What is the Main Purpose of Massage Therapy?
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy is a clinically-oriented healthcare option that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with every day occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions.
Massage therapy should only be provided by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). An RMT is a primary healthcare provider in Ontario and anyone may visit an RMT of their choice.
Massage therapy can be used as a treatment for both acute and chronic conditions. RMTs work with a wide variety of patients in the treatment of illness, injury rehabilitation and disability.
The services of an RMT are not covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP); however, many extended health benefit plans will cover all or part of the services provided by an RMT. A referral or prescription is not required to visit an RMT, although some insurance companies may require this.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy treatments provided by a Registered Massage Therapist can offer significant benefits for a variety of conditions and for diverse patient populations. Whether you need to have a moment of relaxation, reduce muscle tension or attain relief from chronic pain, massage therapy can enhance your overall well-being. Massage therapy can help alleviate musculoskeletal disorders associated with everyday stress, muscular overuse, physical manifestation of mental distress and many persistent pain syndromes.
Massage therapy can be an important part of your health maintenance plan by:
- Reducing or eliminating pain
- Improving joint mobility
- Improving lymphatic drainage
- Reducing muscular tension
Massage therapy can treat both acute and chronic conditions. RMTs work with a wide variety of patients in the treatment of illness, injury, rehabilitation and disability.
Massage therapy can prove beneficial to many conditions, including but not limited to the following:
- Anxiety and Depression
- Arthritis
- Asthma and Emphysema
- Cancer
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Dislocations
- Edema
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Inflammatory Conditions
- Insomnia
- Lymphoedema
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Muscle Tension and Spasm
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Pregnancy and Labor Support
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Sports Injuries
- Strains and Sprains
- Stress and Stress-Related Conditions
- Stroke
- Tendinitis
- Whiplash
Massage therapy can also be used as part of a preventative care program. This includes sports training, injury prevention, ongoing stress management and more!
Your massage therapist will require an overall picture of your current health and a detailed health history in order to design a treatment plan that’s right for you.
What to expect at your first appointment
On the first visit you will complete a confidential health history as part of your assessment. Your massage therapist will assess your individual needs as well as other factors that may be contributing to your injury or condition. The RMT will develop a treatment plan with you to ensure you receive appropriate treatment. The treatment plan can be changed at any time and will be reassessed at an appropriate time. You have no obligation to undergo any part of a treatment. Your treatment will begin once you have given your informed consent. This involves setting realistic goals for treatment, discussing possible responses to treatment, and being informed of alternative care options.
What is an RMT?
A Registered Massage Therapist is an individual who is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) in accordance with the Regulated Health Professionals Act and the Massage Therapy Act. Only members of the CMTO are permitted to use the title of Registered Massage Therapist or Massage Therapist, or the designation of RMT or MT.
A Registered Massage Therapist:
- Is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO)
- Has completed competency-based education at a recognized school of massage therapy
- Has successfully completed examinations to ensure that they have the necessary competencies to safely and effectively offer massage therapy care
- Maintains their registration by participating in continuing education and a quality assurance program to ensure they maintain their high professional standards and quality of care
The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) is the regulatory body for Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) in Ontario. They protect the public interest by ensuring the competency and quality of care provided by Massage Therapists. All RMTs in Ontario are required to be registered with the CMTO. Individuals who are not registered with the CMTO are not permitted to practice massage therapy in Ontario or call themselves Massage Therapists in Ontario.
We hope that this blog has helped you understand massage therapy at the ReAlign Natural Health Clinic. We look forward to continuing to serve the families of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph and surrounding communities for many years to come.
Also, see our blog When does insurance cover Massage Therapy to find out even more about this.
If you’re looking for a Massage Therapist in Cambridge, check out ReAlign Health.
Article Source: RMTAO