Swedish Massage Therapy in Yorkville

Ancient cultures including Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Classical Indian have been developing intricate systems of both medicine and therapeutic body work for well over 5000 years. The true father of massage would be a Dutch practitioner, Jon George Mezger (1838-1909). He co-founded the oldest massage therapy association in the Netherlands in 1891. He took the effort of systemizing massage strokes which was a step towards seperating massage from exercise.

The most famous physician embracing modern-day massage was Dr. Kellog, who published The Act of Massage in 1895. Between 1928 and 1978 so called Swedish Massage has been developed and taught in all Canadian and American schools. It consisted of four basic strokes described by Dr. Klein in 1892 (efferage, petrissage, friction, tapotement and vibration techniques). In 1898 passive ranges of motion (ROM) exercises where included in the training. By the end of the 20th century there were 75 Swedish techniques, and massage started an era of specialization branching out into sports, on-site, deep myofascial release, craniosacral, manual lymph drainage, aromatherapy, geriatric, infant and pregnancy massage. The pressure can range from light to firm, depending on the preference of the client.

The benefits of this treatment are different for different people but include improved joint mobility, enhanced movement of lymph and reduction of pain. It loosens tight muscles, stimulates circulation, relaxes the body and can help alleviate the symptoms of depression. Clients often report a relief of stress and anxiety and an improved sense of well-being.

Prenatal and pre/post sports event massage are also available.

More information on massage therapy can be found online.

Our therapist at the Bay Bloor Wellness Clinic is Rosalin Peacock, RMT