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.


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
  • 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

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)

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.

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
  • Improves 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

 

Specialty Massage Services

Lymphatic Drainage


Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized gentle rhythmic massage technique that encourages the drainage of lymph nodes and the natural movement of lymph fluid through the body. 

This holistic approach to lymphatic care stimulates lymph flow, supports lymph circulation, MLD helps reduce swelling. Promotes removal of waste and toxins form bodily tissue and assists the immune system to maintain overall health  

Treatment recommended for clients who: 

  • Are seeking immune system support recovery or illness prevention  
  • Want to reduce fluid retention or puffiness  
  • Decreases inflammation and bloating  
  • Experience chronic stress or fatigue and need to regulate their nerves system  
  • Are seeking total relaxation of the nervous system  

Your RMT will begin with a brief assessment to understand your health history and your goals. 

The client will remain comfortably draped on the massage table while the therapist applies light, slow, rhythmic and precise strokes that follow the lymphatic pathways. 

The session is noninvasive and deeply relaxing, many clients feel lighter, experience decreased swelling, and notice improved energy in hours or days that follow  

 

Learn more about our RMT Rehab Aboushita who offers Lymphatic Drainage here at JA Physio & Wellness Centre!

Pelvic, Low Back & Core Registered Massage Therapy  


Pelvic, Low Back and Core Registered Massage Therapy is a targeted treatment focusing on the muscles connective tissues, and fascia of the pelvis, hips, abdomen, low back, and surrounding core structures.  

Treatment is external only and aims to reduce pain, tension, and dysfunction while improving mobility, posture, circulation, and overall functional support of the spine and pelvis  

This therapy may include gentle to moderate techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, diaphragmatic work, and therapeutic massage tailored to your assessment findings and comfort level  

 

This treatment may benefit individuals who experience: 

  • Low back or sacroiliac (SI) joint pain  
  • Pelvic or hip tension or discomfort  
  • Core weakness or postural strain 
  • Abdominal or pelvic tightness related to stress or movement patterns  
  • Pregnancy or postpartum-related musculoskeletal changes  
  • Desk-related or repetitive strain discomfort  
  • Athletes or active individuals with core or hip restrictions  
  • Individuals seeking supportive care for pelvic health and overall wellbeing  

  • A thorough health history review and assessment  
  • Clear explanation of the treatment plan and areas to be addressed  
  • Fully draped, professional, and respectful care at all times  
  • Tailored external massage techniques applied to the low back, pelvis, hips, abdomen, and surrounding structures as clinically indicated  
  • Ongoing communication to ensure comfort and consent  
  • Post-treatment recommendations such as hydration, gentle movement, or self-care strategies  

  • Acute infection, fever, or systemic illness  
  • Active inflammatory conditions or flare-ups  
  • Recent surgery to the abdomen, pelvis, hips, or spine (without medical clearance)  
  • Unhealed wounds, skin infections, rashes, or open lesions in the treatment area  
  • Advanced osteoporosis or bone fragility affection the spine or pelvis  
  • Known or suspected abdominal or pelvic malignancy (without medical clearance) 
  • Severe or unexplained abdominal or pelvic pain  
  • Hernial that are painful, untreated or worsening  
  • Any condition where massage is contraindicated or where touch may aggravate symptoms  

 

Learn more about our RMT Rehab Aboushita who offers Pelvic, Low Back & Core Registered Massage Therapy here at JA Physio & Wellness Centre!

TMJ Massage


TMJD (Temporal Mandibular Joint Disysfunction) refers to a number of clinical issues that involve dysfunction of the muscles of mastication, the associated structures of the jaw or both. 

Treatment recommended for clients who experience common TMJD symptoms such as: 

  • Facial pain
  • Pain with chewing or yawning
  • Pain at the TMJ (Temporal Mandibular Joint)
  • Jaw locking open or closed, clicking/popping
  • Limited opening or an inability to open mouth comfortably
  • Headaches
  • Ear issues (pressure, tinnitus, sense of fullness)
  • Bite that feels uncomfortable or “off” or is continually changing,
  • Any above symptoms along with neck/shoulder/back pain

Often an extra-oral treatment of the neck, head, jaw and face is enough to provide reliefIn some cases an Intra-oral treatment may indicatedAfter a thorough assessment and discussion, your therapist can perform gentle techniques on the inside of your jaw using a gloved hand in order to gain better access to certain structures and muscles.   

 

Learn more about our RMT Susanne Carey who offers TMJ Massage here at JA Physio & Wellness Centre!

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