What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissue and joints of the body, which includes muscles, skin and associated tissues. Massage therapy alleviates soft tissue discomfort associated with occupational stresses, muscular over-use and chronic pain syndromes. If employed early enough after an accident involving trauma or injury, massage therapy can greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning and formation of scar tissue.
Registered Massage Therapist
Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) must complete extensive training and must pass government board examinations, which consist of written and practical examinations before becoming registered. RMTs must adhere to a strict code of ethics as well as standard of practice.
Registered Massage Therapists are highly trained in anatomy, physiology, orthopedic assessment and pathology. They are qualified to perform health assessments to determine when massage is a suitable treatment option and what type of massage protocol is best suited for a particular condition.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
- Helps reduce stress
- Improves joint flexibility & range of motion
- Reduces muscle tension & stiffness
- Increases blood circulation
- Reduces the formation of scar tissue
- Can help lower blood pressure
- Increases lymph circulation
- Helps reduce pain
How Massage Therapy Works
Massage therapy alleviates muscular stiffness, tension and pain through the use of a variety of hands-on methods that stretches and loosens those muscles and connective tissue involves. Massage therapy can also improve blood flow and the movement of lymph throughout the body, which can help the immune system. It is also used to prevent the formation of scar tissue following an injury or surgery, which will improve the overall function of that area.
Who can benefit from Massage Therapy?
Massage Therapy has been shown to help in the treatment of:
- Tension Headaches
- Migraines
- Whiplash
- Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Muscle Pain and Stiffness
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Prenatal Soreness