A massage is the perfect way to pamper yourself, but that’s not where it ends. An RMT massage is a massage performed by a registered massage therapist (RMT). It’s a medically oriented treatment for a variety of conditions. Registered massage therapy has proven clinical benefits for arthritis, sciatica, sprains, migraines, and more.
That’s because an RMT treats problems of the soft tissue—connective tissues, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles—through direct manipulation. Both acute and chronic pain are good candidates for registered massage therapy. Psychological troubles like anxiety, mood imbalances, and stress-related insomnia often respond well, too.
What Does RMT Stand For?
If you’re wondering, “What is an RMT? you’re in luck. Those three letters stand for registered massage therapist, a licensed healthcare professional who performs registered massage therapy. RMTs receive extensive training in anatomy and physiology so that their massages surpass what typical massage artists offer.
What to Wear to an RMT Massage
Wearing something you can relax in is vital for your massage to reach peak effectiveness. You can follow the advice below, but you can also ignore it and ask your RMT to work with your clothing preferences. Any worthwhile practitioner will respect your physical boundaries.
Many people feel that their massage treatments are most effective when they remove some of their clothing. Some keep almost everything on, while others leave only their undergarments. Even if you remove most of your clothes, your massage therapist will provide you with a sheet to cover yourself. As the appointment progresses, you can uncover only the body parts that need treatment.
If you’re unsure how much clothing you’d like to remove (if any), that’s okay. Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes is a good idea. Some patients also like wearing form-fitting but stretchy items like bike shorts and tank tops.
What to Expect During and After Your RMT Massage
Your appointment will begin with talking to your RMT about your needs. Next, your therapist will leave the room, allowing you to undress if you wish and situate yourself on a comfy massage table. The practitioner might use any of several massage modalities, depending on the ailment you’re experiencing. Some examples include deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and muscle energy technique.
Here are just a few of the benefits you’ll notice during and after your RMT appointment:
- Physical relaxation
- Mental relaxation
- Loosened muscles
- Reduced pain
- Greater range of motion
- Slower heart rate
- Improved sleep quality
An RMT massage is one of the most effective holistic treatments for various pain conditions, not to mention a great way to improve certain mental health issues. This noninvasive option has none of the drawbacks that can come with medication, surgery, or other standard solutions—and it actually feels good for many patients!
