Choosing a Massage Therapist
It’s in your best interest to seek massage therapy from a Registered Massage Therapist. Why?
An RMT …
- has completed a 2-3 year program at a recognized school of massage therapy;
- has passed an entry-to-practice examination that ensures they have the competencies necessary to safely and effectively offer massage therapy services;
- must participate in a Quality Assurance program with the College of MassageTherapists of Ontario, a program that assist in the maintenance of professionalstandards and quality care;
- is accountable to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, through the complaints and discipline processes, in the event that the services they provide to not meet the standards of practice;
- provides a receipt that will be accepted by your extended health benefits plan forreimbursement (provided you plan covers massage therapy).
Other things to consider are:
1. The client should be comfortable with the therapist.
Many clients feel that a massage is just a massage, no matter who is on the giving end. This is not true. A more effective treatment is possible, when both parties are comfortable. If the client feels uncomfortable during the massage session, the treatment is producing the opposite result. It is imperative that the client be able to relax while being massaged.
2. The needs of the client and the therapy of the massage practitioner should match.
The massage patient looking for pain management should be looking for a therapist that works with pain. An individual looking for massage for injury rehabilitation should identify a massage therapist that works with trauma and injuries. There are different specialties of massage therapy and matching the treatment desired to the massage therapist is important to achieving a successful massage session. Many massage therapists will list the styles of bodywork they specialize in along with their credentials. Checking the skills of the therapist before a visit will reduce the chance of undesired treatments.
3. Theknowledge and skills of the practitioner is very important.
A massage therapist should be able to name most, if not all, of the aching muscles in the client’s body. Ideally, the therapist should know the origin and attachments of the major muscles to bones. Treating the human body correctly through massage requires an understanding of the structure and function of the anatomical parts. Along with the theoretical knowledge of the human body, a therapist should also have the massage techniques to apply a course of treatment. This is more important when dealing with injury, rehabilitation, or sports massage. Theory without proper application is as fruitless as application without understanding.
4. Working with the same massage therapist can eventually lead to a more customized, effective treatment.
When a massage therapist is working on a client, he/she is learning about that person’s body. After a couple of sessions with the same client, the massage practitioner begins to understand where the aches and pains are typically located on the client.This understanding through repetition allows the therapist to gain knowledge about the client’s body and what techniques are most effective for the particular person.
We have several massage therapists currently, and while they are all excellent therapists, they each have their own specialties, techniques and personalities. We’d be happy to talk with you and find the right match for you!
