RMT Glossary – Understand the Terms That Matter

Term

What It Means (For You, the Patient)

Active Release Therapy (ART)

A hands-on treatment that targets tight muscles and helps break up scar tissue. Great for sports injuries or repetitive strain.

Assessment

Your therapist’s first step—asking questions, testing movement, and feeling tissue tension to create a custom treatment plan.

Booking Window

The time range during which appointments are available for online booking.

Cupping Therapy

A suction-based technique used to improve circulation and release muscle knots. Sometimes leaves temporary marks.

Consent Form

A document you sign that gives your RMT permission to treat you and confirms you understand what to expect.

Client Intake Form

A form with your health history, symptoms, and treatment goals. Usually filled out before your first session.

Direct Billing

Your RMT bills your insurance provider directly—so you don’t pay upfront. Not all therapists offer this.

Deep Tissue Massage

A technique that works on deeper layers of muscles. Ideal for chronic tension or long-standing pain.

Dry Needling

Sometimes used alongside RMT (if cross-trained)—a method where fine needles are inserted to release trigger points.

Duration

How long your session is—commonly 30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes.

Extended Health Benefits

Your private health insurance coverage for services like massage therapy.

Fascia

A web-like connective tissue that surrounds your muscles. RMTs often work on it to improve mobility.

Friction Technique

A small, targeted massage movement used to break down scar tissue.

Gliding Strokes

A foundational Swedish massage technique for warming up tissue and promoting relaxation.

Homecare

Recommendations your RMT gives you after treatment (e.g., stretches, hydration, rest) to extend the benefits.

Hydrotherapy

Using hot or cold compresses to complement your massage treatment.

Informed Consent

Verbal or written agreement before your therapist begins treatment. Always required and revocable at any time.

Joint Play

Gentle movements performed by your RMT to test and improve your joint mobility.

Kneading

A common massage technique using circular hand motions to loosen muscle tension.

Lubricant

The oil, lotion, or gel used during treatment to reduce friction and make movements smoother.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on care, typically using pressure, movement, and stretching to treat pain and dysfunction.

Modalities

The different styles or techniques used in massage (e.g., Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial release).

MTAA / CMTO

Professional associations and the regulatory body for RMTs in Canada and Ontario. Ensure your therapist is licensed.

Muscle Stripping

A slow, deep technique that follows the direction of muscle fibers to elongate tissue.

Myofascial Release

A gentle but deep technique to relieve tension in the fascia, great for chronic pain.

Neuromuscular Therapy

A precise approach to address trigger points and nerve-related pain.

Orthopedic Massage

Focuses on musculoskeletal conditions—often used in injury rehab or chronic conditions.

Palpation

The skillful way your RMT uses their hands to feel muscle texture, tightness, and alignment.

Peri-Treatment

Everything that happens before, during, and after your massage: assessment, treatment, and follow-up.

Postural Assessment

A visual and manual check of your body’s alignment to identify imbalances.

Pressure

The amount of force applied during massage—always customizable based on your comfort and goals.

Progress Notes

The RMT’s documentation of your treatments and how your condition improves over time.

Range of Motion (ROM)

How far and freely your joints and muscles can move. Often tested before and after treatment.

Reflexive Effects

Massage benefits such as relaxation, stress reduction, and better sleep—not just muscle pain relief.

Rehabilitation Massage

Tailored massage therapy for recovery from injuries or surgeries.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Common in office workers—results from doing the same motion repeatedly (e.g., typing).

Scope of Practice

What your RMT is legally trained and allowed to do. Ask if you’re unsure what’s included.

Self-Care

The daily actions you take to support your recovery—guided by your RMT’s advice.

Shiatsu-Inspired Pressure

A finger-pressure technique (some RMTs may offer this style) to improve energy flow.

SOAP Notes

Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan—a format your RMT uses for clinical records.

Soft Tissue

Muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments—all commonly treated by massage therapy.

Stretching (Passive or Active)

Lengthening muscles to improve flexibility. Your RMT may assist you or coach you to do it.

Swedish Massage

The classic relaxation massage—long, smooth strokes, ideal for first-timers.

Tendonitis

A condition your RMT may help you manage—caused by inflamed tendons from overuse.

Tissue Resistance

The “tightness” your RMT feels when applying pressure to muscles or fascia.

Trigger Points

Commonly called “knots”—tight, tender spots in muscles that refer pain elsewhere.

Tuina (Tui Na)

A Traditional Chinese Medicine-based massage method some RMTs are trained in.

Treatment Plan

The personalized care strategy your RMT develops to address your health goals.

WSIB Claims

Workplace injury treatments that may be covered through WSIB if your RMT is registered.

Zero-Balance Billing

When insurance covers your treatment fully—so you pay nothing out of pocket.