Massage Therapy in Toronto
Push Pounds Sports Medicine’s massage therapy services in Toronto are performed by highly trained and experienced registered massage therapists (RMTs) who are committed to helping you feel your best. If you are suffering from any type of muscle pain or tightness, or stiffness around the joints and the surrounding areas, our certified RMTs can help provide relief and recovery.
What is a Registered Massage Therapist?
A registered massage therapist is a professional who has undergone training and completed the minimum competency requirements at educational institutions certified by the Government of Ontario. To be a registered massage therapist in Toronto, one must have a certificate of registration from the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
A registered massage therapist is knowledgeable in physiology, anatomy, neurology, pathology, and physical assessments and has fulfilled 150 clinical hours of practice. In most areas in Canada, RMTs regularly update their knowledge through continuing education credits (CEUs) to ensure that they provide the best quality of care and maintain high professional standards and ethics.
Why Choose Our Massage Therapists?
All of Push Pounds Sports Medicine’s massage therapists are certified professionals who continuously upgrade their skills with new techniques and technology to provide our clients with the best care. Our RMTs offer specialized solutions based on your needs, using deep tissue techniques and other forms of myofascial interventions to give you immediate relief from pain and long-term recovery, where applicable.
Our RMTs also work closely with the other health and physical therapy specialists on the Push Pounds Sports Medicine team to find the optimal and fastest recovery and rehabilitation process. Whether your goal is to relax, address pain, or heal, you will find the solutions your body requires by consulting with any of the physical therapists on our team. All of our in-house professionals take overall wellness very seriously, and we are committed to providing a positive experience from day one.
The Effects of Massage Therapy
There many positive short-term and long-term effects of undergoing massage therapy by an RMT. These include:
- Promoting muscle and overall relaxation
- Reducing inflammation and pain in specific or general areas
- Breaking up stress points and relieving tension
- Boosting blood circulation
- Stimulating neural links between muscle tissues
- Encouraging greater flexibility and range of motion
- Speeding up the healing of tissue injuries
- Providing relief from stress due to physical and mental performance pressures
For What Conditions Does Massage Therapy Work?
Professional massage therapy is highly recommended for musculoskeletal concerns, peripheral nervous system issues, circulatory problems, central nervous system issues, postural concerns, and respiratory problems. In short, massage therapy can help address a wide range of health and wellness concerns.
The most common conditions where massage therapy is suggested include:
Muscle and Soft Tissue Concerns:
- Muscle strains and tightness: Effective for muscles overworked from physical activity or injury.
- Overuse and sports injuries: Beneficial for athletes or those with active lifestyles, aiding in muscle recovery and injury prevention.
- Myofascial pain syndrome: Targets painful trigger points for relief.
Joint and Skeletal Issues:
- Joint stiffness: Helps in improving range of motion and reducing pain in joints.
- Osteoarthritis: Eases joint pain and improves function in osteoarthritis sufferers.
- Patella femoral syndrome: Alleviates knee pain and enhances mobility.
- Plantar fasciitis: Provides relief for those with foot arch pain and inflammation.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Can reduce pain and stiffness in affected joints.
Neurological and Sciatic Pain:
- Sciatica: Assists in managing lower back and leg pain due to sciatic nerve issues.
- ITB syndrome: Aids in treating lateral knee pain, especially in runners and cyclists.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Addresses wrist and hand pain from nerve compression.
Work-Related and Postural Issues:
- Frozen shoulder: Helps in reducing pain and improving range of motion in the shoulder.
- Tension from office work: Reduces neck and shoulder strain from prolonged computer use.
- Postural dysfunctions: Aids in correcting imbalances caused by sitting or standing habits.
- Repetitive strain injuries: Effective for conditions like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.
Stress, Mental Health, and Headaches:
- Headaches and stress: Reduces frequency and intensity of tension headaches and migraines.
- Anxiety and depression: Promotes relaxation and mental well-being.
- Insomnia: Helps improve sleep quality.
Special Conditions:
- Pregnancy: Offers relief from prenatal discomfort and stress.
- Fibromyalgia: Alleviates widespread pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia.
- Lymphedema: Assists in reducing swelling and improving lymphatic circulation.
Our Massage Therapists
Our massage therapy specialists at Push Pounds Sports Medicine are all certified to practice advanced massage therapy techniques where applicable. Meet some of our Toronto massage therapists.
Alix Mahood, RMT, CAT(C)
Certified Athletic Therapist
Registered Massage Therapist
Alix graduated with a degree in Kinesiology from York University and earned her Athletic Therapy & Registered Massage Therapy certificate from the same institution. Her specializations include myofascial release, therapeutic taping, trigger-point therapy, joint mobilizations, and stretching and strengthening exercises. She has worked with hockey, rugby, football, and lacrosse athletes, and most notably the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Major Series Lacrosse teams. Alix takes a personalized approach to address client concerns, creating special treatment programs to help achieve desired outcomes.
Peter Cobb, RMT, CAT(C)
Certified Athletic Therapist
Registered Massage Therapist
Peter completed his undergraduate studies in Kinesiology from Brock University and then qualified as a Certified Athletic Therapist. He earned his RMT designation from the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. Peter has extensive knowledge in biomechanics and sports-related injuries, having been part of the 2015 Toronto Pan-Am Games medical team and worked with many junior athletes in football, tennis, lacrosse, and hockey. His approach to therapy and treatment is also individualized, incorporating techniques such as therapeutic taping, joint mobilization, myofascial release, trigger-point therapy, stretching, and targeted strengthening to address clients’ pain points and aid in recovery.
Meagan Brown, RMT, CAT(C)
Certified Athletic Therapist
Registered Massage Therapist
Megan earned her degree in Kinesiology and Applied Health Science: Athletic Therapy from Dalhousie University and Sheridan College. She also holds a diploma in Massage Therapy from the Ontario College of Health and Technology and a Medical Acupuncture certificate from McMaster University. Besides her clinical experience, she also served as the personal athletic therapist of Canadian Alpine Skier Ali Nullmeyer for two seasons. Megan’s practice focuses on merging dynamic exercises with passive rehabilitation techniques to influence and encourage an active lifestyle.
Other Massage-Related Techniques
Active Release Treatment
Active Release Treatment (ART) is a patented approach to addressing pain and soft tissue injuries. It is similar to massage therapy. However, its treatments are performed by registered ART specialists trained in feeling and noting dense scar tissue adhesions and breaking them up using active motion. ART sessions usually last about 15 minutes, and each program is custom-designed to treat specific concerns. Most pain issues are addressed in five sessions or fewer.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue therapy is one of the most popular therapies performed by our Toronto massage therapists at Push Pounds Sports Medicine. Similar to the Swedish massage technique, deep tissue involves long and slower strokes, and deeper movements into specific muscle locations to address problems. The primary goals of deep tissue massage are increasing blood circulation, relieving stress, enhancing mood, and assisting with rehabilitation efforts.
Hot Stone
Hot Stone Massage is a distinctive form of bodywork that involves the application of heated stones to the body during a massage session. Practiced by skilled therapists at Push Pounds Sports Medicine, this therapy combines traditional massage techniques with the deep, penetrating heat of smooth, warmed stones. The stones are strategically placed on key points of the body, promoting profound relaxation, easing muscle stiffness, and accelerating blood circulation. Typically, the treatment involves gentle strokes, allowing the heat to infiltrate and soothe the muscles. This therapy is ideal for alleviating stress, enhancing calmness, and aiding in the body’s natural healing process.
Massage Therapy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a doctor’s prescription or note to receive massage therapy?
No, you don’t need a doctor’s note to enjoy the benefits of massage therapy. However, if you have extended insurance coverage, your provider might require you to secure a doctor’s note first to qualify.
Note that you don’t need a reason to book a massage with us. If you want to experience the benefits of a session with our registered massage therapists at Push Pounds Sports Medicine, you can certainly do so.
Is there anything I need to bring during my massage therapy session?
No, you just need to bring yourself. If it’s your first time having a massage with us, we will ask you to fill out a health history form while waiting for your appointment to start. Our therapist will go over your form with you during your session and discuss what you’d like to achieve from the treatment (whether rehabilitative or for relaxation).
What should I wear during my massage therapy session?
For your massage therapy session, wear comfortable clothing. During the session, you will be given the option to undress to your level of comfort. Our therapists ensure your privacy is respected with proper draping techniques. If you prefer, you can remain fully clothed, especially for certain types of massages like Shiatsu or Thai massage.
Can I choose a specific therapist for my session?
Absolutely! You are welcome to request a specific therapist for your massage therapy session. If you have a preference, please mention it when booking your appointment. We strive to accommodate your requests based on the availability of our therapists.
How long does a typical massage session last?
Our massage therapy sessions vary in length, but typically last between 30 and 90 minutes. You can choose the duration that best suits your needs and schedule. Our staff can also recommend the appropriate session length based on the type of massage and your specific health concerns.
Will massage therapy be painful?
Massage therapy should not be painful. However, some discomfort may be experienced during a deep tissue massage or when targeting areas with high tension or injury. Our therapists are trained to adjust their technique based on your comfort level and feedback.
How often should I get a massage?
The frequency of massage therapy depends on your personal health goals and needs. Some clients benefit from weekly sessions, while others may find a monthly session sufficient. Our therapists can work with you to recommend a treatment plan that best supports your health and wellness objectives.
Can massage therapy help with specific health conditions?
Yes, massage therapy can be beneficial for a variety of health conditions. It’s effective in managing stress, reducing pain and muscle tension, improving circulation, and aiding in the rehabilitation of injuries. Specific conditions like headaches, insomnia, digestive disorders, and soft tissue strains or injuries can also be positively impacted. However, it’s important to discuss your health history with our therapists to ensure the most effective and safe treatment.
Is massage therapy safe for pregnant women?
Massage therapy is generally safe for most pregnant women. However, there are certain precautions to consider, especially during the first trimester. Our therapists are trained in prenatal massage techniques and will adjust their methods to ensure safety and comfort. It’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before booking a prenatal massage.
What is the difference between Swedish massage and deep tissue massage?
Swedish massage is known for its gentle approach, using long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration, and tapping to help relax and energize you. Deep tissue massage, on the other hand, is more intense. It targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, commonly to help with muscle damage from injuries.
What can I expect after my massage therapy session?
After your massage therapy session, you may feel very relaxed and even sleepy. It’s also normal to experience some soreness, especially after a deep tissue massage. Drinking plenty of water post-massage can help to flush out any metabolic waste that has been released from your muscles. It’s important to listen to your body, rest if you feel the need, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits.
Can massage therapy be covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans do cover massage therapy, especially if it’s part of your rehabilitative therapy following an injury or a prescribed part of your healthcare. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage. If needed, our clinic can provide the necessary documentation for insurance purposes.
What are the benefits of regular massage therapy?
Regular massage therapy offers numerous benefits, including reduced muscle tension, improved circulation, stimulation of the lymphatic system, reduction of stress hormones, increased joint mobility and flexibility, improved skin tone, and enhanced mental relaxation. Regular sessions can also aid in the treatment of chronic pain conditions and support injury recovery.
How do I book a massage therapy appointment?
Simply call our clinic at 416-722-3393 and we’ll help you find the best time to schedule your massage therapy session in East York.