Joan Mailing RMT

Massage Therapy

What is Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically, the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints.

Massage therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and improves health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Physical function can be developed, maintained and improved and physical dysfunction and pain can be relieved or prevented through the use of massage therapy.

Modern massage techniques can be traced back to the 1700’s and the development of Swedish massage, the first systematic method of therapeutic massage based on physiology. Today’s massage therapists use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology, combined with traditional Swedish and modern massage therapy techniques, exercise and other therapies, to treat their patients.

An Introduction to Massage
Everyone needs to relax and escape from the every day fast-paced, pressure-ridden world in which we live. Massage can help counteract the stress, stiffness, aches and pains we find ourselves becoming so accustomed to in our everyday lives. Massage is a great way to allow us to relax, put all our worries aside, and let go of all the tension and stress which we find so hard to consciously let go of during our busy week.

I find a lot of people I treat don’t realize the amount of tension they needlessly have to contend with every day. The massages help them understand what their bodies should feel like without all the tension. To experience the pleasure of a body that can breathe, stand and move more freely is just that - an experience.

What Can I Expect When I Come in for My Massage?
* When you arrive, you will be greeted by me unless I am with another patient at the time of your arrival. *Upon your initial visit, you will receive a short case history form to fill out. *Once your case history is filled out, I will accompany you to my clinic room where we will begin by discussing:

any initial questions or concerns you have

your case history and how I feel you could benefit from massage therapy treatments

your wants, needs and expectations from massage therapy

the type of massage I would be doing and the areas I would be working on to achieve the most beneficial results

the modest draping techniques massage therapists use to respect and protect a patient’s privacy will be explained to you along with your options to be partially or fully clothed during the treatment

any other questions which may have come up after we discuss your treatment plan

how you prefer to be clothed during your massage treatment as well as how to position yourself on the massage table.

After we have gone over all the aspects of your massage treatment, I will then leave the room to allow you some time to get ready for your massage.

What Happens During the Massage?

You will find yourself in a softly lit room with relaxing music playing quietly in the background. Here you will be lying comfortably on a massage table on top of some pillows and tucked between two blankets. For the massage I use a lotion to which I add essential oils or scents that are barely noticeable but which help to soothe and relax away any stress. During the massage we will work on the areas discussed during your initial assessment. You will be asked if the pressure of the massage is all right. The pressure of each massage is adjusted to the patient’s preference and pain tolerance, as well as to the approach and treatment needed for certain types of conditions. A lighter more superficial technique is used for a general relaxation massage. In some cases you may be asked if a certain area being worked on radiates a certain type of sensation, pain pressure tingling, etc. to other parts of the body. I may also go through some breathing and relaxation techniques with you if you’re finding it hard to relax during your massage. Communication is very important during the massage but it’s also important to leave room for you to have some quiet time to yourself. This quiet time allows you to focus on your body. The two most important things to focus on during the massage are:

being able to slow down, relax and let go of all your everyday worries and stresses.
tuning into your body and feeling all the tension being pulled away from your tired achey muscles.

What Specific Conditions Can Massage Help?
Massage therapy has a great effect on the areas you are having problems with and can have some profound effects in other areas of your health. By maintaining circulation, metabolism, nervous stimulation and musculoskeletal symmetry, massage helps achieve and sustain the delicate balance among all systems. Although massage is widely known for its uses in general relaxation and stress management, it has a very important place in specific condition maintenance as well as in speeding up the healing processes of our bodies from certain injuries acquired whether it be accident, occupational or sports related. Massage can benefit children, adults, pregnant women, seniors and even those in need of chronic or palliative care. Patients find relief from many specific conditions such as:

headaches
migraines
low back pain
whiplash
arthritis
tendinitis / bursitis
constipation - digestive / lower bowel problems
respiratory problems
post injury rehabilitation
upper back and neck tension
sciatica or sciatic
type symptoms

Who Pays for Massage Therapy?
Although O.H.I.P. does not cover any part of massage therapy, many people are pleasantly surprised to learn that their insurance companies will provide full or partial coverage for the cost of massage therapy treatments. New “no fault” automobile insurance has increased potential coverage for up to 10 years at $500,000 for treatment of injuries sustained in automobile accidents. Most insurance companies will ask you for a note of referral from your physician or chiropractor stating that you will benefit from massage therapy treatment.

Who Qualifies as a Massage Therapist?
Upon successful completion of a 2,200 hour massage therapy program consisting of courses in anatomy, physiology, neurology, pathology, nutrition, public health, first aid / CPR, human relations, myology, osteology, assessments, massage therapy, principles of treatment, actinotherapy, hydrotherapy, remedial exercises, and business, massage therapy students are required to pass a Board exam regulated by the governing College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. This exam consists of two parts: an oral / practical exam and a written exam. Upon successful completion of our Board exams, we then become Registered Massage Therapists (R.M.T.s), licensed and registered under the Regulated Health Care Professions Act (RHPA.)
Only members of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario are permitted to use the title Massage Therapist (MT) or Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).
Registered massage therapists have photo ID cards and a certificate of registration issued by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, showing the therapist’s registration number; you have the right to view this ID in order to be assured that your therapist is registered.