Registered Massage Therapy (RMT)
Introduction:
Registered Massage Therapy is a collection of massage techniques used on muscles and soft tissues to decrease pain, increase range of motion, and create a feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation. Sports injury massage can help in sports injury rehabilitation and even enhance athletic performance, as well as help with injury prevention. In our downtown Byward Market clinic, RE:FORM’s chiropractors and other practitioners offer holistic health care services, including evidence-based chiropractic, ART or Active Release Techniques, and medical acupuncture.
Conditions
Massage therapy is commonly used to treat pain caused by:
- Overuse of muscles
- Poor posture and poor sleeping positions
- Accidents or injuries
- Headaches
- Pregnancy and post-partum discomfort
- Chronic conditions
- General aches
Possible causes:
- Repetitive actions and movements
- Poor sleeping position
- Pregnancy
- Accidents and injuries
- Read more…
Benefits of massage therapy treatments:
- Increased blood flow and better circulation
- Reduced fatigue and increased energy
- Relaxation of body and mind
- Enhanced sense of well-being
- Reduced swelling in the extremities (especially if you are pregnant)
- Increased range of motion, which is especially important to maintain with increasing age
Treatment Plan, Information & Expectations:
What you can expect at your first diagnostic and treatment visit:
You will be asked to fill in our health form that includes questions about your health history and requests details about your current conditions and general health habits. This information is confidential, and is used only for the purpose of providing treatment to you at RE:FORM Body Clinic. The massage therapist will introduce herself to you and discuss the treatment to be given.
Treatment overview:
Generally, massages are very enjoyable and a treat for your body. But each person’s tolerance (and enjoyment) of pressure is different. At RE:FORM Body Clinic, our RMTs encourage open communication. You should feel comfortable letting your massage therapist know what feels good and where she should be more gentle or forceful. Your massage therapist will also let you know what each particular stroke will feel like in advance, so that you will know what to expect.
Number of treatments:
Everyone can benefit from regular massages. You don’t need a chronic condition, injury, accident, or other excuse to come in for a relaxing massage. However, if you are seeking massage therapy treatment for a particular condition or injury, the length of each session and number of sessions required will depend on the nature and severity of your condition(s), your symptom(s), and the speed of your recovery. Your RMT will work with you to develop a realistic treatment plan, and preferably schedule several sessions in advance, in order to accommodate your schedule and preferences.
Duration of each treatment:
We offer 45, 60 and 90 minute appointments. You can choose the duration for yourself if the massage is for relaxation. If the massage therapy is part of your treatment plan for a specific condition, your massage therapist will recommend the optimal duration for your massage session that will offer the best results.
What should I wear?
This decision is entirely up to you. Depending on your comfort level, you may choose to remove as much or as little clothing as you prefer. For a full-body massage it is usually recommended that you leave on only underwear. Draping is always part of a professional massage, so you will be given sheets to cover yourself with, and your RMT will ensure that you are appropriately covered at all times. The sheet will be moved to uncover only the part of the body the RMT is working on at the time. If you are especially self-conscious, feel free to discuss this with your massage therapist beforehand. For your optimal comfort and relaxation, your RMT may use heat and sound in the massage room.
Relief Expected:
The long-term benefits of treating yourself to regular massages are many, including pain relief and physical and mental well-being. A massage at least once every 2 months will help to maintain those good effects.
If massage therapy has been prescribed as treatment for a specific condition, your Registered Massage Therapist will discuss with you the relief you can expect and what the anticipated time line will be. From a single session for relaxation to a number of sessions for tennis elbow or plantar fasciitis, your massage therapist will work with you to ensure the best treatment for you.
Background/History/Interesting Statistics & Facts:
Massage therapy has been practiced for thousands of years. It is documented in many ancient civilizations, and is used around the world for the treatment of a wide range of conditions. In Ontario massage therapy is governed and licensed by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
You can find more information about massage therapy by visiting the following websites: