Massage & Sauna
What is therapeutic massage? RMTs, types and what to expect in Calgary
It’s massage with a goal: easing a stiff neck, a sore back or tight hips, not only helping you unwind. Here’s how it differs from relaxation massage, and what “RMT” means in Alberta.
The short answer
Therapeutic massage is massage aimed at a specific goal, such as easing muscle tension, pain, stiffness or recovery from activity. Your therapist asks about the problem, assesses the area, and uses targeted techniques and pressure to work on it.
Relaxation massage is about overall calm, with lighter, flowing strokes. Many sessions blend both.
Therapeutic vs relaxation massage
| Therapeutic massage | Relaxation massage | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Ease a specific problem | Unwind and de-stress |
| Starts with | Questions about your concern and an assessment | A quick check-in |
| Pressure | Targeted, often firmer in problem areas | Even, usually lighter |
| Focus | One or two areas, or the whole body with priorities | The whole body |
| Typical techniques | Deep tissue, trigger point work, stretching | Long, flowing Swedish-style strokes |
Therapeutic doesn’t have to mean painful. Good pressure is firm enough to work, never so hard that you tense up to cope. Tell your therapist if anything is too much.
Common types of therapeutic massage
- Deep tissue. Slower, firmer strokes that reach deeper layers of muscle, for chronic tightness.
- Trigger point work. Focused pressure on tight knots that can refer pain elsewhere, like a knot in the shoulder that causes a headache.
- Reflexology. Pressure on points of the feet. Most people find it deeply relaxing; it’s offered at Mood as a 30-minute session.
What does RMT mean in Alberta?
RMT stands for Registered Massage Therapist. In some provinces, like British Columbia and Ontario, massage therapy is regulated by a provincial college. In Alberta, it isn’t regulated yet. An application to regulate the profession has been with the provincial government since October 2024, and as of March 2026 it was still under review.
Until then, the RMT designation in Alberta comes from membership in a professional association that sets education and practice standards. Our massage therapists are members of the NHPC (Natural Health Practitioners of Canada) or CMMOTA (the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association).
Will my benefits cover it?
Many extended health plans cover massage from an RMT who belongs to a recognized association. Plans differ, so check which associations your plan accepts, and ask for a receipt with your therapist’s details.
What to expect at your first appointment
- A short intake. A form about your health, and a conversation about what’s bothering you and what you want from the session.
- Privacy. Your therapist leaves the room while you undress to your comfort level and get under the sheets. You’re covered the whole time, apart from the area being worked on.
- The massage. Your therapist checks pressure early on. Speak up at any point, about pressure, temperature or anything else.
- Afterwards. Take your time getting up. Drink water. You may feel a little tender in worked areas for a day, like after a good workout.
How long should your massage be?
At Mood you can book massages of 45, 60 and 90 minutes, and 2 hours:
- 45 minutes for one or two focused areas, like the neck and shoulders.
- 60 minutes for a full-body massage with time on a problem area. It’s the most common choice.
- 90 minutes or more for a full body plus real time on two or three areas, or when you simply want to switch off.
Why Calgarians book therapeutic massage
The reasons we hear are very Calgary: desk-bound necks and shoulders from downtown office days, backs after shovelling a heavy spring snowfall, hips and calves after a season of skiing, running along the Elbow, or hockey, and golf shoulders all summer. A regular massage, monthly for maintenance or more often while you work through a problem, helps many people keep moving comfortably.
After your massage, Mood. clients can unwind in our infrared sauna or book time in the steam room. Read steam room vs sauna to choose.
Questions we hear
How often should I get a therapeutic massage?
It depends on your goal. For ongoing maintenance, many people book every 3 to 4 weeks. When you’re working through a specific problem, your therapist may suggest closer appointments to start.
Should I shower before a massage?
It’s appreciated but not required. Skip heavy lotions, perfume and oil beforehand.
Is therapeutic massage the same as deep tissue?
Deep tissue is one kind of therapeutic massage. Therapeutic massage can also be gentle; it’s defined by the goal, not the pressure.
Book a massage with an RMT
Our Registered Massage Therapists offer 45 to 120-minute massages and reflexology in Altadore, SW Calgary. Tell us what’s bothering you when you book.
