Services

Registered Massage Therapy

Massage Therapists are Primary Health Care Practitioners and provincially licensed by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. They are regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act, the Health Care Consent Act and the Massage Therapy Act, which sets out the rules and regulations for the profession. Their scope of practice is defined as follows:

"The practice of massage therapy is 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)

Soft tissue includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, membranes, skin and connective tissue. Hands-on techniques such as trigger point therapy, hydrotherapy (the use of heat and cold), myofascial therapy (connective tissue work), manual lymphatic drainage, deep tissue massage, rhythmic joint mobilizations, remedial exercise, craniosacral therapy, hot stone massage, and others are used to treat a specific condition or to enhance your general well-being. Lotions or oils are often used to facilitate the treatment.

On your first visit you will be asked to complete a confidential case history form, which will be reviewed with you – this process may involve some testing and assessment. After consenting to the prescribed treatment plan, therapy can begin.

The atmosphere of the treatment room is calm and quiet. Your privacy will always be respected and during the treatment you will be draped so that only the portion of the body being treated will be uncovered. You will never be asked to undress beyond your level of comfort and you will always have the right to accept or refuse treatment.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

All adults, children and infants can benefit from massage therapy. Massage can treat or prevent pain and dysfunction arising from soft tissues or bones, as well as systemic conditions affecting circulation, digestion or general well-being.

Although this list is by no means exhaustive, the OPTC team has treated many persons with the following ailments:

• Stress, Anxiety & Depression
• Headaches/Migraines
• Arthritis/Joint conditions
• Sciatica/Low back pain
• Neck and Shoulder pain
• Whiplash/Motor vehicle accident injuries
• Tendonitis/Repetitive strain injuries
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Bursitis/Frozen shoulder
• Muscle spasms
• Fractures/Disclocations
• Stroke
• Kyphosis/Scoliosis
• Compromised lymphatic drainage
• Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Respiratory conditions (Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema)
• Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinsonism
• Constipation/Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and /or dysfunctions (TMJ)
• Orofacial pain/Bell’s Palsy/Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Sinusitis
• Post-surgical rehabilitation and scar tissue work
• Athletic injuries
• Prenatal/postpartum discomfort
• Palliative conditions (AIDS, cancer)