Massage is the practice of applying pressure or vibration to the soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. It is a natural, non invasive therapy involving manipulation of the skin, soft tissue and connective tissue to remove toxins from the muscles and promote healing within the body. Some of the more important benefits of massage are increased range of motion, increased circulation, the removal of metabolic waste and the release of endorphins (the body’s natural pain killers). This allows the body to relax and promotes self-healing.
Qualifications of a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)
Massage therapy has evolved from a simple “laying on of hands” into a medically oriented therapeutic discipline. The education received by an RMT is regulated by the College of Mas-sage Therapists of Ontario. Students must complete two thousand and five hundred (2,500) hours of intensive anatomy, physiology, neurology, pathophysiology, ethics, clinical studies and neurological assessment. Upon graduation, students must pass Ontario registration examinations in order to become licensed and registered under the Regulated Health Professions Act - the same legislation which governs such professions as medical doctors, chiropractors and physiotherapists.
Massage techniques used by your RMT include:
Relaxation Massage
A wide range of hands on techniques are used during the massage. These include effleurage (gliding strokes) and petrissage (lifting and kneading) and percussion. Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils and may be used to increase the benefit of the treatment.
A massage that affects the sub layer of muscle and fascia. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching the deeper musculature.
Acupressure
Acupressure therapy involves using the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities. These points can be muscle trigger points or can be applied to meridians to stimulate the healing process.
Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular therapy uses specific techniques, including pressure on trigger points, myofascial therapy (connective tissue work), rhythmic mobilizations and peripheral nerve mobilization in treatment of myofascial trigger points.
Medical Massage Therapy
Designed to relieve acute and chronic pain resulting from medically diagnosed muscle, nerve and joint disorders and pathologies. This multimodality therapy is based on a specific sequence of twelve different bodywork techniques (some of which are previously mentioned) and addresses various aspects that affect the body to stimulate the healing process.
Orthopedic/Sports Injury Massage
Involves therapeutic assessment, manipulation and movement of soft tissues to reduce or eliminate pain and dysfunction. Integrates multiple techniques to allow for rehabilitation and prevention of muscular disorders, chronic pain, and sports injuries.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, noninvasive method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the craniosacral system (the central nervous system and membranes surrounding it as well as the cerebrospinal fluid). Treatment involves subtle movements of the spinal and cranial bones to bring the central nervous system into harmony.
Benefits of Massage:
Reduce pain associated with chronic conditions such as:
Improve skin condition
Reduce pain associated with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome and TMJ
Relieve migraine pain and tension headaches
Improve circulation
Alleviate low back pain, sciatica, disc herniation, and improve range of motion
Reduce inflammation
Correct postural conditions
Relieve shoulder and neck tension
Exercise weak, tight, or atrophied muscles
Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow system
Relief from strains, sprains and muscle spasms
Lessen depression and anxiety and the effects of chronic stress
Post-surgery rehabilitation
Alleviate pre and post natal discomfort
Release endorphins — the body’s natural painkillers
