fabiconRegistered Massage Therapy

 

Offered by: Lucas Jacobs, Megan George

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, fascia, ligaments and joints.

The purpose of massage therapy is to prevent, develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function or relieve pain (Massage Therapy Act, 1991).

Massage Therapy is recognized as one of the oldest methods of healing, with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old. It is a widely accepted and effective treatment for reducing stress, decreasing muscle pain and stiffness, and for aiding in rehabilitation and postural realignment.

Massage therapists use a variety of techniques that, along with prescribed client self care, help to facilitate improved health and well being.

The Benefits of Massage Therapy

img-benefits-massage-therapyThere are tremendous benefits to be achieved through regular massage therapy treatments from a Registered Massage Therapist. Whether your need is to have a moment of relaxation, reduce muscle tension or attain relief from chronic pain, a therapeutic massage can enhance your overall sense of emotional and physical well-being as well as your quality of life.

Massage therapy benefits people of all ages. While it benefits the injured, the ill and the stressed, the real strength of massage therapy lies in preventing illness and conditions before they develop. Massage therapy can be used in the treatment of both acute and chronic stages of conditions.

Many of today’s health problems arise from stress. Because stress upsets the delicate balance of all your body’s functions, regaining this balance requires a holistic (whole body) approach.

Registered Massage therapy not only treats those parts of you that are in need of care, but also affects your whole body. It is not only your muscles that are treated during a massage, but also your circulatory and nervous systems. This whole body treatment helps to restore an overall feeling of well being.

What can Massage Help?

Massage Therapy can be an important component of your healthcare program in preventive care. It is also a highly effective treatment of the following common conditions, including, but not limited to:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Back, neck, shoulder and leg tension or pain
  • Breast tenderness/inflammation
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (Repetitive Strain)
  • Chronic Fatigue syndrome
  • Digestive/lower bowel problems
  • Edema (inflammation)
  • Fractures
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and bursitis
  • Kyphosis and Scoliosis
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Neuritis/neuralgia (Nerve Pain)
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Post-surgical rehabilitation
  • Pregnancy and labour support
  • Sciatica
  • Sprains and strains
  • Stroke
  • TMJ Syndrome
  • Asthma and Emphysema
  • Bell’s Palsy
  • Cancer
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Circulatory problems
  • Dislocations
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Headaches/Migraine
  • Insomnia
  • Low Back Pain
  • Muscle tension and spasm
  • Palliative care
  • Post injury rehabilitation
  • Postural imbalances
  • Respiratory Problems
  • Sports injuries
  • Stress and stress related conditions
  • Tendinitis
  • Whiplash
  • …plus many more conditions

img-health-maintenance-planRegular therapeutic massage from a Registered Massage Therapist can be an excellent part of your health maintenance plan by;

  • Reducing or eliminating pain
  • Improving joint mobility
  • Improving circulation
  • Improving immune system functioning
  • Increasing lymphatic drainage
  • Reducing depression and anxiety
  • Reducing tension within muscles
  • Increasing body awareness

Do I Need To Undress For My Massage?

You are encouraged to undress to your level of comfort. It is much more beneficial to apply massage techniques directly to the skin and massage therapists are required to drape you with a sheet so they only expose the portion of your body on which they are working. It is possible to work on a client who is partially/ fully dressed; although this will limit the type of techniques the therapist can use. Your choices will always be respected & you will never be made to feel uncomfortable.

What Can You Expect From Your First Massage Therapy Visit?

We ask that you arrive 5-10mins early on your first visit. You will be required to fill out a confidential health history form, which will help your therapist in creating your assessment and treatment plan. The therapist will then explain the massage process and answer any questions you may have about your condition or tension. Remember that your first visit will include the assessment in your treatment time.

What Are Registered Massage Therapist’s Qualifications?

Registered Massage Therapy is regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (www.cmto.com). Massage students must complete 2200 hours of intensive anatomical, physiological and clinical studies, including practical instruction, at a massage therapy college. Graduation is a prerequisite to taking the provincial examinations; successful candidates then become licensed and registered under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). All current registered massage therapists (R.M.T.) are members of this College, and only members of this college may call themselves Massage Therapists or Registered Massage Therapists.

Is Massage Covered By OHIP Or Extended Health Care Benefits Policies?

img-ohipMassage therapy is not covered by OHIP; however, many private insurance companies provide full or partial coverage under extended health care packages. Many insurance companies no longer require a physician’s referral. Please check your individual policy. We require our clients to pay for their treatments at the time of receiving the treatment, which we will supply an official receipt for you to submit to your insurance company. If you do not have extended health care benefits you may wish to consult with Revenue Canada or your financial planner to determine if claims for massage therapy under “Medical Expenses” on your income tax return will be permitted.

fabiconHot Stone Massage Therapy

What Is Hot Stone Massage Therapy?

img-smtHot Stone Massage involves the therapeutic use of stones that are heated in water. Hot Stone therapy combines massage with the application of the hot stones which are either massaged over the body or placed upon specific areas.

Effects of Heat Therapy

The application of heat to the body causes vasodilation. This means that blood vessels in the body expand and dilate. As a result, sweating and circulation both increase and metabolism quickens. Ultimately, the muscle tissues relax and provide a sedative and relaxing effect on the body.

Benefits of Hot Stone Therapy

The benefits of Hot Stone Therapy include the following:

  • Increases circulation
  • Improves lymphatic circulation
  • Improves back/shoulder/neck pain
  • Decreases sciatic pain
  • Decreases joint pain
  • Decreases tension headaches
  • Decreases menstrual pain
  • Promotes increased well-being and vitality
  • Promotes grounding due to the high
  • magnetic field inherent in the stones
  • Reduces overall stress

 

Where can I get more information?

Feel free to contact us to learn more about how massage therapy can help you.

If you would like more information or to book an appointment at the Major Mackenzie Natural Health Centre please call 905-884-2279 or e-mail us.

View Lucas’s Bio.

View Megan’s Bio.