Edmonton Massage Therapy

It’s time to see a registered massage therapist

At REP Physio in Edmonton, our experienced, registered massage therapists work alongside our physiotherapists and you to foster a collaborative, holistic approach to your care and wellness. Massage therapy is a fantastic medical intervention that provides a variety of important therapeutic benefits.

These include improved joint mobility, muscle extensibility, improved performance and function as well as decreased pain. Our patients often report how relaxed and energized they feel post-massage. At REP Physio direct billing for massage is available with most extended health care plans/ insurance companies.

Massage Therapy

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What is Massage Therapy and why is it important?

Massage therapy involves the manipulation of the body’s soft-tissues, which aids in alleviating discomfort associated with injury, occupational and emotional stresses, chronic pain and diseases, and the “wear and tear” of activities of daily living.  Our massage therapists can provide relaxation (lighter pressure) massages and/or therapeutic massages that focus on hitting trigger points that may cause pain, reduced performance and mobility, as well as headaches.  In this regard, massage therapy can have outcomes similar to acupuncture without the use of acupuncture needles.

Massage can be a complementary therapy

At REP Physio, we offer a multi-disciplinary approach to care. Many of our clients see a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) as well as one of our other disciplines concurrently (Physiotherapist, Acupuncturist, Dietitian) to maximize therapeutic outcomes.

Massage therapy is also clinically beneficial for those involved in motor vehicle accidents. Motor vehicle insurance does cover the costs of massage for those involved in a collision. WCB does not cover massage.

Proactive massages – good for everyone

Massage therapy can be beneficial for everyone. You do not have to be in pain or injured to enjoy the benefits of a massage treatment. It is also a great way to improve sports performance and make day to day activities easier, as it allows your muscles to move and perform at their best.  Many of our clients have standing appointments for a relaxation massage to help manage daily stressors associated with work, life and family responsibilities.  During a relaxation massage, your therapist will discuss with you what areas of your body require additional focus, and will routinely ensure that the pressure used is “just right”.   At REP Physio, our clients requesting a relaxation massage are treated to a heated, comfortable bed and are cared for by experienced, professional massage therapists.

Types of massage therapy offered at REP Physio

Deep Tissue Massage

A deeper pressure essential to releasing muscle tension. This therapy focuses on manually stretching individual muscle fibers, tendons, and fascia.

Sports Massage

This form of massage helps maintain/improve range of motion and flexibility while enhancing recovery so an athlete can return to activity and achieve optimum performance.

Therapeutic Massage

Generally describes any type of massage that helps to relieve pain and stress. During these treatments, the therapist’s focus can be injury or dysfunction specific.

Stamina®

A massage technique that focuses on alignment principles and the painful and/or debilitating effects that occur when muscles are improperly aligned. Stamina trained therapists align muscles using directional strokes within a continuous massage flow to eliminate or reduce compensation patterns, muscular pain/tension, and other debilitating symptoms while improving optimal function. Pre and post-treatment functional testing is also used to assess treatment response.

Cupping

Cupping therapy, also known as myofascial cupping has become increasingly popular and is often requested by the clients of REP Physio. With myofascial cupping, a soft silicone cup is placed on the skin and a vacuum (or suction) is then created.  The cups are either left in place for a short period of time or they are moved dynamically along muscle fibres.  The suction force created by cupping has been known to cause an increase in subcutaneous (below the skin) blood flow to the treated area. Myofascial cupping can also aid in  pain management via the pain gate theory, and has also been shown to decrease inflammation. Myofascial cupping is provided by REP Phyios’ massage therapist, acupuncturist and physiotherapists.

Pregnancy Massage

A special massage table is used to maximize comfort for the mom to be. Prenatal massage therapy for expectant mothers is a great way to minimize stress on their body and help manage pain associated with changes to their body due to pregnancy.

Ready to book your massage?

Get in touch today to book a time that works for you.

Benefits of Regular Massage Therapy

  • Alleviates pain
  • Assists in athletic recovery
  • Assists with pregnancy and labour
  • Eases medication dependence
  • Increases flexibility
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Lessens depression and anxiety
  • Promotes tissue regeneration
  • Improves muscle function and sports performance
  • Reduces cramping, inflammation, and spasms
  • Relieves pain and pressure associated with headaches, migraines and TMJ dysfunction

Massage therapy Faq

What is the difference between an RMT and a chiropractor?

A registered massage therapist and chiropractor are both able to treat soft-tissue dysfunction with a variety of massage techniques.  While both massage therapists, chiropractors and physiotherapists can diagnose soft tissue dysfunction the tools available for the treatment of this dysfunction are more broad for physiotherapists and chiropractors.

In fact, the scope of practice of massage therapists can vary from province to province. Unlike massage therapists, chiropractors and physiotherapists can provide joint manipulations or adjustments, order imaging and practice dry needling.  

I’ve heard about different types of massages like Thai massage, Swedish massage, Hot Stone massage, Reiki, etc. Do you offer these?

REP Physio in Edmonton offers the following massage therapy services:

  • Sports massage
  • Swedish
  • Relaxation massage
  • Myofascial release
  • Stamina(R) massage
  • Trigger point massage
  • RAPID(R) massage
  • Pre-and post natal massage
  • Rost therapy
  • Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)
  • TMJ and whiplash massage
  • Lymphatic drainage

As well as many other forms of massage for pain and muscular dysfunction. Your massage therapist will discuss your injury with you and work collaboratively to determine what type of massage will be best for your needs.

How long is the average session?

Most massage therapy sessions are 60 minutes long. REP Physio also offers 30,45 and 90 minute massages

Will massage help my back pain?

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints we see at REP Physio in Edmonton. Many people with low back pain seek out massage therapy for symptom relief. A systematic review by Furlan et. al. looked at the effect of massage therapy for low back pain and found that people derived benefit from massage therapy for low back pain. However, outcomes were further enhanced when massage therapy was combined with exercise and education on pain management. Fortunately, our massage therapists at REP Physio in Edmonton work in multi-disciplinary environment that allows for multiple approaches and a depth of expertise to maximize your recovery and function.

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Post-COVID rehab is available at REP Physio