Massage Therapy
Scope of Practice / Benefits
Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deep layers of muscle, connective tissue and joints, using a variety of techniques. Massage therapy restores tissue health by bringing oxygen and other nutrients to body tissues while flushing metabolic waste.
"The practice of massage therapy is the assessment of soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain."
— Massage Therapy Act, 1991
Massage therapy has the ability to:
Enhance function
Aid in the natural healthy process
Relieve muscle and joint tension
Promote tissue health
Reduce pain
Increase flexibility and mobility
Improve circulation
Restore balance
Increase lymphatic drainage
Relieve anxiety
Massage therapy can benefit:
Inflammatory conditions (tendinitis, bursitis, arthritis)
Postural imbalances (scoliosis, forward head carriage, hyperkyphosis/lordosis)
Acute and chronic pain
Stress-related conditions
Degenerative changes and joint pathologies (DDD, SIJD, TMJD, facet compression, disc herniation)
Muscle strains and spasms, and ligament sprains (whiplash)
Headaches, migraines, sinusitis
Repetitive strain injuries and compression syndromes (carpal tunnel, piriformis, thoracic outlet syndromes)
Circulatory and respiratory problems (hypertension, Raynaud's, diabetes, fibromyalgia, bronchitis)
Post-injury and pre/post surgical rehabilitation
Pre/post sport event
Adhesions, contractures, scar tissue, myofascial trigger points