MASSAGE THERAPY

Massage therapy is one of 23 health care professions in Ontario governed by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. The practice of massage therapy, as defined by Massage Therapy Act, 1991, is the “assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body, and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain.”

WHO CAN PRACTICE MASSAGE THERAPY IN ONTARIO?

The Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) or Massage Therapist (MT) designation is protected under provincial legislation. To become Registered Massage Therapist in Ontario, the person has to successfully complete written and practical examinations set by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. To be eligible for these examinations, candidates must first complete a 2,200-hour program approved by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Every Massage Therapist has to be registered with College of Massage Therapists. Under the College of Massage therapists, members are required to provide safe, competent and ethical care. The standards of practice for Massage Therapist in Ontario are one of the highest in the world. Book your appointment with Professional Massage Therapist.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM MASSAGE THERAPY TREATMENT?

Over the years, massage therapy in Canada has evolved from just "feeling good" relaxation experience to therapeutically oriented approach. Its benefits are being recognized by public and other healthcare professionals as well. Massage therapists are working in conjunction with rehabilitation clinics, medical doctors in implementing overall treatment plan for patients. Because of hands-on nature of the treatments, patients are more aware of what is happening in their body during treatments. They experience tension and tightness in muscles they may not have been aware of before. Massage therapist with good palpation skills can feel tissue condition. One-on-one treatment gives patients time to relax and ask questions. Massage therapists use swedish massage and other specialized non-swedish mobility and manipulation techniques to achieve therapeutic effect. Patient under lot of stress will benefit from deep relaxation massage. He will also be encouraged to take on other activities such as exercise, proper breathing and self awareness. Patient with frozen shoulder will benefit from muscle relaxation, joint mobility, education and self-care.

CONDITIONS THAT BENEFIT FROM THE EFFECTS OF MASSAGE:

Massage may be considered a treatment of choice for many conditions: muscle spasm, tension headaches, increased muscle tone, whiplash, muscle soreness and overuse injury syndromes, abnormal spinal curvatures, spasticity, myofascial trigger point syndromes, compression syndromes (piriformis syndrom, carpal tunnel syndrom), torticolis, and in sports related therapies. Therapeutic massage techniques will vary according to each specific condition.

HOW DOES THE TYPICAL APPOINTMENT LOOK LIKE?

On the first visit, patients are asked to fill out general health history form. Before the treatment, therapist will obtain informed consent from the patient. Therapist will assess patient subjectively by asking questions related to the condition and objectively by performing orthopedically related tests to determine extend of the injury or condition. Therapist than develops specific, flexible treatment plan with and for their clients that may include hydrotherapy and exercise. Patients are educated about condition, self-care, prevention and progress of healing. During the treatment, patient-therapists boundaries, trust and confidentiality are always respected. Therefore, during the treatment, patients are always covered by a sheet and blanket and only parts being worked on are being exposed. Female patients may opt for wearing a gown during treatment.

WHO PAYS FOR MASSAGE THERAPY?

Many private health care insurance companies cover massage therapy. Physician referral may be required. Treatments for injuries sustained in motor vehicle accident are covered under car insurance. OHIP does not cover massage therapy. Learn more about Massage Therapy and book your appointment