when to refer

a massage
therapist

Conditions and patient presentations that are a good fit for RMT

Persistent Pain Management:

  • Headaches
  • Concussion
  • Neck pain
  • Back pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Hospice care
  • Chronic conditions

Prehab, Rehab and Restoring Function

  • Joint replacement
  • Functional training
  • Scar work
  • Repetitive strain and prolonged postural issues
  • Cardiac rehab
  • Swelling/ lymphedema

Acute and Subacute Management 

  • Cancer care
  • Post-surgical recovery 
  • Traumatic & sports injuries
  • Maternity and postpartum care
  • Inflammation

When to Refer to a Massage Therapist

Compelling evidence underscores the integration of massage therapy into various critical aspects of patient health treatments. This includes chronic pain management (e.g., addressing back pain, headache, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, neck and shoulder pain, fibromyalgia, and hospice care), behavioural health treatment (anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD, and aiding in substance use disorder recovery), rehabilitation and physical training (including athletic training/injury treatment, ergonomics, job-related injuries, cardiac rehab, joint replacement surgery, and scar management), as well as acute medical conditions (such as cancer management, postoperative pain, lymphatic drainage, and maternity and neonatal care (AMTA, 2018).


Cancer Care:

Massage therapy is commonly embraced by cancer patients to address their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Research findings suggest that massage therapy is particularly effective in relieving cancer-related pain, especially pain associated with surgical procedures (Lee et al., 2015). Massage therapy appears to be promising for reducing pain intensity/severity, fatigue, and anxiety in cancer populations compared to the active comparators evaluated in this systematic review (Boyed et al.,2016). 

Post-surgical care:

A growing body of literature supports the integration of massage therapy, a commonly prescribed holistic pain management therapy, in caring for patients undergoing surgery (Boyed et al.,2016) 

Stress, Mood and Anxiety Improvement:

RMTs can help patients manage stress and anxiety, promoting overall mental health. Massage therapy is known to induce relaxation and improve mood (Moyer et al.,2004)

Preventative Care:

Regular massage therapy can contribute to preventive care by addressing musculoskeletal issues early, potentially preventing the development of more serious conditions.

Musculoskeletal issues:

Numerous studies demonstrate that massage therapy can provide relief for patients with chronic back pain. Results suggest that massage therapy is a viable, effective treatment option for people who deal with chronic back pain (Kumar, et al., 2013; Preyde, 2000). Neck and shoulder pain improves with massage therapy (Chou, 2017; Kong et al., 2013; Field, 2014).

Increased Patient Satisfaction:

Integrating massage therapy into primary care can enhance patient satisfaction by providing an additional, often highly valued, avenue for treatment and support.

Patient Education:

RMTs can educate patients about self-care strategies, exercises, and lifestyle modifications to complement massage therapy and promote long-term well-being. 

Holistic Patient Care:

RMTs contribute to a holistic approach to patient care by addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being through massage therapy.