Massage therapy is recognized as one of the oldest methods of healing, with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old. In fact, Hippocrates, known as the "father of medicine," referenced massage when he wrote, in the 4th century B.C.: "The physician must be acquainted with many things, and assuredly with rubbing."

Today, in addition to "rubbing," massage therapy refers to the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading and compression using primarily the hands, although massage therapists do use other areas of the body, such as the forearms, elbows or feet. All of the techniques are used for the benefit of the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. In fact, massage therapy positively influences the overall health and well-being of the client:


Currently, there are well over 100,000 massage therapists practicing in Canada and the United States. Training requirements varies between jurisdictions, although to practice as a massage therapist in New Brunswick one must meet certain qualifications and pass the requirements of the provincial board.

In New Brunswick, and most other Canadian Provinces, a massage therapist must have at least 2200 hours of training from a recognized educational institution and an additional 200 hours of clinical practice and community outreach.

Massage therapists are trained in several techniques, anatomy and physiology, orthopedic assessment, biomechanics, and remedial exercise.

All the therapists at the Active Therapy Clinic are registered and recognized by extended health care plans as they have have passed the requirements of the provincial board.

Common conditions that can be treated by our staff include:

Arthritis Achilles Tendonitis Ankle Injuries Athletic recovery Back Pain/Injuries Bicipital Tendonitis Bunions Bursitis Carpal tunnel syndrome Compartment syndrome Chronic pain De Quervains's tenosynovitis Dupuytren's contracture Foot pain/injury Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis Gait Imbalances Golfers Elbow Golf Injuries Hammer Toes Hand Injuries Headaches & Migraines Hip Pain Iliotibial Band Syndrome Impingement syndromes Injury recovery and prevention Insomnia Joint dysfunction Knee meniscus injuries Knee Pain Leg Injuries

Low vitality/energy Muscle pulls or strains Muscle tension Muscle weakness Myofascitis Neck / shoulder tension & pain Nerve Entrapment Syndromes Performance Care Plantar Fascitis Post surgical Repetitive strain injuries Rib Pain Rotator cuff syndrome Running Injuries Scar Tissue Formation Sciatica Shin splints Shoulder Pain Sports Injuries Stress Reduction Swimmers Shoulder Tendinitis Tennis elbow Thoracic outlet syndrome Throwing Injuries TMJ Weight Lifting Injuries Whiplash (Hyperextension/hyperflexion injury) Wrist Injuries

Most extended health care plans do not require a physician’s referral for massage therapy. However, each plan is different, so we advise our clients to check with your provider prior to scheduling an appointment.

The first time you visit our clinic, you will be asked to complete a confidential health history form to ensure massage is safe for your condition. We will review all the information you provide and discuss your areas of concern for this treatment.

Upon your consent, the therapist will then perform a thorough examination that will include a postural assessment; Range of Motion Testing; Orthopaedic tests and neurological assessments.

The therapist will explain the treatment plan and inform you of what areas will be touched, what clothing to remove, what position you will be lying in (i.e., on your back or on your belly), etc.

Upon the client’s consent to the treatment plan, the therapist will leave the room and you will undress privately and get on the table covering up with the sheet.

The therapist will knock before re-entering the treatment room.

Once the session begins the therapist will undrape only the area being treated.

After the session is completed, you will be instructed how to get off the table before the therapist leaves the room.

The first visit requires an assessment and therefore the client should bring with them a one piece bathing suit or shorts and a tank top. This allows for more accurate testing of the client.

During your session your therapist will instruct you how to get on the table, the treatment plan, and will leave the room to allow you to undress privately.

The only areas that will be exposed during the treatment are the areas to be massaged. For example, for a back and neck treatment, you will remove clothing from the waist up, all other areas will be covered by a sheet.

If you prefer leaving your clothes on, the therapist can work through the clothing, however, the massage would be most effective with direct contact on the skin.

Being well hydrated with extra water intake will help to remove the toxins and other metabolites that are released during your treatment.

On your first visit, be prepared to have your blood pressure taken. This is most accurately done a minimum of a half hour after the intake of caffeine or tobacco.

You may feel very relaxed, even a bit lightheaded due to the release of toxins into your bloodstream. If the treatment was intense, you may experience some fatigue or possible discomfort in the areas that required deeper techniques in order to help restore them to normal. The tenderness usually lasts no longer than 24-48 hours post-treatment. Typically, a client that feels tired immediately after a treatment, will experience an increase in energy levels anywhere from half and hour to two hours post-treatment. If there are any added problems, contact your therapist for further instructions.

The therapist will ensure that the client is sent home with the appropriate home care techniques to further the healing process. A sequence of remedial stretching and strengthening exercises will be provided to encourage recovery. Along with the exercises that are specifically chosen for your condition, the appropriate hydrotherapy will be taught (whether to ice or use heat and for how long). In most instances, the therapist will provide added tips on postural adjustments and relaxation techniques that will also aid in stress management and recovery from injury.

During pregnancy a woman's body undergoes many changes, some of them stressful and uncomfortable. Massage is a perfect way to reduce stress and promote general well-being.

• Massage helps mother's body to eliminate waste products through the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which combat fatigue and helps the mother feel more energetic.
• By aiding circulation, massage eases the load on mothers heart and helps to keep her blood pressure in check.
• Muscular discomforts, such as cramping, tightening, stiffness, tension and knots can all be alleviated.
• Massage helps carry away the lactic acid and other cellular waste products that build up and cause muscle fatigue.
• Massage can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.
• Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts during pregnancy, such as backaches, neck stiffness, leg cramps, headaches, edema, and sore, swollen ankles and feet.
• Massage increases local and general blood circulation, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the cells of both the mother and fetus. This means greater vitality, less fatigue and better nourishment for the baby.
• Massage stimulates glandular secretions, which helps stabilize hormone levels.
• It relaxes tense muscles and tones loose muscles, and can also increase muscular flexibility. Flexibility will be most helpful during the last trimester and during the birth itself.
• Massage helps to soothe and relax nervous tension, which helps the mother sleep more easily and more deeply. Incidentally, doctors all agree that a relaxed mother will have a happier, healthier pregnancy and possibly an easier childbirth experience, too.
• Massage can be used after the birth of the child to help her regain strength more quickly and ease postpartum stress.

Our traditional full-body relaxation massage uses a set of manual techniques referred to as "Swedish massage".The therapist will use broad effleurage maneuvers to alleviate aches and pains, leaving you feeling completely relaxed from head to toe.The therapist can spend between one and two hours working on various areas of the body known to store tension such as the neck and shoulders. The purpose of a relaxation massage is to alleviate discomfort, encourage a deep sense of relaxation and restore balance to otherwise hectic lives. The massage is tailored to suit a client's special needs such as attention to base of the skull to relieve headaches, or hand and foot massages to alleviate pressure points. Take the time to rejuvenate yourself

Get energized and feel ready-to-go! We warm up and stretch your muscles before you take to the tennis court, swimming pool or an aerobic class. This massage will help decrease your chances of injury and improve recovery time.

Active Release Techniques has become one of most sought after soft tissue treatments in the world today. It is one of the most effective forms of treatment for repetitive-motion injuries (RSI), and has helped Olympic athletes achieve gold medals.

ART is not Massage Therapy! Massage Therapy is able to aid in rehabilitating physical injuries by acting directly upon the muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems. ART and massage therapy work extremely well together as adjunctive therapies, with each serving different functions. Massage therapy, by itself, does not effectively address issues related to scar tissue.

ART is not Physiotherapy! Physiotherapy includes procedures such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and the application of electro-physical modalities. These are valuable procedures, but again, they do not address or resolve the underlying problems caused by the formation of scar tissues.

ART is not Chiropractic Care! Traditional Chiropractic care focuses upon the relationship between the spinal skeletal system and the nervous system; it does not focus upon the treatment of soft-tissue. ART and Chiropractic do work well together, but without ART, the results of Chiropractic techniques are often limited in their ability to provide complete resolution for many soft-tissue conditions. Chiropractic works well to release joint capsule restrictions, but these restrictions will return if the original soft-tissue problems are not addressed.

Proficiency at ART takes a long time to develop. Training is hands on. The right touch is the most difficult aspect learn, and takes a strong commitment of time, effort, and resources. There is a small but growing number of ART providers who have been personally trained. ART is rapidly becoming THE treatment choice for top athletes.

There are many people who claim to practice the Active Release Techniques. However the only individuals who are legally allowed to to make this claim are those have undergone rigorous training and testing.

Our bodies contain special protein structures called Fascia (a type of connective tissue). Fascial tissue interconnects all the components of your body, and acts as a flexible skeleton. When this tissue is healthy, it is smooth and slippery, allowing the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and organs to move freely and function properly.

Imagine a piece of scotch tape, the smooth side is healthy fascia, the sticky side is scar tissue or unhealthy fascia. Try rubbing both sides of the tape along your skin. The smooth side slips easily across your skin. The sticky side drags across your skin. The drag that you feel, the "pulling" sensation is how an adhesion affects the smooth functioning of your body.

Adhesions attach to muscles, decreasing their ability to work properly. You know you have an adhesion on a nerve if you get many abnormal sensations like numbness, tingling, or pain.

ART can help everyone, from the athlete, office worker, to the house keeper.

Many professional athletes have come to regard ART very highly for it almost miraculous treatment of serious injuries. Big names like Canadian Olympic gold medalist Donovan Bailey and NHL hockey player Gary Roberts have benefited from ART.

Gary Roberts, for example, was unable to return to hockey after two neck surgeries failed to correct his dizzy spells. He accredits ART with correcting the problem, and for allowing him to return to professional hockey.

ART is not a magic medical bullet or a cure-all. Active Release Techniques is non invasive, very safe, has virtually no side effects, and has a record of producing very good results.

Treatments can feel uncomfortable during the movement phases as the scar tissue or adhesions "Break up". This discomfort is temporary and subsides almost immediately after the treatment. It is common to feel a duplication of your pain symptoms during the treatment, a good indication that the problem has been identified.

Treatments take about 8-15 minutes for area treated and may require 2 to 10 visits. Patients report that "It hurts good".

Once the ART practitioner has released the restrictive adhesions between tissues, post-treatment exercises become a critical part of the healing process and act to ensure the RSI does not return.

There are four fundamental areas that must be addressed in any exercise program:

Flexibility: Good flexibility enables muscles and joints to move through their full range of motion. Poor flexibility leads to a higher chance of injury to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Stretching exercises are only effective if they are executed after the adhesions within the soft-tissue have been released. Stretching exercises that are applied to adhered tissues will only stretch the tissues above and below the restrictions. The actual restricted and adhered tissues are seldom stretched, leading to further biomechanical imbalances.

Strength: Strengthening exercises are most effective after the adhesions within the soft-tissue have been released. Attempts to strengthen already-shortened and contracted muscles only results in further contraction and restriction. This causes the formation of yet more adhesions and restrictive tissues, and exacerbates the Repetitive Injury Cycle. This is why the application of generic or non-specific strengthening exercises for RSI seldom works.

Balance and Proprioception: Proprioception describes the body’s ability to react appropriately (through balance and touch) to external forces. Proprioception exercises should begin early in the rehabilitation process. Effective proprioception exercises are designed to restore the kinesthetic awareness of the patient. These exercises form the basis for the agility, strength, and endurance required for complete rehabilitation.

Cardiovascular: Cardiovascular or aerobic exercises are essential for restoring good circulation and for increasing oxygen delivery to soft-tissues. Lack of oxygen and poor circulation is a primary accelerant of repetitive strain injuries.

After patients have received ART treatments to resolve obvious soft-tissue injuries, they are often keen to return to activities and sports that were previously denied to them by their injury.

At this point, ART can provide patients with a means to enhance their sports performance by identifying and releasing restrictions that reduce their performance in that activity. This typically occurs after the practitioner conducts a biomechanical analysis of the patients motion. During the biomechanical analysis and the subsequent treatment, the practitioner:

• Evaluates your gait, motion, and posture.
• Identifies the biomechanical dysfunctions that are restricting your performance.
• Finds the soft-tissue structures that are the primary cause of the biomechanical dysfunction as well as affected structures along the kinetic chain.
• Treats the soft-tissue dysfunctions with ART to restore full function to the affected structures.

ART Performance Care has been used to improve athletic performance for everyone from the amateur athlete to Olympic Gold medalists. Many well-known athletes and celebrities have benefited from ART Performance Care, including:

• NHL hockey player – Gary Roberts
• Canadians Figure skaters and Olympic Gold medalists Jamie Sale and David Pelletier
• Mr. Universe Milos Sarcev
• Members of several Olympic teams, including the nations of Canada, United States, New Zealand, and Australia.
• Numerous PGA Golf professionals.

• It is a manual form of treatment that is used to identify and correct any malfunctioning structures within the body. In order for the body to function properly, there is an inherent need for the body’s structures to be aligned and healthy.
• With the use of their hands, Osteopaths identify abnormalities and implement different modalities to make adjustments to the body’s structures. They are facilitators of the body’s ability to heal itself using a variety of stretching, mobilizing and manipulative techniques.
• Osteopaths use a gentle approach for manipulation and allow the body an opportunity to release itself when it is ready, rather than to force releases upon the structures.
• The goal of Osteopathy is to locate and then reduce or resolve any somatic dysfunctions.

• Upon your first visit, the Osteopath will take a medical history and ask any relevant lifestyle questions to establish primary concerns.
• You will then be asked to wear shorts and a tank top so that a postural and functional assessment can be performed to identify any somatic dysfunctions in the structures.
• A treatment plan will be established and may include soft tissue massage, gentle joint mobilizations or manipulations, and muscle stretching.
• Although treatments are geared towards prompt alleviation of painful symptoms, you will also receive suggestions for lifestyle adjustments to nutrition, posture, exercise or stretching.

• Osteopathic care does not require a formal referral from your doctor.
• As Scott is a Registered Massage Therapist with 15 years of experience, he combines his massage therapy techniques within each treatment which hence may be covered by massage therapy benefits.

• Osteopathic treatments are one of the safest and non-intrusive forms of soft tissue therapy to date.
• It is rare that a patient would feel many side effects other than mild muscle soreness, fatigue or some tenderness in the areas that have been treated.