Soft Tissue Therapy
What is Soft Tissue Therapy (STT)?
Soft Tissue Therapy is techniques performed by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) that involves the use of therapeutic touch and manual techniques to help relieve pain, relax muscles, and improve physical function. Soft tissue work may be classified into three categories, Soft tissue mobilizations or manipulations, acupressure, and stretching techniques. Soft Tissue Therapy is simply defined as the manual manipulation of soft tissue administered for the purpose of producing effects on the nervous, muscular, fascial, lymphatic, and circulatory systems to create numerous benefits.
How to prepare for treatment?
Fill out the online intake form prior to your first visit and make an online profile.
If you have any diagnostic image reports (x-ray, ultrasound, MRI), please upload to your online profile/ bring a copy to your appointment.
Wear/bring a change of loose comfortable clothing that you can move around easily in. (loose pants, shorts and shirt are best to wear post treatment.
Avoid eating a big meal 2-3 hours before treatment.
Arrive on time so that you can benefit from the full length of your appointment.
After any treatment, it is encouraged to hydrate the body, get plenty of sleep, and if you choose to exercise keep it gentle: take a walk, stretch, gentle yoga. Epsom salt baths are also encouraged for muscle relaxation and detoxification.
What to expect?
Prior to your first Soft Tissue Therapy session you will need to fill out a detailed intake form followed by a thorough evaluation of your major complaint your therapist will ask you about any health issues, your goals for the session, and your preferred pressure and techniques
You will be given a private room where you will be asked to undress to your level of comfort and lie down on a massage table, covered with a sheet or blanket.
Your therapist will knock on the door to let you know they’re ready, and then enter the room. They may use oil or lotion to help glide over your skin and reduce friction. The therapist will use various techniques such as kneading, gliding, rolling, myofascial release, trigger point release, and cupping, depending on the type of soft tissue therapy you decide to receive.
At the end of the session, your therapist will leave the room to give you privacy while you get dressed. They will then return and discuss any aftercare instructions or recommendations for future sessions.
The number and frequency of sessions required varies depending on the injury or condition. Our Registered Massage Therapists do not diagnose or practice medicine, nor do we attempt to treat disease. If you are concerned about any medical pathology and /or disease, always consult your physician prior to exploring Soft Tissue Therapy treatment.
What Can I expect after the treatment?
After a soft tissue treatment, most people feel relaxed.
In the days that follow, sleep, digestion and energy may improve, and pain and stress are reduced.
You may experience tenderness in some muscles or joints, but not everyone experiences these effects.
If Cupping Therapy was a part of your treatment, the circular marks tend to dissipate within 5-10 days. It is normal to feel itchiness over the marks. Keep the treated area covered, dry and warm. Avoid wind, cold, and dampness.
People report feeling fatigue, fatigue is a sign that your body is healing and processing the toxins released as a result of treatment, allow your body to rest.
After any treatment, it is encouraged to hydrate the body, get plenty of sleep, and if you choose to exercise keep it gentle: take a walk, stretch, gentle yoga. Epsom salt baths are also encouraged for muscle relaxation and detoxification.