Massage Therapy

What is Massage Therapy?

“The practice of massage therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain”.

(Massage Therapy Act, 1991)

Massage therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints.

Massage therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and improves health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Physical function can be developed, maintained and improved and physical dysfunction and pain can be relieved or prevented through the use of massage therapy.

Massage can benefit people of all ages and conditions: babies, children, pregnant women, the elderly, those in chronic pain and those who need palliative considerations.

 Your Treatment:

Before your treatment, your massage therapist will propose a personalized treatment plan based on an initial assessment and health history. The assessment can consist of various tests to determine the condition of your muscles and joints. Any information you provide to your massage therapist is completely confidential and will be safeguarded. Your health record cannot be released or transferred without your written consent.   Your massage therapist must also obtain your consent to work on any part of the body, regardless of whether you are fully clothed or fully or partially covered with sheets or blankets. Your privacy will always be respected, and you may withdraw your consent for treatment at any time.

Various specialized hand movements over the skin or clothes make up the massage therapy treatment. The massage therapist will work with your level of pain tolerance during the treatment, and the treatment can be stopped at any time should the treatment become uncomfortable.

 Coverage:

Massage therapy is not covered by OHIP, but many private insurance companies cover treatment from a registered massage therapist as part of their extended health care plans. Please consult your policy.

 Massage Therapist Qualifications in Ontario:

A massage therapist is a regulated health professional and registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.

Only members of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario are permitted to use the title Massage Therapist (MT) or Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). Through the College, all massage therapists participate in a quality assurance program that ensures high professional standards and quality client care.