Empowerment Massage Clinic - FAQ's

What Is Massage Therapy?

2012-03-22T12:04:29-03:00

Massage therapy is recognized as one of the oldest methods of healing, with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old. In fact, Hippocrates, known as the "father of medicine," referenced massage when he wrote, in the 4th century B.C.: "The physician must be acquainted with many things, and assuredly with rubbing."

Today, in addition to "rubbing," massage therapy refers to the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading and compression using primarily the hands, although massage therapists do use other areas of the body, such as the forearms, elbows or feet. All of the techniques are used for the benefit of the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. In fact, massage therapy positively influences the overall health and well-being of the client:

Physical and Mental Benefits

relaxes the whole body
loosens tight muscles
relieves tired and aching muscles
increases flexibility and range of motion
diminishes chronic pain
calms the nervous system
lowers blood pressure
lowers heart rate
enhances skin tone
assists in recovery from injuries and illness
strengthens the immune system
reduces tension headaches
reduces mental stress
improves concentration
promotes restful sleep
aids in mental relaxation

Currently, there are well over 100,000 massage therapists practicing in Canada and the United States. Training requirements varies between jurisdictions, although to practice as a massage therapist in New Brunswick one must meet certain qualifications and pass the requirements of the provincial board.

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What is a Registered Massage Therapist?

2012-03-22T12:05:53-03:00

In New Brunswick, and most other Canadian Provinces, a massage therapist must have at least 2200 hours of training from a recognized educational institution and an additional 200 hours of clinical practice and community outreach.

Massage therapists are trained in several techniques, anatomy and physiology, orthopedic assessment, biomechanics, and remedial exercise.

All the therapists at Empowerment Massage Clinic are registered and recognized by extended health care plans as they have have passed the requirements of the provincial board.

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What is a Swedish Relaxation Massage?

2012-03-22T12:45:43-03:00

Our traditional full-body relaxation massage uses a set of manual techniques referred to as "Swedish massage".The therapist will use broad effleurage maneuvers to alleviate aches and pains, leaving you feeling completely relaxed from head to toe.The therapist can spend between one and two hours working on various areas of the body known to store tension such as the neck and shoulders. The purpose of a relaxation massage is to alleviate discomfort, encourage a deep sense of relaxation and restore balance to otherwise hectic lives. The massage is tailored to suit a client's special needs such as attention to base of the skull to relieve headaches, or hand and foot massages to alleviate pressure points. Take the time to rejuvenate yourself.

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What should I expect at my first visit?

2012-03-22T12:39:22-03:00

The first time you visit our clinic, you will be asked to complete a confidential health history form to ensure massage is safe for your condition. We will review all the information you provide and discuss your areas of concern for this treatment.

Upon your consent, the therapist will then perform a thorough examination that will include a postural assessment; Range of Motion Testing; Orthopaedic tests and neurological assessments.

The therapist will explain the treatment plan and inform you of what areas will be touched, what clothing to remove, what position you will be lying in (i.e., on your back or on your belly), etc.

Upon the client’s consent to the treatment plan, the therapist will leave the room and you will undress privately and get on the table covering up with the sheet.

The therapist will knock before re-entering the treatment room.

Once the session begins the therapist will undrape only the area being treated.

After the session is completed, you will be instructed how to get off the table before the therapist leaves the room.

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Do I have to do anything to prepare for the massage?

2012-03-22T12:41:20-03:00

Being well hydrated with extra water intake will help to remove the toxins and other metabolites that are released during your treatment.

On your first visit, be prepared to have your blood pressure taken. This is most accurately done a minimum of a half hour after the intake of caffeine or tobacco.

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What do I wear?

2012-03-22T12:40:39-03:00

The first visit requires an assessment and therefore the client should bring with them a one piece bathing suit or shorts and a tank top. This allows for more accurate testing of the client.

During your session your therapist will instruct you how to get on the table, the treatment plan, and will leave the room to allow you to undress privately.

The only areas that will be exposed during the treatment are the areas to be massaged. For example, for a back and neck treatment, you will remove clothing from the waist up, all other areas will be covered by a sheet.

If you prefer leaving your clothes on, the therapist can work through the clothing, however, the massage would be most effective with direct contact on the skin.

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What should I expect following a treatment?

2012-03-22T12:42:01-03:00

You may feel very relaxed, even a bit lightheaded due to the release of toxins into your bloodstream. If the treatment was intense, you may experience some fatigue or possible discomfort in the areas that required deeper techniques in order to help restore them to normal. The tenderness usually lasts no longer than 24-48 hours post-treatment. Typically, a client that feels tired immediately after a treatment, will experience an increase in energy levels anywhere from half and hour to two hours post-treatment. If there are any added problems, contact your therapist for further instructions.

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Do I need a doctor’s referral?

2012-03-22T12:37:28-03:00

Most extended health care plans do not require a physician’s referral for massage therapy. However, each plan is different, so we advise our clients to check with your provider prior to scheduling an appointment.

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What can I do at home?

2012-03-22T12:42:30-03:00

The therapist will ensure that the client is sent home with the appropriate home care techniques to further the healing process. A sequence of remedial stretching and strengthening exercises will be provided to encourage recovery. Along with the exercises that are specifically chosen for your condition, the appropriate hydrotherapy will be taught (whether to ice or use heat and for how long). In most instances, the therapist will provide added tips on postural adjustments and relaxation techniques that will also aid in stress management and recovery from injury.

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What is Sports Massage?

2012-03-22T12:47:05-03:00

Get energized and feel ready-to-go! We warm up and stretch your muscles before you take to the tennis court, swimming pool or an aerobic class. This massage will help decrease your chances of injury and improve recovery time.

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