Alternative Routes FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen in the Massage Therapy Treatment?

Once the therapist has set up their work area, it is time for your treatment! If this is your first treatment with us, there will be a one-page health history form for you to fill while the therapist sets up. The RMT will then go through the health history form with you, discuss current symptoms and conditions, discuss possible causative factors, and determine the focus of this particular treatment. The therapist will then leave the room while you prepare for the treatment. You will remove your clothing to whatever level you are comfortable with and have established with the therapist. You will then lie on the table between the sheets, and will be fully draped when the therapist returns. The therapist will make sure you are comfortable and then proceed with treatment, undraping only the areas he/she is working on at each time. The therapist will also give you a choice of massage oils to be used in the massage. At the end of the treatment the therapist will leave the room again and allow you to re-dress. We will then pack up our equipment and supplies and leave you to relax and rejuvenate in your own home.

Can Massage Therapy help the symptoms of Asthma?

Yes. RMT’s are trained in the treatment of asthma. I have treated many cases myself, and have seen some great results. The main focus of the massage treatment for asthma is to:

• Enhance physical and emotional health by inducing relaxation and increasing body awareness
• Regulate the nervous system and contribute to regulating breathing patterns. This may lead to a decrease in the severity and frequency of attacks over time
• Decrease the tone of the muscles of respiration. This in turn will decrease pain and stiffness in the back, neck, shoulders and head
• Increase the mobility of the thoracic cage, which is the bony structures surrounding the lungs

• Breathing and relaxation exercises
• Specific massage techniques, passive stretching, hydrotherapy, fascial mobilization, trigger point therapy, and low grade joint mobilization

At what age should a person begin regular massage therapy treatment?

This is a very individual choice, so it is difficult to answer. I feel that children who are old enough to grasp the concept of body movement and function can benefit greatly from regular treatment. This is a great opportunity to truly practice preventative health care by teaching proper postural techniques, efficient biomechanics, healthy breathing techniques and relaxation exercises to help cope with stress. I have found that it is especially helpful with children who are involved in regular physical activities such as organized sports, dancing, running, skiing, etc… I feel it is important to teach children the importance of self-care and self respect. I think it is a great idea to teach injury and illness prevention at as early an age as possible.

When do I use heat and when do I use cold for muscular aches and pains?

Here are some general guidelines: With any chronic muscle tightness (sore, achy pain that occurs in the same spot quite regularly) you should be using heat to help increase circulation to the area, and help soften the tight, fibrous muscle tissue. Cold should be used any time there is inflammation present, such as with traumatic or acute injury or bruising. If you feel that the pain is sharp, burning and hot it is a good idea to use cold or ice. Ice should be applied for no more than 10 minutes at a time to one spot. If the muscles are in a spasm and are not responding to the application you’ve chosen, switch over to the other, as the body’s response to heat/cold varies from person to person

What are Trigger Points?

The definition of a trigger point is a hyper-irritable spot (knot) in a taut band of muscle, which is tender when touched and produces pain or altered sensation in a referral pattern (to another area of the body). A trigger point is causes by decreased circulation and change in metabolism of a muscle or connective tissue. There are several ways that trigger points can be treated by your massage therapist. Whichever method is used, it is important to treat them as early as possible to prevent shortening of the tissue, loss of elasticity in the muscle, and possible nerve compression.

What are the benefits of a regular stretching program?

The greatest benefit of stretching is the prevention of injury and postural imbalance. By making a stretching program part of your daily routine, you are contributing to your overall health by enhancing optimal circulation, range of motion of your joints, proper muscle length, and helping to keep your spine in proper alignment. All of this means that; you will feel more energetic, experience less aches and pains throughout the day, and will probably sleep better too. The earlier in life that a stretching routine is implemented the easier it is to prevent chronic muscle tightness as well as promote healthy postural habits [However, it is never too late to start!]. If you have questions about proper stretching technique, just ask your RMT on your next visit.

Alternative Routes Massage Therapy, Toronto, ON Canada
Phone 416-420-5457