Massage Therapy

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is a manual modality that focuses on the manipulation of soft tissue throughout the body. This includes muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. Primarily, the goal of massage therapy is to elicit a therapeutic effect, such as improving muscle function, rehabilitation of injuries, improving overall wellness or quality of life. 

What are the effects of Massage Therapy?

Effects of massage can be one or a combination of physical, mental, and/or emotional. This depends on the goals set by the patient, the therapist’s skill, the therapist-patient relationship, and the patient’s condition.  

Physical effects of massage can be but are not limited to:  

  • Decrease in muscle tension or discomfort 
  • Increased circulation 
  • Improved mobility 
  • Quicker recovery between physical activity 

As mentioned, there can be effects of massage that are mental or emotional in nature, due to the therapist interacting with the central and peripheral nervous system to produce a desired effect. Depending on your goals, most people report that massage promotes relaxation and reduces stress or anxiety, decreases insomnia, and helps to balance the sympathetic versus parasympathetic nervous response.  

If you are concerned or curious if massage therapy would benefit you, please speak to your primary health care practitioner! 

The benefits can be widespread, but a list of potential outcomes or benefits are:

  • Improved sleep
  • Enhanced postural awareness
  • Decreased pain
  • Increased joint mobility

Does massage therapy work with other forms of rehabilitation?

Yes! Research shows that massage can be paired or used in conjunction with other modalities to promote recovery.  

Massage therapy is primarily focused on manipulating and relaxing the various soft tissues within the body and it can be the ideal complement to physiotherapy, chiropractic and sports enhancement. Movement is important for rehabilitation and massage therapy is an excellent way to treat any muscles that have become tense or overworked as part of the recovery process. 

What can I expect at my first massage?

At your first appointment, you and the therapist will discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding the reason for your visit. After this, the therapist will assess your injury or issue; this may include observation, palpation (feeling the area), and special physical tests to help establish the cause of your pain or discomfort.  

The therapist will then outline what treatment will look like for you that day, go over consent, explain techniques used, and identify goals of treatment. After that, you will have time to get comfortable on the table, then treatment will begin! 

How long are massage appointments?

Typically, massage appointments are booked in 60-minute or 90-minute slots. Depending on your specific situation, and what your goals of treatment are, these times may be adjusted following a discussion with the therapist! 

How often should I get a massage?

This will be discussed with each patient individually, to suit their needs and goals.