Massage therapy is a comprehensive treatment using manual techniques to manipulate the soft tissues and joints of the body. The purposes of massage therapy are to prevent, develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function or relieve pain health option that achieves undeniable results in the relief of an array of discomforts stemming from stress, muscular overuse and many chronic pain syndromes.
What do you do when you have muscle spasm, a sports injury, tennis elbow, tendonitis, or a frozen shoulder, how can massage help you? If you have anxiety, nerve pain, or arthritis, should you see a massage therapist?
In Ontario Registered Massage therapists go through lengthy and rigorous training before becoming registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. We have extensive training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, bio mechanics, assessment, treatment, and exercise. We are highly trained to understand and treat injuries to soft tissue (muscle, connective tissue, and ligaments).
When you come to see us with a pain or injury, we do a detailed assessment, a thorough treatment, and can suggest home care to help you recover faster. During your appointment we have time to listen, to assess your condition, and to take action designing a treatment plan so that you can expedite your road to recovery.
Massage therapy also benefits the nervous system, and can be used to reduce or prevent the impact of stress-related and some neurological conditions, especially when there are soft-tissue symptoms. For example, clients whose muscles are rigid and tense due to muscular sclerosis will often find that massage helps liberate connective tissue and muscle fiber, giving them easier movement and more comfort.
Whether you are taking an hour of relaxation as an antidote to daily stress, getting relief from muscle tension or chronic pain, or using massage to keep your healthy muscles in top shape, you will find that massage therapy enhances your well-being on all levels.
The following is a list of conditions for which massage therapy, when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist, can prove beneficial:
- Anxiety and depression
- Asthma and Emphysema
- Back, leg, and neck pain
- Cancer
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (repetitive strain)
- Chronic Fatigue syndrome
- Dislocations
- Fibromyalgia
- Fractures and edema
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Headaches
- Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and bursitis
- Insomnia
- Kyphosis and Scoliosis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Muscle tension and spasm
- Palliative care
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Pregnancy and labor support
- Sports injuries
- Strains and sprains
- Stress and stress related conditions
- Stroke
- Tendinitis
- Whiplash
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.