MASSAGE THERAPY Q&A
What makes BC Registered Massage Therapists different from body workers and massage therapists in areas outside of British Columbia?
BC RMT’s practice principle-based therapy which requires the formulation of an overall treatment plan directed at achieving specific goals. The most appropriate treatment techniques and modalities are selected, integrated and adapted as necessary to achieve the desired effects, according to the physiological changes in the tissues. BC RMT’s complete a 3000 hour program that includes 560 hours of clinical practicum. In addition, the classroom curriculum includes anatomy and physiology, neurology, pathology, orthopathology, medications, surgery and ethics.
Massage Therapy training programs outside of BC are usually less than 2000 hours, and focus on teaching massage techniques and routines learned as recipes for treatment of specific conditions. This approach assumes that the presenting complaint is already known to the patient, or that it is due to an obvious condition that the practitioner can easily identify. This may result in a safety hazard to the patient if pertinent “contraindications” (specific situations in which a treatment may be harmful due to the patient’s condition) have been overlooked. This approach to massage is more “technique centred” than “client centred.”
What are the different techniques used by Registered Massage Therapists?
Swedish Massage
Deep Friction Massage
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
Myofascial Release
Trigger Point Release
Joint Mobilization Techniques
Craniosacral
Therapeutic Exercise
Do I need a doctor’s referral for Massage Therapy?
RMT’s are primary health care professionals and do not require a doctor’s referral for a visit. However, some extended health benefit plans do require an MD referral, so it is best to check with your provider.
What is the initial responsibility of a Registered Massage Therapist?
In order to plan and choose treatment methods most appropriate to address the patient’s condition the therapist must take a full health history and perform an orthopedic assessment. The RMT must identify, to the best of his or her ability, the neuromusculoskeletal abnormalities that are causing the pain and pathokinesiologic problems. This soft tissue diagnosis includes muscle, fascia, tendon, ligament, joint capsules, peripheral nerves, blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. The therapist must be able to distinguish between primary and secondary problems, and identify information that is inconsistent with the presenting complaint. As treatments continue, the therapist must be able to continually monitor, through re-assessment, the current state of the tissues and recovery.
What are the effects of Massage Therapy on the Circulatory system?
Examples of conditions that are benefited:
What are the effects of Massage Therapy on Skeletal Muscles?
Muscle relaxation through increased sensory stimulation to the nervous system
Relief of muscle spasms and cramps
Prevention and treatment of delayed onset muscle soreness
Improved athletic performance and enhanced recovery
Rehabilitation following muscle injury
Treatment of immobilized, paralyzed, and denervated muscles
Examples of conditions that are benefited:
How does Massage Therapy help with Acute and Sub-Acute Injuries?
Following an injury, and during the initial healing phase, the body attempts to heal the site by inflaming. This process brings cells into the area that destroy the damaged tissue. However, if not controlled, this inflammation can result in the accumulation of too many waste cells in the area. Circulatory techniques used in Massage Therapy help move old destroyed tissues and fluids away from the injury. This facilitates the healing process by bringing in new blood carrying oxygen and nutrients.
When the area begins to heal scar tissue is formed to replace the damaged tissue cells. Although scar tissue is helpful, it is a different type of tissue than the original, and is often overproduced. It is less extensible and functional and, therefore, it can result in decreased tissue function and loss of range of motion in a joint. Massage Therapists can help manage the development of the new tissue and encourage optimal formation of a healthy scar by breaking down adhesions that develop, and encouraging the proper alignment of fibers in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
How does Massage Therapy help with Chronic Injuries?
Over time, a sustained improper posture will result in pain and dysfunction. This may be solely due to poor work ergonomics or general posture, or may be the result of a long term injury. When we have an injury, we learn to protect the area by compensating in the way we move. For example, it is not uncommon to develop pain in the opposite arm following 6 weeks in a cast with a broken wrist. The muscular imbalances that can result from any injury may lead to misalignments in a specific joint, or in the spine and pelvis. Massage Therapists assess for and consider these imbalances as part of their treatment plan, and perform techniques to facilitate the restoration of proper alignment.
How does Massage Therapy help with Pain?
Massage acts directly on the source of the pain to decrease nociceptive stimulation (the receptors that detect pain).
Massage acts centrally on the nervous system to alter the processing of the nociceptive input to the brain.
It can affect the conduction of pain impulses in the peripheral nerves.
Examples of Pain syndromes that Massage Therapy can help with:
Is it normal to be sore after a treatment?
Yes, especially if the treatment is deep. The most common treatments that will result in soreness are for chronic injuries that are just beginning to be addressed (breaking up of old adhesions), if your level of physical activity is relatively low (decreased circulation), or if your hydration is poor. The soreness that may follow a treatment is similar to the soreness you would feel following your first gym session, run or bike ride after a prolonged period of inactivity. Your therapist will instruct you in what you can do to minimize the soreness (ice vs. heat). This soreness may result from the first few treatments but usually decreases drastically as your tissues regain optimum health. Most soreness is gone within two days.
Can I exercise after a treatment?
It is recommended that you book your treatment on a rest/lower activity day. In order to allow your body time to recover and give your brain a chance to learn the new musculoskeletal patterns, it is ideal to have at least 12 hours of low activity following a deep treatment. Depending on the specific treatment, your therapist will recommend the ideal level of activity. Often a walk or light bike ride will aid in circulation and flushing waste metabolites after treatment.
Reference:
Yates, Dr. John, A Physician’s Guide to Therapeutic Massage, 2nd Edition
