What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons,
ligaments and joints.

It helps alleviate the soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use
and many chronic pain conditions. If employed early enough after accidents involving trauma and injury, massage
can greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning.

Massage improves stress management and is widely used to help obtain relief from chronic tension and pain
in muscles, to improve circulation, to increase flexibility in the joints and reduce mental and physical fatigue.

It will relieve muscle tightness especially the back and neck area where most of us store tension. Muscles can
become so contracted that they press on nerves to the arms, hands and legs, causing pain, tingling and numbness.
Massage can release muscle spasm and tightness to bring relief.

What to expect when you come in for a massage

When you first come in for a massage, you will be asked to fill out a confidential general information sheet. Your massage therapist will then ask you some general questions since there are conditions for which massage is not appropriate. For a body massage, you can choose between undressing to your comfort level or wearing your underwear. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be fully draped through your session except for the area being worked on.

You will relax on a specially designed table that is designed for stability and comfort. Different pillows or bolsters can be used to make your position more comfortable. The room will be warm, quiet, and with gentle music in the background.

A professional massage oil or lotion will be used to ease the friction and will absorb well in case you have other commitments after the massage.

The massage will start gently to calm your nervous system and begin to release superficial tension. Gradually, your massage therapist works more deeply into the tissues and addresses specific areas.

Your therapist will help you understand that ultimately your body has the capacity to heal itself and will work with you to learn how you can become part of this healing process.

Make yourself comfortable and relax. Your therapist may move or adjust your body at certain times or will tell you what is needed. You can change your position any time to make yourself more comfortable. Many people just close their eyes and relax, others prefer to talk. Do not hesitate to ask questions any time.

After massage you should feel relaxed. Give yourself time to slowly get up. Many people experience freedom from pain and aches that have built over months of tension. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, many people experience an increase in energy that can last for days.



Questions?

Please give us a call if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment for a massage, 519-434-3946.

* Visit the Registered Massage Therapists Association of Ontario for more information.