WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY?
Massage therapy consists primarily of hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Specifically the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints for the purpose of optimizing health.
Massage therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and optimizes health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems. Physical function can be developed, maintained, and improved. Physical dysfunction and pain and the effects of stress can be relieved or prevented through the use of massage therapy.
Modern massage techniques can be traced back to the 1700′s and the development of Swedish massage; the first systematic method of therapeutic massage based on physiology. Today’s massage therapists use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to combine traditional Swedish and modern massage therapy techniques with exercise and other therapies to treat their clients.
WHO ARE RMTs?
A Registered Massage Therapist is an individual who has:
- Completed competency-based education at educational institutions recognized by the Government of Ontario
- Studied anatomy, physiology, pathology, physical assessment, neurology, treatments, ethics and other subjects
- Completed a minimum of 150 clinical hours
- Successfully completed examinations from and have been “registered” by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Massage Therapy Act
VISITING AN RMT
Before a treatment, your Massage Therapist will propose a personalized treatment plan based on an initial assessment and health history. The assessment consists of various tests to determine the condition of your muscles and joints.
Your Massage Therapist must also obtain your consent to work on any part of your body regardless of whether you are fully clothed or fully or partially covered with sheets or blankets. Your privacy will always be respected and you may withdraw your consent for treatment at any time.
Various specialized movements of the hands over the skin or clothes make up the massage therapy treatment. The Massage Therapist will work with your level of pain tolerance during the treatment and the treatment can be stopped at any time should the treatment become uncomfortable.
