12 Jul Are All Massage Therapists The Same?
If a Massage Therapist has ever been sought out, it has probably been noticed that there are many different types of Massage Therapists with different training and specialties. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know if all Massage Therapists are the same. In short, the answer is no – all massage therapists are not the same (not all people are the same!). In this blog post, we’ll explore how Massage Therapists are not all the same and what sets them apart.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that in Alberta, Massage Therapy is not a regulated profession. This means the title ‘Massage Therapist’ is not protected, therefore can be used by almost anyone who wishes. This leaves it up to the consumer to make sure they do their due diligence to ensure they are treated by someone who has received the proper education and training. This can be identified by the MT being registered with a recognized association. This requires them to meet certain educational and licensing requirements before they can practice. Fun fact: registering is what allows clients to bill to extended healthcare benefits!
With that being said, although everyone generally starts with the same ‘base’ education, there are still many different types of techniques, training and specialties each therapist may gravitate their practice towards. Here are some (of many!) of the most common types that are often discussed:
- Swedish massage: a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, and circular movements to help relax and energize the body.
- Deep tissue massage: a slow, deep pressure to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. This type of massage is often used to relieve chronic muscle tension and pain.
- Sports massage: specifically designed for athletes and people who are physically active. Sports massage can help improve athletic performance, prevent injuries, and speed up recovery time.
- Neuromuscular massage: focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and the muscles. This massage type if used to treat conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, and back pain.
- Myofascial release: a form of massage that targets the fascia – the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and organs. Myofascial release can help improve flexibility, reduce pain, and improve overall mobility.
- Prenatal massage: treatments catered to expecting mothers addressing particular areas throughout all trimesters to help mom (and baby) feel good as the body goes through major changes.
As can be see, there are many different ‘types’ however its also not to say that they’re mutually exclusive. A massage therapist may very well treat with multiple different approaches and techniques.
When choosing a massage therapist, it’s important to consider specific needs and what the goal of the massage is. By doing this, the best possible massage for the overall needs is guaranteed. Be sure to communicate what concerns and goals are present. It may take some trial and error to find a ‘go-to’ therapist, but there is a lot to consider for some so don’t feel bad searching around!
We are always accepting new members who are ready to commit to their health and wellness journey. If you are ready to experience the MYo difference, book now so one of our team members can welcome you to the MYo Lab community!