What can I expect on my first Red Deer Massage Therapy session?

For your very first appointment,  you will be emailed a Health Intake form for key information about your health, and problem areas that need to be addressed. When you arrive for your treatment we have a short interview to discuss what areas need attention and I ask lots of questions to get a clear picture. When it’s time for the massage, I leave the room for you to get ready. Clients may wear shorts/bra, but typically remove clothing for areas being worked. Seasoned clients may remove all clothing— but in all situations clients are  always covered under linens. In the meantime, I wash up and give you time to get comfortable.

Important safety note:
During treatment, clients are always covered except for the area being treated.  ***Any sensitive areas are discussed prior to the massage and are not automatically part of a massage service in any massage therapy clinic: (hips/glutes, hip flexors, stomach, especially breast area and groin muscle attachments). Professional services do not allow clients to be uncovered inappropriately. Clients should feel safe and confident in their therapist at all times. 
If at anytime you have experienced improper treatment from a massage therapist, please reach out to the association that the therapist is registered with. 
Here is a list of associations in Alberta:
https://www.mtaalberta.com/
https://crmta.com/
https://acmt.ca/
https://www.albertarmta.com/
https://www.nhpcanada.org/
https://cmmota.com/

What are the benefits of Massage Therapy?

  • Effects on Fluid Mechanics – Blood and lymph are fluids that can be affected to move in or out of tissue directly by mechanical compression. This in turn can help to heal injuries by creating more circulation into the tissue and by reducing edema
  • Neuromuscular Effects – Massage can reduce neuromuscular tension (“tight muscles”) by reducing excessive stimulation. It can break the pain-spasm-pain cycle and help to re-set the resting tension of the muscle. This can be felt as a “softening” of the muscle
  • Fascial tissue Effects – Connective Tissue envelops everything in the body from blood vessels to organs to nerves to muscles. When adhesions or restrictions in this tissue occur due to disease, disuse, trauma or other conditions then movement can become restricted and pain can increase. Myofascial techniques can help to reduce these adhesions and decrease pain and improve function
  • Psychological Effects – It is well reported by clients that a great sense of relaxation and reduced stress is felt after a Massage Treatment. Stress reduction is so important in maintaining good health.
  • Reflex Effects – Massage Therapy can have an effect on the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The ANS controls many different responses and these are called reflex effects. The response can be local (occurring only at the site of manual manipulation) or occur throughout the body. One such reflex effect is the enhancement of the immune system. Although more research is needed, Massage Therapy can have a positive effect on immune system function.

What types of conditions can Massage Therapy treat?

  • Back pain
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Chronic edema
  • Contusions
  • Depression/grieving process
  • Fibromyalgia/ chronic fatigue
  • Foot/plantar faciatis/ples planus-flat foot
  • Headache fibrositic / migraine
  • Hypertension
  • Insomnia
  • Jaw pain/TMJ
  • Muscle spasms/ strain rehabilitation
  • Neck pain / whiplash and associated disorders/ torticollis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Postural disorders / scoliosis
  • Pregnancy discomforts/pre and post natal
  • Period pain / dysmenorrhoea
  • Prevention / lessening of fibrosis
  • Relaxation
  • Relief of pain
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Sciatica / neuralgia
  • Strains / ligament and joint athletic injuries
  • Stiff joints
  • Stress related disorders
  • Tendonitis
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome

Massage therapy is also remarkably effective when used as part of a preventive care program. Some examples of general wellness care include pre or post-natal care (pregnancy), infant massage, stress management, sports training, injury prevention and performance enhancement.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

No. Registered Massage Therapists are primary health care professionals. No referral is necessary to see us.
If you have an extended Health Care Plan and you wish to claim this treatment on your plan, then you will need to check with your Plan provider to determine if they require a Doctor’s Referral. Some do and some don’t.

Who should get Massage Therapy?

EVERYONE! We are all highly trained Registered Massage Therapists and you can entrust us with your health and safety.