What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy is a clinically-oriented healthcare option that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with every day occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions.

Massage therapy should only be provided by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). An RMT is a primary healthcare provider in Ontario and anyone may visit an RMT of their choice.

Massage therapy can be used as a treatment for both acute and chronic conditions. RMTs work with a wide variety of patients in the treatment of illness, injury rehabilitation and disability.

The services of an RMT are not covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP); however, many extended health benefit plans will cover all or part of the services provided by an RMT. A referral or prescription is not required to visit an RMT, although some insurance companies may require this. Massage therapy treatments may also be reimbursed by automobile insurance companies, if the client was in a motor vehicle accident, or in the case of workplace injuries, by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

What to expect at your first appointment?

On the first visit you will complete a confidential health history as part of your assessment. Your massage therapist will assess your individual needs as well as other factors that may be contributing to your injury or condition. The RMT will develop a treatment plan with you to ensure you receive appropriate treatment. The treatment plan can be changed at any time and will be reassessed at an appropriate time. You have no obligation to undergo any part of a treatment. Your treatment will begin once you have given your informed consent. This involves setting realistic goals for treatment, discussing possible responses to treatment, and being informed of alternative care options.

What do I wear during the Massage Treatment?

Although it is COMPLETELY up to you what your wear or do not wear, MOST people will go down to their underwear. All RMT’s are capable of adapting the massage treatment to your comfort level so if for some reason you are not comfortable with the “norm” then it is completely OK.

How long should my first Massage Treatment be?

How long you choose for your first Massage depends on a variety of factors. The first being the number of issues you have going on. Obviously the more issues, the longer the massage treatment will be needed. However, there are certain circumstances when a shorter duration is fine. A child under the age of 15 should only start with a 30 minute massage until the Therapist knows the child (an adult should also be present for the first couple times as well). In certain acute cases, it is often beneficial to limit the amount of time spent on the table to prevent further aggravation to the area.

Benefits of Massage Therapy (as told by the RMTAO)

Massage therapy treatments provided by a Registered Massage Therapist can offer significant benefits for a variety of conditions and for diverse patient populations. Whether you need to have a moment of relaxation, reduce muscle tension or attain relief from chronic pain, massage therapy can enhance your overall well-being. Massage therapy can help alleviate musculoskeletal disorders associated with everyday stress, muscular overuse, physical manifestation of mental distress and many persistent pain syndromes.

Massage therapy can be an important part of your health maintenance plan by:

  • Reducing or eliminating pain

  • Improving joint mobility

  • Improving your immune system

  • Reducing muscular tension

Massage therapy can treat both acute and chronic conditions. RMTs work with a wide variety of patients in the treatment of illness, injury, rehabilitation and disability.

Massage therapy can prove beneficial to many conditions, including but not limited to the following:

  • Anxiety and Depression

  • Arthritis

  • Asthma and Emphysema

  • Cancer

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

  • Dislocations

  • Edema

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Headaches

  • Inflammatory Conditions

  • Insomnia

  • Lymphoedema

  • Multiple Sclerosis

  • Muscle Tension and Spasm

  • Parkinson’s Disease

  • Plantar Fasciitis

  • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Pregnancy and Labor Support

  • Sciatica

  • Scoliosis

  • Sports Injuries

  • Strains and Sprains

  • Stress and Stress-Related Conditions

  • Stroke

  • Tendinitis

  • Whiplash

Massage therapy can also be used as part of a preventative care program. This includes sports training, injury prevention, ongoing stress management and more!

Your massage therapist will require an overall picture of your current health and a detailed health history in order to design a treatment plan that’s right for you. If a massage therapist determines that your condition would be better treated by another healthcare professional, they will make the appropriate referral.

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.