Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is the assessment and treatment of soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. The practice of massage therapy is a clinically oriented healthcare option to help with treatment, alleviation and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain throughout the body. Various soft tissue manipulations and techniques can help alleviate muscular tension associated with activities of daily living, rehabilitate or augment physical function, and relieve pain as part of a personalised care plan.
In Ontario, Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) and follow standards of practice that include informed consent, privacy, and safe treatment protocols.
Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
- Decreases stress by improving relaxation: Massage has a positive impact in reducing the effects of stress on the body. Massage therapy helps to reduce cortisol levels and improve relaxation, which can reduce stress and anxiety. It can also be used in a preventative care program for ongoing stress management.
- Increases flexibility and circulation: Regular massage allows the body to function with less restriction, accelerates recovery time, and decreases the risk of sprains, strains, and spasms by increasing muscle flexibility and improving overall circulation. Improving flexibility can enhance joint mobility and may help lower the risk of future sprains and strains.
- Decreases muscular tension, soreness, spasm and pain: Specific massage treatments are designed to reduce resting muscular tension, treat various sprains/strains, carpal tunnel, nerve impingement syndromes, whiplash, bursitis, tendonitis, headaches and much more. Individualised treatment plans based on your goals and health history can help prevent injury and reduce or eliminate pain related to soft tissue dysfunction.Common concerns that may benefit from massage therapy include postural strain from desk work, sports-related overuse, tension headaches, and pregnancy-related muscular discomfort.
Pre/Postnatal Massage
Massage is safe and beneficial both during and after pregnancy. During pregnancy it helps to safely relieve many pregnancy related pains such as hip/low back soreness, lessen or relieve sciatic related pain, reduce swelling in hands and feet and muscular tension related to the physical changes during pregnancy. RMTs adapt positioning and techniques for each trimester to maintain comfort and safety, using side-lying or semi-reclined positions as needed. We also have specialized pillows that support the baby and belly through pregnancy and ensure comfort and safety. Massage has great benefits to help reduce stress and anxiety, which is helpful both pre and postnatal. Always inform your therapist of pregnancy status and any medical guidance from your prenatal provider.
Massage and Children
Physical growing pains occur because the bones are growing more rapidly than the muscles. The specific massage techniques used will help to gently lengthen the muscles and stretch the tissues, providing symptomatic relief of pain. Massage Therapy is very safe and effective to relieve muscular tension in children of any age. Care is always tailored to age and comfort, with a parent or guardian present during treatment and assessment as appropriate. Young athletes may benefit from massage therapy for overuse soreness and recovery between activities, while technology-related posture challenges can be addressed with gentle soft tissue work and simple movement strategies discussed at the visit.
Hot Stone Massage
The heat of the stones are an effective way to help release muscular tension, decrease stiffness and allow the body to fall into a deep relaxation. Hot stone massage can help manage stress. It can support the nervous system’s relaxation response, which may lower resting muscle tone and heart rate. The heat from the stones improves local circulation and allows for increased manipulation of soft tissues where appropriate. Your therapist will test stone temperature and adjust pressure to ensure comfort and safety throughout the session.
First time at Complete Wellness?
Here are our standards and what to expect for massage therapy
Firstly, we ask that you fill in your required health history intake form, as it is mandatory by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, prior to arriving at the clinic. The form will be sent to you by email and is an online form. If you are having trouble accessing or filing in the form, then please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment to fill in a paper version. When arriving at the clinic our reception staff will greet you and have you fill out the required health history information.
The therapist will then take you into the treatment room and go over the medical history and perform the appropriate assessment specific to your primary complaints, injury or pain. Your RMT will explain findings, review goals, and discuss proposed techniques and areas to be treated. The massage therapist will explain the treatment in which they will be giving and ask you for informed consent. You may withdraw or modify consent at any time.
At this time, the therapist will leave the room and allow you time to disrobe to your level of comfort. Some patients completely disrobe, while some remain partially clothed. Either option is fine. You will then lie on the table, under the top sheet and blanket (between the sheets). Your therapist will knock and ask if you’re ready before entering the room. Professional draping standards are followed so only the area being treated is uncovered.
While you are on the table, the therapist will provide pillows for comfort. Please let your therapist know if there is anything they can do to make your position more comfortable on the table. During the massage only the areas in which the therapist is working will be uncovered. The therapist will be using hypoallergenic massage creams and lotions. For hot stone sessions, warm stones will be used to massage tissues and placed briefly for gentle heat.
Following the massage, the therapist will instruct you to slowly get up from the table and leave the room to give you time to re-dress. When you are ready, open the door and the therapist will come back into the treatment room to follow up. At this time your therapist will provide suggestions of individualized hydrotherapy or therapeutic exercises in which they believe will specifically help your primary complaint or pain. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to talk to your therapist or our reception staff at any time. Where suitable, simple home care such as stretching, hydration, or heat/ice guidance will be reviewed to support your results. If needed, your RMT may recommend coordinating care with our other providers for comprehensive support.
Safety, Accessibility and Coverage
Please inform your therapist of any medical conditions, recent injuries, skin sensitivities, or changes in medications before treatment so your session can be planned safely. If you are experiencing acute illness or fever, we will help you reschedule. Massage therapy services may be eligible under many extended health benefit plans. Complete Wellness Clinic offers direct billing to most major Canadian insurers where supported by the plan. Receipts include your RMT’s registration number for reimbursement purposes.
Book Massage Therapy
Ready to experience the benefits of massage therapy with a regulated RMT? Book your appointment today and our team will help tailor your session to your goals.