In the world of extended health care and wellness treatments, massages are well known for their ability to relax the body and provide relief from stress or soreness. They have become increasingly more popular in our Richmond community, with dozens of clinics and treatment centers popping up in different locations around the city. Although different price points, practitioner availability, and ease of access may determine where you book your treatment, one important distinction to make during your research is the difference between Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) and Spa Massages. In the following article, we will discover the similarities, differences, and abilities of both these types of massage.
Spa Massage
A spa massage, also known as a relaxation massage, is primarily used for relaxation, stress relief, and focuses on the general comfortability of the client. Spa massages tend to use gentle pressure on broad areas of the body to facilitate a tranquil, positive experience for the client. In many cases, spa massages are carried out by unlicensed practitioners; although they have experience with physical wellness treatments and the human body, they do not have the training and education that a registered massage therapist would. These types of practitioners are often known as “bodyworkers”, which categorizes students in the RMT program who have not yet graduated or passed their licensing exam. They often have partial knowledge of the body, a general understanding of the techniques required for relaxation and stress relief, and can help a client feel “good” throughout the treatment. Spa massages often can be combined with other types of relaxation treatments such as manicures, facials, and body wraps or scrubs. The environment that spa massages are completed in are usually spas or health and wellness centers, which can have additions such as incense, flowers, candles, and essential oils to help create a relaxing ambiance. While spa massages may be less expensive and more readily available to book than an RMT treatment in Richmond, they are often not covered by insurance companies or health spending accounts.
Registered Massage Therapy (RMT)
Similar to spa massages, RMT treatments can help a person relax and destress, but unlike spa massages, they accomplish this by addressing specific concerns of the body. In other words, RMT treatments can help address, relieve, and prevent pain related to injuries, chronic conditions, or other ailments. These treatments are of a medical nature, and can be covered under insurance policies or billed to health spending accounts. In BC, Registered Massage Therapists are required to pass a standardized exam after completing a two-year program from an accredited college, recognized by the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC). The education they receive gives them a comprehensive view of the human body, the musculoskeletal system, and the interactions between tissues, joints, and fascia. Due to this training, the treatments they are able to provide can include a comprehensive assessment, treatment plan, and education for the client regarding their specific needs. During treatment, an RMT can use a variety of different manual therapy techniques to release, relieve, and stretch the areas that are causing you pain and discomfort. In addition, an RMT can also work with your existing healthcare practitioners and provide written medical documents for different occasions.
An RMT will most typically work at a clinic or medical center where other types of practitioners also work, such as physiotherapists, kinesiologists, and chiropractors. These clinics typically allow patients to attend more than one type of treatment in order to get the help they need to heal from the discomfort or pain they are experiencing. For example, Evolve Therapeutic, located in central Richmond, BC, has a variety of therapists, including RMT’s, who can work together to help you recover from an injury or alleviate symptoms as you learn to live with a condition, disorder, or disability. The treatments provided at Evolve Therapeutic are customized to the patient’s individual needs, and can be extremely beneficial during a patient’s recovery process.
What type of massage should I book?
There are different occasions for different types of massages. While both types of massages are generally beneficial to the body, each one can provide a different level of care.
Book a spa massage if you…
- Want to celebrate a special occasion with a friend or loved one, such as a birthday, anniversary, or holiday
- Are looking for a treatment to enhance your overall comfortability and well being
- Want to relax and relieve general tension and stress
Book an RMT if you..
- Are suffering from a chronic condition such as tennis elbow, migraines, arthritis, sciatica, or frozen shoulder
- Are dealing with muscle strain from an activity such as running a marathon, hiking, prolonged deskwork, or extended periods of sitting or driving
- Are recovering from an injury such as a hamstring tear, whiplash, or joint dislocation
- Have a specific area of the body that needs care such as the lower back, the neck, or the calves
While the decision is ultimately up to you, it is important to keep these distinctions in mind when booking a massage in Richmond. We recommend looking at the credentials of the practitioner you plan to book with, calling the clinic or center to inquire about the types of services provided, and finding a massage that fits all the criteria, without compromising the care you receive.
To learn more about Registered Massage Therapy treatments in Richmond and if it is the right type of treatment for you, feel free to call our team at Evolve Therapeutic at 604.273.7164. We would love to hear from you!
