Massage therapy can be used to treat a variety of physical conditions, both chronic and acute. It is most often associated with back massage, but this is just one type.
Massage therapy is the evaluation and manipulation of soft tissues. Soft tissues include muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia (connective tissues). Manipulation is achieved through a series of specialized hand movements and pressure techniques.
Therapeutic massage stimulates the muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems to improve function and relieve pain.
Therapeutic massage includes:
Book a consultation to find out which may be right for you.
Registered massage therapists (RMTs) graduate from accredited educational programs and complete a minimum of 150 hours of clinical practice. They must write and pass examinations to become registered and then maintain that registration through strict quality assurance measures.
Massage therapy is regulated by the province through the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). Anyone using the massage therapist (MT) or registered massage therapist (RMT) title must be a current member in good standing with CMTO.
Massage therapy can be used to address numerous health goals.
Common conditions treated by massage therapy include:
Massage therapy may also benefit chronic conditions such as:
Even certain non-physical ailments respond favourably to massage, including:
Massage therapy may also be recommended for pregnancy and labour support, cancer symptom treatment, or post-surgical rehabilitation. Therapeutic massage helps people in a variety of ways, and there are really very few conditions it can’t treat.
To find out how massage therapy can help you, consult our RMT.
Therapeutic massage mainly provides pain relief and improved muscle/joint mobility.
Additional benefits include:
For athletes, regular sports massage therapy can reduce fatigue, alleviate swelling, and improve flexibility. Best of all, it lessens recovery time, helping to prevent injury and enhance performance.
Therapeutic massage is not covered by OHIP but is included in many extended healthcare plans.
Main Street Health offers direct billing for participating insurance plans — ask our staff for information.
You control the amount of pressure, so you should always be comfortable.
Massage is applied to bare skin for best results. A sheet is provided to cover other areas, and you can keep underwear on. If you’d prefer to remain clothed, just tell your massage therapist.
Relaxation massage is provided at a spa by an esthetician. It is designed to make you feel good, not to address your health needs. Therapeutic massage is provided in a clinical setting by an RMT. It is designed to meet particular health goals and may be combined with physiotherapy or chiropractic care.
You can receive massage therapy without a prescription. However, a prescription may be required by your insurance provider.
