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Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy Treatments | Janet Penny RMT | Ottawa, ON

Massage Therapy Treatments

Massage therapy can support you in addressing conditions including:​

 

  • Scar restrictions

  • Post-surgical mobility restrictions

  • Gender affirming top surgery

  • Pain management

  • Headaches

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Repetitive strain injuries

  • Ageing-related changes

  • TMJ dysfunction and jaw pain

Gender
affirming
top surgery

Massage therapy after gender-affirming surgery provides compassionate and knowledgeable care during recovery and recognizes the physical and emotional significance of this procedure.  While life-affirming and transformative, this surgery involves significant physical recovery. 

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Benefits of post-operative massage include:

Scar tissue management to help reduce tightness. ​

Lymphatic drainage addresses post-surgical swelling.

Relieve muscle tension from compensation patterns such as rounding the shoulders and clenching muscles. 

Improved body awareness and comfort:  Touch therapy can help you reconnect with your body after surgery, supporting a positive body image. 

Emotional support: Massage provides a safe space for rest and self-care.

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A recent research study found that "having undergone assigned
female at birth top surgery. the most common musculoskeletal (MSK) symptom was altered chest sensation (82%),
followed by chest tightness (71%) and shoulder stiffness (56%).  Despite high symptom prevalence, only 28% sought MSK treatment,
primarily massage and physical therapy.  Most participants relied on internet searches for information, and fewer than half were informed by healthcare providers about potential MSK
symptoms.  Exploring upper limb musculoskeletal symptoms after gender-affirming top surgery: a cross-sectional survey

(2026)


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Headaches

Tension headaches: Tight muscles in the shoulders, neck and jaw often contribute to tension headaches. Massage therapy treatment focused on releasing muscles and trigger points can relieve and prevent this type of headache pain.​

 

Sinus headaches: Congestion from colds and allergies can bring on a  sinus headache. Combining lymphatic drainage, craniosacral therapy and light cupping can reduce the discomfort associated with sinus headaches.​

 

Migraine headaches: Massage therapy addresses the throbbing pain  associated with migraine headaches.

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Repetitive strain injuries

Repetitive movements can result in physical wear and tear that shows up as discomfort and pain.

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Any activity that we do over and over can cause strain.  From marathon hours in front of a computer to sports to passtimes such as carpentry and knitting. 

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Aching and stiffness are characteristic signs of overuse. 

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Focused massage treatments can help to counteract the effect of the sustained posture held throughout long work days or hours spent at a hobby.

Sports/Active living

An active life can contribute to repeated use of the same muscles causing strains, muscle pain, adhesions and swelling that can be effectively managed with massage therapy.

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Preventing injuries is also important: Massage helps to keep muscles supple and less prone to wear and tear. Good nutrition, hydration and regular stretching are also integral to keeping muscles healthy and ready for use.

Back pain

Back pain can limit an active, enjoyable life. The shooting, aching and throbbing muscle tension that characterizes back pain is brought on by both activity (heavy lifting, work outs) and inactivity (sitting for long periods of time).

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Sciatica, herniated discs, tight muscles, trigger points and posture are all contributors to back pain.

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Massage therapy focuses on addressing muscle imbalances, trigger points and fascial restrictions to ease pain and help you return to moving with ease.

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Stress

Massage is relaxing and restorative, allowing both the body and mind to reset to a calmer, more optimal state of functioning.

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Chronic stress has been linked to sleep problems, headaches, digestive difficulties, heart palpitations, depression, anxiety and a wide range of other physical and emotional symptoms.

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Massage treatments to address the build-up of stress enhance health and well-being and should not be dismissed as a luxury.

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