Massage Therapy

There 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.

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What is a Registered Massage Therapist?

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Massage therapy is a regulated health profession in Ontario and all RMTs are required to be registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). A Registered Massage Therapist is an individual who has:

• Completed competency-based education at educational institutions recognized by the Government of Ontario;

• Studied anatomy, physiology, pathology, physical assessment, neurology, treatments, ethics and other subjects;

• Completed a minimum of 150 clinical hours;

• Successfully completed examinations from and have been "registered" by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (the College) in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Massage Therapy Act;

• Maintained their registration by participating in continuing education and a Quality Assurance Program that assists them in the maintenance of high professional standards and quality care of their clients.

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Massage for Health Maintenance

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

• Reducing or eliminating pain

• Improving joint mobility

• Improving lymphatic drainage 

• Reducing muscular tension

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

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Massage Therapists today use their knowledge of physiology and anatomy to combine traditional Swedish and modern massage therapy techniques with other therapies to treat their clients. There has been a wide variety of research, published in peer reviewed journals, proving the benefits of massage therapy for various conditions.

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Massage for Various Health Conditions

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The following is a list of conditions for which massage therapy, when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist, can prove beneficial. This list is not exhaustive but covers many common conditions. 

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• Anxiety and depression

• Asthma and Emphysema

• Back, leg, and neck pain

• Cancer symptoms 

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (repetitive strain)

• Chronic Fatigue syndrome

• Dislocations

• Fibromyalgia

• Fractures and edema

• Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and bursitis

• Headaches

• Kyphosis and Scoliosis

• Insomnia

• Parkinson’s disease

• Multiple sclerosis

• Palliative care

• Muscle tension and spasm

• Pregnancy and labour support

• Post-surgical rehabilitation

• Strains and sprains

• Sports injuries

• Stroke

• Stress and stress related conditions

• Temporomandibular Disorders 

• Tendinitis

• Whiplash

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Techniques

There are a number of techniques and modalities our RMTs can apply during treatment based on your specific needs and our treatment goals. Swedish massage is the foundation of Registered Massage Therapy in Ontario, and encompasses many hands-on techniques and styles that you may be familiar with, such as:

 

• Reflexive techniques

• General Swedish massage

• Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)

• Deep tissue

• Fascial techniques

• Trigger point release / trigger point therapy

• Myofascial release

• Frictions

• Passive stretch

• Joint play / traction

• Pregnancy massage

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In addition to the above manual techniques, your treatment could include:

• Hydrotherapy (use of heat & cold)

• Remedial exercise & instructions for home care

• Muscle strengthening techniques

• Cupping

 

Our RMTs provide treatment for all areas of the body, excluding the genital and perineal areas. The only internal massage within an RMT’s scope of practice is intra-oral massage for temporomandibular joint (jaw) dysfunction. Special consent from you is required for intra-oral massage, and other areas considered sensitive or invasive (ie. chest wall, breast tissue, buttocks, inner upper thigh). During treatment or at any time, you can withdraw your consent for any aspect of the massage. You may ask your therapist to stop or change the treatment any time.