What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy has a long history in cultures around the world dating back thousands of years. It is recognized as one of the oldest methods of healing. References to massage appear in writings from ancient China, Japan, India, Arabic nations, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In the 1850’s, two American physicians who had studied in Sweden introduced Massage Therapy in the United States, where it became popular and was promoted for a variety of health purposes. With technological advances during the 1930s and 1940s, massage therapy began to fall out of a favour but was revived in the 1970s, especially among athletes. 

By definition, Massage Therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including, muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Massage Therapy is a clinically-oriented healthcare option that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular overuse and many chronic pain conditions. 

In Canada, in 1999 it was estimated that between 17-23% of the population had used Massage Therapy. In 2003, 35% of the population had used Massage Therapy in the past two years and the number continues to increase. Several studies have illustrated that massage therapy has become accepted as a useful addition to conventional medical treatments. 

Massage therapy should be provided by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).  An RMT is an individual who is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, in accordance with the Regulated Health Professionals Act and the Massage Therapy Act. Only registrants with the CMTO are permitted to use the title Massage Therapists (MT), Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) and the equivalents in other languages. 

A referral or prescription is not required to visit an RMT, although some insurance companies may require this. 

Massage Therapy can be used to treat both acute and chronic conditions. RMTs can work with a variety of patient in the treatment of illness, injury rehabilitation and disability. Massage therapy can be beneficial to a wide variety of conditions. 

MASSAGE THERAPY SHOULD BE AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR HEALTH CARE PLAN

Why do you ask? because Massage Therapy can:

• Reduce or eliminate pain

• Improve improve joint mobility

• Improve circulation

• Improve lymphatic drainage

• Reduce Muscular Tension

LOOKING FOR A REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST? 

Massage Therapy can also be used as part of a preventative care program. This includes sports training, injury prevention, ongoing stress management, and more! Together, you and your therapist will develop a treatment plan based on your needs. The Center for Fitness, Health, and Performance is home the top Registered Massage Therapists in Toronto, including:

Cathy Donkersley Amodeo: A University of Western Ontario graduate with an honors degree in Kinesiology & top of her class from Sutherland Chan Massage Therapy School.

Josh Bromley: A graduate from Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic, a true innovator in massage therapy education in North America

Tu Anh Luong: Massage Therapy graduate from Humber College with extensive real world experience at Toronto General Hospital 

Sara Zahrabelny: A University of Toronto graduate with a degree in Kinesiology, as well as graduating from Sutherland Chan Massage Therapy School.

Haiyan Li: Massage Therapy graduate from Medix College with extensive real world experience studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China.

INTERESTED IN MASSAGE FOR PREGNANCY AND LABOR?

We've got you covered. Call us at (416) 972-6279 and we will be happy to assist you with any questions and concerns you may have.