Massage Therapy

Currently, to become a massage therapist in Ontario, one must follow intensive training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, treatments, hydrotherapy and other related courses. After completing the educational requirement, one must take and pass a rigorous province-wide examination, given by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. Those that have completed these requirements, become licensed to practice and are regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. This is the same Act that regulates chiropractors, physiotherapists, doctors, nurses, etc. Massage Therapists are also governed by the Massage Therapy Act, 1991 and the Health Care Consent Act, 1996. These regulatory standards and educational requirements ensure that while you the client are visiting a Massage Therapist, you are receiving a high level of safe and effective care.

On your first visit to a Massage Therapist, you will be asked to fill in a detailed medical history form, which complies with regulatory standards. The information you provide on this form is confidential, as is your continuing care file.

When a massage therapy session begins, your therapist will assess your needs and structure a treatment plan best suited for your condition. Your therapist will discuss your treatment plan with you and will cover all of the following information: a description of what the treatment involves, the expected benefits of the treatment, the possible side-effects and/or risks during and after the treatment, the risks of not having the treatment, alternative choices to treatment and the areas of the body that will be worked on during the treatment. You will have the opportunity to discuss any contraindications to massage and ask any questions before beginning treatment.

During treatment, you will be covered with a sheet at all times, except for the area that the therapist will be working on. The therapist may use pillows to support certain body areas such as your legs or abdomen, in order to make you more comfortable. Depending on assessment results, your therapist may be treating you while you are on your stomach, back, side and/or from a seated position and will work on several musculoskeletal structures which will be described to you before each and every treatment.

Throughout the course of the treatment, your therapist will check in with you frequently to determine your level of comfort. If at any time during treatment, you feel uncomfortable, you may ask that your therapist modify or stop the treatment all together. For example, if you are uncomfortable removing the pieces of clothing your therapist has suggested, you may opt to remain dressed and ask the therapist to work through the clothing. If you find the pressure of massage techniques too deep, you may ask your therapist to reduce pressure. As the client, you are totally empowered to ask the therapist to work within your personal comfort level regarding all aspects of treatment. All Massage Therapists are trained to provide treatment using a variety of techniques to achieve similar goals.

Generally speaking, massage therapy increases blood circulation and lymphatic flow. It increases flexibility and joint mobility. It improves the pliability of fascia (connective tissue) and promotes the release of endorphins. Overall, it encourages a sense of well-being.

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