Registered Massage Therapy

What is registered massage therapy?

Registered massage therapy, a regulated health profession in Ontario, is generally taught in the method of Swedish massage. Swedish massage technique involves long, smooth strokes, kneading, and other movements intent on causing relaxation of the muscles. This is accomplished by improving circulation to the muscles via the massage, thereby improving oxygen and nutrient supply to the tissues. While registered massage therapy helps treat injuries, illness and stress, it is also excellent for helping prevent illness and conditions before they develop. Some reasons people seek the help of massage therapists include:

A typical registered massage therapy treatment at Yellow Gazebo Natural Health Care is 30, 45, 60, 75 or 90 minutes in length (click here for pricing differences). Try not to eat a heavy meal before treatment, and arrive at least ten minutes before your scheduled appointment to fill out any necessary paperwork and to ensure that you have already begun to relax before your treatment begins.

If you would like to bring your own lotion, please let us know ahead of time and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Not all lotions are ideal, as not all provide a proper "glide" necessary for good treatment, and not all lotions are great for your therapist either (re. allergies and sensitivities). All of our RMT's use the best quality lotions, and you can be secure knowing that they have your best interests in mind.

What happens during your massage?

Your massage will begin with a brief consultation that includes a discussion of your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle. Before he/she leaves the room, the massage therapist will direct you to undress (the majority of people keep their underwear on), and lie face-down under a sheet on a massage table. After an appropriate amount of time has passed, your massage therapist will knock on the door to see if you are ready. If you respond affirmatively, he/she will enter the room again and help in any way to make you more comfortable (adjust pillows, give you more sheets, etc.). Using a special massage lotion, your massage therapist will usually then begin to massage your back, and work down to your legs (if you are receiving a full body massage as opposed to focusing on a specific area). You may then be asked to turn over onto your back, at which time your massage therapist will massage your legs, arms, and possibly your abdomen. You will only be asked to uncover the area on which the massage therapist is working, and at no time will you be expected to receive massage to a degree that is painful or uncomfortable. After your massage is completed, your massage therapist will leave the room so that you can dress. It is advisable that you take your time getting up, as rising too quickly may cause some dizziness.

Note that registered massage therapy is contraindicated in the following circumstances:

immediately after surgery
immediately after chemotherapy or radiation treatment
if you suffer from heart disease or are prone to blood clots, unless otherwise indicated by your doctor
if you suffer from an infectious skin disease, or have an open wound
if you have a fever
over heavy bruising, tumor, inflamed skin, or any area that might have fractured bone below the tissue surface

Deep tissue massage is not recommended for everyone, so be sure to discuss any and all of your preexisting medial conditions with your massage therapist to ensure that there are no complications during your treatment.

After a registered massage therapy treatment at Yellow Gazebo Natural Health Care, you should feel very relaxed and calm. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to help flush your body after treatment, and follow the lifestyle advice given to you by your massage therapist.

If you would like some more information, contact us for a FREE consultation on how registered massage therapy can help you.