About Massage Therapy

WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY?

Massage Therapy: is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to promote health, rehabilitate, relax, prevent dysfunction or to relieve pain. This direct, hands-on treatment has a therapeutic effect on the neuromuscular, circulatory and hormonal systems of the body.

WHAT DOES IT HELP WITH?

Key results of massage therapy:

• Promote relaxation and release of stress
• Relieve pain
• Improve performance (mobility, flexibility, and repair)

Commonly treated conditions: 

• Back and neck pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Sports injuries
• Muscle spasms
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Shoulder pain; frozen shoulder syndrome
• Tennis or golfer’s elbow
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendinitis
• Joint pain
• Hip, knee and foot discomfort
• Sprains and strains
• Postural stress

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HOW IT WORKS

Massage creates healing responses primarily in two ways:

• By stimulating the relaxation response (i.e. parasympathetic nervous system), which is an involuntary, yet predictable response of the nervous system to massage techniques and touch. It's the opposite of fight-or-flight/stress response.
• By stimulating mechanical responses in the muscle tissue, which are physical effects that occur in the body when pressure is applied to the soft tissues (i.e. trigger point release).

WHO IS A QUALIFIED PRACTITIONER?

 In Newfoundland and Labrador, a registered massage therapist must successfully complete an eligible training program and pass the College of Massage Therapists of Newfoundland and Labrador (CMTNL) certification examination.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Initial massage appointments are usually 60 minutes. You will be asked to fill out confidential health history forms prior to your treatment. During the first 15-20 minutes of your appointment, the therapist will discuss your treatment goals with you and conduct an assessment to determine a safe and effective treatment plan. Once a treatment plan has been decided the therapist will initiate your treatment for the remainder of the visit.

Subsequent massages may be booked for 30, 45, 60 or 90 minutes. During these visits, the therapist may take 5 minutes to check on your progress. Assuming no further assessment is necessary, he/ she will then proceed with the massage treatment.

FAQ'S 

WILL MY INSURANCE COVER MASSAGE THERAPY?
Most personal health insurance plans cover 80-100% of massage treatments when they have been referred by a medical doctor. To find out what your plan covers and if you need a doctor’s note, you should call your insurance and ask.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
During your assessment you may be asked to move or bend, so comfortable clothing is suggested. During your massage you will be asked to “undress to your comfort level” and cover yourself with a sheet. Massage therapists are required to keep the areas that are not being worked on covered and only expose areas as needed for the treatment. The therapist will describe the areas to be treated before your massage to ensure your comfort.

DOES IT HURT?
Depending on the reason for your visit, some treatments may cause discomfort. If you find a technique painful or the pressure too intense, tell the therapist and they will adjust the treatment accordingly. You may feel sore or stiff after a massage; Epsom salt baths, heating pads and staying hydrated are encouraged after a massage in order to relieve these symptoms.

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