What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is a comprehensive intervention involving a range of techniques
to manipulate the soft tissues and joints of the body. The purpose of massage
therapy is to prevent, develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical
function or relieve pain1 (Massage Therapy Act, 1991). It is
a clinically-oriented health option that achieves undeniable results in the
relief of an array of discomforts stemming from stress, muscular overuse and
many chronic pain syndromes.
The therapeutic process is a partnership between client and therapist, working
together towards common and realistic goals.
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A Massage Therapist is a
regulated health professional. |
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Only members of the
College of Massage Therapists of Ontario are permitted to use the title
Massage Therapist or Registered Massage Therapist and use the letters MT or
RMT with their names. |
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Massage therapists have
completed a 2-3 years diploma programme from a recognized massage therapy
school. |
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Massage therapists
participate in a Quality Assurance Programme that assists them in the
maintenance of high professional standards and quality care of their clients. |
The
Benefits of 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 as well as your quality of life.
Massage therapy benefits people of all ages. While it benefits the
injured, the ill and the stressed, the strength of massage therapy in
preventing illness and conditions before they develop cannot be
overlooked. Massage therapy can be used in the treatment of both acute
and chronic stages of conditions.
The following is a list of conditions for which massage therapy, when provided
by a Registered Massage Therapist, can prove beneficial:
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Anxiety and depression |
Asthma and Emphysema |
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Back, leg, and neck pain |
Cancer |
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
(repetitive strain) |
Chronic Fatigue syndrome |
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Dislocations |
Fibromyalgia |
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Fractures and edema |
Gastrointestinal disorders |
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Headaches |
Inflammatory conditions
such as arthritis and bursitis |
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Insomnia |
Kyphosis and Scoliosis |
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Multiple sclerosis |
Parkinson’s disease |
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Muscle tension and spasm |
Palliative care |
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Post-surgical
rehabilitation |
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Sports injuries |
Strains and sprains |
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Stress and stress related
conditions |
Stroke |
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Tendinitis |
Whiplash |
Massage Therapy as Part of your Health
Maintenance Plan
Therapeutic massage is an
important part of your health maintenance plan, by:
- Reducing or eliminating pain
- Improving joint mobility
- Improving circulation
- Improving immune system functioning
- Increasing lymphatic drainage
- Reducing depression and anxiety
- Reducing tension within muscles
- Increasing body awareness
Massage therapy benefits
people of all ages. While it benefits the injured, the ill and the stressed,
the real strength of massage therapy lies in prevention.
(The above information has
been garnered from the