When seeking a massage therapist, it is important to locate a qualified, registered massage therapist who has a proven track record of providing quality service to their clients in a way that promotes wellness. This isn’t a difficult task, but there are a few key points to consider.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. These soft tissues include the muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Massage therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems, it optimizes health and well-being. Through massage therapy, you can reduce physical dysfunction and pain and reduce the effects of stress have on the body.
The history of Massage Therapy reaches back thousands of years to ancient China and Egypt, where early documents have been found, outlining techniques that are similar to those used today. The most common technique used in the west today, Swedish Massage, did not originate in Sweden, nor was it invented by a Swede but rather in Holland with Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger. It is believed that it was misattributed to Pehr Henrik Ling when his book, Swedish Movement System, was mistranslated to Swedish Massage System.
What do I look for in a Massage Therapist?
First things first, they should refer to themselves as a Registered Massage Therapist, or RMT for short. In Canada, this means that they have been tested and authorized to safely, and professionally administer massage treatment under the jurisdiction of their local College or Association. In Ontario, this is the College of Massage therapists of Ontario. From this site, you can verify the follow information for the Registered Massage Therapist:
- Practice Locations
- Conditions, if any.
- Discipline, if any.
- Offenses/misconduct, if any (The college by laws even require bail conditions to be reported for any massage unrelated offenses)
While this information is important to know, it doesn’t represent how the Registered Massage Therapist interacts with their patients. A good source of information are Review sites and social media, such as google and Facebook. As an example, our reviews can be found on Google and Facebook. All reviews should always be taken with a grain of salt, both positive and negative. A single negative review in a pool of positive ones can often be dismissed, just as a handful of positive reviews in a sea of negativity can be dismissed as well. If reviews speak specifically to the service and seem more personable and human, then this information should help you make an informed decision.
Bottom Line
With this information assisting you in choosing a Registered Massage therapist, it could still take time finding someone you are comfortable with. It is normal to be nervous the first time as you might not know what to expect, but a good RMT will be able to walk you through this. If at any time, you feel uncomfortable, it is ok to request to see someone else, or even leave. You owe them nothing if no services have been rendered. Trust your feelings, use common sense and you should have no issues finding a Registered Massage Therapist who can treat you. You will notice the quality of life improvements.
If you happen to be in the Beaches area, give us a call, or make an appointment with Energy Restoration. Now accepting Online bookings.
Remember to always hydrate after a massage. Keep Calm and Massage on!
Energy Restoration
98 Hammersmith Av
Toronto, ON M4E 2W4
Energy Restoration 