I get asked this a lot and I find it a difficult question to answer after more than 13 years of massaging.
Typically in Alberta our massage training is based on Swedish massage techniques. This is by far the most common type of massage you’ll find and it was certainly where I started.
After years of continuing education, ongoing research and collaboration with other health professionals my experience base and techniques have expanded into all sorts of areas. As with most massage therapists who stay in the profession for more than a few years, we end up not having a specific “type” of massage. Instead we continually pull from our experience bank to use the most appropriate techniques based on your health issues and also how your body is responding.
I’ve had training in Swedish massage, pre and post natal massage, manual lymphatic drainage, deep tissue work, hydrotherapy, joint mobilization, myofascial therapy, pre and post natal massage, relaxation massage, trigger point work, shiatsu, cupping (including fire cupping) and aromatherapy as well as a few others I’m sure I’m forgetting. While many massage therapists branch into other areas which are more suited to spa and relaxation settings, I’ve preferred to focus on therapeutic work.
I’ve worked with a wide range of demographics and health conditions over the years, including pain management, mental health support, post surgical work, body maintenance and injury recovery for athletes and physically demanding careers, working with seniors and motor vehicle accidents to just name a few areas. I love a challenge and am always happy to research something new as well as work with other health professions.