Why Massage Therapy Has Been Around for Centuries
Massage therapy is a practice that has been present in human society for centuries. According to an article from the Florida Academy of Education massage therapy technically dates back as early as 3000 BC in Indian regions, utilized as an ancient system of healing for curing illness and healing injuries. Every ancient culture possessed their own systemized practice of massage; from the Chinese, to Egyptians, even tracing back to the Roman Empire.
Today, massage therapy remains a completely relevant practice. Why is that? Because well, we as humans simply cannot sit still! That’s not the only reason, but the fact of the matter is, humans will always need a massage.
First things first, what is massage therapy? Definitively from the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO);
“The practice of Massage Therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain.”
There are many reasons a person may get a massage therapy treatment, it’s something that many people experience, but due to its relaxing environment, it may not be something people know much about. Have you ever wondered what RMT’s do that make your muscles feel a certain way during, or even after? Here’s just the surface of what you need to know.
The Techniques of Massage Therapy
Massage Therapists use an endless variety of techniques during each treatment. Each practitioner has their own system and rhythm, customizing these techniques in a way that best meets their patient’s treatment goals. The 3 most common used based techniques are:

EFFLEURAGE : this technique is the most basic, used to introduce contact to the patient’s skin. Light, long strokes spread the massage oil as well as begin to relax the muscles, preparing them for further and deeper treatment.
PETRISSAGE: this technique includes repetitive hand and arm movements like kneading being the most common, wringing, skin rolling to name a few. These are important “picking up” type techniques that allow muscles to relieve from spasm and guarding.
TAPOTEMENT: Tapping, cupping, hacking are examples of this technique, using the hands in different variations and shapes to create a percussion-like movement on the muscles. Depending on the rhythm, speed, and intensity of the technique, it can either be relaxing, or stimulative for the muscles.
The beauty of massage therapy is that every experience, though the goals may remain the same, is unique.
Maybe one treatment is more relaxing and the other more stimulating, maybe one muscle feels like they need more attention compared to the last treatment. With these pinnacle techniques and the therapist’s creativity and rhythm, every treatment can be one to look forward to. Book your appointment ONLINE now with Diana to experience the many benefits of her in depth hands on approach to your massage!

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With over 25 years experience, Djoanna Del Rosario has helped thousands of patients with a wide range of physical challenges through initial assessments, treatment plans, and implementation.
Contact her today at 416-500-8384