What Is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is commonly used in Vancouver & Burnaby, BC to help those whose muscles may have experienced extended periods of overuse. It helps in loosening up any tight areas and making recovery quicker and easier. Book an appointment at MSK Health and Performance today in Vancouver Kitsilano, Downtown Vancouver or Burnaby Metrotown to figure out if massage therapy can help you!
Your Soft Tissues And You:
Your muscles are made up of many small, thin fibers that contract on command, working together to mobilize your muscle groups. These muscles are attached to your bones by connective tissues, called tendons, enabling them to move your body parts. Your bones are then connected by tough bands of connective tissue, called ligaments, for added stability. Your ligaments are covered by yet another connective tissue called fascia. All of these connective tissues can be referred to as “soft tissues.”
Soft tissues help to mobilize your joints and give your body the strength it needs to perform tasks. Your soft tissues provide you with the ability to do many things; however, they also limit you from pushing yourself too far – even if that’s your intention. These can be damaged by certain stresses, especially those caused by the repeated actions within athletic activity. Massage therapy can help to loosen up your muscles, and may even prevent future injuries from occurring.
How Massage Therapy Will Improve Your Life:
Massage therapy can be extremely beneficial for people of all ages. A Vancouver & Burnaby, BC therapist may recommend specific types of massage to complement your physiotherapy or chiropractic treatments, including:
- Deep tissue massage. This type of massage loosens up your muscles and their connective tissues.
- Myofascial release. This type of massage creates room for tissues that may be trapped by distortions or fascial adhesions, freeing them from constriction.
Massage therapy promotes tissue healing, so you can get back to living your life as quickly as possible. By working to mobilize, loosen, and relax your muscles, you can help them stay limber. This will decrease your risk of future strains, sprains, and ruptures.
Techniques
Our registered massage therapists offer the following techniques:
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Deep Tissue Massage is a form of massage that can really benefit chronic pain sufferers. It is used to improve chronic muscle tension in a targeted problem area. This technique is often used by athletes. However, not only athletes can take advantage of the benefits of this advanced massage style. If you work in an office, sitting at a desk day after day, or if your work or lifestyle involves you doing many repetitive movements (leading to repetitive strain injuries), then you may benefit from deep tissue massage.
SPORTS MASSAGE
Sports Massage is a form of massage commonly used before, during, and after athletic events. The purpose of the massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, drain away fatigue, relieve swelling, reduce muscle tension, promote flexibility, and prevent injuries
MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE
Muscle energy techniques (MET) are applied to a patient in order to lengthen shortened or spastic muscles and to improve range of motion. This procedure is performed when a patient is asked to contract a muscle for approximately 5 seconds against an anti-force applied by the therapist. The client performs the muscle contraction 2-3 times in a row in hopes of stretching the muscle further each time. Many athletes use this technique as a preventive measure to guard against future muscle and joint injuries.
PREGNANCY MASSAGE /PRE AND POST-NATAL MASSAGE
Pregnancy massage is massage therapy specifically tailored for the needs of the expectant mother. The mother’s body is properly positioned and supported during the massage, using a specifically designed pregnancy pillow. Proper positioning ensures comfort and safety for the mother and baby. It’s a popular complementary therapy during pregnancy for back pain, when pain relief options, such as medication, are often limited.
See How We’ve Helped Our Vancouver And Metrotown Burnaby, BC Communities!
Contact Us MSK Health and Performance Today For Massage Therapy
Your soft tissues work hard to make sure your body is functioning correctly, so it is important to help optimize their health and function. If you are in Vancouver & Burnaby, BC looking for registered massage therapist, Book an appointment at MSK Health and Performance today to figure out if massage therapy can help you! Our therapists in Vancouver Kitsilano, Downtown Vancouver or Burnaby Metrotown are happy to discuss our massage service with you and how it will benefit your life.
Your Next Steps…
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FAQs
What Does RMT Stand For?
Registered Massage Therapist
The College of Registered Massage Therapists of BC is the only regulated college for registered massage therapists in BC. Members of the CMTBC are referred to as registered massage therapists. Any other terminology used by bodyworkers likely indicates that they do not meet the professional standard and are not part of the regulated professional body in British Columbia.
Insurance companies will only pay for treatment provided by a registered massage therapist.
How long will my first appointment take?
Massage therapy appointments can be booked in slots of 30, 45, 60, or 90-minute visits. It is important to arrive 10 minutes before your initial appointment time to fill out a health history form. The initial visit will include a 10-15 minute assessment that may include an interview process and hands-on testing to determine the necessary course of treatment. For this reason, we recommend booking at least 45 minutes for your first visit. The last 5 minutes of the treatment may include a demonstration of self-care or remedial exercises.
Do I have to take my clothes off?
Massage therapy treatments are best performed through the skin on skin contact. Your therapist can modify the treatment to work directly over clothing or over sheets if desired. It is up to you on which articles of clothing to remove as you will be instructed to undress to your comfort level, however, most patients chose to fully disrobe. Sheets are provided so you can cover yourself prior to the registered massage therapist entering the room. During treatment, only the areas being worked on will be uncover, all other areas will be covered by sheets and blankets.
Do you offer deep tissue massage?
If needed and with your consent, yes.
At the start of the treatment, the registered massage therapist will set up a pain scale with you to make sure that you are comfortable throughout the treatment. The therapist will check in during the treatment to see if they are using enough pressure or if you desire more.
Do you use any hot or cold applications?
We provide access to both hot and cold applications. Depending on the condition, the registered massage therapist will decide the appropriate treatment and can recommend appropriate options for home use of hot or cold therapies. It is important to understand the length and temperatures of the applications in order for them to have their desired outcome. The therapist might perform a small test patch at the beginning to make sure there will be no adverse reaction to hot or cold therapy in the treatment.
My children are covered by benefits, is there a certain age you must be for massage?
There is no age requirement for someone to receive a massage. We are trained in infant massage and pediatric massage as well as informational sessions for parents. Children can benefit from massage to manage growing pains, anxiety, to help with autism and cerebral palsy symptoms, and to help promote the healing of injuries. Infants can benefit from massage to help with digestive issues and to increase bonding between parents and child. The guardian must be present to give consent for massage prior to their first session. Parents are welcome and encouraged to be present with their children during massage treatment sessions.
I have TMJ disorder, do your registered massage therapists treat this?
Our registered massage therapists are trained in massage for TMJ disorders. This treatment may be performed both outside and, using gloves, inside the mouth (intraoral). Before the treatment, an assessment is performed to see if intraoral massage is indicated for that day. The registered massage therapist will set up a hand signal with you before so you can communicate with them during the treatment. All our therapists take precautions for your health and safety as treatments are performed with non-latex gloves.
I am on certain medications, can I still get a massage?
Make sure you inform the registered massage therapist of any medications you are on. The therapist will decide whether a massage is indicated or not. Registered massage therapists can modify the treatment based on the medications you are on by varying techniques. It is important at the beginning of each treatment to tell your registered massage therapist if there are any changes to your medications or if you are currently taking any over-the-counter medications or vitamins. In addition, if you are planning on seeing your registered massage therapist you may want to refrain from taking any pain medications before the treatment as it can affect your tolerance to depth and pressure for some techniques.
How often should I get a massage?
At the initial treatment, the registered massage therapist will discuss a treatment plan with you. This includes how often you should return to see us and when we will assess your progress. Duration and frequency are based on the condition, age, nutrition, activity level, and optimal recovery times. It is also affected by how well you perform the home care exercises prescribed to you. If you are seeing us for wellness massage or maintenance treatment we generally recommend monthly sessions.
Is Registered Massage covered by extended health insurance?
Our massage services in Burnaby and Vancouver are covered by most private insurance companies. We offer direct billing to most third-party insurance companies. We also accept MSP and ICBC.