What is massage therapy?
What conditions do massage therapists treat?
Do I need a referral to see a massage therapist?
Is it expensive to be treated by a massage therapist?
How will massage therapy benefit me?
How soon will I see results?
What can I expect at the first visit?
Is it painful?
What training is required for massage therapists?
Are there any massage therapy schools in Newfoundland?
What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is the assessment and treatment of the soft tissues of
the body. Therapeutic massage is used to prevent dysfunction, to relieve
pain, restore or augment function and improve health. Swedish massage
techniques, which affect the circulatory, musculoskeletal, nervous, and
respiratory systems, form the basis of massage therapy treatment. Hydrotherapy,
remedial exercises, instruction in proper breathing, postural correction
and specialized massage techniques may also be used in treatment.
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What conditions do massage therapists
treat?
Some of the conditions massage therapists treat include
- Soft tissue injuries and dysfunctions: Whiplash, sprains and strains,
sciatica, tendonitis, muscle spasm, torticollis, temporomandibular joint
disorder, thoracic outlet syndrome, plantar fascitis, degenerative disc
disease, Dupuytren`s contracture, carpal tunnel syndrome, tension headache,
etc.
- Diseases and disorders Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, gout,
Multiple Sclerosis, Raynaud`s Disease, bronchitis, emphysema, Parkinson's
Disease, asthma, etc.
- Painful conditions Low back pain, neck pain, post-surgical pain, cancer,
fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, pregnancy and childbirth, bursitis, HIV/AIDS,
migraines, etc.
- Conditions with psychological implications Stress, anxiety, depression,
hypertension
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Do I need a referral to see
a massage therapist?
No. Although many physicians refer patients for massage therapy treatment,
massage therapists are primary health care providers who assess and treat
people independently. You have direct access to a massage therapist.
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Is it expensive to be treated
by a massage therapist?
Massage therapy is not covered by MCP. The cost of a visit to a massage
therapist is comparable to other health care providers such as chiropractors,
private physiotherapists, etc. Most private insurance plans cover part
or all of a massage therapist's professional fee.
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How will massage therapy benefit
me?
Massage therapy stimulates or soothes the nervous system, relieves muscle
tension, assists the digestive and respiratory systems, increases range
of motion in restricted joints, relieves swelling or pain caused by injury
or disease, induces a feeling of general well-being and deep relaxation.
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How soon will I see results?
Tangible results are usually seen early in treatment. After three or four
treatments, most clients report decreased pain and restriction, and improved
function. Many factors, including the severity of injury or condition,
your initial health, and compliance with self-care programs at home or
work will determine length of treatment.
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What can I expect at the first
visit?
At your first visit, your massage therapist will take a standard medical
history, usually giving you a form to fill out. This is necessary in case
there are any contraindications to treatment, and to give your therapist
an overall understanding of your medical health. Depending on the reason
for your visit, you may undergo orthopedic or neurological tests before
treatment begins. Your therapist will explain the treatment procedure,
outlining techniques s/he will use and will ask your consent before beginning.
You are always encouraged to ask questions and clarify anything you are
not clear about.
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Is it painful?
Massage therapists work within the pain tolerance of each individual.
However, it is not always possible to gauge an individual's reaction to
first treatment. Some discomfort may be experienced following treatment.
Some conditions (e.g. those requiring the breakdown of fibrosis) may require
the use of some techniques that are somewhat painful in the short term.
Pain relieving techniques can follow such use and massage therapists may
suggest Epsom salts bath as home care to reduce post-treatment soreness.
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What training is required for
massage therapists?
The Canadian Massage Therapy Alliance recommends a 2-year intensive program
and this standard is accepted and promoted by the NLMTA. Members of the
NLMTA must pass an entrance examination. Massage therapy students must
normally have graduated from a two-year program at a professional school
before being eligible to sit the exam.
What training is required for massage therapists?
To practise massage therapy in the province of Newfoundland & Labrador, a
therapist must first, successfully complete a minimum 2200 hour massage
therapy program (see our recognized school list). Secondly, they
must challenge the NLMTB's registration exam (Registration in Ontario or
BC is also accepted), When the therapist passes the exam, they are
required to become Active Members with CMTNL AS WELL AS the
Association.
All
provinces have different requirements. The Canadian Massage Therapists'
Alliance's website has links to each province's association. Check out
www.cmta.ca for more information.
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Are
there any massage therapy schools in Newfoundland?
Yes.
Compu
College is currently offering a recognized massage therapy program in St.
John's. For information on other schools, refer to our
Recognized School
List.
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Some Myths About Massage Therapy
Massage hurts.
You have to be built like Arnold Schwarzenegger to perform
massage.
You have to take off all your clothes to receive a massage.
It takes too long to have a massage.
Massage is too expensive.
Massage is only for the ill, injured and stressed.
Anyone can give a massage.
You can become addicted to massage.
Massage is just another "new age" therapy.
Massage hurts.
