"Help Your Your Family Soar!” Family Wellness Center in Abbotsford
Massage Therapy in Abbotsford
What is Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including, muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage Therapy is a clinically-oriented healthcare option that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions.
Also used as part of a preventative care program for sports training, injury prevention, ongoing stress management and support plan for medical conditions.
Techniques within scope of Practice
There are dozens of types of massage therapy methods, also called modalities.
Massage Therapy
College of Massage Therapists of BC
Requirements
A registered massage therapist (RMT) in British Columbia is a health professional recognized under and regulated by BC’s
Health Professions Act.
Applicants for registration with CMTBC have completed post-secondary education in clinical applications of health sciences in massage therapy settings, and must meet CMTBC’s rigorous entry-level requirements including Provincial Board Exams. Please note only 4 Provinces in Canada Regulate Massage Therapy, BC, Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.
RMTs are subject to:
CMTBC’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
The requirements of the Health Professions Act and regulations made under the Act.
Standards of professional conduct.
CMTBC’s quality assurance program, which ensures ongoing professional currency and development.
Titles
In British Columbia, only CMTBC registrants are permitted by law (the Massage Therapists Regulation) to refer to themselves by using one or more of the following professional titles: “registered massage therapist” (including “RMT”), “massage therapist”, “registered massage practitioner”, or “massage practitioner”.
Continuing Education
Like all regulated health professionals, RMTs are required to practice within their professional scope of practice. For RMTs, practicing within scope means providing primarily manual, hands-on treatment and assessment in accordance with the definition of “massage therapy” in the Massage Therapists Regulation. Many modalities and treatments that may be considered acceptable in other jurisdictions are not considered within the scope of practice of massage therapy in British Columbia. CMTBC has posted specific guidance on yoga instruction and on using terms such as “specialize in” or “advanced” to describe one’s practice.
Swedish Massage
Effleurage
Light to medium constant gliding pressure towards heart.
- Improves blood circulation & heart function.
- Enhances lymphatic drainage & decreases swelling.
- Calms the nerves & relaxes the body
Petrissage
Muscle kneading with hands, knuckles, fists, forearms or elbows. Generally uses oil or massage lotion.
- Releases muscle tension.
- Promotes muscle health.
Friction
Cross-fiber, linear or circular deeper & quicker motion. Can be intense.
- Releases tissue adhesions.
- Improve Tendonitis
- Scar Tissue treatment
Vibrations
Shaking or rocking creating a wave of movement through an area or whole body.
- Calm or stimulates nerves depending on frequency & duration.
- Creates change in circulation and tissue organization.
Tapotment
Quick percussive rhythmic movement creating an invigorating & toning effect.
- Can improve athletic performance
- Recommended for some respiratory conditions
Team
Nathalie Grand-Maitre, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
CranioSacral Therapy
Visceral/Neural Manipulation
