Developing a regular wellness routine is more important than ever. When you’re mapping out your journey, remember to include massage therapy as a holistic way to optimize your health. Massage is a well-known healing practice that promotes relaxation and recovery. Whether you’re looking to treat a chronic injury, release pain, or manage everyday stress, as the saying goes, ‘massage is knot a want, it’s a knead’!
Vitally Soothing
A massage is typically a 30, 60 or 90 minute dose of calmness you wouldn’t otherwise experience in your day. During your appointment, you can escape responsibilities and screen time by concentrating on what’s happening at that very moment. A massage is commonly known to boost your mood, help you find mental clarity, increase confidence and reduce stress by using the body’s natural endorphins.
“Massage is a widely sought treatment for effectively addressing a range of conditions,” says Heather Buckle, Managing Partner at Zenbar Healing Studio. “It’s beneficial for managing musculoskeletal issues such as chronic pain, muscle tension, and joint stiffness by promoting circulation, improving flexibility, and reducing inflammation.”
Massage therapy is for everyone,” says Tammy Sherwood, Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) and owner of Thrive Massage Therapy and Wellness. “From infants to seniors, everyone can benefit. Massage can be a useful addition to a proactive wellness plan as there are so many options for modalities within the scope of massage and many RMTs have additional certifications to help address your goals and keep you moving.”
For thousands of years, massage therapists have supported health and provided relief. “Incorporating regular massage appointments into your life will add a deeper understanding of your body and help you learn how to carry forward the benefits into your daily routine,” says Rebecca Wasilewski, RMT, RYT, and owner of OM Massage and Wellness.
Tips for first timers
The best way to discover what type of massage will benefit you the most is to speak with a professional. “Each therapist has unique strengths and expertise,” says Buckle. “Finding the right match for your preferences – whether you like deep tissue, lymphatic drainage, Swedish massage, or a combination, is the key to a successful experience.”
Communication with scheduling staff is important as is explaining your preferences, injuries, or conditions to your therapist. “Ensure your client intake forms are fully completed and prepare for an assessment before your treatment,” says Sherwood. “Ask as many questions as you want before consenting to treatment. This is your time. It can be a mindful, quiet treatment, or you can chat away! The number one priority is always your comfort level.”
What Is A Registered Massage Therapist (RMT?)
According to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, only individuals registered with them are permitted to use the titles and associated letters MT (Massage Therapist) and RMT with their names.
An RMT is capable of offering deep tissue massage and can navigate best practices for treating injuries and conditions,” explains Heather Buckle, Managing Partner at Zenbar Healing Studio. “To have this designation, these therapists have passed a rigorous academic and clinical test and must maintain annual licensing requirements.”
Where To Go
OM MASSAGE & WELLNESS
46 King Street West, Second Floor, Dundas
250 Dundas Street East, Waterdown
OMMASSAGEWELLNESS.COM
Offering many services from naturopath medicine and acupuncture to yoga and educational workshops . OM has your wellness as a top priority. The massage therapist is dedicated to personal care beginning with the environment. Warm tables, dim lights, and soft soothing music help ease you into your wellness journey.
THRIVE MASSAGE THERAPY & WELLNESS
318-2289 Fairview Street, Burlington
THRIVEMASSAGEWELLNESS.COM
At Thrive, the team creates an environment that allows individuals to feel welcome, well-cared for, and confident that their well- being is the primary focus. Offering a range of services like chiropractic treatments, osteopathy, acupuncture, and pelvic health practices, they also have an experienced registered massage therapy team to help you meet your wellness goals. You can book an appointment for registered massage therapy, craniosacral massage therapy, or reflexology massage therapy.
THE PEARLE HOTEL & SPA
3 Elizabeth Street, Burlington
THEPEARLEHOTEL.CA/SPA
The Pearle Spa offers a premium spa full body treatment, or you can choose from a customized beauty regime to renew, recharge and refresh yourself. Unwind with expert massage therapy and facial treatments in a tranquil spa setting with luxurious private massage rooms. You can choose from a total of seven different massage treatments catering to every condition, including athletes and expectant mothers.
ZENBAR HEALING STUDIO
487 Cornwall Road, Oakville
ZENBARHEALING.COM
If you’re searching for a unique experience, opt for a Salt Cave Massage at Zenbar Healing Studio. Offered as an individual or couples massage in a room with beautifully lit Himalayan Salt Rocks, each room has a professional salt mill within the wall that releases sterile pharma-grade aerosolized salt into the room during the treatment. They claim one hour in the salt cave has the healing properties of three days by the sea!
