Massage therapy can offer many benefits if you want to reduce stress, relieve pain, or simply relax. Different areas of the body and different types of massage each have their own specialized techniques to suit your individual needs.
Yet, you can only achieve the benefits of massage therapy if you choose a qualified and certified professional. When choosing a massage therapist in Ottawa, it is essential to have a standard in mind to ensure you get the most out of your session.
In this blog post, we will share with you the most significant benefits of massage therapy and what are the appropriate techniques to achieve them. We will also provide a checklist of the qualities of a good massage therapist so you can make an informed decision when choosing one.
What Are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?
There are many benefits to massage therapy, both physically and mentally. These benefits include:
Reduces stress and anxiety
One of the most common reasons people seek massage therapy is to reduce stress and anxiety. Relaxation massage can help to ease the mind and body and reduce tension headaches, fatigue, insomnia and muscle pain.
A variety of relaxation massage techniques can be used to achieve these results, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and acupressure.
Improves sleep
Another common benefit of massage therapy is improved sleep. Massage can help relax the body and mind, leading to improved sleep quality. If you are struggling with insomnia, massage can be an effective way to get relief.
Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, shiatsu and reflexology are the most common types of massage used to improve sleep.
Be sure to communicate with your massage therapist about your sleep goals so they can tailor the session to meet your needs.
Reduces pain
Massage therapy relieves tired and aching muscles and can even provide relief from migraines and headaches. If you suffer from chronic pain, massage can be an effective and natural way to find relief.
Various massage techniques can be used to reduce pain, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and myofascial release.
Improves body circulation
Another benefit of massage therapy is that it improves circulation. Massage can help increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage, improving overall circulation. This can increase your energy levels, reduce swelling, and improves healing throughout your body.
Deep tissue Sports massage and Swedish massage are the most common types of massage used to improve circulation.
Increases range of motion
Massage therapy can also help to increase the range of motion. Massage can help stretch and lengthen muscles, leading to increased flexibility and mobility. If you are struggling with stiffness or a limited range of motion, massage can be an effective way to find relief.
Various massage techniques can be used to increase the range of motion, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and myofascial release.
What to Expect During a Massage Therapy Session?
Now that you know some of the benefits of massage therapy let’s look at what you can expect during your first session.
Pre-massage consultation
Before your massage begins, you will have a consultation with your therapist. This is an opportunity for you to discuss your goals and expectations for the session. Your therapist will also ask about any medical conditions or injuries you have that could impact the massage.
Be sure to communicate openly with your therapist during the consultation so they can tailor the session to meet your needs.
During the Massage Therapy Session
Once the consultation is complete, your therapist will leave the room so you can undress to your comfort level and get on the massage table. You will be covered with a sheet or blanket during the massage.
Your therapist will use various techniques during the massage, depending on your goals for the session. The pressure will range from light to firm, depending on your preference. The massage therapy session usually lasts for 60-90 minutes.
After the Massage Therapy Session
When the massage is complete, your therapist will leave the room so you can get dressed. They will then re-enter the room and discuss any areas of concern they notice during the massage.
Your therapist may also offer suggestions for self-care or additional massage therapy treatments. Take some time to relax after the massage and drink plenty of water. You may feel sore the next day, but this is normal. The soreness should dissipate within a day or two.
Qualities of a Good Massage Therapist
In order to achieve the best massage experience, it is important to choose a qualified therapist. But with the huge numbers of massage therapists in Ottawa, how do you choose the right one? Here are a few qualities to look for in a good massage therapist:
Experienced and Registered Massage Therapists
The first thing you should look for in a massage therapist is experience. A good therapist will have several years of experience and will be able to provide references upon request.
In addition to experience, you should also make sure that your therapist is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). The CMTO is the professional regulatory body for massage therapists in Ontario and sets the standards for the profession.
A Good Communicator
A good massage therapist will take the time to listen to your concerns and ask questions about your medical history and goals for the massage. They should then be able to explain the proposed massage treatment plan in detail.
Be sure to ask your therapist about anything you don’t understand before the massage begins.
An Empathetic Nature
The massage therapist should be able to put you at ease and make you feel comfortable from the moment you meet them. They should be able to provide a safe and welcoming environment where you can feel relaxed and free to express your concerns.
A Skillful Touch
Of course, the most crucial quality of a good massage therapist is their skillful touch. They should be able to find the root cause of your pain and provide relief. The therapist should have great control over their pressure and be able to adjust it as needed.
When choosing a massage therapist, it is important to take the time to find someone who meets all of the above criteria. The best therapeutic massage experience is one in which you feel better after the massage than you did before, and you can achieve this by having a top-notch massage therapist.
Where to Look For A Registered Massage Therapist in Ottawa?
If you are looking for a qualified massage therapist in Ottawa, look no further than Back In Balance. We offer a wide range of massage therapy services, including
Swedish Massage
Sports Massage
Pediatric and Infant Massage
Pregnancy Massage (Prenatal Massage and Postnatal Massage)
We also offer CranioSacral Therapy (CST), Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), and Reiki & Acupuncture Treatments. Aside from Massage Therapy, Back In Balance also provide Chiropractic Care to our customers.
Our RMTs are all skilled communicators and will take the time to listen to your concerns before each massage. They will also provide you with self-care suggestions after the massage to help you achieve your goals.
Book your massage therapy appointment today and experience the Back In Balance difference!
