MASSAGE EDMONTON

Cupping feels like a slight pull to the skin that may feel temporarily and briefly tingly, a little itchy, or tight, but it should not feel painful. It might initially sting for the first few seconds, to approximately 15 seconds, but the sensation should dissipate quite quickly. The sensation of tingling, itchiness or tight pulling of the skin should also subside quite quickly during a massage treatment. It’s encouraged to communicate with your practitioner if you are too uncomfortable at any time!

The cup marks can last on the skin for up to a week or so, depending on the depth of the treatment and the stagnant blood that was lifted from the deeper layers of fascia during treatment. The marks can range from light pink/practically non existent, to a darker purple hue. The possibility of marks will be communicated by the therapist, and there are other treatment options available, including dynamic (i.e. slide cupping) if you do not want the marks left on the skin.

The red circular marks left behind by the cups are NOT bruises. They may feel a little tender after the cup is removed, but should not feel painful to the touch. Bruises are caused by impact trauma that breaks capillaries in the injured area. But there is NO compression or impact trauma when cupping is done correctly.

The cups are typically left on anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes, depending on the level of stagnant blood that is presenting underneath the cup.

Yes! If you really do not want the cup marks left on the skin, a dynamic (i.e. sliding) cupping technique is also available. The depth of stagnant blood and the benefits gained by blood flow between separated fascial tissue may not be the same, as the longer the cup is left on the skin, the deeper penetrating therapy you may receive. However, similar results can be yielded when the practitioner continues to move the cup, never leaving it in one place for long. This ensures the markings are minimal (you may still receive slight pink markings regardless) and the fascial separation, allowing for blood flow and lymphatic stimulation can still benefit you during your treatment. Ask your practitioner about dynamic cupping!

If the treatment protocol calls for that, then the answer is yes, we absolutely can! This is a therapy based type clinic, and our goal is results. Each practitioner can give a sustained deep pressure throughout the treatment, and will check in with you about pressure tolerance throughout.

We’ve frequently heard at this clinic that our treatments one of the most satisfying treatments they’ve received when it comes to our deep tissue treatments and the relief that’s felt.

Although we love giving deep pressure, we will not purposefully give deep pressure if we think there’s any way it will compromise the effectiveness of your treatment or hurt you, however - please communicate your preferences and expectations with your massage therapist beforehand, and during your treatment if you feel more or less pressure needs to be applied.

It will be up to the practitioner to advise if the pressure should be sustained where it’s at, or if more or less pressure may be applied.

The goal of the Graston technique is to break the adhesions formed in and around the muscles to bring inflammation to the area. The inflammation brought to the area will create a healing process that will not only heal the new micro-traumas caused by this technique; but will heal the original damaged tissue that caused the adhesions to form initially. The Graston Technique focuses on mobility and function of the body and removing the restrictions preventing the body from working optimally. It can be used to also reduce the look of scars; at Strive Holistic we offer a custom 20 minute scar tissue therapy treatment where we can work on a localized area to reduce the look of scar tissue using Graston Technique! To learn more about the Graston Technique, email us at info@striveholistic.com or check out our blog post here.

Absolutely not! There are different practitioners that can offer intra-oral treatments, including chiropractors and massage therapists. We are thoroughly trained in this service, and can offer deep relief from jaw tension, jaw clicking, headaches, neck tension and more with an intra-oral treatment. Try and see for yourself!

A treatment of this type can feel intense, as it is in your mouth and can feel a little invasive to some who feel apprehensive to try, but it is absolutely not painful. The practitioner moves very slowly and delicately within the structures of the mouth and jaw, and will request for feedback in the form of hand signals from the client to ensure they’re well within the range of the client’s tolerance. Intra oral is a unique treatment with very often, quite observable and immediate relief; try it just once!

Thai massage is a clothed massage that is offered on a firm yet comfortable floor mat with pillows for proper body positioning and placement. There is no massage oils or draping used in Thai massage. It utilizes techniques that include compression, stretching, twisting, and joint manipulations. The session follows an ebb and flow rhythm of pressing and stretching the entire body which typically takes longer than a standard therapeutic massage which is why the minimum bookable time for this type of treatment is 90 minutes or more. From assisted hip hinges for a deep hamstring stretch, to shoulder mobility that creates a deep shoulder release, you will feel unwound, lengthened and stretched out after this treatment. Highly recommended to at least try it once and see for yourself!

Since you will remain clothed for your treatment, please wear yoga pants, a tank top or T-shirt, or other looser sweatpants or clothing that you are able to feel comfortable in. The main objective is to feel comfortable moving and stretching in the clothing of your choice!

Thai massage focuses on the slow, passive range of movement of the client, coupled with deep diaphragmatic breathing with the practitioner and client in a rhythmic ebb and flow. The practitioner performing a therapeutic deep tissue massage can sometimes utilize treatments like Graston Technique, cupping therapy, neuromuscular stimulation, cross friction or other more stimulating techniques that offer a more specific orientation to a muscle or group of muscles.

The results from a Thai massage can sometimes leave the client feeling lighter, looser, and deeply relaxed, whereas the traditional therapeutic massage can leave the client feeling relaxed, but also stimulated or “worked over”, with a deeper penetrative feeling to the tissues if the type of session calls for that. This will be discussed between practitioner and client at the time and is always addressed within the client’s comfort level.

Absolutely not! That’s like saying you need to become more flexible before going to a yoga class to work on flexibility. The assistance of a great thai massage can help your joints feel more mobile, and flexible if these are the results you’re seeking over time. the client and practitioner discusses the desired treatment results beforehand.

The answer is, it varies based on your goals! We have clients that have fallen in love with Thai massage and request this only, and some clients who like to alternate. Some clients try it once, and prefer table massage only. I recommend for you to try it once, and based on how you feel about the results, a protocol will be offered by the practitioner at that time.