Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the common questions about Massage Therapy & Osteopathy. If you have a question not included here contact us.

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is the physical manipulation of soft body tissues (connective tissues, muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to enhance a person’s overall health and well-being. There are dozens of types of massage therapy methods (often called modalities).

Does Massage Therapy hurt?

Massage therapy can hurt, especially if you’re working through areas that are tight, inflamed, injured, or in spasm. During your massage, be open and honest with your therapist about the level of pressure they’re giving and whether you’re experiencing pain in a particular spot. “No pain, no gain” does not necessarily apply to massage therapy. You may be sore after a massage. Make sure to drink plenty of water, do some stretching and if needed, have a hot Epsom salt bath afterward to curb any soreness.

What can Massage Therapy treat?

Massage Therapy can benefit people of all ages and conditions and is used to treat and obtain relief from a wide range of specific issues, such as:

  • Inflammatory conditions such as tendonitis and arthritis
  • General stress relief
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Whiplash
  • Cramps, spasms, strains and sprains
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Circulation issues
  • Rehabilitation post-surgery, or post-injury
  • Pregnancy discomfort, or discomfort from labour
  • Back pain
  • Sciatic nerve compression and pain
  • Anxiety
  • Myofascial Pain syndrome and much more…

Is one massage treatment enough?

It depends – if you’re coming in for a relaxation treatment, it might be. For those who are coming to Therapeutic Body Concepts for treatment of pain or other issues, they will likely have multiple treatments.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a science, a philosophy, and an art that was discovered by Andrew Taylor Still in 1874. Osteopathy is a very gentle manual medicine that works with your body to assist in its natural ability to heal itself. Treatments focus
on restoring balance to all the systems of the body by freeing up restrictions that impede the flow of nerves, arteries, veins, and lymphatics.

Osteopathy is based on four fundamental principles:

  • The body is a dynamic unit of function (mind, body, spirit)
  • The body is self-healing, self-maintaining, & self-regulating
  • Structure (anatomy), and function (physiology) are interrelated on all levels
  • Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function.

What can I expect during an Osteopathic treatment?

The treatment is gentle and should feel relaxing. The body is gently manipulated to free up the restricted areas impeding the vital forces of the body (nerves, arteries, veins, lymphatics) providing overall balance to the structure.

Osteopathic manual therapists use levers and fulcrums to softly free up tight tissues and restricted joints. As structure and function are inter-related, the mechanical treatment has a neurophysiological effect, allowing the body to function more efficiently.

 

Is one Osteopathic treatment enough?

Treatment plans are based on individual health needs and on the body’s ability to heal, with improvement typically after 3-5 treatments. In more serious or chronic cases, a longer treatment plan may be necessary.

The end goal for each patient varies depending on the individual. An Osteopathic treatment aims to fix the root of the problem, opposed to temporary relief and frequent visits. We are working with natural law, and with the body, rather than against it to facilitate the healing process. This could mean more energy, better sleep, less pain, improved digestion, and a higher quality of life among many other potential positive effects.

As Osteopathy treats the individual, each case is unique and may be preventative, curative, or palliative depending on the nature of the condition. Ultimately, Osteopathy aims to optimize the self-healing mechanisms of the body, helping you be your best!

 

What can Osteopathy treat?

Manual Osteopathy can treat many ailments including:

  • Lower Back Pain
  • Gait Abnormalities
  • Chronic Neck Pain
  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Menstrual Pain
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Shoulder Pain

Your Manual Osteopathic Therapist will use several techniques to achieve results, such as joint articulation and range of motion, counter strain, resistance motion, myofascial release and soft tissue manipulation.

Do I have to remove all of my clothes?

No. Your comfort level as a client is the most important to all registered massage therapists, whether that is the context of the clothing you wear or the treatment you receive. Massage therapists can provide important treatment whether you elect to remove any, some or all of your clothing. All RMT’s are trained in proper draping procedures to ensure that your privacy is completely respected at all times during treatment. Your comfort level and ability to relax is paramount to effective treatment.

Registered massage therapists will also describe the techniques to be provided to ensure that you are comfortable with them. Your consent is sought before treatment begins. If you are uncomfortable your RMT wants you to let them know immediately, whether that discomfort involves the treatment, draping or any pain you may experience.

 

Is massage therapy a regulated health profession?

The practice of massage therapy is regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) and is therefor a Regulated Health Profession. Only individuals who have completed the requisite training and have met the strict competency requirements of the College of Massage Therapists of Newfoundland and Labrador (CMTNL) can call themselves a “Registered Massage Therapist”. When seeking Massage Therapy, look for an individual who uses that title and ask to see their registration with the CMTNL

Schedule a Therapeutic Massage or Osteopathic treatment.