Massage therapy is a component of physiotherapy in Barrie, ON. It is an alternative medicine treatment method that involves the application of pressure to the body’s soft tissues, ligaments, and tendons to relieve stress and pain and promote relaxation. Before its adoption into healthcare, several people considered massage a luxurious relaxation tool for the affluent only. Today, massage is regarded as a branch of healthcare with several physical and mental benefits when performed by a licensed massage therapist in Barrie.
Massage therapists are professionals trained to provide different types of massage to people needing massage therapy. Licensing requirements to become a massage therapist vary, depending on geographical location. However, massage therapists typically need a formal training program and have a state certification to practice. Massage therapists work in various settings, including hospitals, spas, private/public offices, shopping malls, chiropractic offices, fitness centers, sports medicine clinics, rehabilitation centers, etc. Massage therapists use their hands, fingers, knuckles, forearms, elbows, and other special equipment to perform a massage. This article will examine what a massage therapist’s job entails and the overall benefits of massage therapy at Concept of Movement Physiotherapy.
Table of Contents
What Conditions Do Massage Therapists Treat?
While the focal point of massage therapy is the muscles and soft tissues of the body, it treats and manages conditions that affect physical and mental health. Some of the conditions that massage therapists treat include:
- Chronic pain conditions: Most people already view massage as a pain-relieving tool. Massage therapy can help manage intense, recurring pain that causes significant distress to an individual. Common examples of chronic pain conditions that massage therapists can treat and manage include back pain, neck pain, nerve pain, headache, etc.
- Musculoskeletal conditions: Fatigue, injury, overuse, or abuse can cause damage and problems with the muscles. Massage therapy is a remedy for these musculoskeletal conditions, relieving the pain that may accompany them. Examples of musculoskeletal conditions that massage therapists in Barrie treat and manage include arthritis, muscle tension, sciatica, repetitive stress injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, etc. Massage therapy relaxes tight muscles and increases the blood flow in them.
- Cardiovascular conditions: These are conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular conditions may produce symptoms that may reduce the overall quality of an individual’s life. Massage therapists use various massage techniques to manage the symptoms of conditions of the heart and blood vessels. Massage therapy can treat several cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, reduced blood circulation, etc.
- Mental health conditions: While massage therapists massage the body, its benefits transcend physical health. Massage therapy can also influence a person psychologically; therefore, massage therapists use it to treat and manage mental health conditions. Examples of mental health conditions that massage therapy treats include anxiety, depression, stress, etc.
Other conditions that massage therapists treat and manage include immune function, cancer, multiple sclerosis, digestive disorders, diabetes, sleep disorders, postoperative care, etc.
What Do Massage Therapists Do?
Long ago, people only sought massage therapist services for relaxation. However, in this age, other healthcare professionals may suggest or recommend massage therapy to their patients. Massage therapists treat and manage several conditions through different methods and massage techniques. These professionals work with their clients to ensure that massage therapy meets their health needs. Massage therapists do the following:
Assessment and Consultation
Before a massage session, massage therapists evaluate their clients’ needs to determine the best approach to treatment. They ask about the patient’s health history, current physical conditions, symptoms, goals of massage, and other concerns. Massage therapists use the information gathered during assessment to curate the best unique treatment plan for each patient.
Treatment
Based on the initial assessment results, a massage therapist will formulate an effective treatment plan best suited to the needs of individual patients. There are several types of massage techniques available. These techniques employ various pressure levels and equipment to address specific concerns. Massage therapists determine the suitable massage technique, the right amount of pressure, and other massage parameters that the patient needs.
Popular types of massage therapy techniques include:
Swedish Massage
This massage therapy technique is the most common type available. It is a full-body massage employing gentle, long, flowing strokes, kneading, and circular movements to produce a relaxing feeling. A Swedish massage is suitable for people trying out massage therapy for the first time. It focuses on the whole body, calms the nervous system, soothes the muscles, improves circulation, and promotes overall well-being. This type of massage typically lasts for about 60 to 90 minutes.
Deep Tissue Massage
A deep tissue massage addresses specific concerns in the deep layers of the muscles and connective tissues. During this massage, the massage therapist uses slower strokes and applies higher pressure than other types of massage. A deep-tissue massage is perfect for people suffering from a muscle injury, soreness, tightness, imbalance, and pain. It typically lasts for about 60 to 90 minutes.
Sports Massage
This type of massage therapy is similar to deep tissue massage. It addresses muscle injury that occurs as a result of repetitive use. Contrary to its name, a sports massage is not reserved for professional athletes alone. Patients can receive a sports massage on their whole body or specific body parts that require attention. Sports massage relieves pain, improves athletic performance, treats and prevents sports injuries, increases flexibility, and promotes muscle recovery.
Aromatherapy Massage
This massage combines essential oils with soft, gentle pressure during sessions. While the massage therapist usually decides the type of oil, they also consider the client’s preference. Aromatherapy massage also has emotional and mental benefits. It boosts mood, reduces stress and anxiety, relieves muscle tension, and reduces pain.
Other common types of massage therapy techniques include hot stone massage, trigger point massage, reflexology, Thai massage, Shiatsu massage, prenatal massage, myofascial release, etc.
Client Documentation
Massage therapists document their clients’ therapy journey, medical history, treatment plans, progress made, and other necessary information. They can refer to the documentation in the future.
Aftercare
The job of a massage therapist does not end after a massage therapy session. They can still make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan and provide education on how to make the effects of a massage therapy session last long.
These and many more are the functions of massage therapists in Barrie, ON.
Conclusion
Massage therapy provides a holistic approach to treating and managing certain conditions for people considering medicine or surgery as a last resort. If you experience chronic pain and some other conditions that cause you significant discomfort, you should consider undergoing massage therapy at Concept of Movement Physiotherapy.