Registered Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can support the treatment and management of a wide range of musculoskeletal and stress-related conditions. At Cole Harbour Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, our registered massage therapists commonly work with patients experiencing:

• Neck and shoulder tension
• Low back pain and stiffness
• Headaches and tension headaches
• Jaw pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMD / TMJ)
• Sports injuries and muscle strains
• Overuse injuries related to work or training
• Postural tension from desk work or repetitive activities
• Stress-related muscle tension
• Post-surgical scar tissue and tissue restriction
• Pelvic pain and dysfunction
• Reduced mobility or muscle tightness

Massage therapy treatments may be used on their own or combined with physiotherapy to support recovery, reduce pain, and improve overall function.

“We commonly treat hockey players, surfers, runners, CrossFit athletes, and recreational athletes from Cole Harbour and Dartmouth.”

TMD / TMJ Massage Therapy (Intra-Oral & Extra-Oral Treatment)

Our Registered Massage Therapists offer specialized treatment for temporomandibular disorders (TMD/TMJ), including both intra-oral and extra-oral massage therapy techniques.

TMD may contribute to:

• Jaw pain or tightness

• Clicking or popping in the jaw

• Headaches and facial tension

• Ear pain or ringing (tinnitus)

• Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth fully

• Neck and shoulder tension

• Clenching and grinding-related discomfort

Treatment focuses on the muscles, fascia, and joints involved in jaw movement and may include:

• Myofascial release

• Trigger point therapy

• Joint mobilization

• Neck and postural treatment

• Intra-oral massage techniques

• Relaxation-focused treatment for clenching and tension

Intra-oral massage is performed using gloves and allows the therapist to gently access deeper jaw muscles inside the mouth that may contribute to pain, tension, and restricted movement. Treatment is always provided with informed consent and adjusted to your comfort level.

TMD treatment often includes addressing surrounding areas such as the neck, shoulders, upper back, and posture, as these regions commonly contribute to jaw tension and dysfunction.

Massage therapy may be used on its own or alongside physiotherapy, dental care, or other healthcare services as part of a collaborative treatment approach.

Our Registered Massage Therapists have advanced training in external pelvic health treatment approaches designed to support individuals experiencing pelvic pain, scar tissue restrictions, postpartum recovery concerns, and pelvic floor-related tension.

Treatment is external only and may include:

• Abdominal and myofascial techniques

• Scar tissue treatment

• Hip, gluteal, and low back treatment

• Cupping and connective tissue techniques

• Relaxation-focused treatment for persistent pain and tension

Massage therapy may help support individuals experiencing:

• Chronic pelvic pain

• Endometriosis-related discomfort

• C-section or abdominal scar restrictions

• Pelvic floor dysfunction

• Urinary urgency or frequency

• Hip and low back tension related to pelvic pain

• Postpartum recovery concerns

Pelvic health massage therapy is often used alongside pelvic floor physiotherapy as part of a collaborative care approach.

All treatment is external and performed with informed consent and patient comfort as the priority.

Your massage therapy appointment begins with a brief assessment to understand your symptoms, health history, and treatment goals. Your registered massage therapist will then develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Whether your goal is pain relief, injury recovery, sports performance, stress reduction, or relaxation, our massage therapy services are designed to help you feel and function at your best.

At Cole Harbour Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, we are proud to support the health and well-being of individuals in Cole Harbour, Dartmouth, and the surrounding Halifax communities.

Direct billing is available for most extended health insurance plans.

Pain relief and muscle tension reduction

Injury recovery and rehabilitation

Sports performance and recovery

Stress management and relaxation

Improved circulation and tissue health

Enhanced mobility and physical function

• Therapeutic / clinical massage therapy
• Sports massage and athletic recovery massage
• Deep tissue massage
• Relaxation massage
• Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) treatment – intra-oral and extra-oral massage
• Post-surgical and scar tissue treatment
• Dynamic cupping therapy
• Hot stone massage
• Myofascial release
• Myofascial trigger point therapy
• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Pre- and postnatal massage

Treatments are designed to reduce pain, restore tissue health, and support the body’s natural healing processes.

These treatments may be used individually or combined depending on your condition, goals, and treatment plan.