Massage Therapy in Canada
Massage therapy is a popular choice among Canadians for improving and maintaining heath and well being. It is regulated along side 25 other health professions under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA)
The importance of massage therapy came into realization back in the days of World War 1. Injured soldiers were treated with massage and hydrotherapy, and it was estimated that roughly 2000 patients (soldiers) were treated on a daily basis. This became the foundation of massage therapy being a valuable aspect of health care and it has been a regulated profession in Canada since 1919!Today, modern registered massage therapists (RMT) must complete an intensive, approved college education before partaking in both written and practical examinations which are standardized by the provincial governing body, the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario(CMTO). The CMTO provides details on the standards of practice, code of ethics and scope of practice by which all RMTs in Ontario follow, in order to provide safe and effective treatment for the public.
Registered Massage Therapist Scope of Practice
The practice of Massage Therapy 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 tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain. (Massage Therapy Act, 1991)
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Massage Therapy Techniques
Tempromandibular Joint Dysfunction
Abdominal Massage
Good for encouraging digestion and releasing tension in the abdominal area. Abdominal massage uses a combination of Swedish techniques to treat the overlying muscle layer, followed by deeper, yet gentle techniques in order to access parts of the digestive system. This massage capitalizes on the natural motility of the process of digestion and can increase comfort and relaxation. Hydrotherapy is also used to increase the effects of the massage.
Breast Massage
Useful for women with back pain, those who are or have been recently pregnant, and beneficial for women’s health in general. Breast massage includes manual lymphatic drainage techniques and can relieve pain caused by duct blockages. Breast massage also enables full treatment of the pectoral muscles which are often under tension and can contribute to back and neck pain.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
A gentle, light style of massage useful for reducing fluid buildup from edema, injury or surgery. This massage encourages the natural flow of lymph throughout the body, and aims to reduce residual fluid by encouraging venous return. This massage is not recommended for those with heart conditions or severe kidney conditions.
Relaxation
Usually involving the whole body, this type of massage can also include treatment of the hands and feet, as well as the face and scalp. This massage uses gentle long strokes to induce a state of relaxation and is excellent for well being.
Swedish Massage & Deep Tissue
Various techniques which incorporate each layer of soft tissue, ranging from superficial myofascial release techniques to deeper trigger point therapy. A range of stroke lengths and depths help to reduce firing of the sympathetic nervous system to induce relaxation of superficial muscles, in order to access deeper muscle layers and groups.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) specific treatment consists of an assessment and treatment of the muscles associated with the function of the jaw. The shoulders, neck, and face are all incorporated into the extra-oral portion of the treatment. Swedish techniques are generally used to help reduce muscle tension. The intra-oral portion of the TMJ treatment involves treatment of the same jaw muscles, however they are treated directly from the inside of the mouth. Gentle techniques are performed with non-latex gloves. Clients that suffer from tension headaches and tooth, jaw or ear pain stemming from muscular tension, often feel relief from their symptoms after a TMJ treatment.
Therapeutic Massage
Generally a treatment based massage, focused on a specific area in contrast to a relaxation massage. Your RMT may use a few orthopedic tests in order to gather a deeper understanding of the specific impairment and thus develop a relevant treatment plan. Techniques such as joint mobilization, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching, passive stretching and passive range of motion may be incorporated in this type of treatment.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has a number of health benefits which include:
- decreasing pain and discomfort
- increasing range of motion and flexibility of joints
- increasing relaxation and decreasing stress
- improving circulation and drainage
- feelings of well-being
Massage therapy can be effective in treating a variety of conditions:
| Anxiety and depression | Asthma and Emphysema |
| Back, leg, and neck pain | Cancer symptoms |
| 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 labour support |
| Sports injuries | Strains and sprains |
| Stress and stress related conditions | Stroke |
| Tendinitis | Whiplash |
Source: Registered Massage Therapists of Ontario
Inquire about what type of treatment might be right for you by contacting us or reviewing the different types of massage therapy treatment offered!
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