| WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY?
Massage Therapy is a therapeutic integral healing
relationship in which the therapist assists the client
in restoring, maintaining and enhancing the well-being
of the client. (Code of Ethics- Standards of Practice
96)
SCOPE OF PRACTICE
The practice of massage therapy is the assessment
of the soft tissue and joint s of the body and the
treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and
pain of the soft tissues and joints by manipulation
to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical
function or relieve pain. (Massage Therapy Act)
WHO CAN BENEFIT?
Massage therapy can help people of all ages and conditions:
- babies, children, pregnant women, sports enthusiast
and the elderly
- definitely those who have muscle, tendon and ligament
issues such as frozen shoulder, tendonitis, neck
tension and muscle spasms
- those who are dealing with any stress related
symptoms whether they be muscular, digestive, respiratory
- those who are recovering from motor vehicle injuries,
falls or surgeries
- those who suffer from chronic headaches, arthritis,
low back problems etc.
- those who are receiving other therapies may benefit
from massage therapy in conjunction with/or to break
beyond a plateau reached
- even those who have palliative considerations
WHAT TO EXPECT
In order for the therapist to care for your particular
needs, a case history is taken. Consent for treatment
and privacy policy forms require a signature.
There may be further assessment related to your
specific concern(s) such as range of motion and muscle
testing. The therapist also uses the actual massage
as a means of gathering further information.
During the session, privacy and respect is honoured.
The therapist leaves the room while the person prepares
for a treatment. Any part of the body not being treated
is covered with a sheet. Work may even be done over
the clothes depending on one’s personal comfort
level, time (15 minutes) or place (office). A session
can be terminated if one becomes uncomfortable at
any time.
Afterwards, a treatment plan may be developed together.
Remedial exercises or other self-help suggestions
may be discussed in order to obtain the greatest benefit
from the treatment.
There may be some residual soreness, but this should
not extend beyond a day or two as the muscles continue
to release metabolic wastes. Your body has the capacity
to heal itself and massage therapy can be and important
part of that process.
A QUALIFIED THERAPIST
The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario requires
students to complete a 2200 hours of intensive instruction
at an approved vocational school or college. Graduation
is a prerequisite to taking provincial examinations.
If successful the candidates become licensed and regulated
under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA Jan
1, 1994). These registered Massage Therapists will
have the designation RMT and a registration number
which will appear on your receipt.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO)
1867 Young Street, Suite #810
Toronto, Ontario M4S 1Y5
Phone: 416.489.2626
Internet Site: www.cmto.com |
