Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy
About Massage Therapy
Massage clinic at The Pacific Wellness Institute offers a variety of alternative medical treatments, with registered massage therapy as part of a holistic approach to wellness and health.
Our spacious 3600 SQF, Bloor-Yorkville clinic is conveniently situated in downtown Toronto,
at the corner of Bay and Bloor Streets, above the Bay subway station.
About the Therapeutic Massage at The Pacific Wellness Institute
- The Pacific Wellness Institute is aligned with some of the city’s best-registered massage therapists (RMTs). Clients have the option of choosing either a male or female therapist when booking an appointment with us.
- Our registered massage therapists are trained in a variety of massage techniques, working with the muscles, soft tissue and joints of the body, to promote your overall health and well-being.
- Swedish Massage, Shiatsu Massage, and Reflexology are among the various types of massage therapy we offer by our RMTs.
- All our therapeutic massage services are provided by Ontario licensed and registered massage therapists (RMT). The registered massage services are covered by most employee benefits. We are one of a few massage clinics that offers direct insurance billing for massage therapy.
- Our clinic is owned and operated by an RMT who has conducted CMTO funded research projects as a principal investigator and coauthored many peer-reviewed papers and textbooks on massage and related therapies.
What are the benefits of and reasons for choosing massage therapy?
Massage treatments can be beneficial for a variety of client requirements There may be therapeutic reasons for massage therapy, such as rehabilitation after an accident or injury. Clients may also choose massage to aid relaxation or as a form of stress management. It is essential to select the most appropriate registered massage therapist and practice environment for your needs and preferences. We provide massage therapy for both therapeutic and relaxation purposes at our Clinic.
While we welcome walk-ins,
we strongly recommend you make an appointment in advance.
Contact us
The Pacific Wellness Institute is conveniently located in downtown Toronto, at the northwest corner of Bay and Bloor Streets directly above the Bay subway station. (about Bloor-Yorkville, Toronto)
Phone
(416) 929-6958
__________________
FAX
(416) 929-6365
info@pacificwellness.ca
Location
80 Bloor Street West, Suite 1100,
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2V1
Directions
TTC Subway:
BAY Station (Bloor – Danforth Line) exit Westbound Platform to the Bay Street. Turn right on Bloor street, then you’ll find our building (80 Bloor Street West). Take the elevator to the 11th floor. Less than 1 minute walk to our building from the BAY station. There is also direct underground access to our facility from the BAY station.
BLOOR Station (Yonge – University Line) exit South Bound platform to the Bloor street. Walk towards Bay street (West direction). Immediately after crossing the Bay street, you’ll find our building (80 Bloor Street West). Take the elevator to the 11th floor. Less than 5 min. walk to our building from the BLOOR station. There is also direct underground access to our facility from the BLOOR station.
Alternate subway stations (10-15 min. walk to us): St George and Museum stations
Parking: There is parking available just east of Bay Street between Cumberland and Yorkville avenue. There are many other parking options available nearby.
Health Benefits of Massage Therapy
Many people know that massages feel good!
However, not everyone is aware of the additional health benefits. Some of the reported effects and potential advantages of massage therapy are:
- Improvement of blood circulation
- Lowered levels of stress and anxiety
- Reduction of muscle cramps
- Increase in joint mobility
- Enhanced immune function
- Relaxation of tight muscles
- Assisted recovery from fatigue
- Decrease in scar tissue
- Ease in joint stiffness and pain
- Lowered fluid retention
Health conditions commonly treated by our massage therapists:
Neck pain, Shoulder pain, Headaches, Migraines, Tennis/Golfer’s elbow, Whiplash, Lower back pain, Sciatica, Arthritis, Sports injuries, TMJ (jaw joint) pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Strains, Sprains, Tendinitis, Menstrual pain, Pregnancy-related symptoms, and more…
Areas of Practice and Specialization of the registered massage therapists (RMT)
Our RMTs have extensive training and expertise in the various areas of therapeutic massage therapy modalities and related techniques:
- Abdominal Massage
- Breast Massage
- Combined Bodywork (Swedish Massage, Shiatsu, Reflexology)
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Intra-Oral TMJ Therapy for pain and tightness in the jaw joint
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage Technique
- Joint Mobilization technique
- Myofascial Release
- Prenatal Massage
- Scar Tissue treatment
- Reflexology
- Relaxation massage
- Shiatsu Therapy
- Sports Massage
- Swedish Massage (Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Vibration, Traction, and Tapotement techniques)
- Therapeutic Ultrasound
- Trigger Point Massage
- And more…
Trigger Point Massage Therapy for the Rhomboid Muscle
Shiatsu, reflexology, and massage, mixed therapy
Our practitioners at The Pacific Wellness Institute continuously update their knowledge and increase their skills. An example of this is that our Registered Massage Therapists have additional certifications in Reflexology and/or Shiatsu treatment. Clients are therefore able to consult with their chosen massage therapist and combine any of these bodywork treatments to tailor-make the ultimate, individually-suited relaxation experience. We recommend booking a minimum session length of 90 minutes for these combined treatments; ideally, 2 hours. Gift certificates are also available for this service. Please contact The Pacific Wellness Institute at 416-929-6958 to book your appointment.
Treatment options:
- Swedish Massage and Shiatsu
- Swedish Massage and Reflexology
- Shiatsu and Reflexology, or Swedish Massage, Shiatsu, and Reflexology
- Swedish Massage and Osteopathic Mnaual Therapy
IMPORTANT REMINDER
September 17, 2019
For those whose benefit plans run by a calendar year.
If you still happen to have unused amounts of coverage for massage therapy, now is the time to schedule your appointments. Your insurance company will NOT allow you to transfer any unused coverage to the new year.
Massage Therapy FAQ
What can I expect from a massage at the Pacific Wellness Massage Therapy Clinic?
Whether you are seeking treatment for therapeutic reasons or simply looking to achieve a sense of relaxation, massages can have an incredibly curative effect. Many people, after having received a massage, experience a release of tension and pain in muscles, improved circulation, increased flexibility, reduced mental and physical fatigue and a general sense of calm, focus and well-being. A therapeutic massage is one of the most effective means available to combat stress.
What happens at the first appointment?
You will begin your first appointment at Pacific Wellness by filling out a health intake form. Therefore, please arrive approximately10 minutes early to allow time for this. On completion of the form you will be introduced to your therapist who will then show you to the massage room. After reviewing your intake form, the massage therapist will ask any questions pertaining to the session. The therapist will then instruct you on how to position yourself on the massage table and will leave the room while you undress to your comfort level.
You will relax on a padded table designed for stability and comfort and cover yourself with the sheet provided. The room will be warm and quiet, with soft music to set a relaxing mood.
Once the therapist returns, the session will begin. The therapist will apply professional massage lotions or light oils that are easily absorbed and good for your skin. Some forms of massage do not require the use of oil or lotion. The therapist will begin with slow, even massage strokes to your body. You will then be asked whether you are comfortable with the level of pressure applied. Remember, the more feedback you give regarding your preferences, the better the massage will be for you. A typical one-hour body massage covers the neck, back, arms, legs, face, upper chest, and scalp. Some clients like to receive a massage over their stomach area, while others do not. Specific likes and dislikes such as this, and any sensitive or ticklish areas that you want to be avoided, should be communicated to the therapist.
You may feel drowsy and doze off during the relaxation massage. While a short nap can be restorative, avoid sleeping through the full duration of your massage session. Doing so may diminish some of the massage’s therapeutic benefits and could affect the quality of the night-time sleep for some individuals.
You can talk during your session or remain quiet. Some therapists may engage in conversation with you throughout the massage. If you prefer silence, we encourage you to communicate this, along with any adjustments to the music or lighting that would improve your enjoyment and comfort. When your session is complete, the massage therapist will once again leave the room for you to dress in privacy.
What should I expect afterward?
After a massage, most people feel extremely relaxed and may sometimes feel a little fatigued. Many experience freedom from aches and pains that have built up over weeks and months from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, clients often experience an increase in energy that can last for several days.
How long is a session?
The usual length of treatment is an hour. This allows time for a deeply relaxing full body massage, or more in-depth work on a particular area, for example back, neck and shoulders. We also have 40 min., 90 min. and 120 min. sessions available.
What will the massage room be like?
Our session rooms are cozy, clean and comfortable. We strive to create a relaxing atmosphere for clients through the use of soft lighting and gentle music. There are always freshly laundered sheets on each massage table,
What are the benefits of massage during pregnancy?
Massages are a wonderful way to relax, relieve pain and discomfort, and help expectant mothers to cope with stress and fatigue during pregnancy. Massages aid in relieving pain in the muscles and joints that must support the extra weight and also help to increase flexibility, making it easier for one’s body to adjust to additional weight.
Massage therapy is one of the ideal, natural therapies for the management of chronic conditions and the prevention of illness. Regularly scheduled massage treatments are particularly important as many medications that are usually considered relatively safe or acceptable to control these symptoms and discomforts (such as pain killers, anti-inflammatory drugs, laxatives, sleeping pills), are not recommended (or desirable) for use during pregnancy.
Should I tip?
In the province of Ontario, massage therapists are regulated health professionals (licensed under the Health Practitioners Act-the same law that governs physicians, dentists, etc.). In the same way that you would not tip your doctor, you are not required to tip massage therapists. Massage clients may be confused by the fact that the tipping courtesy for registered massage therapy varies depending on the type of facilities in which massages are offered. Many massage therapists who work in a clinical environment, such as chiropractors or physiotherapy clinics, do not usually expect any tipping. In fact, some therapists who pride themselves on their role as health professionals would refuse to accept a tip. However, registered massage therapists who work at spas, salons, or hotels are accustomed to receiving tips and would appreciate your courtesy. Although it is generally discouraged, the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario does not prohibit massage therapists from receiving tips from their clients. (Registered massage therapists are therefore the only regulated health professionals in Ontario for whom it is customary to accept tips). If you are unsure, do not hesitate to ask the front desk staff (or your massage therapist) regarding their tipping policy.
At the Pacific Wellness Institute, tipping is not expected. Your return visits are the best reward and your referrals are always appreciated.
Do I have to get undressed?
In the case of general, or relaxation, or what is often called “Swedish” massage, there is an almost universal procedure among massage therapists in North America. Clients are asked to undress to whatever point they are comfortable with. Some clients choose to undress entirely or to leave on their underclothing. Some prefer to leave on most of their clothing. Our massage therapists are all thoroughly professional and will provide a relaxing experience regardless of a client’s level of undress. Some clothing may, however, interfere with the natural flow of the massage and could preclude the application of certain techniques.
The massage therapist will leave the room in order to provide a client with sufficient time to undress. Once you, the client, are ready for your massage you will get onto the table and under a sheet to cover yourself. During the massage, only the part of your body being worked on is uncovered. When it is necessary to change your lying position during treatment, the therapist will first make sure that you remain properly covered and then explain how or which part of your body to move (such as turning over). Our massage therapists are all well-trained in draping techniques to ensure that you remain covered by the sheet while shifting positions and throughout the massage.
If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of the massage, you should inform the therapist immediately
What if I prefer not to undress?
There are other forms of massage, such as shiatsu that do not require you to undress. Shiatsu is a Japanese form of finger pressure massage and it is available at the Pacific Wellness Clinic. You might also consider a reflexology session.
Are there additional instructions or routines that work in conjunction with treatment?
You will be in the treatment room for approximately an hour. How you spend the other 23 hours of the day also influences your recovery and therefore, requires some attention. You might be advised to implement or avoid certain exercises or apply either heat or ice packs. In some cases, altering your occupational and recreational activities might be necessary. Your therapist will make recommendations appropriate to each individual client’s condition to assist in improvement.
Will I receive instructions regarding any stretching exercises that might be helpful for my condition?
As we may wish to first ascertain how you respond to the massage treatment alone, we may ask you not to start any new exercise regime during the first few visits. After a suitable interval, your therapist may feel you will benefit by practicing certain stretching or strengthening exercises at home or at your workplace. In cases such as this, your therapist may recommend a specific exercise for your condition. Kindly note that time spent on exercise instruction occurs during your session and the massage time will, therefore, be shortened accordingly. It is also important to note that it is necessary to commit to a regular exercise routine and follow the instructions provided in order to achieve the anticipated benefits. If this is not something you feel currently able to implement, or already have someone assisting you in this regard, please do not hesitate to inform the therapist.
Massage Therapy Insurance Coverage
NO PAYMENT, NO PAPERWORK, NO HASSLE!
DIRECT INSURANCE BILLING IS AVAILABLE FOR MASSAGE SERVICES
While massage therapy is included in most employee benefits, many people leave a significant portion unused. Keep in mind that most insurance companies do not allow any unused massage benefits to be carried forward to the following year. Every year as the days to Christmas draw closer, we have a flood of patients coming in who are looking for last-minute massage treatments. Why not schedule massage appointments on a more regular basis, ensuring that you receive the maximum benefit from your allocated benefits? Massage therapy is an excellent treatment for relieving stress, tension and other aches and pains you may encounter from the fast pace of daily life. Your body will thank you.
Who provides the massages at the Pacific Wellness Clinic?
At Pacific Wellness you will receive your massage from a Massage Therapist registered in Ontario. Currently, the Ontario licensing program for becoming are registered massage therapist is a 2200 hour course, followed by the provincial board examination. In addition to this, our therapists routinely participate in further courses and training in order to advance their skills and to stay up to date with our standards as a leader in the industry.
Textbook of Massage Therapy
Coauthored by Tim H. Tanaka, Ph.D.
Clinic Director of The Pacific Wellness Institute
The textbook was originally published in Japan in 2006. Since then this textbook has been widely used as one of the main texts in registered massage and shiatsu schools in Japan. This book has been also translated into other languages to be published in countries such as Taiwan.
The second impression of this book was released in February 2012. The new printing expanded a chapter, which discussed the current evidence of Anma (Japanese style Tuina), Shiatsu, and Massage on circulatory, muscular, immune, nervous and hormonal systems.
Tanaka, TH. Mori H. Anma, Massage, Shiatsu no Kouka, (Efficacy of Anma, Massage, Shiatsu: Comprehensive Review of Touch Therapy Research). In Anma, Massage, Shiatsu niyoru Zenshinchosei (in Japanese), Ishiyaku Publishers, Tokyo, Japan, March 2012 (the 2nd Impression of the 1st Edition)
Related Massage Therapy Articles
There Are Many Benefits to Receiving Abdominal Massage
Please consider requesting abdominal massage as an important element of your next treatment. “Hara” is the Japanese name for the center of energy in the lower abdomen – also known as the “Sea of Ki” ( Ki meaning our life-force). Massaging the Hara can help to develop energy in that part of the body.
Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Did you know that in recent decades prenatal massage has become the top therapeutic choice for prenatal care? As the body of every pregnant woman undergoes various and often sudden, changes, it requires individual and specific care. The ongoing changes in the body can cause common difficulties of a varied nature, such as joint pain, swelling, headaches, backaches, cramps, etc. Prenatal massage is wonderfully beneficial for treating and relieving all of these and many other areas of discomfort related to pregnancy.
Health Benefits of Massage Therapy
It may be illness, an old accident injury, daily stressors or physical weakness that are putting a strain on your body. Regardless of the causes, massage therapy can be greatly beneficial. Research has repeatedly proven its effectiveness, along with numerous testimonials from happy massage therapy clients, indicating much public confidence in its valued benefits. For many people, massage therapy is far more than simply a treatment for relaxation. Massage is a completely holistic, healing experience for them in terms of emotional and physical health advantages.
The Role of Massage Therapy in Treating Chronic Pain
The benefits of massage have been used for thousands of years. There is no doubt that massage treatment can relax overworked muscles and provide relief for a variety of imbalances. In addition to these positive uses, massage therapy can also be beneficial for people dealing with chronic pain.
Hours
Mon – Fri — 9:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday — 9:00am – 4:30pm
Sunday — Closed