Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is a therapeutic approach to healing the body. Massage Therapists use a blend of manual techniques to directly and indirectly affect and change the systems of the body which all work together to allow for optimal health. When part of the body has suffered from injury, repetitive use, or excessive stress, an imbalance is created. By releasing trigger points (knots) and myofascial restrictions, thus decreasing stress to the nervous system, balancing hormones, supporting the organs (detoxification) and realigning posture, Massage Therapy works to restore the body to optimum health and balance.
Massage Therapy is also an effective approach to pain management and rehabilitation. Registered Massage Therapists are effective in treating and providing relief for a wide range of conditions such as migraine headaches, tendonitis, arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, pregnancy, motor vehicle accidents, as well as many other common conditions related to soft tissue and joint dysfunction.
Before a session, the massage therapist will ask about a client’s medical history. They will also learn the desired results from the massage. If the therapist determines that massage therapy could be beneficial and not harmful, he or she will begin the session. A massage therapist will concentrate on the areas of each patient’s discomfort, keeping in mind thework patient's goals, ailments, medical history, and stress- or pain-related problem areas.
Delivered by Registered Massage Therapists, Therapeutic Massage acts directly upon the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems to rehabilitate physical injuries and improve health. Modalities used include: deep tissue release, myofascial and visceral release, muscle energy techniques, trigger point / neuromuscular therapy, stretching techniques and individualized home care exercises.
What is a "Registered Massage Therapist"?
Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are members of the College of Massage Therapy of British Columbia. They are health care professionals committed to restoring and maintaining optimal health and pain-free function of the body. Registered Massage Therapists in BC have completed three years of extensive training and are educated and trained to accurately assess and treat with techniques that include massage and manual therapy, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, manual lymphtic drainage, visceral, and rehabilitative exercise such as stretching, strengthening, postural exercise and patient education. Massage therapists continually advance their skills with continuing educations in different types of massage, so they will be better suited to clients with different needs.