What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is a drug-free, non-invasive treatment designed to improve the health of people suffering with pain, disease or limited mobility in the soft tissues, (e.g. muscles, ligaments, tendons), and joints. It can also help to prevent injury, making it a popular therapy for athletes.

A Registered Massage Therapist will perform your massage therapy; don’t call them masseuse! Your RMT completed extensive study and training in anatomy and physiology to obtain their diploma and professional designation.
Massage treatments are vast and include Deep Tissue Massage to relieve serious tension, Stretching to improve flexibility, Trigger Point Therapy to aid radiating pain points, Thai Massage to engage acupressure, Reflexology, and the popular, beloved Hot Stone Therapy.

How does massage therapy work?

The focus of massage therapy is to relieve tension in muscles, joints, and pressure points that cause acute and radiating pain by inducing a relaxation response to unlock the sources of pain, spasm, or buildup of fluid. Just as your knee can’t help but move during a reflex test, your muscles can’t help but relax when massaged properly. It also improves circulation by physically moving the fluids within and increasing distribution of oxygen and nutrients in the blood that your soft tissues need to stay healthy. Massage therapy even enhances your immunity by lessening the amount of cortisol in your body, a naturally-occurring hormone that can slow the immune system’s reaction time.

Who are candidates for Massage Therapy?

Infants, children, cancer patients, seniors, the infirm, those living with fibromyalgia and arthritis – literally everyone. Even pregnant women – pregnancy quickly changes your body which puts new strain on your joints, back, and legs that can cause pain, discomfort and alter your posture. Massage therapy can help your body adjust to the changes to ease the rapid transition.

What does Massage Therapy treat?

Massage therapy treats conditions relating to the muscles, nervous system and circulation. Where there is lack of, or resistance in mobility, pain especially in the lower back, shoulders, joints – especially related to carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive motion – and headache, massage therapy can help. Massage therapy can also improve mental health by relieving stress and anxiety. It is dually a treat and beneficial to your overall health.

RMTs at Wilson Health Services are trained to treat a great number of concerns including:
•    Back pain
•    Neck pain
•    Muscle spasm and strain
•    Headache and migraine
•    Carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain
•    Cancer patients
•    Cerebral palsy
•    Fibromyalgia
•    Pelvic pain and discomfort
•    Sports-related injury
•    Chronic pain
•    Rehabilitation including post physical trauma such as a car accident
•    Pre-natal and post-natal care
•    Infant and child massage therapy
•    Anxiety and stress

What is the appointment like?

During treatment you will rest comfortably on a padded table, and relax. To remove or wear your clothing is up to you and your comfort. RMTs are trained to provide all types of therapy over your clothes, and to provide professional draping if you choose to remove any articles of clothing.

Does it hurt?
Although sometimes even the gentlest of pressure on tense muscles may be uncomfortable, generally massage therapy does not hurt and is soothing.

How long are treatments? How many will I need?

The length and number of treatments depends on your specific needs. Your RMT will speak with you about your medical history and specific concerns during your first visit to customize your therapy.

To book a massage therapy treatment, call Wilson Health Services (519) 624-8000.