NOW OFFERING THAI MASSAGE
I recently took Level 1 Intro to Thai Massage through the Con Ed Institute with Andre DeCairos. My experience was packed full of valuable information that has allowed me to develop new skills that I can not wait to integrate into my practice.
What is Thai Massage?
The origins can be traced back through the History of Thailand to over 1,000 years ago. This was developed as the Buddhist form of Physiotherapy by the personal physician to the Buddha - Shivago. Shivago, widely known as the Father Doctor, has been credited with sharing this practice as a treatment for pain for monks after hours of meditation.
This type of treatment is also referred to as Thai Yoga Massage & Thai Yoga Therapy. A Thai Massage Treatment uses a combination of acupressure and yoga-like stretching.
What does this treatment look like?
This treatment is different than what most North Americans are used to when they think of Massage Therapy. Thai Massage treatments are done fully clothed on a Thai Yoga Mat on the floor, assisted with pillows and blankets for additional comfort. While the Therapist predominately uses their hands and arms in the commonly used Swedish Massage, Thai Massage Therapists will use their hands and feet. While also using their body (leg/knees) to provide support and comfort for the client. At no point in this treatment is the client expected to disrobe, making this treatment versatile and accessible.
Traditionally, Thai Massage is a 1.5 to 3 hour treatment. At Rivers RMT, Thai treatments will be offered in 60 minute and 90 minute appointments. Level 1 of Thai Massage is heavily focused on the lower body, which is commonly an under treated area that has amazing impacts on the whole body. Addressing the lower body is clinically indicated for many common complaints such as low back and hip pain as well.
Thai Massage also provides time and space for you to turn off your brain and relax as it is a very meditative experience. While relaxing through silence or with chatter is a personal preference, I do invite anyone looking into trying Thai Massage to welcome a silent appointment. This will allow you to get the full effects of the treatment as well as give you a moment of peace in our busy world.
How do I, as a client, prepare for a Thai Massage Treatment?
Clients can prepare for treatment by reviewing the contraindications (see below) and ensuring their therapist is up to date on their health history to ensure safety.
Plan to arrive to your appointment in comfortable, stretchy, athletic clothing. Since this treatment does not require any undress it is best to arrive in (or with) clothing that can allow for movement of the full body.
Not good for Thai Massage
Jeans
Khaki or cargo pants
Trousers
Button down shirts
Restrictive Clothing
Dresses/skirts
Great for Thai Massage
Yoga Pants
Leggings
Track pants
T-shirt
Tank tops
Sweatshirts
As well, it is best to have treatment NOT on a full stomach. It is suggested to wait to eat after your treatment or come 60 min or more after your meal. Having a full stomach may cause nausea during treatment, and may need to forgo abdominal work.
Who can have a Thai Massage?
Most anyone can benefit from Thai Massage, as it can help with so many of the common areas of complaint. If you are feeling generally tight, stiff or wanting to improve your day to day function - Thai Massage may be beneficial. It can help relieve non-specific back, hip, knee and ankle pain, as well as pain between your shoulder blades and neck and more. Thai Massage is amazing for improving joint range of motion and joint flexibility.
How do I know if Thai Massage is NOT right for me?
As true for any manual therapy there can be reasons that a specific treatment is not indicated - these are called Contraindications. While Thai Massage can be so beneficial to many conditions, injuries and chronic pain, there are some conditions that could be put at risk. Based on my new Thai experience level the following are CURRENTLY contraindications to treatment. However, as my skills and experience progress these may change over time.
Thai Massage Therapy Level 1 Contraindications
Hypermobility - current/history of lax joints/dislocations, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, etc
Disc Herniation/bulging - current
Spinal Injuries and Conditions - Spondylosis, Spondylolisthesis, Spondylitis, spinal rods, etc
Pregnancy
Joint replacements
Osteoporosis
Varicose Veins
Mobility Issues - unable to get down or up from the floor
There are also conditions where we can continue with treatment but just with some modification
No abdominal work - IUD, pacemaker, phase of menstruation, within 90min after a meal
How do I schedule a Thai Massage with Rivers RMT?
Currently, Thai Massage appointments are not available to book online through our portal. If you are interested in booking a Thai Massage please reach out to me directly and we can discuss if this treatment works for you, and find an available appointment for you.
PRICING FOR THAI MASSAGE THERAPY TREATMENT
60 minutes - $98.00
90 minutes - $126.00
Plus HST
Introductory Offer - for June & July 2023,
ALL Thai Massage Therapy Treatments will receive $5 off.
Thai Massage is within the scope of practice for Registered Massage Therapists in Ontario, therefore a receipt will be provided that will qualify for extended health benefit claims. It is the responsibility of the client to ensure their policy accepts RMT claims. The above pricing may change over time - see Pricing & Services for most up to date information.
