Massage Therapists

One of the foundational aspects of a well-functioning society is an accessible and sustainable healthcare system. There are many stresses on the current health care system, due to inefficiencies and lack of prevention. By utilizing proper health care professionals, many of the challenges of sustainability can be overcome. In order to decrease unnecessary demands on the Health Care System, Romanow identifies the need for personal health care initiative in his “Wellness Model of Health Care and Sustainability”. Massage Therapists promote each individual’s efforts to maintain personal health through three main avenues. These include patient health education, preventative treatment and stress management. Massage Therapy incorporates a wide base

Through an awareness of all of the systems of the body, Massage Therapists use their anatomical knowledge, assessment techniques and therapeutic exercise techniques to facilitate proper use and maintenance of the body. In all areas of daily activities, from athletics to functional activities like hair brushing, it is essential to continually maintain the muscle utility. RMT’s not only have a solid understanding of the musculoskeletal systems, but also the cardiopulmonary and endocrine systems (RMTBC). This knowledge provides a better foundation for preventative intervention, instead of reactionary treatment. The study of pathologies and skin conditions give RMT’s the ability to identify any signs of potential disease early on. The patient can become proactive and aware of the necessary steps to combat these issues and prevent the spread of disease. A full assessment before every Massage treatment ensures the patient’s needs are thoroughly taken into account when planning a treatment. Lastly, RMT’s provide appropriate homecare assignments for the patients to strengthen and prevent further injury. Both stretches and exercises are engaged in a progressive and safe manner, ensuring the patient understands how to practice these therapeutic treatments on their own. This minimizes the need for further treatment and takes stress off of other health practitioners. Prevention is exponentially increased due to

Stress comes from overpressures in daily life, lack of sleep and emotional burdens. A Massage Therapist’s use of healing touch affects not only the musculoskeletal structures, but also the nervous system, which in effect causes changes in the systemic reactions of the entire body. According to Marc White, the executive director of the Canadian Institute for the Relief of Pain and Disability, “Research shows that massage therapy including remedial exercise can reduce pain, anxiety and stress, improve joint movement, sleep and ones quality of life.” (https://www.rmtbc.ca/sites/default/files/files/ImprovingBCHealth_Dv(1).pdf). The sympathetic nervous system causes the body to react in a stressful or “fight or flight” response, slowing digestion and quickening the heart and respiratory rates. When the body remains in this state, as today’s lifestyle often requires, the body becomes worn down and less able to recover. Receiving a massage can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, aiding to slow the heart rate, and increasing digestion and rest. This also initiates a more active immune system. Blood vessels dilate and circulate more red blood cells, bringing oxygen to tissues, and white blood cells, circulating immune response. Emotional stress can be stored inside muscle tissue and last for years. Massage