Frequently Asked Questions

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system, which has been shown to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, as well as many other systems of the body, such as digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and more. CST has also been shown to help with the physical components related to such somatic conditions as Post Traumatic Stress, depression and anxiety. Source: https://www.upledger.com/therapies/

Myofascial release (MFR) is a style of manual therapy engagement that typically uses slow, still, prolonged stretched to facilitate change in the patient. Whether having its primary effects on fascia, as historically believed, or on skin, muscle, other tissues, or the nervous system in general, it is realistically a more complex direct and indirect interrelationship of overlapping systems. The goal of MFR is most often to reduce the feeling of tightness and to lessen pain, allowing for more freedom of movement and improvement in functional abilities. Source: Walt Fritz, 2018

Visceral Manipulation is organ-specific fascial mobilization and is based on the premise that free movement within the body is vital, and thus any restriction will adversely affect health. It evaluates and treats the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes, fascia, and ligaments. Visceral Manipulation relies on the palpation of normal and abnormal forces within the body, with the specific goal of encouraging normal tone and movements, both within and between the internal organs, their connective tissue, and other structures of the body where normal motion has been impaired. By using precise manual techniques, such as palpation of the superficial and deep fascia and the mobility and motility of individual organs, therapists can evaluate how abnormal forces interplay, overlap, and affect the normal body forces at work. The goal of Visceral Manipulation is to help the person's body return to normal function and thereby remove compensatory symptoms, whatever their source, leading to improved health and optimal body functioning. Source: https://www.barralinstitute.com/therapies/index.php

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a technique that was developed in 1948 by Fred Mitchell, Sr, D.O. It is a form of manual therapy, widely used in Osteopathy, that uses a muscle’s own energy in the form of gentle isometric contractions to relax the muscles via autogenic or reciprocal inhibition and lengthen the muscle. As compared to static stretching which is a passive technique in which the therapist does all the work, MET is an active technique in which the patient is also an active participant. Source: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Muscle_Energy_Technique

Neural Manipulation works to restore overall balance in a person's nervous system. Neural Manipulation identifies and releases local nerve restrictions while at the same time examines the effect these local fixations have on the rest of the body, and by accessing this relationship, resolves the more comprehensive (global) dysfunctional patterns. Source: https://www.barralinstitute.com/therapies/nm.php

Yes! Shanda has completed the Evidence Informed Clinical Cupping course through Cupping Canada Inc. Shanda can offer cupping as a technique during massage treatments. If you know you would like to include cupping in your treatment, or discuss if it might be a great technique to include in your treatment please contact us to discuss further.

Biotone Advanced Therapy Massage Lotion. The unscented lotion is hypoallergenic and paraben free, formulated for sensitive skin. This lotion is nut oil free and contains no minerals oils, leaving an non-greasy finish. Ingredients: Purified Water, Coconut Oil Ester (octyl palmitate), Blend of Apricot Oil (Prunus Armeniaca), Sesame Oil (Sesamum Indicum) and Grapeseed Oil (Vitis Vinifera), Canola Oil (Brassica Napus), Emulsifying Wax NF, Glycerin, Grapeseed Extract (Vitis Vinifera), Carbomer, Germal, Dimethicone, TEA. Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.

We encourage clients to wear comfortable clothing for both massage and yoga sessions. This supports unrestricted movement for assessment, stretching, home-care and any massage treatment techniques which are performed with the client clothed.

Yes to most major insurance companies. Shanda is registered with the Massage Therapy Association of Alberta so massage therapy services are eligible to be claimed, which includes craniosacral therapy and visceral manipulation.