Massage Therapy in Edmonton
Massage Therapy Clinic in Edmonton
Massage therapy manipulates soft tissue to achieve therapeutic goals such as recovering from injury, encouraging the body to complete the stress response, and flipping from fight or flight sympathetic nervous system response to rest and repairing parasympathetic nervous system response, reducing pain and stiffness.
A Complete Treatment Plan.
The therapeutic touch of massage is safe and effective. In addition, it is a non-pharmaceutical-based form of relief, making it a perfect complement to other healthcare approaches and interventions, such as working with Physical Therapists, Acupuncturists, Chiropractors, Exercise Specialists, Doctors, & Pharmacists.
Massage works exceptionally well as part of a complete treatment plan in conjunction with physiotherapy for injury recovery, especially for Motor Vehicle Accidents, strains and sprains. Many clients find that incorporating massage and physiotherapy treatments give them the most optimal and efficient healing outcomes and help them manage the physical discomfort of stiff and painful muscles as they work through the healing process, therapeutic exercises, etc.
Massage doesn’t cure conditions. Instead, massage works with your body and nervous system to promote the optimum circumstances for the body to heal, find relief, and manage chronic conditions (mental or physical). Some things to look for when considering if massage therapy is the right option for you are:
- You are in pain and trying to heal soft tissue following an accident or injury.
- You are living with a chronic condition like Fibromyalgia, Scoliosis, or tension headaches.
- Your body feels increasingly stiff and in pain from your work, hobbies, and stress.
- You are struggling with insomnia or constipation.
- You are an athlete, dancer, entertainer, or physically demanding job type worker who wants to perform at your best.
- You are trying to manage mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
- You want a break from being resilient and some time for some self-care.
- You are pregnant and want some relief from the pain of a changing body.
Sometimes, a single appointment is enough depending on the client’s goals. Other times, a series of appointments are needed, with gradual improvements realized after each appointment. Even after clients heal from an injury, many find that keeping up with regularly scheduled massage appointments can help them function at their best. For instance, clients may come every week or every two weeks when first working through an injury and then come once a month or once every two to three months for help. At Innovation, we do not lock you into any plans; we only want you to come in for massage appointments if you find massage helpful.
There are several different massage techniques, but at Innovation, we don’t make clients guess which one might be best for their needs when they book. Instead, the RMT and the client discuss the client’s goals at the beginning of each appointment and create a customized plan for that appointment. The RMT adjusts the pressure in each appointment to suit the client’s tolerance, the stage of healing, condition, and goals. So, you don’t have to worry if you prefer lighter or deeper pressure; you will get to work with the RMTs to get the proper pressure.
To make the experience as smooth as possible for our clients, Innovation Physical Therapy Direct Bills most major insurance companies and always provides a receipt the client can submit if direct billing is unavailable. Additionally, all massage therapists at Innovation are Registered Massage Therapists with at least 2200 hours of training, so insurance companies will accept claims for their services.
Innovation clients for physical therapy and massage include individuals on WCB claims, MVA claims, and Military members (currently serving and veterans). Please get in touch with us if you fall into these categories and need our assistance!
Massage Techniques
You will have many different techniques to consider; once we have completed the initial assessment and determined the best course of action. The techniques are as follows:
Swedish massage: a gentle massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep, circular movements, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize.
Deep Tissue massage: slower, more forceful strokes to target deep layers of muscle and connective tissue. We use deep tissue massage to help with muscle damage from injuries.
Myofascial massage: targeted towards releasing muscular shortness and tightness by working with the fascia. Many individuals seek this massage treatment after losing function after an injury or experiencing pain in any area containing soft tissue.
Trigger point massage: a massage technique that focuses on small areas of tight muscle fibres that cause a reaction when pressed and refer to pain (e.g. from the deltoids into the head) that can form in your muscles after injuries strenuous use.
Pre-Natal massage: focused on helping ease tension and help with both relaxation and pain relief. Benefits include reduced pregnancy back pain and increased blood circulation. (For non-high-risk/ non-complex pregnancies. Please check with your Doctor to ensure prenatal massage is right for you.)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage: very light pressure massage geared towards reducing edema (swelling) caused by the pooling of lymphatic fluid in the tissues, most commonly in the hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs or around injuries. (Please note: this is not the same as oncology massage.)
Massage Therapy FAQs
No, after the assessment at the beginning of the massage, the RMT will ask you to get undressed to your comfort level while they wash their hands. For some people, this means only removing upper body clothes if they only want to work on their upper body. For example, you can leave your bra on, but the RMT may ask to unhook the back for smoother strokes while working on the back. With a full-body massage, you can choose whether or not to leave your underwear on. We use sheets (aka draping) to protect your private areas if you decide to get completely undressed.
Absolutely! There is a specific consent form for work on areas of the body some people find sensitive to work on, such as the chest, glutes, and inner thigh, that is filled out to clarify whether or not you provide consent to work on these areas. The therapist will only work on these locations if the client provides permission. The feet are not considered sensitive areas, so they are not on the form, but if you hate having your feet worked on, just let the RMT know, and they will skip this area.
Yes! Lying down for some time can result in orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure. If this happens to you, get up slowly at the end of the massage and sit down for a bit in the reception area before leaving Innovation. Eating foods with electrolytes and drinking things like juice to increase blood sugar levels can also be helpful.
Definitely! Good RMTs create a safe, body-positive environment for clients. We see many male and female clients of all body shapes and sizes, hair levels, scars, age spots, etc. We do not judge. We only ask you not to come in if you have fungal infections that are easily transmissible.
We ask clients to stay home if sick, fill out Covid symptom waivers, and wear masks for the entire massage. All Innovation staff wear masks as well. Every client gets their own set of linen for each massage, which we wash immediately afterwards. The massage table, equipment (e.g. bolsters), and the chair and door of the massage room get sanitized between each client.
Massage & Pain Medication
The use of pain medication before a massage is not considered appropriate as it can interfere with a client’s ability to give relevant feedback regarding pressure during the massage. Therefore, please don’t take Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil etc., before your session if possible.
Special Note for Diabetics Receiving Massage
Massage at an insulin injection site can significantly increase serum insulin action, decreasing blood glucose levels in people with type 1 diabetes. Massage, in general, has been found to reduce blood glucose levels. We suggest bringing an emergency glucose supply such as glucose tablets, hard candy, or juice if your blood glucose level drops after the massage.
RMT's Scope of Practice
Please note that RMTs do not do interior work in Alberta, such as a pelvic floor or prostate massage.
There is a Woman’s Specialist Physical Therapist with Innovation if you need to discuss pelvic floor issues, such as after childbirth or if you are dealing with sexual pain/ dysfunction issues.
If you have any concerns about your prostate, we ask that you inquire with your physician for appropriate treatments.
RMTs do not do any form of adjustment to spines or hard tissue such as bones. If you need manipulation of the spine, please consult physiotherapists or chiropractors.