Massage Therapy Is More Than Just Relaxation

rosedalewellness • April 16, 2018

People have always equated Massage Therapy as a form of relaxation. The relative calm and peace of mind that they get through massage are the most obvious reasons why people get massages, almost on a regular monthly basis. However, many simply do not know that there is more to massage than simple relaxation.

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage is a therapeutic regimen that involves the application of pressure, rubbing movements, and purposeful manipulation of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, through the skin, in order to provide a certain therapeutic benefit. Massage, when professionally executed by licensed and duly Registered Massage Therapists can bring a whole range of health benefits that can significantly impact the way the human body is able to function in its daily grind.

Massage therapy can take on a variety of forms.

Swedish involves kneading, circular movements, and long, gentle strokes
Shiatsu is the application of finger pressure on a specific body location often following the body meridians in acupuncture therapy
Thai involves the application of gentle pressure on certain specific body points as well as stretches and compressions
Reflexology involves the application of even pressure on certain areas of the foot
There are other types of massage such as Sports massage, hot stone massage, pregnancy massage, and deep tissue massage. While they go by different names, they all have one thing in common: the application of pressure and purposeful manipulation of the body, in part or as a whole.

Massage and Mental Health

While stress per se is not bad, distress however can lead to behavioral, mood, and bodily changes that can significantly impact your overall disposition. Massage has been shown to increase the body’s production of natural ‘feel-good’ substances known as endorphins. Together with dopamine and serotonin, these substances are known to provide a general sense of well-being to help you regain control in your life.

Massage can also promote a calming and relaxing effect via the release of these same substances. You will feel much more relaxed and worry-free after an hour’s session with a Registered Massage Therapist. In fact, this is the primary reason why people go to wellness centres for massages.

Massage and the Musculoskeletal System

Perhaps the main health benefit of Massage Therapy is that the changes in the functioning of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments are instantly noticeable. Range of motion of the joints is optimized and muscle aches and pains are reduced, if not eliminated. With purposeful manipulation of the vertebra and corrections in the natural movements of the body, you will gain absolute benefits from improved posture.

Patients with sports injuries, soft tissue injuries, temporomandibular joint disorders, strains, fibromyalgia, headaches, strains, and myofascial pain among others can greatly benefit from massage.

Massage and the Cardiovascular System

The relaxing effect of massage on the muscles significantly improves blood flow. Long gentle strokes help facilitate the forward movement of blood to help nourish the cells and promote the efficient drainage of metabolic wastes through the lymphatic organs. With the release of the body’s neurotransmitters, the smooth muscles of the blood vessel walls also relax to widen the diameter of the blood vessel. This also significantly improves blood flow. The increased blood vessel diameter lowers the pressure within the arterial walls to help lower blood pressure.

This combination of blood vessel smooth muscle relaxation, widening of the blood vessel diameter, and the reduction in blood pressure can contribute to a healthier cardiovascular system. Add to this the improved elimination of metabolic waste products and you will have a vastly-improved body functioning.

Massage and the Respiratory System

When massage is done, muscles tend to relax a lot better. The tension in these muscles is significantly lowered making them more efficient in their work. The smooth muscles in the respiratory tree also relax in response to the elevation of relaxing neurotransmitters and feel-good substances in the brain. The effect is that the smaller airways are more open and the diaphragm, the main muscle of respiration, is able to contract more efficiently. This results in more efficient breathing, further enhancing the delivery of oxygen to the different tissues of the body and help remove carbon dioxide into the air.

Massage and other Body Systems

Massage has also been shown to improve the levels of circulating cytotoxic killer T-cells in the body to boost the immune system. Among patients who are undergoing rehabilitation either postoperatively or post-injury, massage therapy has been shown to be particularly beneficial in hastening the rate of recovery.

It is without a doubt that massage is simply more than just a relaxing ‘me-time’. By significantly improving overall blood flow and releasing highly beneficial substances from the brain, these benefits are simply more than just skin deep. The effects of massage therapy can be aptly described as systemic, one that includes the whole body.

And it is this whole body benefit of massage that makes it a perfect addition to any health and wellness program.

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Service Fee Update

By John Son • August 11, 2026

Rosedale Wellness Centre Service Fee Update Effective September 15, 2026 At Rosedale Wellness Centre, our priority has always been to provide our patients with high-quality, personalized care in a welcoming and professional environment. We recognize that the cost of living has increased significantly and that many individuals and families are being more mindful of their expenses. We understand that healthcare costs are part of that consideration, and we do not take the decision to adjust our fees lightly. Beginning September 15, 2026 , we will be making adjustments to selected service fees. This represents our first general fee adjustment in approximately two years. These changes will allow us to continue investing in our practitioners, staff, equipment, facilities and services while maintaining the quality of care and patient experience you have come to appreciate from Rosedale Wellness Centre. Physiotherapy Initial Assessments & Treatment 40 minutes — $105 60 minutes — $145 Subsequent Treatments 20 minutes — $80 30 minutes — $100 40 minutes — $115 60 minutes — $150 Registered Massage Therapy 30 minutes — $96 45 minutes — $122 60 minutes — $148 75 minutes — $174 90 minutes — $206 The prices shown above represent the final patient cost, including HST. Osteopathy 20 minutes — $80 30 minutes — $102 40 minutes — $133 60 minutes — $170 The prices shown above represent the final patient cost, including HST. Acupuncture 30 minutes — $90 45 minutes — $115 60 minutes — $140 Cosmetic Acupuncture 45 minutes — $120 60 minutes — $145 90 minutes — $175 Chiropody Initial visit — $115 Subsequent treatment — $85 Why Are Our Fees Changing? We have worked carefully to keep these adjustments as reasonable as possible. Over the past two years, the cost of operating a multidisciplinary healthcare clinic has continued to rise. At the same time, we remain committed to maintaining the level of care, service and support our patients expect. The updated fees help us continue to: Attract and retain experienced healthcare practitioners Support ongoing education and professional development Invest in treatment equipment, technology and clinical resources Maintain our treatment rooms, rehabilitation facilities and clinic environment Provide strong front-desk and administrative support Continue offering a broad range of healthcare services under one roof These investments allow our practitioners and staff to focus on what matters most — your health, your recovery and your experience at Rosedale Wellness Centre. When Do the New Fees Take Effect? The updated rates will take effect on September 15, 2026 . Appointments taking place before September 15 will continue to be charged at the current rates. Appointments occurring on or after September 15 will be charged according to the updated fee schedule above. Please be advised that due to the recent price increase, patients whose appointments are booked within their insurance coverage limits may be slightly over their covered amount. We kindly ask that you plan accordingly and be prepared for any potential additional cost . If you have any questions or concerns regarding your coverage or the price increase, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re happy to assist you. Thank You for Your Continued Trust We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support. For more than 30 years, Rosedale Wellness Centre has been committed to helping our patients feel better, move better and live healthier lives. We are grateful for the trust you place in our practitioners and our team. These adjustments will help us continue providing the quality of care and level of service you have come to appreciate from Rosedale Wellness Centre for years to come.