Centered Self Registered Massage Therapy
by Mara Santo Domingo RMT
The Centered Self Approach
A collection of non-painful massage therapy techniques that treat muscles and joints that influence the nervous system.
Passive Release Techniques
Treating the discomfort found in muscles with compression and movement in order to release tension found in patterns of movement throughout the body
Joint Realignment
Promoting relief from pain by encouraging healthy circulation and movement in the body through treatment of bones of the head, joints in the spine, collarbone, shoulders, wrists, hips, knees and ankles.
GTO Release (tendon release)
Regulating the “sense organ” found in tendons to help let go of excess tension that muscles might be holding on to
Postural Balancing
Combination of myofascial release, trigger point release and muscle strengthening to treat imbalances in connective tissue to improve postural alignment, breathing, and allow for easier movement
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All techniques are performed with a light touch and achieve a deep tissue effect by "listening" to the body using a skill called palpation to influence a change in the quality of soft tissue with the intent to restore it to a healthier state and function. Through years of clinical practice, it was observed that providing release for deep spinal muscles can have a positive influence towards the symptoms of nerve pathology such as spasticity, rigidity, spasms, cramping, and stiffness. Following the mechanisms of how force tends to travel through the body, patterns in tendon points were found to act as "anchoring" areas where large joints have to work together in many combinations to perform habitual movement.
At any given time, a living body has a certain amount of tension throughout the body which is identified as tone and allows for movement by means of counter forces. As the knee bends, the hip must flex in order to bear weight on the next step. As the ankle receives weight from the toes the lower back has to brace in order for the hips to have balance. This is but one example of many dynamic exchanges that happens just in walking and standing alone. It was observed that by focusing therapeutic interventions on restoring function with specific intent for the purpose of improving the quality of movement, that beneficial neurological effects would follow with an improved sense of well being and mental clarity.
Using massage therapy it is possible to provide improved quality of balance, reduced chronic discomfort, better circulation, and easier movement.
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Licensed Professionals
We strive to provide a high level of healthcare by carefully performing routine health intakes, assessments and evidence based planning to make sure you receive the safest and most effective treatments possible.
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If your conditions or goals are beyond our scope and training, we have a developed network of healthcare professionals and alternative care that include naturopaths, psychotherapists, life coaches, acupuncturists, physiotherapists and other RMTs that offer a different approach. When you choose to work with us, know that you are consistently choosing quality and excellence.
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Compassionate Care
We would not be who we are without our desire to offer compassionate care, which is at the core of our philosophy. We are constantly working to improve our offerings and expand upon our capabilities when it comes to practicing massage therapy.
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Quality Education
We believe that education and knowledge are part of being self empowered in healthcare. This is especially true when it comes to helping you learn about how your body works in words you understand. You deserve to have clinically accurate knowledge for prevention, self-care, and evaluation to see what types of treatments can help you reach your goals.
My Story
I am a Registered Massage Therapist offering private healthcare in Kitchener Ontario and have been in practice for over half a decade. I studied at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy with my internship focus based on hospice care and sports massage. I have served the community in a variety of settings including multi-disciplinary clinics, wellness centers, chiropractic, naturopathic and physiotherapy clinics.
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With a background in traditional Tai Chi, Sports Massage, and Personal Training I use my knowledge and experience to take deep tissue to the level of joint health, nerve health and connective tissue function. My passion is in helping people who may have lost hope due to impingements creating debilitating pain that prevents them from doing basic daily activities.
Over my clinical career, I have worked with athletes at the OHL and Varsity levels including tennis, figure skating, ultra-marathon runners, skateboarders, and martial artists. I have also worked with post-concussion management to reduce headaches, jaw clenching. mental fog, altered sensation and reduced energy levels. In recent years I have helped patients with severe injuries such as broken legs and arms and other conditions such as post-cancer therapy treatments and severe anxiety.
My clinical philosophy is deeply rooted in discovering cause and effect and understanding how this relates to our inner experience of our body to empower the people who work with me by helping them identify practical steps that can benefit their body immediately. I use myofascial balancing, tendon release techniques, trigger point release and joint mobilizations to improve pain points in the body's structures to promote the body's natural healing ability combined with regular reassessments to help client's see a quantifiable change from their massage therapy treatment.
"The body is alive with its own wisdom and knowledge that our minds don't always see. Listening to the body, we can find the path of least resistance to improving well being."