MASSAGE THERAPY
Registered massage therapy uses specialized manual techniques to help people manage pain, injury, stress, movement dysfunction and symptoms of vestibular disorders. It works by reducing muscle tension, normalizing tissue movement, promoting better blood and lymph flow, reducing inflammation and calming the nervous system.
In addition to traditional massage, Laura Manning offers specialized massage services in Craniosacral therapy, Lymphatic Drainage massage and TMJ (Jaw) dysfunction management:
Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST)
Treatment that uses gentle contact to assist with underlying issues such as an overstressed nervous system, fascial problems, headaches, TMJ problems, regional pain syndromes, and other concerns. CST uses a light touch to examine membranes and movement of fluids in and around the central nervous system and works to boost inherent self-regulation, self-correction and self-healing. The therapy can be used successfully with children and adults.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
MLD assist your body’s lymphatic system to decrease fluid retention in the limbs, torso, abdomen, and face. It is a gentle hands-on treatment that is effective in reducing symptoms of lymphoedema, post surgical / injury swelling, and assist with reducing water retention. The aim of the massage is to stimulate or move the excess fluid away from the swollen area so that it can drain away normally. This Massage also encourages and improves drainage in the body.
How it might help:
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: CST can help release tight muscles and fascia (connective tissue) around the jaw, neck, and skull, which may allow the Eustachian tubes (which help drain the ears) to open more easily.
- Dizziness & Tinnitus: These can sometimes be caused by imbalances or tension in the bones or tissues of the head and inner ear. CST works to gently rebalance those areas.
- Swelling and bloating control
- Sinus Problems: Gentle techniques around the face and skull can help release pressure and improve drainage of the sinuses.
In short: CST aims to improve the natural movement of fluids and reduce restrictions around the head and spine, which may relieve pressure and improve how things drain and function.
How They Work Together:
- Craniosacral therapy works on the structure—helping the bones, tissues, and nerves move and function better.
- Lymphatic massage works on the flow—helping fluids drain and inflammation go down.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD)
TMJD focuses on releasing tension in the primary muscles of the jaw, specifically the masseter and temporalis. This often involves intra-oral work, where the therapist uses a gloved finger to reach deep muscles like the pterygoids from inside the mouth. They also address “referred pain” by massaging the neck, shoulders, and scalp to correct postural imbalances that strain the jaw. Through a combination of trigger point therapy and gentle joint mobilization, the goal is to reduce inflammation, stop clicking, and restore a full range of motion. This comprehensive approach shifts the jaw from a state of chronic clenching to functional relaxation.
