MASSAGE THERAPY: Complementary pain and stress management
According to the Massage Therapists Association of Ontario: "Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including, muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage Therapy is a clinically-oriented healthcare option that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with every day and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions.
A Registered Massage Therapist is a primary healthcare provider in Ontario and anyone may visit an RMT of their choice. A referral or prescription is not required to visit an RMT, although some insurance companies may require this. Massage Therapists today use their knowledge of physiology and anatomy to combine traditional Swedish and modern massage therapy techniques with other therapies to treat their clients."
WHAT MAKES A GOOD MASSAGE THERAPIST?
The Massage Therapy Alliance of Canada (MTAC), a national massage therapy alliance across all provinces, has established a common minimum requirement of 2,200-hour program from successful graduates of a recognized curriculum. But, as with any profession, knowledge of the proper techniques is just the start. Creating a relaxing atmosphere, having a strong client focus that tunes out all other distractions and making the experience an enjoyable one, is a definite requirement.
Good massage therapists must also have the manual dexterity to perform complicated maneuvers and the physical stamina that the rigorous physical effort requires. Great massage therapists also have excellent interpersonal skills and can create a rapport with a client that helps put them at ease during a treatment. They answer questions readily and explain what they are doing during a massage.
WHAT CONDITIONS ARE TREATED?
As sited in MedicineNet.com, studies are ongoing on a number of theories on how massage therapy may affect the body. For example, “the 'gate control theory' suggests that massage may provide stimulation that helps to block pain signals sent to the brain. Other theories suggest that massage might stimulate the release of certain chemicals in the body, such as serotonin or endorphins, or cause beneficial mechanical changes in the body.”
Massage Therapy is used for a variety of health-related purposes such as relieving pain, rehabilitating sports injuries, reducing stress, increase relaxation, addressing anxiety and depression, and aiding in general wellness. In general, massage therapy reduces muscle tension and improves joint mobility, circulation and lymphatic drainage.
WHAT'S INVOLVED?
Massage therapists work in a variety of calm, soothing environment settings… either in an office environment or at a patient’s home. Therapists will ask new patients about symptoms, medical history, and desired results. The intent is to assess and create a treatment plan for you and that can only be done if they have a complete understanding of your past and current health. Through light touches, they then locate painful or tense areas and determine how best to proceed and much pressure to apply.
Typically, the patient lies on a table, either in loose-fitting clothing or undressed (covered with a sheet, except for the area being massaged). The therapist may use oil or lotion to reduce friction on the skin. Sometimes, people receive massage therapy while sitting in a chair. A massage session may be fairly brief, but may also last an hour or even longer.