Registered Massage Therapy
Is Massage Covered by OHIP?
Massage is NOT covered by OHIP, but many extended health care plans cover Massage Therapy. You need to check you plan for the specifics.
Education
Michelle Rasmussen attended The Career Development Institute (CDI College) in Thunder Bay, completing a two year condensed diploma program with Honours and Highest Academic Achievement. The Massage Therapy Program is 2000 hours and includes various areas of study including massage techniques, extensive sciences and anatomy. To become a RMT you have to reach a standard to practice set by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) based on two provincial examinations; one oral practical and one written.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
On your first appointment you will complete a confidential Health History Form and Consent to Treatment. Next is the interview where you will have a chance to have all your questions answered about any aspect of the treatment. This includes important questions the therapist needs to ask in able to treat you safely and effectively. The treatment plan will be explained to you in full. You will have the opportunity to discuss what your areas of concern are and what you would like to have treated. You always have the right to stop or change the treatment in any way at any time. Then it's on to the treatment.
Treatments
Massage Therapists are trained not only in the art of relaxation massage but in therapeutic treatment. This can range all the way from the aches of a tough workout to a car accident where whiplash occurs etc. Each treatment will start relatively the same as you may have read in the section titled "what to expect on your first treatment".
A treatment can be tailored to meet the needs of each individual and can include various different techniques.
The main focus with most treatments is to produce a desired effect; relaxation, increased range of motion, decreased pain, increased circulation and so on. I use mainly Swedish massage techniques, trigger point therapy and stretch.
Swedish Massage: Is the manipulation of tissues using 5 main techniques:
- Effleurage - gliding motion used to warm tissues and increase circulation
- Pettrisage - kneading movement which is slightly deeper in pressure
- Tapotement - tapping-used to relax muscles and increase circulation
- Shaking/rocking - used to improve joint health and increase relaxation
- Frictions - used only in therapeutic massage to break down adhesion, used in conjunction with heat(hyperthermy)
Trigger Points: Hyper-irritable points in a tight band of musculature-causing discomfort and pain. Treatment of these tender points can include what is called ischemic compression- direct pressure for sustained periods. Treatment of these areas can cause discomfort locally and also cause what is called a referral pattern: This can be an unusual feeling which can take on many forms ex ache, numbness, or a tingle that extends from the trigger point to another area of the body while the trigger point is treated.
Stretch-lengthening of a muscle: This can be given with instruction and demonstration for home care or can also be done within a treatment by the therapist.
Most treatments are hands on and will include contact between the client and therapist. Treatments are usually most beneficial with skin on skin contact but desired effects can be reached through clothing, the sheets or around clothing. Your comfort as the client is what is most important during treatment.
