Quick answer: The main benefits of massage therapy are short-term pain relief, less muscle tension, better range of motion, lower stress and better sleep. It works best for back, neck and shoulder pain, and as part of injury recovery. Massage often helps most when it’s combined with physiotherapy. Massage eases the tissue, and physio rebuilds the strength and movement that keep the pain from coming back.
Massage is one of the oldest forms of hands-on care. It’s also one of the most misunderstood. Some people see it as a spa treat, and others expect it to fix everything from back pain to a weak immune system. The truth sits in between. Registered massage therapy is a regulated healthcare treatment with real, measurable benefits, and it also has limits worth knowing about.
At Oakridge Physiotherapy on Cambie Street, our registered massage therapists (RMTs) work alongside our physiotherapists every day. This guide covers what massage therapy can do for you, what the research supports, how it compares to physio, and how often you should book.
What Is RMT Massage?
RMT massage, also called therapeutic massage, is massage given by a registered massage therapist. In BC, RMTs are licensed healthcare professionals, not spa staff. Massage therapy has been a designated health profession under BC’s Health Professions Act since December 1994. Since June 28, 2024, RMTs have been regulated by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC, formed when the former College of Massage Therapists merged with three other colleges. More than 7,000 massage therapists are registered in the province, and each one must complete post-secondary training in clinical massage therapy and meet the College’s entry requirements. (gov / cchpbc)
Here’s what that means for you:
- Assessment: Your RMT assesses you before treating you.
- Treatment plan: Treatment is tailored to a specific goal, such as easing low back tension or recovering from a hamstring strain, rather than following a fixed spa routine.
- Insurance: Most extended health plans cover RMT treatment.
The Benefits of Massage Therapy
1. Pain relief, especially for back, neck and shoulders
This is the main reason most people book. A 2015 review of 25 studies with over 3,000 participants found short-term improvements in pain after massage therapy for both acute and chronic low-back pain. Massage may also help with neck and shoulder pain, though the benefits may be short-lived. That’s why we often pair massage with an exercise program. Massage gives you a window of relief, and exercise helps the results last. (nihnih)
2. Less muscle tension and fewer trigger points
Trigger points are tight, tender knots in muscle that can send pain to other areas. A classic example is a knot in your upper shoulder that causes a tension headache. Your RMT uses sustained pressure and targeted techniques to release these knots and calm the surrounding tissue.
3. Better range of motion and flexibility
Tight muscles and stiff fascia limit how far a joint can move. Massage helps restore that movement. This matters after an injury or surgery, and for anyone whose job or sport keeps them in one posture for hours.
4. Reduced stress and anxiety
Massage calms the nervous system. Research summarized by the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found clinical practice guidelines for breast cancer care list massage among the approaches that may help with stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue and quality of life. For most people, the drop in stress shows up within a single session. (nih)
5. Better sleep
Lower pain and lower stress usually lead to better sleep. Many of our patients say they sleep noticeably better on the nights after treatment, which in turn supports recovery.
6. Faster recovery from training and injury
Athletes use massage to manage soreness and stay on schedule with training. After an injury, massage can help manage scar tissue as it forms and ease the muscle guarding that often follows a strain or sprain.
7. Support for chronic pain conditions
Massage therapy may help with some fibromyalgia symptoms if it’s continued for long enough. Five of six studies on knee osteoarthritis found massage provided short-term pain relief. For chronic conditions, regular treatment usually helps more than a single session. (nihnih)
Benefits at a glance: what the evidence says
| Benefit | What the research suggests | Best paired with |
|---|---|---|
| Low back pain relief | Short-term relief; quality of evidence is moderate to low | Physio-led exercise program |
| Neck and shoulder pain | Short-term benefit, longer and more frequent sessions help | Posture and strength work |
| Stress and anxiety | Consistent short-term benefit | Regular sessions |
| Fibromyalgia symptoms | Some benefit with ongoing treatment (5+ weeks) | Graded activity, physio |
| Knee osteoarthritis | Short-term pain relief in most small studies | Strengthening exercise |
| Sports recovery | Helps manage soreness and tightness | Training load management |
We think honesty about the research matters. Massage is a valuable tool, but it isn’t a cure on its own. Its best results come from being part of a plan.
Conditions Massage Therapy Can Help With
Our RMTs regularly treat:
- Low back pain and sciatica. Massage can ease the muscle spasm that often comes with back pain. For movement-based strategies, see our tips to alleviate lower back pain. If your pain gets better or worse with certain positions, read about posterior lumbar derangement.
- Neck pain and tension headaches. These often come from tight upper shoulder and neck muscles, especially in desk workers.
- Whiplash and car accident injuries. Massage is a common part of recovery after a crash. Learn about the symptoms and treatment of whiplash and our ICBC injury care.
- Sports injuries. These include muscle strains such as a hamstring injury, overuse injuries like the shoulder problems covered in our swimming injuries guide, and running-related tightness.
- Nerve-related symptoms. Tight soft tissue can add to nerve irritation in conditions like double crush syndrome.
- Fibromyalgia, arthritis and tendonitis.
For a wider look at what our team treats, see 4 problems physiotherapists can treat.
Types of Massage: Therapeutic vs. Deep Tissue and More
“Massage” covers many techniques. Our RMTs use deep tissue massage, myofascial release, Swedish massage and sports massage, and often blend them in one session.
| Type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic massage | Umbrella term for goal-focused RMT treatment, mixing techniques to address a specific problem | Injury, pain, tension with a clear cause |
| Deep tissue massage | Slower, firmer pressure aimed at deeper muscle layers | Chronic tightness, stubborn knots |
| Swedish massage | Long, flowing strokes with lighter to moderate pressure | Stress, relaxation, general tension |
| Sports massage | Techniques matched to training and competition | Athletes, pre- and post-event care |
| Myofascial release | Sustained, gentle stretching of the fascia | Stiffness, restricted movement, scar tissue |
Deep tissue massage benefits include releasing chronic knots, easing long-standing tension and improving how muscles move. Deep doesn’t have to mean painful, though. Your RMT will adjust the pressure to you, and some tenderness for a day or two afterward is normal.
Therapeutic vs. deep tissue: Deep tissue is one technique. Therapeutic massage is the overall approach. A therapeutic session might include deep tissue work, or it might not if your tissue or condition calls for a lighter touch.
Physiotherapy vs. Massage Therapy: Which Do You Need?
We hear this question a lot. The answer is often “both,” but the two do different jobs.
| Physiotherapist | Registered Massage Therapist | |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Diagnosing and rehabilitating movement problems | Treating soft tissue (muscle, fascia, tendons) |
| Assessment | Full assessment of joints, strength, movement and nerves | Assessment to guide massage treatment |
| Treatment tools | Exercise prescription, manual therapy, joint mobilization, education, modalities like shockwave | Hands-on massage techniques, self-care and stretching advice |
| Best for | Injuries that need strength, control and mobility rebuilt; post-surgery rehab | Muscle tension, stress, soft tissue pain, supporting rehab |
| BC regulator | College of Health and Care Professionals of BC | College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC |
The two professions have clear scopes. BC’s practice standards say some treatments, including shockwave therapy and cupping, are outside an RMT’s scope. Physiotherapists are regulated by a separate body, the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. (cchpbcbchealthregulators)
Choose physio first if:
- You have a new injury.
- You’re not sure what’s causing your pain.
- You have pain that keeps coming back.
- You have weakness, numbness or tingling.
- You’re recovering from surgery.
Choose massage first if:
- You know the problem is muscular, like tension from desk work.
- You’re managing stress.
- You want regular maintenance between training blocks.
Combine them if: You’re recovering from an injury and your progress has stalled. Massage reduces the tightness and guarding that hold you back, which makes your physio exercises more effective. Because our physiotherapy and massage therapy teams work under one roof, coordinating care is easy.
How Often Should You Get a Massage?
It depends on your goal. Here are typical starting points. Your RMT will adjust them to you.
- Recovering from a recent injury: Weekly or every other week for the first several weeks, then tapering as you improve.
- Chronic pain or tension: Every two to four weeks.
- Stress management or maintenance: About once a month.
- Athletes: Timed around training. Many book during heavy training blocks and before or after key events.
The NCCIH research found massage relieved neck pain in the short term when sessions were long enough and frequent enough. In other words, one massage a year won’t do much for chronic pain, but a consistent plan can. (nih)
What to Expect at Your First RMT Appointment
- Intake and health history: You’ll fill out a health history so your RMT can treat you safely.
- Assessment: Your RMT asks about your symptoms, goals and lifestyle, and may check your posture and range of motion.
- Treatment plan and consent: Your RMT explains what they recommend and checks that you’re comfortable before starting.
- Treatment: You stay covered with linens except for the area being treated. Tell your therapist if the pressure is too much or too little at any time.
- Aftercare: You may get stretches or self-care tips. Mild soreness for 24 to 48 hours is normal, especially after deep tissue work.
When massage might not be right: Tell your RMT if you’re on blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, have a known or suspected blood clot, have a fever or infection, or have had recent surgery. Serious side effects from massage are rare, but there have been uncommon reports of problems such as blood clots, nerve injury or fractures. Your health history lets your RMT adjust or postpone treatment when needed. (uba)
Is Massage Therapy Covered in BC?
- Extended health benefits: Most workplace plans cover RMT treatment, often with a per-visit or yearly limit. See our direct billing page for the plans we can bill directly.
- ICBC: If you’ve been in a car crash, massage therapy can be part of your covered recovery. Visit our ICBC page for details.
- WorkSafeBC: WorkSafeBC covers RMT visits for injured workers once their claim is accepted. (rmtbc)
- MSP: For residents who qualify for MSP Supplementary Benefits, MSP contributes $23 per visit, up to a combined 10 visits per calendar year across massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, naturopathy and non-surgical podiatry. Most BC residents don’t qualify, so check your eligibility first. (gov)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is massage therapy good for back pain?
Yes, for short-term relief. Research shows massage can reduce both acute and chronic low back pain in the short term. For lasting results, combine it with exercise and physiotherapy.
How often should you get a massage?
For a recent injury, weekly or every other week to start. For chronic tension, every two to four weeks. For maintenance and stress relief, about monthly. Your RMT will tailor a plan to you.
What’s the difference between a physiotherapist and an RMT?
A physiotherapist diagnoses and rehabilitates movement problems using exercise, manual therapy and other tools. An RMT specializes in treating soft tissue with hands-on massage. Many patients benefit from seeing both.
What are the benefits of deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage targets deeper muscle layers to release chronic knots, ease long-standing tension and improve movement. Mild soreness for a day or two afterward is normal.
Is RMT massage covered by MSP in BC?
Only for people who qualify for MSP Supplementary Benefits. MSP pays $23 per visit for up to 10 combined visits a year across several services. Most people use extended health benefits instead.
Do I need a doctor’s referral for massage therapy?
You can book an RMT directly without a referral. Some extended health plans require a doctor’s note before they’ll reimburse, so check your plan.
Is it normal to feel sore after a massage?
Yes. Mild soreness for 24 to 48 hours is common, especially after deep tissue work. If pain is sharp, severe or lasts longer, let your therapist know.
Book Massage Therapy at Oakridge Physiotherapy
If you’re dealing with back pain, recovering from an injury or carrying too much tension, our RMTs and physiotherapists can help you work out the right plan and start feeling better.
Visit us at 6317 Cambie Street, Vancouver. We’re open weekdays 7am–7pm and Saturdays 9am–2pm. Call 604-321-3251 or book your appointment online. Have questions first? Contact our team.