What is Massage Therapy?

Massage Therapy is one of the fastest growing complimentary therapies today. Massage Therapy, according to The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario is “the assessment of the soft tissues and joints of the body and treatment or prevention of the physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints by the manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function and/or relieve pain.”

Effects and Benefits of Massage Therapy?

As primary and rehabilitative care, massage therapy works directly to remove trauma from the muscles and fascia and is recommended by Doctors and Chiropractors for:
  • Relief of pain
  • Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage
  • Improved joint mobility
  • Sprains/strains/muscle spasms
  • Back and neck pain
  • Whiplash
  • Pregnancy
  • Carpal tunnel
  • Tendonitis/bursitis
  • Sciatica
  • Muscle rehabilitation
  • Posture
  • Respiratory conditions
  • Swelling/inflamation
  • Tennis/golf elbow


Do I Have to Be in Pain to Get a Massage?

Definitely Not!
Many people get a massage for a variety of reasons other than pain. Although massage is excellent for relieving aches and pains, there are many other reasons to get a massage.
  • Stress/tension reduction
  • Combating fatigue
  • General relaxation
  • Slowing the progress of illness
  • Increasing mental and physical performance
  • Strengthening the body's natural immune system.

What Training Does a Registered Massage Therapist Have?

To be licensed in Ontario one has to:
  • Complete a minimum of 2200 hours of training at a Government approved school for Massage Therapy
  • Have been examined and licensed by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act of Ontario
  • Continually take courses to maintain their standing as a R.M.T.
  • Have an extensive knowledge of health sciences, treating and preventing musculoskeletal conditions, postural retraining, therapeutic exercise and self care advice.

What Can I Expect at My First Visit?

Health History
A brief health history form must be completed to help your massage therapist maximize the benefits of massage for you. The massage therapist will guide you through this to make it as quick and easy as possible. The massage therapist will explain what you can expect before, during and after the massage prior to it occurring.

What body parts will be massaged?

Your massage therapist will customize your session depending on what you want to accomplish with the massage. A typical full body session will last one hour and will include work on your head, neck, back, arms, shoulders, legs, hands and feet.

Will modesty be maintained during my massage?

Yes
Most massage techniques are usually performed with the client unclothed on a comfortable massage table. The client will always be properly draped with a sheet or towel at all times and only the area being worked on will be exposed. You, as the client, may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your own comfort.

Will the massage hurt?

The pressure will be adjusted to suit each client’s preference through feedback with the Massage Therapist. When treating specific injuries some discomfort may occur, however, it is the goal of massage therapy to reduce the level of tenderness with additional treatments.