General Massage Therapy
Registered Massage Therapy is a clinically-oriented approach to manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissues (bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues). There are countless conditions, issues, injuries, illnesses and areas that a massage therapist can work with. In B.C., Registered Massage Therapists (RMT’s) receive over 3,000 hours of education. They are trained to use specific Swedish-based techniques such as palpation, effleurage, petrissage, frictions, and/or stretching to assess the body and treat dysfunction.
Massage therapists also have post graduate training in advanced techniques such as trigger point therapy, myofascial release, cranio-sacral therapy, and manual lymph drainage. The benefits of massage include enhanced circulation, decreased pain, reduced stress/tension and improved range of motion. Massage also has a regulating effect on the entire nervous system. It can decrease sympathetic nervous system activity (our fight-or-flight response) and increase parasympathetic nervous system activity (our rest-and-digest response). This effect can help improve a variety of body functions such as sleep, digestion, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.
Massage therapy provided by an RMT can help people manage a variety of acute and chronic conditions (including but not limited to):
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Ligament Sprains
- Muscle Strains
- Fibromyalgia
- Pregnancy Induced Body Pain
- Swelling
- Depression
- Muscle Spasm/Atrophy
- Stress/Anxiety
- Constipation
- Whiplash
In B.C., an RMT is considered a primary healthcare provider. Anyone may visit the practitioner of their choice without a referral from their doctor. Some insurance companies may request a doctor’s presctiption in order to reimburse you for treatment. Please check with your insurance provider before booking an appointment. Click here for more information about direct billing for massage therapy.
In addition to general massage therapy services, I have extensive post graduate training in perinatal care. My preferred area of practice is women’s health and I offer pregnancy and postpartum massage therapy services within the greater Victoria area. I am also a certified infant massage instructor. Presently, I offer private infant massage classes in my clinic to teach parents and grandparents how to nurture and bond with their little ones through massage therapy. My office is located in beautiful Langford and I am also accessible to the residents of View Royal, Langford, Metchosin, Sooke and Highlands.