What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is a manual (hands-on) therapy treatment for muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. Registered massage therapists (RMT’s) manipulate these tissues in order to normalize tension, address scar tissue and promote circulation. Massage therapy administered by our team of highly trained therapists will help allow healing, return function to affected joints and limbs, increase metabolism, and increase the activity of the circulatory system and the lymphatic system.

Services We Offer

Conditions We Treat

Soft Tissue Strains and Injuries

Meet Your Massage Therapist

Our registered massage therapists deliver hands-on treatment to support movement and recovery.

What to Expect

Your first visit starts with a conversation about your symptoms, health history and goals. Your therapist will look at the areas bothering you, along with areas that may be contributing, then tailor hands-on treatment to what you need that day. You’ll leave with simple guidance for between sessions and a plan for next steps. Bring your extended health benefits information so we can help confirm your coverage.

No referral is needed to book with our massage therapists. 

Connected Care for Better Movement

Referrals Specialized Assessment Comprehensive Treatment Plan Connected Care Financial Coverage

Referrals

Please note that a referral is NOT required to book with one of our registered massage therapists.

However, we do welcome referrals from physicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other members of your care team.

Specialized Assessment

Your registered massage therapist begins with a thorough intake, reviewing your health history, discussing your goals, and assessing areas of tension, restriction, or dysfunction. Our goal is to understand not just where you hurt, but why you hurt.

Comprehensive Treatment Plan

Your RMT develops a treatment approach tailored to your individual needs, injuries, and symptoms, drawing on deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and other hands-on techniques.

You will also leave with home care and self-management guidance to support your progress between sessions.

Connected Care

Massage therapy, assessments, diagnostic imaging, physiotherapy, pain management, surgical coordination and other allied services are all available at Access Orthopaedics. Your RMT can work alongside your broader care team, making it easy to access care all under one roof.

Financial Coverage

Massage therapy is not typically covered through Alberta Health, but many extended health benefit plans include coverage for registered massage therapy. Direct billing may be available, so ask our team when booking.

Please note we are unable to accept WCB patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a massage therapist at Access Orthopaedics?
No. You can book a massage therapy appointment directly, without a referral.
Massage therapy is not typically covered through Alberta Health, but many extended health benefit plans include coverage for registered massage therapy. We recommend checking your plan details before your first appointment. Direct billing may be available, so ask our team when booking.
Therapeutic massage is a broad term for hands-on techniques used to address specific concerns and support recovery. Deep tissue massage applies sustained pressure to the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, and is often used for chronic tension and areas of significant tightness. Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes with lighter to moderate pressure and is often chosen for relaxation. Your registered massage therapist will recommend the best approach for you after your assessment.
Your therapist needs to understand what is going on before treatment begins. Your first visit starts with a conversation about your symptoms, health history, and goals. Your therapist will look at the areas bothering you, along with areas that may be contributing, then tailor your treatment to what you need that day.
Massage therapy should not be something you have to endure. Some techniques, such as deep tissue massage or trigger point release, can feel intense in tight areas, and you may notice some soreness afterward. Your therapist will check in with you throughout the session and adjust pressure to keep you comfortable. Let them know at any point if something is too much.

Sports massage therapy supports the physical demands of training and competition. It can help with muscle soreness, flexibility, and recovery from strains and overuse conditions. It is suitable for recreational and competitive athletes, as well as active people managing a sports injury.

Relaxation massage gives you dedicated time to slow down while your therapist works through areas of muscle tension that often build up with ongoing stress. Massage therapy is not a replacement for mental health care. If stress or anxiety is affecting your daily life, talk with your doctor or another health care provider about additional support.

Yes. Massage therapy is a hands-on, needle-free approach. Your therapist can work on muscle pain, tension, and restricted movement, including limited range of motion in the neck, using techniques such as trigger point release and myofascial work.

Yes. Many people combine massage therapy with physiotherapy at our Calgary clinic. Talk with your massage therapist or our team about what combination of services makes sense for your needs.