1. What is massage therapy?
When performed by a Registered Massage Therapist, massage therapy can be described as the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain (Massage Therapy Act, 1991).
A Massage Therapist can use a wide variety of techniques and modalities to help you achieve your individual goals for the treatment. These include Swedish massage, myofascial release, joint mobilizations, stretching, trigger point therapy, frictions, hydrotherapy (hot and cold), passive range of motion, diaphragmatic breathing, paraffin wax, craniosacral techniques, and lymphatic drainage just to name a few!
2. What are the benefits of massage therapy?
Some of the benefits of massage therapy include:
- Improved muscle flexibility
- Increased relaxation
- Pain management
- Lowered stress, anxiety and depression
- Increased range of motion
- Decreased muscle spasm
- Improved lymphatic flow
- Augmented respiratory function and chest expansion
- Reduced edema
- Lessened trigger points, fibrosis and adhesions
- Enhanced circulation
Massage therapy cannot directly decrease cellulite, increase muscle tone or muscle strength, or prevent muscular atrophy in denervated tissue with a permanent nerve lesion (Rattray & Ludwig, 2000).
3. Which conditions are commonly treated by massage therapy?
| Arthritis(symptom relief) | Piriformis |
| Bursitis | Pregnancy (pre- and post-natal) |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome | Rotator cuff injuries |
| Constipation | Sacro-iliac joint dysfunction |
| Edema | Scar tissue |
| Fatigue | Scoliosis |
| Fibromyalgia | Sinusitis |
| Frozen shoulder | Strains/sprains |
| General muscle overuse | Stress |
| Headaches | Tendinitis |
| Hyperkyphosis | TMJ dysfunction |
| Hyperlordosis | Thoracic outlet syndrome |
| Insomnia | Whiplash |
| Migraines | … and more! |
4. When should I not receive massage therapy?
- Acute pneumonia
- Advanced kidney, heart, respiratory, or liver failure
- Fever
- Flu
- Hemophilia
- Severe, unstable hypertension
- Uncontrolled diabetes or diabetes with complications
5. What can I expect during my massage appointment?
- You are asked to fill out a confidential health history form and have your blood pressure taken
- Review your health history with the therapist to ensure it is safe for you to receive massage therapy
- An assessment may be performed including postural analysis, range of motion, orthopedic, and muscle testing for your particular concern
- Discuss a treatment plan with the therapist that is designed to meet your goals
- The therapist will explain positioning on the table and draping of the sheet during your treatment
- The therapist will leave the room to wash their hands while you get undressed privately and get on the table
- The therapist will knock on the door and ask you permission to come back into the room
- At the end of the treatment, the therapist will leave the room to allow you to get dressed privately
- Homecare instructions will be reviewed including any stretching, strengthening, or hydrotherapy applications appropriate for your particular concern
6. Is massage therapy covered by extended health care insurance?
Yes! Massage therapy is covered by most extended health care plans. If you are unsure of your coverage details, it is always a good idea to check with your plan.
7. Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No. Most extended health care plans do not require a doctor’s referral for massage therapy. However, it is always wise to check with your coverage provider if you are not sure.
8. Do I need a referral from my doctor when I am using my automobile insurance to pay for massage therapy?
Yes. A doctor’s prescription is required when you are using your automobile Section B benefits, due to a motor vehicle accident, to pay for massage therapy.
For more information on insurance and massage therapy check out the link Insurance FAQ provided by the Association of New Brunswick Massage Therapists.
