KEVIN G. HEATH                                              HEATHER JENSEN
Registered Massage Therapist                                 Registered Massage Therapist 
604-881-1158 (office)                                            604-881-1158 (office) 

                                                       
BODY FACT: Your muscles are the largest single organ in your body and account for 40% or more of your body weight.

Whether we are having a round of golf, working in our garden or working at a computer station, we are constantly using muscles to meet the needs of our daily requirements.  Sometimes we overdue it and experience muscles that feel fatigued, stiff and sore.  Our muscles are extremely subject to wear and tear from daily activities.  This can lead to an often neglected cause of pain and dysfunction that originates from your muscles.  Problems originating within the muscles may manifest as headaches, and shoulder or back pain.  Common ailments such as tendonitis, bursitis, or sciatica may be muscle related and can be treated by massage therapy.

Contrarily we may experience a sudden onset of pain due to accidental strain and injury from a fall, car accident or sports related injuries.  Examples include whiplash, muscle strains, shin splints and immobilized injuries such as broken bones.  These can also benefit from massage as a recovery therapy treatment.

Scientific research has well documented three physical effects of therapeutic massage as:
1. Releasing muscle tension
2. Increasing circulation
3. Eliciting a relaxation response.

These can benefit us by improving balance, coordination and mobility, promoting a more restful sleep, speed healing from injuries, increase energy, ease and deepen breathing, help release tension before it becomes a problem, and assist with conditions where stress is a factor, such as migraines, arthritis, fibromyalgia and TMJ syndrome.



MASSAGE THERAPY.  WHAT IS IT??

Massage therapy by a Registered Massage Therapist is the assessment of the body’s soft tissues and joints, and the treatment and prevention of dysfunction, injury, pain and physical disorders of the soft tissues and joints.  It is regulated by the Health Professions Act, which established the College of Massage Therapists of BC and is included in most extended health benefit plans.

After assessing their patients, RMTs use hands-on techniques to help the body recover from injury or chronic problems caused by work, sports, disability, disease, poor posture, prolonged stress or other causes.  Massage therapy can help to relieve pain of the soft tissues and joints of the body.  RMTs also promote health by teaching patients therapeutic exercises and encouraging better postural habits for work, sport, leisure or sleep.