Commonly asked questions
1. What are the benefits of massage?
Where do I begin?!? The benefits of massage therapy are abundant. Other than the obvious benefit of relaxation, the effect that it has on the chemical state of the body in order to achieve that relaxation alone blows my mind. It can increase stimulation of hormones such as Dopamine which is responsible for things like movement, pleasurable reward and attention and Serotonin that is responsible for your mood and decreases Cortisol which is a stress hormone and the list goes on.
Massage is also extremely therapeutic when dealing with acute, sub-acute and chronic injuries and conditions alike to aide in the healing process or for relief of pain and anxiety accompanied with certain conditions. Depending on the condition, massage techniques can be used to reduce fascial restrictions, maintain or increase joint nutrition, strengthen or lengthen muscles, mobilize joints, decrease congestion and so much more.
The power of touch is hugely underrated. There are studies that prove that human touch is not only beneficial but necessary from the development of infants to decreasing stress in adulthood and comforting the elderly.
2. What can I expect during the first appointment?
The first appointment will require you to fill out a health history form before the treatment. It will ask about previous or existing injuries or conditions, primary concern, medications, this will all be helpful when trying to determine the cause of the primary concern. I'll ask you some questions and this will be followed by an assessment.
3. What do I wear during the massage treatment?
Depending on the goal of the treatment you may or may not need to undress. We learned how to drape extensively in school so I only undrape the areas that I'd be working on. I'll leave it up to the client with what they feel comfortable with.
4. What are the education requirements for a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)?
I went a school with an intensive 16 month program and included comprehensive studies on health sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology and neurology. The other aspect was focused on clinical studies such as manual skills training, orthopedics, hydrotherapy and professional practice. We were also required to complete a certain amount of hours in clinic, placements and outreaches.