Massage Therapy

Sports Medicine Massage Therapists are all registered practitioners. Massage therapy improves the functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness. Massage involves holding, causing movement of soft tissue, and/or applying pressure to the body. Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress and to promote health and wellness.

How Will I Feel After a Massage Session?

• Most people report feeling very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity.
• After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness and greater productivity, which can last for days.
• Some discomfort is normal after massage. An Epsom salt bath following a massage will help to ease muscle pain and increase circulation to aid healing. Magnesium, a natural stress reliever, is increased allowing toxins and heavy metals to be flushed from the body.
• Generally, massage therapists promote the use of heat to maintain tissue health. A good way to incorporate this is to use heat for 15-20 minutes a night just before going to bed.
• If there is inflammation, swelling or an acute injury then ice is warranted. It is best to seek professional advice, if you are in doubt.

What Are the Benefits of Massage?

Massage can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Massage Can Also:

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labour for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow to the body's natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level to prepare for and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body's largest organ, the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins - amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits

Getting a massage can do you a world of good and getting a massage frequently can do even more! This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you will be and how youthful you will remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember, just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn't mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.

Appointments can be made without a referral. Services are generally covered through private extended health care plans (a physician's referral may be required). Motor vehicle insurance covers massage treatments although prior approval is necessary. To visit the Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario (RMTAO), please visit Click here.