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What is Massage?
Massage therapy is a comprehensive intervention involving a range of techniques to manipulate the soft tissues and joints of the body. The purpose of massage therapy is to prevent, develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function or relieve pain1 (Massage Therapy Act, 1991). It is a clinically-oriented health option that achieves undeniable results in the relief of an array of discomforts stemming from stress, muscular overuse and many chronic pain syndromes.

Benefits of Massage Therapy
There are tremendous benefits to be achieved through regular massage therapy treatments from a Registered Massage Therapist. Whether your need is to have a moment of relaxation, reduce muscle tension or attain relief from chronic pain, a therapeutic massage can enhance your overall sense of emotional and physical well-being as well as your quality of life.
Massage therapy benefits people of all ages. While it benefits the injured, the ill and the stressed, the strength of massage therapy in preventing illness and conditions before they develop cannot be overlooked. Massage therapy can be used in the treatment of both acute and chronic stages of conditions.

 

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

  • 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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

 

How can massage therapy help me?

Massage therapy can be beneficial to people of all ages and conditions and is widely used to help obtain relief from many specific problems, including:

 

  • Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis•

  • Stress relief and associated conditions

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Muscle and related conditions such as spasms, strains and sprains

  • Back pain

  • Repetitive strain injury

  • Circulatory and Respiratory problems

  • Pregnancy and labour discomfort

  • Post-injury and post surgical rehabilitation

Can anyone receive massage therapy?

Yes, massage therapy is appropriate for individuals of all ages, including infants, children, and the elderly; however, there are some conditions for which massage therapy is not appropriate. A qualified Massage Therapist (RMT or MT) is trained to recognize these cases.
Many Massage Therapists treat a variety of diseases and disorders while other Massage Therapists concentrate on certain conditions (fibromyalgia) or groups of people such as athletes, performers, women during pregnancy (including labour and delivery), infants and children.

 

Do I have to remove all of my clothing for my treatment?

All RMTs are trained in proper draping procedures to ensure that your privacy is completely respected at all times during treatment. Your comfort and ability to relax is paramount to effective treatment.

 

Registered Massage Therapists will also describe the treatments to be provided to ensure that you are comfortable with them. Your consent is sought before treatment is provided. If you are uncomfortable, your RMT wants you to let them know immediately, whether that discomfort involves the treatment, draping or any pain you may experience.

 

Does Massage Therapy Hurt?

As with many treatments affecting the soft tissue, there are times when massage therapy can cause some light discomfort but it is not harmful. Discomfort usually diminishes and no technique of this nature is used without the therapist first discussing it with the client and obtaining your permission. A comfort scale will be established and the therapist will work to the client's tolerance level. The client can stop or change the treatment at any time and Massage therapists will modify their techniques to meet their client's needs.

How often should I have massage therapy?

Some people believe that one treatment is enough; however, massage therapy is most beneficial in acute conditions when used over a series of treatments and then followed up with maintenance or preventive treatments.


Through mutual discussion, your Massage Therapist can help you establish a program which fits your physical needs and lifestyle. Your Massage Therapist is most interested in your recovery and in the maintenance of your health. Any recommendation for further treatment is being made by a qualified health professional and is made with your utmost care in mind.

 

Who pays for massage therapy?

Most progressive extended health insurance plans cover massage therapy treatments when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist. Most do not require a physician's order for treatments, although a few may still have this requirement. Most plans require that the covered individual pay for the treatment and submit the expense for reimbursement. Contact your employer for more information. Most Massage Therapists will require payment upon the provision of services.

 

Will my massage therapist keep my information private?

As regulated health professionals, Massage Therapists are required to maintain the information you provide, both verbally and in written form, in the strictest of confidence.

Do I have to disclose all my health conditions to my Massage Therapist?

It is best if you can give an accurate picture of your health and injuries on your health history form. This enables your therapist to design the most appropriate and effective treatment for you.

What is your cancellation policy?

We require 24 hours notive to cancel or change an appointment, There will be a fee applied to your account for any missed appointments or any appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.  If you need to change or cancel your appointment outside of our regular office hours, please call our office and leave a voicemail message notifying us of the change.

Other Questions? 

If you have any other questions about services offered at Richmond Physiotherapy, please contact us at 403-242-1111 and we will be happy help you however we can.

MASSAGE THERAPY

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