What is Massage Therapy?
Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are regulated healthcare professionals who are recognized by the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) and must be registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) in order to be able to practice in Ontario.
The Massage Therapy Act, 1991, the provincial legislation for Massage Therapy in Ontario, defines the practice of Massage Therapy as “the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain”. This is referred to as the “Scope of Practice”. Registered Massage Therapists are able to assess muscles, ligaments, tendons, bony structures and joints to determine what structures are involved. This helps to treat overall discomforts as well as specific conditions to assist in optimizing individuals’ overall health.
What does Massage Therapy help with?
There are a variety of conditions that Registered Massage Therapists are able to treat, which include but are not limited to:
- Muscle tension and spasm
- Headaches and migraines
- Strains/Sprains
- Sports injuries
- Postural dysfunctions
- Knee injuries (MCL, ACL, PCL, LCL, patellofemoral tracking, etc.)
- Compartment syndrome
- Whiplash (Motor Vehicle Accidents)
- Intra-oral conditions (Tempromandibular joint dysfunction – TMJ)
- Respiratory conditions (asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis, etc.)
- Neurological impairments (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, carpal tunnel, nerve root impingement, etc.)
- Gastrointestinal concerns (constipation or abdominal discomfort associated with Crohn’s, IBS and Celiac disease, etc.)
- Hypertension
- Scoliosis
- Hyperlordosis/Hyperhkyphosis
- IT Band contracture
- Pes Planus/Pes Cavus
- Joint dysfunctions (for neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, back, hips, knees and ankles)
- Diabetes
- Dupuytrens contracture
- Pre- and Post-surgery
- Arthritis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Disc Herniation/Protrusion
- Sciatica
- Discomfort during pregnancy
- Breast/Chest massage
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Tendinitis
- Edema (swelling)
- Arthritis, Bursitis and Frozen Shoulder
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Pallative Care
- Torticollis
What to expect?
All Registered Massage Therapists work with their clients to develop specialized treatment plans and goals. This involves:
- Health History Intake form.
- Discuss overall health, primary discomfort and goals.
- Postural and Gait analysis.
- Consent for Assessments (Palpation, Range of Motion, Special Orthopedic tests, neurological and sensory tests, reflexes, blood pressure and other tests as required).
- Associated risks and benefits of the treatment.
- Consent for massage treatments.
- Developing ongoing treatment plans.
- Post Treatment Plan/Home care (remedial exercises and any hydrotherapy).
Massage Treatments can include:
Once a treatment plan has been determined and consent provided, Registered Massage Therapists will include a variety of techniques such as:
- Hands on manipulation of soft tissues (Swedish massage).
- Stretch techniques.
- Joint mobilizations.
- Hydrotherapy.
- Lymphatic Drainage.
- Frictions.
- Trigger Points.
Benefits of Massage Therapy:
Having a Registered Massage Therapist as a part of your team of healthcare professionals has benefits that:
- Reduces muscle tension
- Reduces and eliminates overall discomfort and pain
- Improves blood flow circulation
- mproves immune system function
- Improves joint mobility
- Assists with flexibility by increasing muscle length
- Increases body awareness
- Promotes relaxation by reducing stresses of activities of everyday living
If you are unsure if Massage Therapy is what you need please contact us.
Learn more about the Massage Therapists at JointAction Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre.