Therapeutic Massage
Massage Type Offered - Therapeutic
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Therapeutic Massage in Fort McMurray
Therapeutic massage is treatment aimed at a specific problem rather than general relaxation. Your therapist assesses the issue, whether that is a frozen shoulder, whiplash, arthritis or chronic pain, then selects the techniques and pressure that address it. Higher Health Acupuncture & Massage Therapy Clinic provides therapeutic massage in Fort McMurray, Alberta with registered therapists.
Session length - 45 / 60 / 90 minutes
Pressure - Medium
Clothing - Undressed to your comfort level, draped throughout
Best for - A named condition, injury or persistent problem area
Booking - Standalone treatment
Insurance - Registered therapist receipt provided for direct billing
What is therapeutic massage?
Therapeutic massage is a general term for massage delivered with a clinical goal: relieve pain, reduce stress, or resolve a specific problem.
People often assume therapeutic massage means deep tissue massage and expect very strong pressure. That is not always the case. Deep tissue work is excellent for breaking down scar tissue and moving blood, but it may not be what your body needs on a given day. A good therapist applies the right technique and the right amount of pressure for the problem in front of them, and sometimes that means a lighter touch.
What does therapeutic massage help with?
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic body aches and pains
- Palliative care
- Pediatric massage, including for children with autism and Down syndrome
- Repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Whiplash and motor vehicle accident recovery
- Arthritis
- TMJ and jaw complaints
- Posture and weight-related strain
What to expect in your session
- An intake conversation about the problem: where it hurts, how long, what makes it worse.
- Your therapist explains the approach they intend to take and gets your agreement.
- Treatment focuses on the problem area, with supporting work on the structures around it.
- Your therapist may suggest stretches or self-care for between appointments.
Therapeutic work is often a course of treatment rather than a single appointment. Chronic issues that took months to develop rarely resolve in one hour.
Who should not book therapeutic massage
Do not book if you have a fever or acute infection. Tell your therapist before treatment if you are on blood thinners, have osteoporosis, have had recent surgery, have any form of cancer diagnosis, or are recovering from a fracture. None of these automatically rule out massage, but they change how your therapist works. For an undiagnosed injury, see your physician first so the treatment is aimed at the right thing.
Frequently asked questions
Therapeutic massage is the goal. Deep tissue is one of the techniques used to reach it. A therapeutic session may use deep tissue, trigger point, myofascial release, stretching or light work, depending on what the condition calls for.
Massage delivered by a registered massage therapist is covered under most extended health plans in Alberta. We direct bill most major insurers including Alberta Blue Cross, Sun Life, Canada Life and Manulife. Bring your employer health insurance card to your first visit.
Yes. Whiplash and accident-related soft tissue injury are among the most common reasons clients book therapeutic massage. Bring any documentation from your insurer or physician.
That depends on how long the issue has been present and what caused it. Your therapist will give you an honest read after the first appointment rather than committing you to a package up front.
There may be moments of discomfort when your therapist works on a restricted area, but treatment should never be painful. Say something the moment it crosses that line.
Yes. TMJ complaints are listed among the conditions therapeutic massage addresses. Mention it when you book so you are matched with a therapist experienced in jaw work.
Related treatments
- Deep Tissue Massage - for chronic tightness and postural strain
- Trigger Point Massage - for pain that refers elsewhere
- Myofascial Release - for restricted range of motion
Not sure your condition is treatable with massage? See Massage Can Help With.
Book online or call 780-743-0566.
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Never received a Massage before? Check out our "New To Massage" page, to get the most out of your Massage
