Treatments
What Is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is a hands-on treatment performed on soft tissues of the body, including skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. It involves various techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, percussion manipulations, kneading, rolling, and lifting. Massage treatments are effective by improving the musculature, circulatory and nervous systems. Its therapeutic effects can help maintain or regain your optimal health.
What is an RMT?
An RMT, or Registered Massage Therapist, has completed a two-year program with over 2,200 hours of training, including anatomy, physiology, assessments, and massage techniques. Once they complete their massage program, they must pass the written and practical board examination for the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). Upon completing the examination, they are then licensed by the province under the RHPA (Regulated Health Professionals Act). Massage therapists are among the 23 health professionals covered under the RHPA, including doctors, physiotherapists and chiropractors.
What is Osteopathy?
Founded in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still, Osteopathy is a form of drug-free, non-invasive manual medicine and science that aims to restore normal function to the patient’s total body. Osteopaths believe that the body is one dynamic unit of function, and when you have an ailment in one area of the body, the structure and function of the entire body will be affected. Osteopaths help to aid the body back to a state of balanced function by using gentle manual techniques.
Types of Osteopathy
Cranial
Area of Focus: Head and Spine
Cranial Osteopathy requires a refined sense of touch that osteopaths develop after years of training. The subtle movements and internal tensions are detected and treated for overall well-being.
Visceral
Area of Focus: Internal Organs
Visceral Osteopathy concentrates on the relationship between the internal organs and the bodily structures that surround them. By identifying areas of abnormal tension, ailments such as poor digestion and difficulty in breathing can be addressed for treatment.
Structural
Area of Focus: Musculoskeletal System
Structural Osteopathy involves the identification and treatment to areas of tension in the muscles, bones and joints. Various techniques are used to help bring the body back to balance.
What to Expect During Treatment
Before treatment, clients are required to fill out a health history form outlining their current health status, primary concerns and reason for seeking treatment. After the form is completed, the therapist will formulate a personalized treatment plan after reviewing the areas of concern and completing a physical assessment. The treatment plan can be altered or adjusted based on the client’s feedback. Remedial exercise or hydrotherapy might be prescribed to the patient for home care.
It is important to know that all information provided to your therapist is strictly confidential and will not be shared without your explicit, written consent. Massage therapy and manual osteopathy is not covered by OHIP. However, many clients are covered through their extended healthcare plans. It is always best to contact your policyholder and insurance provider for further information.
