Sign In

Lily Meyer RMT

healing everyBODY through massage

What is Massage?

Healing everyBODY through massage.

 

Massage Therapy is hands on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically, the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints.

Massage therapy is one of the oldest methods of healing, as the practice of therapeutic massage can be traced back nearly 4,000 years. Statistics from both Health Canada 1 and the American Massage Therapy Association 2 show that millions of North Americans use it today.

Massage therapy refers to a comprehensive health management strategy focusing on the application of various techniques to positively affect the soft tissues and joints of the body. Massage techniques most commonly include pressure and compression, kneading, frictioning, and mobilizing to improve the health and condition of the muscles, tendons, skin, fascia or connective tissue of the body.

Despite on-going research, massage is still thought of as a holistic therapy that complements medical treatment. The "Physician's Guide to Therapeutic Massage" shows that massage can decrease pain, improve range of motion, improve mood, aid in the circulation of blood and lymph flow, reduce muscle and joint soreness, speed recovery, and improve sleep.

Massage therapy can be available in both clinical and spa settings. In my practice, expect your first session to include a health history review and assessment (approx. half hour). In a spa you can also anticipate higher fees.

A registered massage therapist (RMT or MT) is a regulated health practitioner who has completed two to three years of comprehensive training at a recognized school before completing written and clinical examinations, and registering with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.

1 Health Canada (2003)Health Policy Research Bulletin. Retrieved May 10, 2005, from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/iacb-dgiac/arad-draa/english/rmdd/bulletin/mainstream.html#page6
2 American Massage Therapy Association. (2001). Massage Therapy Consumer Fact Sheet

Why Massage Therapy?