WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY?
Massage therapy is the manipulations of the body’s soft tissues. This includes muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage techniques are generally applied with the hands, elbows, forearms, feet or a device like a percussive therapy gun.
HOW CAN MASSAGE THERAPY HELP?
Massage therapy is used to help with the following:
- improve circulation and range of motion
- decrease tone and spasticity
- improve soft tissue extensibility
- stimulate lymphatic drainage and blood circulation
- as well as decrease pain and ease stiffness.
That is why it is an important technique used in neurological rehabilitation. Massage therapy can also be beneficial in treating stress and stress-related conditions.
WHAT CONDITIONS ARE TREATED WITH MASSAGE THERAPY?
At Polycare Wellness Center, we have extensive experience providing high-quality care for the treatment of acute and chronic conditions like these:
- Massage therapy for spinal cord injury,
- massage therapy for brain injury,
- massage therapy for stroke recovery,
- massage therapy for multiple sclerosis,
- and a host of other neurological conditions.
WHY CHOOSE POLYCARE WELLNESS CENTER FOR MASSAGE THERAPY?
Our registered massage therapists have extensive training and experience in treating neurological and complex orthopedic conditions.
After an assessment and collaboration with rehabilitation team members, treatments are individually tailored to meet each clients’ goals, helping the body operate at its full potential.
Working together with the rest of the rehabilitation program, massage therapy is instrumental in returning clients back to work and play.
WHICH MASSAGE TECHNIQUES ARE USED?
We offer a variety of massage techniques and services in our clinics and through our mobile services. These massage techniques can target multiple levels of the body and various tissues in the body including muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, joints, tendons, ligaments and lymphatics.
- Swedish Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Shiatsu Massage
- Reflexology
Your therapist will advise which techniques are most appropriate for you. Massage therapy can also include acupuncture, cupping, hot stone, paraffin wax, and deep tissue release techniques.
DO I NEED A DOCTOR’S NOTE FOR MASSAGE THERAPY?
You do not need a doctor’s note to attend a massage therapy initial assessment or treatment session. Some extended health care plans require a physician’s note to have registered massage therapy expenses reimbursed.
HOW LONG IS A MASSAGE THERAPY APPOINTMENT?
Depending on the nature of your injury the assessment could range from 60 minutes to 1.5 hours in length. This will be discussed prior to your assessment. The number and length of follow-up visit can also vary and will be discussed once your initial assessment is completed.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE FIRST MASSAGE THERAPY APPOINTMENT?
At the first appointment your registered massage therapist will take a full history and perform various tests and assessments to determine what areas of your body can be worked on.
Your massage therapist will ask for consent to work on specific areas of your body and if you are comfortable with having their hands at those locations.
Once the assessment is completed your massage therapist can make recommendations on follow-up appointments or even point you in the direction of a physiotherapist. Treatment is usually provided at the end of each massage therapy initial assessment.
DOES INSURANCE COVER REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPY?
Your registered massage therapy visits may be covered under some insurance plans, please check with the therapist to confirm. You will be encouraged to check the details of that plan and submit your receipts for reimbursement.
CAN I GET MASSAGE THERAPY TREATMENT AT HOME OR IN THE COMMUNITY?
Yes, our registered massage therapists regularly see clients in the home, at long term care residences, and in the hospitals.