A real pain in the neck

Massage therapists can treat all kinds of ailments. Can one help you?
Jul 5, 2009 | By: The Health Local Staff

If you’ve ever suffered from back or neck pain, you know dealing with it can be all-consuming.  That’s where a massage therapist can help – regular therapy can help ease the pain and restore your body back to its normal function. But did you know that massage therapy can also do much, much more?

Yes, massage therapy by a registered massage therapist (RMT) can help ease stress and tension, relieve headaches and soothe away aches and pains. An RMT is trained in a number of different areas, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology and much more. In fact, in Ontario, an RMT must complete a minimum of 150 clinical hours and successfully completed examinations in accordance with the law. Other provinces have similar requirements, which means when you see an RMT, you know you’re seeing someone with the experience and education to help treat your particular health issue.

But a massage isn’t just for an aching back or sore muscles. A good massage therapist can actually treat so many more conditions, including:

• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Cerebral Palsy
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Emphysema
• Fibromyalgia
• Gout
• Hypertension
• Jaw pain
• Multiple sclerosis
• Osteoporosis
• Pregnancy discomforts
• Tendonitis

If you’re suffering from one or more of these conditions, why not call a local massage therapist and make an appointment? If you’re not sure how to choose the right one, be sure to do a search on Health Local to find an RMT in your neighbourhood.