If you’ve never had a massage by a Registered Massage Therapist (aka RMT’s)-- you’re missing out! Massage Therapy is seen by many people as an integral team member in the pursuit of wellness.
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I became a Registered Massage Therapist with a pretty simple goal In mind: Helping people from all walks of life restore and maintain homeostasis. A combination of relaxing and soothing techniques backed by anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology Is one of many different ways that can be achieved. The other driving forces to becoming a RMT Is that the options for expanding your knowledge and practice are endless. Massage therapists often go on to study a variety of other health care options such as manual osteopathic therapy, acupuncture and nutrition just to name a few. There are also numerous opportunities to continue your education as a RMT with modalities such as cupping, reflexology, and hot stone for example.
RMT’s are often the practitioners on site with a variety of different tools In their tool belt, which really limits the amount of people who are contraindicated for a massage.
Registered Massage Therapists spend their days using touch to make people’s bodies feel way, way, way better. This is a pretty great career that is both demanding, and rewarding. In this post we will cover what a day in the life of a Registered Massage Therapist looks like, and how they can help you!
Where do Registered Massage Therapists work?
Registered Massage Therapists can work in pretty much any medical or wellness settings. Sometimes they work alongside other clinical practitioners like Physiotherapists or Chiropractors, sometimes in spas or fitness centers, and sometimes they own their own clinical practices and work with other massage therapists in a clinical setting.
Most people are aware of what a RMT does; they massage. That is true, however Massage therapists are big team players In a clinical setting. They have their own list Of clients to treat, but are also often working In conjunction with other practitioners to help smooth the process of their job also. An example of this Is having a short massage before seeing a chiropractor or physiotherapist.
In short, if you’re hurt, several therapists can have a hand in your physical improvement, and we can all discuss your progress and make a team plan.
The type of massage offered often matches the place of work. Different types of registered massage include, but aren’t limited to:
- Swedish massage
- Advanced/ deep tissue massage
- Myofascial release
- Active/passive release
- Sports massage
What does an RMT Massage Entail?
Your therapist will determine your specific concerns, areas you want focused on, health history, etc. They will not only ask where the pain Is, but also when did It start? How did It start? How long has It been occurring? How bad Is the pain? What kind of pain Is It? They will also want to have knowledge of any relevant family health history.
Then you get to decide how your massage goes!
- Tired and want to relax and rest? That’s cool, we can be quiet, turn on some relaxing music and use nice pressure with broad relaxing strokes.
- Feeling chatty? Sweet! Not only Is your conversation kept confidential but In most cases your often helping your RMT understand that much more how to treat you as an Individual.
At the end, regardless of what you need, the point is you’re going to feel better. You’ll feel better leaving than you did coming in.
After a massage you might feel lots of things;
- tired
- a little sore
- happy
- light-headed
- euphoric
I often Imagine that the feeling after a massage Is very similar to that of a freshly rolled spaghetti noodle.
What hours do RMT’s work?
This really depends on the therapist, but you can find a therapist that works with your hours pretty much no matter what they are. Therapists work the traditional 9-5 In lots of cases, but Its not uncommon to find RMT’s that work In the evening, or weekends. It Is also not uncommon for them to be willing to travel to you.
What To Look For When You are Choosing Your RMT?
There are some important things to look for when finding the right therapist for you. Lets go through some key ones;
What's their education like?
Confirm that they are REGISTERED, so you can ensure your benefits company will cover your visit. If you’re seeking a specific kind of massage, you need to make sure the therapist you’re seeing is educated in that style. (Ie, if you’re looking for Manual Lymphatic Drainage, you’re going to need to seek a therapist who has taken extra courses in that, if you want optimal care).
In Alberta, massage therapy is not yet regulated so there are many different places offering courses. In order to be deemed a registered massage therapist, the therapist must have completed a program that Is a minimum of 2200 hours In length.
What is their treatment style?
If you don’t have access to this Information, call ahead and ask about style or techniques used, philosophy of care, years of experience, specialty areas, or experience with particular conditions.
Cost, and logistics:
Call and ask about the rate, and be specific! Find out how much it costs for each timed session. Ask if the rate includes intake time, or if it’s all hands on. Ask if there are different charges for different techniques. Ask if there are any promotional discounts, or packages that you can purchase.
In closing, find someone you actually like, who you believe can care for your individual needs, and who you trust has the knowledge to help guide you down a healthy path of self care. Find someone who has the same passion for your health as you. Find someone who has your back…. And arms, legs, and neck!
Get in touch and we can can get you started on your path to feeling happier and healthier.
FAQ
What is the difference between a Registered Massage Therapist and one that’s not registered?
A registered massage therapist is a therapist who has trained in an accredited, competency based educational institution and has passed a standardized examination.
What parts Of the body are Included with a massage?
Often the therapist will tailor your treatment to work on the exact places you’ve requested, however massage therapy can be beneficial for any part of the body deemed to be appropriate . If It has movement, It has muscles and can be worked on!
Do I need to wear a specific attire to my appointment?
No. RMT’s are trained to work on bodies that are fully covered, or not covered at all. You are only ever expected to undress to the level of YOUR comfort.