FAQ: Massage Therapy
1. What are the benefits of Massage Therapy?
2. What types of conditions can Massage Therapy treat?
3. What can I expect on my first Massage Therapy session?
4. Do I need a referral from my doctor?
5. Who should get Massage Therapy?
1. What are the benefits of Massage Therapy?
Massage Therapy is a non-surgical, drug-free way to treat a wide variety of conditions. Massage Therapy does this through a variety of physiological effects.
- Effects on Fluid Mechanics – Blood and lymph are fluids that can be affected to move in or out of tissue directly by mechanical compression. This in turn can help to heal injuries by creating more circulation into the tissue and by reducing edema
- Neuromuscular Effects – Massage can reduce neuromuscular tension (“tight muscles”) by reducing excessive stimulation. It can break the pain-spasm-pain cycle and help to re-set the resting tension of the muscle. This can be felt as a “softening” of the muscle
- Fascial tissue Effects – Connective Tissue envelops everything in the body from blood vessels to organs to nerves to muscles. When adhesions or restrictions in this tissue occur due to disease, disuse, trauma or other conditions then movement can become restricted and pain can increase. Myofascial techniques can help to reduce these adhesions and decrease pain and improve function
- Psychological Effects – It is well reported by clients that a great sense of relaxation and reduced stress is felt after a Massage Treatment. Stress reduction is so important in maintaining good health.
- Reflex Effects – Massage Therapy can have an effect on the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The ANS controls many different responses and these are called reflex effects. The response can be local (occurring only at the site of manual manipulation) or occur throughout the body. One such reflex effect is the enhancement of the immune system. Although more research is needed, Massage Therapy can have a positive effect on immune system function.
2. What types of conditions can Massage Therapy treat?
This is a list taken from the Web-site of The Massage Therapy Association of BC (our professional association) of many conditions that can be treated by many conditions that may include but not limited to the following:
| Asthma | Facet Lock | Parkinson’s Disease |
| Athletic Injuries | Fibromyalgia | Pes Planus |
| Arthritis | Fibrositis and Fibrosis | Plantar Fasciitis |
| Bronchitis | Fractures | Poliomyelitis & Post Polio Syndrome |
| Buergers’ Disease | Frozen Shoulder | Postural Deformities |
| Bursitis | Gout | Raynaud’s Disease |
| Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Headaches | Scars |
| Cerebral Palsy | Hemiplegia | Sciatica |
| Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | Herniated back (disc) | Scoliosis |
| Chronic Pain | Iliotibial Band Contracture | Spastic Paralysis |
| Constipation | Impingement Syndrome | Sports Injuries |
| Contractures | Insomnia | Sprains |
| Contusions | Knee injury | Strains |
| Cramps | Low Back Pain | Stress-related disorders |
| Degenerative Disc Disease | Migraine | Synovitis |
| Digestive Disorders | Multiple Sclerosis | Systemic Lupus Erythematosus |
| Dislocations | Muscle Tension / Spasm | Thoracic Outlet Syndrome |
| Dupuytrens’ Contracture | Muscular Dystrophy | Tendinitis |
| Dysmennorhea | Neuralgia / Neuritis | Tenosynovitis |
| Edema | Osteoporosis | TMJ Dysfunction |
| Emphysema | Osteoarthritis | Varicose Veins |
| Entrapments & Compression Syndromes | Paralysis | Whiplash |
Massage therapy is also remarkably effective when used as part of a preventive care program. Some examples of general wellness care include pre or post-natal care (pregnancy), infant massage, stress management, sports training, injury prevention and performance enhancement.
3. What can I expect on my first Massage Therapy session?
The first visit will be one hour. You should arrive 5-10 minutes early to complete a Health In-take form. In the treatment room, your Massage Therapist will then conduct a thorough assessment and evaluation of your condition/complaint to determine the best treatment plan. Treatment will based on this assessment using a variety of techniques deemed appropriate for your condition. After the treatment, you will be given “home-care” advice on how to support recovery of your injury. This may include stretching exercises, strengthening and conditioning, exercises to restore proper movement patterns and, the appropriate use of rest, ice or heat.
Most conditions need a series of treatments and this too will be determined in your first visit.
4. Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No. Registered Massage Therapists are primary health care professionals. No referral is necessary to see us.
If you have an extended Health Care Plan and you wish to claim this treatment on your plan, then you will need to check with your Plan provider to determine if they require a Doctor’s Referral. Some do and some don’t
5. Who should get Massage Therapy?
EVERYONE! We are all highly trained Registered Massage Therapists and you can entrust us with your health and safety.