What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage Therapy is the assessment and treatment of the soft tissues and joints of the body. The therapist works to maintain, rehabilitate or improve physical functions as well as relieve pain. Massage Therapy combines a variety of hands-on treatment of muscles, ligaments, joints, and connective tissues to provide physical relief by positively affecting the circulatory, nervous, and muscular systems. It helps to restore a healthy balance between sets of muscles that may have become over or under-worked due to various life stresses, repetitive use, injuries or illness.

Benefits of Massage Therapy:
1) Increases circulation of fluids throughout the body tissues
2) Helps eliminate waste products and toxins from tissues after excessive overuse
3) Enhances the effectiveness of the healing process
4) Induces a natural, healthy “relaxation” response in the body,
5) Reduces pain
6) Improves joint health and mobility
7) Lengthens or strengthens muscles
8) Enhances an overall sense of well being

What Conditions Can Be Treated?

Headaches / Migraines	Joint pain	Fibromyalgia
Torticollis / Neck pain	Muscle spasms	Multiple Sclerosis
Back pain	Tendinitis / Bursitis	Arthritis
Whiplash	Trigger points	Parkinson's
Jaw pain	Dislocations	Hemiplegia
Thoracic outlet syndrome	Scar tissue	Cerebral Palsy
Frozen shoulder	Fascial / muscle imbalances	Nerve lesions
Carpal Tunnel syndrome	Disc degenerative disorders	Spinal cord injury
Hyper - kyphosis / lordosis	Constipation	Scoliosis
Sciatica or leg aches
Iliotibial band contracture

FIRST MASSAGE JITTERS?

Most people are apprehensive about coming in for their first massage. This is completely normal since it is a new experience. The following information will allow you to better understand what to expect.

Prior to your first treatment, your therapist will perform an assessment which will include a health history intake, a postural analysis, range of motion testing, and orthopedic testing if applicable. The results of the assessment enable your therapist to decide if massage therapy is safe and appropriate for you. Your therapist will then propose a treatment plan, and obtain consent from you prior to the massage.

Your treatment will include hands-on manipulations of the soft tissues and joints, and, if required, the application of hot or cold hydrotherapy. During the treatment, you will be completely draped with a sheet. Only the area being treated will be uncovered. At the end of your treatment, your therapist may prescribe self care for you to perform at home between your massage therapy sessions.

Please do not ever hesitate to discuss any concerns with your therapist prior, during or after your treatment.

ABOUT MASSAGE THERAPISTS

• Massage Therapists are regulated health professionals.
• Only members of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario are permitted to use the title Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).
• Registered Massage Therapists have completed a 2-3 year diploma program from a recognized massage therapy school.
• Registered Massage Therapists participate in a Quality Assurance Program that assists them in maintaining high professional standards and quality of care for their clients.

GeneviÈve Mailloux

A graduate of D’Arcy Lane Institute in London Ontario, Geneviève Mailloux has been practicing massage therapy since 2005. For more information, please visit our Professionals Section.