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Therapeutic Massage &        Bodywork Clinic


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Olga Raffa is a Fully Insured and Certified  Massage Therapist

Since 1989

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Integrated Bodywork Techniques

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Authentic massage treatments applied where needed and based on ancient healing techniques,  restore the body’s natural balance and well-being through highly-skilled, detailed and effective massage.

Please select from the following Integrated Bodywork Massage treatments to find out more. Treatments can include elements of each and are tailored to your specific body condition.

A lot can be accomplished in one treatment, although the most lasting benefit will be reached through a series of  treatments followed by regular maintenance. ( Package rates available)

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SPORTS & REMEDIAL MASSAGE

Sports &  Remedial Massage is a results oriented treatment that is specifically directed to address conditions that may have been diagnosed by an osteopath or physician. The therapist can use a variety of techniques that work with the intent on improving soft tissue conditions, increase circulation, reduce or eliminate pain and inflammation, restore function, improve flexibility and posture, reduce stress and calm the nervous system. 


The following are a few conditions that can be successfully treated with massage therapy:

•  Low Back Pain

•  Neck Pain

•  Myofascial Pain Syndrome

•  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

•  Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

•  TMJ Symptoms

•  Trigger Point Pain

•  Sciatic Symptoms

•  Plantar Fasciitis

•  ITB Syndrome

•  Piriformis Syndrome

•  Whiplash

•  Migraines

Many techniques of massage therapy can be applied in order to reach patient goals.

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STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

“If you can imagine how it feels to have a fluid, light, balanced body, free of pain, stiffness and at ease with itself and Earth’s gravitational field – then you will understand the goals of Structural Integration.”- Ida P. Rolf, Ph. D

STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION AND THE 10 SERIES is a form of deep soft tissue bodywork. It releases patterns of stress and tension that inhibit the body from moving freely by balancing the “structure” in gravity.

Structural Integration enhances the body’s pattern of organization. When the body is balanced in gravity it functions at higher levels of efficiency, coordination, movement, balance, flexibility, strength, and ease.

What is the basic ten series?

The ten sessions is broken down into 3 categories. The superficial session, the core sessions and the integrating sessions.

Sessions 1 to 3 focus on releasing the superficial layers of the connective tissue that can be described as the muscles close to the surface of the body also being called the sleeve muscles.


Sessions 4 to 7 are considered the core sessions. When I say this I mean the deep musculature and connective tissue of the body. Also called the intrinsic muscles, these help us with fine motor movement and produce graceful and fluid movement.

Sessions 8 to 10 are designed to integrate the core and the sleeve. The practitioner balances and aligns the patterns of the body and looks at re-ordering rotational patterns in the structure. The tenth and final session is also one of integration, but more importantly, serves to inspire a sense of order and balance

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NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a very specialized form of manual therapy. A therapist trained in NMT is educated in the physiology of the nervous system and its effect on the muscular and skeletal systems. The Neuromuscular Therapist also is educated in kinesiology and biomechanics and how to work in a clinical or medical environment. By definition, Neuromuscular Therapy is the utilization of static pressure on specific myofascial points to relieve pain. This technique manipulates the soft tissue of the body (muscles, tendons and connective tissue) to balance the central nervous system. In a healthy individual, nerves transmit impulses (which are responsible for every movement, function and thought) to the body very slowly. Injury, trauma, postural distortion or stress cause nerves to speed up their transmission, inhibiting equilibrium and making the body vulnerable to pain and dysfunction.

It is therefore necessary to stabilize low levels of neurological activity to maintain normal function and overall health.

Neuromuscular Therapy will be used to address five elements that cause pain:

Ischemia: Lack of blood supply to soft tissues which causes hypersensitivity to touch Trigger Points: Highly irritated points in muscles which refer pain to other parts of the body

Nerve Compression or Entrapment: Pressure on a nerve by soft tissue, cartilage or bone


Postural Distortion: Imbalance of the muscular system resulting from the movement of the body off the longitudinal and horizontal planes


Biomechanical Dysfunction: Imbalance of the musculoskeletal system resulting in faulty movement patterns (i.e., poor lifting habits, bad mechanics in a golf swing of tennis stroke, computer keyboarding)

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APPLIED KINESIOLOGY

The theory of muscle testing was first developed by The Kendalls (a husband and wife team) and an orthopaedic surgeon, R.W.Lovett, who was working with polio victims in the 1930’s. It was further refined by a chiropractor, Dr. George Goodheart, in the 1960’s who added techniques from both Eastern and Western medicine.

Kinesiology, also known as biomechanics, is the study of body movement. Applied kinesiology (AK) which is also know as muscle strength testing, is a method of diagnosis and treatment based on the belief that various muscles are linked to particular organs and glands, and that specific muscle weakness can signal distant internal problems such as nerve damage, reduced blood supply, chemical imbalances or other organ or gland problems. Practitioners contend that by correcting this muscle weakness, you can help heal a problem in the associated internal organ.

Kinesiology, also known as biomechanics, is the study of body movement. Applied kinesiology (AK) which is also know as muscle strength testing, is a method of diagnosis and treatment based on the belief that various muscles are linked to particular organs and glands, and that specific muscle weakness can signal distant internal problems such as nerve damage, reduced blood supply, chemical imbalances or other organ or gland problems. Practitioners contend that by correcting this muscle weakness, you can help heal a problem in the associated internal organ.

Kinesiology, as it stands today, spans the full spectrum of health. The principles are practiced worldwide by doctors, dentists, chiropractors, osteopaths, naturopaths, physiotherapists, nutritionists and educators. It is also used by athletes, performers, school children and businessmen and women.

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PRE AND POST NATAL MASSAGE

Pregnancy Massage


During pregnancy your body goes through major structural, physiological, psychological, spiritual and social changes.


Some of these changes may produce discomfort and emotional problems. Massage can ease these discomforts and help provide a feeling of relaxation and well being.


It also can help an expectant mother prepare physically and emotionally for the changes that will occur during the time of pregnancy.


Post partum massage can be beneficial in relieving the everyday aches and strains of managing your new baby and as a source of relaxation.


Having regular massages during pregnancy can help you to maintain good health, relieve you of stress and worry, and help ease you through your pregnancy.

What are the benefits of Pregnancy Massage?


Helps to ease backache, headaches, muscle aches and pains

Decreases pain in the pelvic/hip area

Increases circulation and improves skin elasticity which reduces stretch marks

Reduces stress and anxiety, which will help to stabilize hormone levels

Reduces fatigue and assists with digestion

Helps to reduce swelling in places such as ankles, legs and hands


There are some contraindicated conditions during pregnancy, so we suggest you check with your GP or midwife before your 1st appointment.

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HAWAIIAN LOMI LOMI

Margaret Kalehuamakanoelulu'uonapali Machado "Auntie Margret" was a Healer, teacher and Hawiian Treasure. She taught that Lomi Lomi is a unique healing massage derived from the ancient Polynesians and more specifically the master healers of Hawaii.

To understand the depth of Lomi Lomi massage, it helps to have an understanding of the Hawaiian philosophy called Hoponopono, and how the philosophies of Huna relate to bodywork and healing.


The massage is given in fluid, rhythmic motion using the forearms as well as the hands. Some people have described this as feeling like gentle waves moving over the body. By not working on areas in isolation a deep sense of balance and harmony is achieved.


One of the alternate names for Lomi Lomi, and that is "Loving Hands" massage and prayer work. The reason for this is that it works gently yet deeply into the muscles with continuous, flowing strokes, totally nurturing the body and, enabling the recipient to relax, give in and simply be. So whilst technique is an important part of the massage and associated healing, much of the work is done by love, with the focus of the practitioner on the client being deep and complete, using loving hands and a loving heart.

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BIO-ENERGETIC MASSAGE AND REIKI

Our bodies operate by a series of electro-chemical reactions. Information is transferred throughout the nervous system by a series of electro-chemical reactions. Respiration (breathing) is a chemical reaction. Signals that cause muscles to contract and release are carried through electrical signals. The interaction of the resulting fields (chemical and electro/magnetic) combine to form what Western science now terms, "The Bio-Energetic Field".\


Energy based bodywork has been practiced for thousands of years all around the world. A few examples are Aryuveda from India, Native American Shamanism, Acupressure from China, and Japans Reiki (which is believed to have originated in ancient Tibet and India). Modern day energy workers and ancient philosophies & techniques have the common goal of balancing the human (and animals!) energy system.


Within a healing touch session, the practitioners hands are lightly touching the client or are a few inches up to a foot or more from the clients body. It may seem a little odd at first and possibly even "airy fairy", but healing touch work is based on science...period. Benefits include; Calming anxiety, depression & stress, decreasing pain, strengthening the immune system, enhancing recovery from surgery, supporting cancer care, easing acute and chronic conditions, creating a sense of well-being, complementary care for back and neck problems and possibly a deepening spiritual connection, (whatever that means for the client.) 

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REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is a non-intrusive complementary therapy that applies pressure to reflex points on the hands and feet to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanism. Through a variety of techniques, reflexology will probe, stimulate and massage these reflex points which can lead to a number of positive outcomes for the client.

These outcomes may include:

•  A deep sense of relaxation

•  Reduced tension which can help improve circulation following improved blood flow

•  Reduced stress due to relaxation and a more balanced emotional state

•  Detoxification of the body through improved lymphatic drainage as any build up of waste is reduced and eliminated

•  A return to a natural state of equilibrium known as homeostasis


Whilst it is hard to pinpoint an exact start date for reflexology, there is clear evidence to support a form of hand and foot therapy as far back as 4,000 B.C. in China. In addition, wall paintings depicting early signs of reflexology were found in Ancient Egypt in the pyramid of Ankmahor, known as the ‘physician’s tomb’ . These paintings date back to approximately 2,500 B.C.

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SHIATSU

Shiatsu: Japanese Acupressure is a form of massage, which is often done through the clothes and incorporates simple points and holds. .Like acupuncture, Shiatsu stimulates the body’s vital energy (known as Qi or Ki). Shiatsu is calm and relaxing in nature, yet dynamic in effect; the body begins to re-adjust itself and healing takes place.


The receiver is supported to become more aware of their body/mind as an integrated whole, on either a conscious or subconscious level. They become aware of areas of tension or weakness on either a physical or emotional level and through this process healing occurs.


As well as the points and meridians of acupuncture, work with the physical body, muscles, joints, blood and so on, is included. Massage type strokes like kneading or effleurage are part of shiatsu. It is characterised by extensive use of pressure techniques over acupoints often done using thumb or palms.

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SEATED ACUPRESSURE MASSAGE

Seated Acupressure Massage (sometimes also called on-site massage) is based on the traditional Japanese acupressure technique called anma. Anma is Japanese for ‘press and rub’ and this therapy aims to stimulate the acupressure points in the head, neck, shoulders, spine and lower back.

Although many clients choose to visit a practitioner for a massage, many others choose to use the services of an on-site practitioner: someone who will bring their massage chair to the workplace so that employees can benefit from the therapy

We recommend Olga's Mobile Seated Acupressure : For your Office, Party or Corporate event.

A revitalizing treatment that increases circulation, aids concentration and works to reduce muscular tension. 

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