Massage Therapy Scope of Practice

Swedish Massage was developed by Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish fencing instructor, in the late 1700 and early 1800's.  Swedish massage techniques consists of long, smooth strokes (effleurage), tissue kneading (petrissage), or tapping (tapotement), and can be used to either relax muscle or increase its tone depending on the application and technique.  During a massage therapy treatment which may primarily consist of Swedish techniques, other modalities, which may require further or specialized training, can be used.

Manual lymph drainage, also called lymphatic, lymph or lymphedema massage, is a series of gentle movements used to stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid in the body, thereby relieving pain and congestion.  This type of therapy is perfect to assist in the reduction of swelling post injury, and is also used to reduce swelling post surgery.  MLD, as it is commonly kn own, is also used with great success for women who have a mastectomy, however, special training is required for therapists to treat when lymph nodes have been removed.


Myofascial release therapy, also called fascial release, consists of manipulation and release of the fascia - connective tissue which encases muscle, nerve and bone tissue in the body.            

Craniosacral Therapy - is a gentle manual therapy which is believed to work by addressing soft tissue restrictions around the central nervous system, which in turn affect the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Craniosacral therapy often induces deep relaxation and may encourage a more restful sleep.


Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy  is also know as trigger point release. A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable area within a tight band of muscle. The goal of this therapy is to reduce or remove the trigger point, thus alleviating pain. Referral pain often has a very specific pattern depending on the muscle in which it is found.


Frictions or Friction therapy is a very localized, specific technique used to break down adhesions and scar tissue which may cause pain and inhibit movement.


Active release is a patented therapy which encompasses various movements while tissue is being manipulated. This therapy requires specialized training and certification.


Relaxation, sports, pregnancy, infant and geriatric massage all contain elements of Swedish techniques, and may use some of the above modalities, depending on the client and the desired outcome of the treatment. For special populations or conditions, such as pregnancy or geriatric massage, the application of techniques needs to be modified to suit the needs of the client.


Sports massage therapy can be performed either pre or post-event, with different goals in mind. For example, sports massage therapy that is performed pre-event is done to warm up and stretch the muscles, preparing them for the demand to be placed on them. Post-event sports massage is done to relieve pain, swelling, assist in the removal of metabolic waste and to decrease recovery time.

In Canadian massage therapy training, the focus is primarily on Swedish techniques, but the above modalities may be learned as an adjunct to Swedish massage, or as continuing education.


Shiatsu is a manual therapy originating in Japan, and consists of finger pressure along various points throughout the body. Shiatsu is not currently a regulated health profession in Canada, and therefore is not included in the Regulated Health Professions Act of the provinces. In Ontario, you can get more information from the Shiatsu Therapy Association of Ontario; in British Columbia, please contact the Shiatsu Therapy Association of British Columbia.

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