Registered Massage Therapists (RMT’s) in British Columbia are health care professionals committed to restoring and maintaining optimal health and pain-free function of the body. They are educated and trained to accurately assess, and provide treatment with techniques which include, but are not limited to: massage and manual therapy, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy and rehabilitative exercise such as stretching, strengthening, postural exercise and patient education.
RMT’s in BC are members of a self-regulating health care profession and are legislated by the government under the BC Health Professions Act. The scope of practice for massage therapy in BC provides mandatory standards and guidelines for every RMT. RMT’s undergo a rigorous 3000-hr intensive program of study culminating in there ability to challenge the College of Massage Therapists of BC certification exams. RMT’s are required to undergo on-going educational upgrades to continually enhance their skills.
The practice of massage therapy is the assessment and treatment of the soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia) and joints of the body. This is achieved primarily through manipulation of the soft tissues and joints to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function. In addition, various forms of hydrotherapy, remedial exercises and/or other self-care programs are used in conjunction to enhance the treatment results. When any of these tissue types are not in their proper place or alignment, massage can help to bring them back to where they should be.
The extent of a massage will depend on several factors, including the length of the session, the specific need for treatment, the techniques used, and the client's comfort level with touch.
When there is an injury or condition to be addressed, the entire session may focus on a single area. There may also be a need for treatment of other body areas that are affected by an injury, such as when a sprained ankle forces the opposite leg to bear all the stress of walking and weight-bearing.
While massage therapists are often perceived by the general public to only perform relaxation massages, most, if not all RMT’s, provide many of their clients with specific, treatment-focused massages which are designed to treat many common musculoskeletal injuries, neurological symptoms and respiratory conditions. Below is a list of some of the major benefits and commonly treated conditions.
- Reduced Muscular Tension
- Enhances Tissue Elasticity
- Increases Range of Motion
- Reduces Muscle Aches and Stiffness
- Improves Circulation
- Improves Immune System
- Improves Sleep
- Decrease Anxiety
- Enhanced Relaxation
- Strains and Sprains
- Sports Injuries
- Headaches
- Tendonitis
- Frozen Shoulder
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
- Plantar Fascitis
- ITB Contracture
- Arthritis
- Low Back Pain
- Nerve Compression and Entrapment Disorders
- Postural Dysfunctions and Imbalances
- Fibromyalgia
- Whiplash
- Pregnancy
- Stress Reduction
For most people, massage therapy is very safe and beneficial. As with any treatment, however, certain precautions must be taken.
Massage therapy has a profound effect on many of the body's systems. Some of those effects are documented by research while others are still only partially understood. Some are beneficial for almost everyone; others depend entirely upon the health profile of the client.
For these reasons, well-trained massage therapists interview their clients prior to their first session to determine whether any existing health conditions or medications may challenge the safety of massage treatment. Often, even in the presence of such challenges, massage therapy may still be an option with modifications or in cooperation with other forms of health care. However, some conditions (such as unregulated hypertension or a systemic infection) are clear contraindications for massage.
Massage therapy should never be a substitute for primary health care by a physician. Physicians should always be made aware when a patient is receiving massage therapy, especially when an injury or a health condition is present.
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