range of conditions. It is different from other treatment approaches in that multiple body systems, as well as their interaction with one another, are considered.

IMT has been developed by Sharon W. Giammatteo Ph.D, P.T., I.M.T.,C. It was formerly introduced in 1981. Currently there are clinics located around the world specializing in this type of manual therapy.

Conditions that can be helped with Integrative Manual Therapy

IMT treats all these conditions and more…

• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic Pain
• Back Pain, acute and chronic
• Digestive Problems
• Headaches
• Breathing Difficulties
• Arthritis
• Muscle Strain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Frozen Shoulder

IMT is not like any other manual treatment approach. The easiest way to understand is to experience it in person. If other treatment methods have not worked for you, this method may.

What to expect on your first visit

The first portion of an initial assessment consists of a health history form as well as an interview. The combination of these two tools helps the Therapist to determine the nature of the injury or condition which is to be treated. This also gives you a chance to clarify what your goals are for treatment. The second portion of the assessment combines observation and palpation of the areas related to the injury. By completing an assessment consisting of these components a treatment plan can be developed for you that works towards your goals.

As for the treatment: unlike some other methods of manual therapy, you remain fully clothed during an IMT session. Usually treatment is done with you lying down; however, if you are uncomfortable treatment can be done in another position.

Benefits of Integrative Manual Therapy

Integrative Manual Therapy is a safe and beneficial form of treatment for all portions of the population from infant to elderly. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other treatment methods, such as massage therapy, nutritional support and acupuncture.

IMT uses a hands-on approach of soft tissue manipulation. This allows your body to release any blockages in the way that may be preventing the area from healing. Think of a scraped knee with a small piece of gravel in it. With the stone still in the wound, healing will be slow and incomplete yet, if the stone is removed, the scrape will heal more readily.

“Blockages” that keep an area from healing include, but are not limited to, tight muscles, tight fascia (the layer around muscles), and improper biomechanics (joint integrity). These “blockages” can build up over time as your body adapts to different injuries. At one point there are no more compensations that can be made and pain occurs. By working backwards to remove these compensations your body can often return to its optimal function.

After a treatment session an adjustment period is often needed for the results to become apparent. This usually occurs within a 24-hour period. At each visit the techniques used will be slightly different. The use of different techniques allows progression through the treatment plan.

As with any other form of treatment, the session is under your control and can be stopped or modified at any time.

Follow Up Care and Appointments

After the initial assessment the Therapist will be able to give you a recommendation of how often treatment will be beneficial as well as how many treatments may be needed before significant changes are noted.

After a treatment session with IMT it is recommended that you not do any heavy lifting or twisting movements for at least 24 hours. This allows your body to adapt to any changes that have happened before the addition of further stress to your body. It is also recommended that you drink an extra 2 - 4 glasses of water the day of your treatment. This allows your body to be well hydrated while adjustments to the treatment are being made.

The Therapist may also give you some “homework” to complete before the next treatment session. This is usually a small task that will help you feel better and make the treatment more efficient. This may consist of gentle exercises or another activity that will help you on the road to recovery. Any “homework” is given on an individual basis and can be explained in more detail by your Therapist.

For further information please go to: www.centerIMT.com or www.imtassociation.org.

Registered Nutritional Consulting

We are not simply what we eat, but more specifically, what we absorb.

Registered Nutritional Consulting Practitioners (RNCPs) are members of a legally constituted profession. An RNCP is a qualified nutritional practitioner who provides nutritional information to individuals or groups, guidance pertaining to the building and maintenance of nutritional well-being. Their aims and successes are based on the fact that the cells in our bodies are built from the raw materials we eat. The more suitable our food choices are to our specific requirements, the better cell structures we can build. Since every person is bio-chemically unique, individual nutritional imbalances and weaknesses must be assessed.

An RNCP is trained to provide clients with personalized dietary advice, such as:

• food selection and preparation.
• food supplements (vitamins, minerals, enzymes, proteins, essential fatty acids).
• the benefits of a sound nutritional program to encourage the body to heal itself.

RNCPs are trained to:

• Evaluate a client's food intake, usually over a given week. Particular attention is paid to the proportions of protein, fat, starches, sugars and fibre consumed, as well as vitamin and mineral balance.
• Design a program specifically for each client taking into consideration such factors as height, weight, age, sex, level of exercise or physical activity, dietary goals, food preferences, sensitivities to specific foods, and dietary habits in respect to their diet and nutritional deficiencies.
• Construct personalized dietary supplement programs based on the health history, current diet and stressors (environmental, physical, mental, emotional) of the client.

Why seek the services of an RNCP?

Clients may wish guidance in the following areas:

• weight normalization
• pregnancy or lactation
• convalescence
• understanding the use and abuse of food supplements
• making sense out of conflicting theories of nutrition
• understanding the consequences of specific food choices
• learning how to make choices more appropriate to their needs
• learning how to balance the nutritional needs of the body

A visit to an RNCP will be an educational experience where one will learn to make lifestyle changes that will have a long-lasting effect on the quality of life. By law, anyone may call themselves a nutritional counselor, but only those who have thoroughly studied nutrition and have met the requirements of International Organization of Nutritional Consultants (IONC) are granted the RNCP designation.

Please visit www.ionc.org for further information on educational standards of RNCPs.

What to Expect On Your First Visit

Your first meeting with Andrea will be between 45 minutes and 1 hour duration. It will include:

• an interactive discussion about your personal and family health history
• a nutritional supplement and medication review
• a body composition assessment that uses precise electronic technology to establish baseline measurements from which health can progress.
• some easy nutritional suggestions so that you can get started with immediately

How to prepare for your first nutritional consultation

What to bring:

• Any and all nutritional supplements you take regularly
• Any and all prescribed or over-the-counter medications you are currently taking.
• Your completed health history forms, 7-day diet journal and MSQ questionnaire. They are available on Andrea's website:www.expandyourdiet.ca  under "First Visit?"

Please see www.expandyourdiet.ca for more details on Andrea’s services.