Therapeutic Massage
Professional therapeutic massage tailored to your needs, available at multiple convenient locations.
Therapeutic massage is more than relaxation — it is a targeted, evidence-based approach to reducing pain, restoring mobility, and supporting long-term health. At Athlete’s Choice Massage, we provide personalized therapeutic massage treatments across Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and surrounding communities, helping you recover, move freely, and feel your best.
What to Expect from Your Therapeutic Massage
If you’re dealing with everyday aches and pains, recovering from injury, managing repetitive strain, or simply looking to relax, therapeutic massage can be an excellent solution. At Athlete’s Choice Massage, our team of Registered Massage Therapists provides care across Downtown Edmonton, West Edmonton, Old Strathcona, and Sherwood Park — so it’s easy to find a clinic close to you.
Before Your Session
Each appointment begins with a short consultation. Your therapist will review your health history, listen to your concerns, and may perform simple assessments such as range of motion testing. This ensures your treatment is safe, targeted, and customized for your goals. You’ll then be asked to undress to your comfort level and settle under the linens on the massage table.
During Your Session
Your therapist will draw on a variety of techniques, adjusting to your needs in the moment. Depending on your goals, this may include:
Gentle to deep tissue work
Orthopedic and clinical massage
PNF stretching and joint mobilization
Trigger point therapy
Myofascial release
Some techniques may cause mild discomfort in areas of tightness, but you are encouraged to communicate so your therapist can adjust pressure and approach. Not every concern requires deep pressure — your therapist is trained to identify the root cause and apply the most effective methods.
For clients seeking relaxation, sessions often include long, flowing strokes with steady, calming pressure. Breathing techniques, and occasionally aromatherapy, may be used to deepen the restorative effect.
After Your Session
Many clients leave feeling lighter, more mobile, and deeply relaxed. Your therapist may suggest aftercare such as hydration, stretching, self-massage, or remedial exercises to extend the benefits. Follow-up appointments may be recommended if you are working toward specific recovery or wellness goals.
Therapeutic massage is more than pain relief — it’s an ongoing way to support your health, reduce stress, and maintain balance in everyday life.
your first massage!
45 min | 60 min | 90 min | 120 min
- 780-433-0550
- Old Strathcona | Downtown Edmonton | West Edmonton | Sherwood Park
- Open Today until 8:00 pm
- List Item
Direct Billing Available
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Therapeutic Massage
If you’re preparing for a therapeutic massage, a few simple steps can help you get the best results and enjoy your treatment fully:
Arrive a little early
Give yourself a few extra minutes before your appointment. This allows time to complete any paperwork, settle in, and start your treatment feeling relaxed rather than rushed.
Eat light before your session
A heavy meal can make it harder to relax, while an empty stomach may leave you light-headed. Aim for a light meal or snack about one to two hours before your massage.
Stay hydrated
Drink water both before and after your massage. Staying hydrated helps your muscles respond better during treatment and can reduce post-massage soreness by supporting your body’s natural recovery.
Wear comfortable clothing
Loose, flexible clothing makes it easier to move during assessments or stretches. Your therapist will guide you on what to remove for your treatment, and you should always undress to your own comfort level.
Keep the conversation open
Massage works best when you communicate. Let your therapist know if you feel discomfort, need more or less pressure, or want to focus on specific areas. This ensures the treatment is tailored to you.
Rest afterward
Your body continues to process the benefits of massage after the session. Take it easy, avoid strenuous activity right away, and give yourself time to enjoy the sense of relaxation.
Follow aftercare advice
Your therapist may suggest stretches, exercises, or self-care techniques to extend the benefits of your session. Following these recommendations helps support long-term recovery and overall well-being.
Whether you’re dealing with everyday aches and pains, recovering from an injury, or pushing for peak performance, our skilled practitioners are dedicated to support your rehabilitation process and enhance your overall well-being.
Whether you’re dealing with everyday aches and pains, recovering from an injury, or pushing for peak performance, our skilled practitioners are dedicated to support your rehabilitation process and enhance your overall well-being.
A Brief History of Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage has been part of human healing traditions for thousands of years. Records from ancient China, dating back more than 3,000 years, describe massage as a restorative practice used to treat illness and maintain health. In Greece, it became an essential part of athletic training, helping athletes improve performance and prevent injury.
Massage also holds an important place in Ayurvedic medicine from India, which has been practiced since around 3000 BCE. Ayurvedic massage combines oils, herbal remedies, and specialized techniques to restore balance and promote overall wellness.
In the West, therapeutic massage gained momentum in the 19th century through the work of Swedish physician Per Henrik Ling, who developed a system of techniques designed to improve circulation, ease muscle tension, and enhance mobility. His approach, now known as Swedish massage, remains one of the most widely practiced forms today.
Throughout the 20th century, massage therapy evolved into a respected part of healthcare. Today, it is used to address chronic pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. As more people turn to natural and holistic approaches, therapeutic massage continues to grow as a trusted method for promoting recovery, balance, and long-term wellness.
Frequently Asked Question
Therapeutic massage is a focused treatment designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve overall well-being. Unlike a relaxation-only massage, it blends techniques such as deep tissue work, stretching, and myofascial release to address specific concerns.
Relaxation massage emphasizes stress relief and gentle pressure, while therapeutic massage targets problem areas like muscle tension, repetitive strain, or injury recovery. Both can be relaxing, but therapeutic massage is tailored to improve function as well as comfort.
You may feel some temporary discomfort in tight or restricted areas, but therapeutic massage should never feel intolerable. Your therapist will always work within your comfort level and adjust pressure based on your feedback.
It depends on your goals. Some clients book weekly sessions for injury recovery, while others come monthly for maintenance and prevention. Your therapist can recommend a schedule that fits your lifestyle and needs.
Yes. All of our therapists are Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs), which means most insurance providers cover therapeutic massage. Direct billing is available at all of our locations for added convenience.