What is Registered Massage Therapy?
Registered Massage Therapy?
Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) is an evidence-informed healthcare approach that focuses on assessing and treating muscles, connective tissues, and other soft tissues to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support physical function. Through hands-on techniques, individualized treatment plans, and patient education, massage therapy can help relieve muscular tension, improve movement, and support overall well-being.
At From the Neck Up, registered massage therapy takes a focused approach to treating conditions affecting the jaw, face, head, neck, tongue, voice and swallowing. Our therapists have advanced training in TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular disorders), neck pain, and other complex head-and-neck conditions. Treatment is tailored to each patient's symptoms, comfort level, and individual needs.
Registered massage therapy can be particularly effective as part of a collaborative healthcare approach. Combining massage therapy with physiotherapy, acupuncture, dental care, or other appropriate treatments allows us to address multiple contributing factors, improve function, and support longer-term symptom management.
Reduce jaw pain and improve mobility
TMD/TMJD can cause jaw pain, clicking, stiffness, facial discomfort, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Registered massage therapists use targeted techniques to address tension and sensitivity in the muscles responsible for jaw movement, including the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. Treatment may include gentle intraoral (inside the mouth) techniques when appropriate, helping reduce discomfort and improve jaw mobility and function.
Relieve headaches and migraines
Muscular tension and sensitivity in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders can contribute to certain types of headaches and may aggravate migraine symptoms. Registered massage therapy can help address these musculoskeletal contributors through targeted soft-tissue treatment, relaxation techniques, and individualized self-management strategies. For some patients, treatment may help reduce headache frequency, intensity, or associated discomfort.
Improve neck mobility and reduce muscle tension
Neck stiffness, muscle tension, and restricted movement can contribute to discomfort throughout the head, jaw, and shoulders. Massage therapy uses targeted hands-on techniques to reduce muscular sensitivity, improve comfort during movement, and support cervical mobility. Treatment may also address muscular contributors to certain types of dizziness and cervicogenic headaches.
Support nervous system regulation and pain management
Persistent pain can increase sensitivity within the nervous system, making everyday movements and sensations feel uncomfortable or overwhelming. Registered massage therapy may help reduce pain sensitivity, promote relaxation, and improve comfort through gentle, appropriately paced treatment. For patients experiencing chronic pain or heightened sensitivity, our therapists adapt techniques and pressure to respect the body's response and avoid unnecessary symptom aggravation.
Improve function and support long-term symptom management
Massage therapy goes beyond addressing immediate muscle tension. Through individualized assessments, targeted treatment, patient education, and practical home-care recommendations, registered massage therapists help patients better understand their symptoms and identify strategies for managing them. Treatment may include gentle stretching, movement exercises, self-massage techniques, and guidance on everyday habits that influence jaw and neck discomfort.
Frequently asked questions
From the Neck Up: Massage Therapy for Tongue Function
Massage therapy for tongue rehabilitation offers a gentle, effective way to release restrictions, improve mobility, and enhance neuromuscular coordination.
Book a session with Jules one of our Registered Massage Therapists who is trained and has developed techniques related to tongue rehabilitation.