What is Massage Therapy?Swedish massage is what many people think about when massage is mentioned. It uses long flowing strokes, deep kneading, surface friction, light tapping and joint movement.
Massage Therapists use Swedish massage, along with many other techniques such as Neuromuscular Facilitation (NMT), Trigger Point Therapy, Fascial release; in addition to therapeutic exercise, stretching and postural education in an average massage therapy visit.
What does Massage Therapy do?Massage Therapy acts directly upon the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems to rehabilitatioe physical injuries and improve health. Research studies have found massage therapy to positively affect: Circulation, muscular system, nervous system, immune system, pain perception, psychological state, and respiratory function.
What conditions may benefit from Massage Therapy?Whiplash, headaches, back and neck pain, sprains/strains, muscle spasm, pregnancy, arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, postural problems, repetitive strain (overuse) injuries, and fibromyalgia.
What should I expect from my Massage Therapy Visit?Your average appointment will begin with you filling out a medical case history to establish your current level of health and ensure there are no contraindications to massage therapy. Next comes an interview/assessment by your massage therapist so she can better understand your individual health needs. Following the assessment, the therapist will leave the room allowing you to disrobe and get into position on the massage table (covered by a sheet). The therapist will re-enter the room and do the hands-on part of the treatment. When she is finished, she will leave the room again allowing you privacy to dress. Once you are dressed the therapist will meet with you again to discuss the treatment and assign necessary homecare exercises such as stretches and strengthening.
Massage Therapy Research
98 per cent of patients believe massage therapy is an effective treatment for their medical conditions.*
95 per cent of patients say massage therapy improved their condition.*
49 per cent of patients say massage therapy allowed them to stop or reduce drug or other medical treatments.*
*Source: 1999 Survey - Massage Therapists' Association of BC
What type of treatments should I expect?Your Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) will assess what kind of arthritis you have and then develop an appropriate Massage Therapy program. Treatments depend on a number of factors such as severity, age, occupation and lifestyle. Since the majority of sufferers have chronic arthritis, treatment will focus on reducing discomfort and pain. RMTs will offer tips for in between treatments to help patients manage their pain at home.
Benefits with a Massage Therapy program are that patients can look forward to a significant drop in pain and an improved range of motion.
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