Chronic muscle tension
Deep tissue work targeting long-standing tightness and pain, as part of a broader chronic pain plan.
Massage Therapy · Scarborough
Massage in Scarborough: RMT, full body and therapeutic massage
Reviewed by Maryam Ahankoob, Registered Physiotherapist and clinic lead. Updated October 2026.
Muscle tension, chronic pain, a sports injury, pregnancy discomfort, or stress that won’t let go, our Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) provide clinical, hands-on treatment built around your body, not a generic relaxation routine.
We serve patients from across Scarborough and east Toronto, including Victoria Village, Wexford, Bendale, Agincourt, L’Amoreaux, and Clairlea, with easy parking and flexible evening and Saturday appointments near Victoria Park & Ellesmere.
Registered, not relaxation-onlyClinical treatment from a CMTO-regulated RMT, not a spa add-on.
- Registered massage therapists (RMTs)
- No referral needed
- Direct billing, including WSIB & MVA
- Evening and Saturday appointments
Not the same as a spa massage
What makes it “registered” massage therapy?
A Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) is a regulated healthcare professional overseen by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). Unlike a spa or relaxation massage, RMT treatment is clinical: your therapist assesses your muscles, joints, and connective tissue, and builds a treatment plan around your specific condition, not a fixed spa menu.
That distinction matters for more than comfort: it’s also why RMT treatment is eligible for most extended health insurance plans, and why we can bill directly for WSIB and motor vehicle accident (MVA) claims.
Registration is easy to verify. You can check any RMT’s registration directly on the CMTO website before you book.
Fees and pricing
Massage therapy prices in Scarborough
Registered massage therapy at Physio Cottage is priced by session length, from $79.10 for 30 minutes to $169.50 for 90 minutes. All massage prices include HST, so no tax is added at the desk. Every session is with a registered massage therapist, so you receive the official receipt that extended health plans ask for when you claim massage therapy. If you are not sure which length to book, 60 minutes is the most common choice for a first visit.
Direct billingWe bill most extended health insurance plans directly where your plan allows it.
A receipt every visitYou get an official receipt after each appointment for your insurer or your tax return.
WSIB and car accident claimsApproved work injury and auto insurance claims are billed directly where applicable.
Coverage checkCall (416) 445-5353 and we will check your coverage with you before your first visit.
All prices in Canadian dollars. Your fee is confirmed when you book.
Not sure which one you need?
Which type of massage is right for you?
| Type | Best for | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|
| Deep tissue | Persistent muscle tension and chronic pain | Slower strokes, firmer pressure, targeting deeper muscle layers |
| Sports massage | Athletes: injury prevention, performance, recovery | Focused, technique-driven work on muscles under active strain |
| Pregnancy massage | Prenatal discomfort and relaxation | Gentle, positioned safely for pregnancy |
| Myofascial release | Fascia tightness limiting mobility | Sustained pressure on connective tissue, not muscle belly |
Not sure which fits your situation? Tell us your symptoms when you call and we’ll recommend the right one: many patients also combine massage with physiotherapy or chiropractic care.
Self-check
Signs massage therapy could help you
You may benefit from massage therapy if you experience any of the following.
- Persistent muscle knots or tightness
- Chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other care
- Stress or tension you can’t seem to shake
- Reduced mobility from tight fascia or connective tissue
- Pregnancy-related back or hip discomfort
- Recovering from a sports injury or workout strain
- Pain or stiffness following a car accident
- A workplace injury with an open WSIB claim
If any of this sounds familiar, a massage therapy assessment is a reasonable next step.
Book an assessmentConditions we treat
Massage therapy for the conditions Scarborough patients see us for most
Stress & tension
A hands-on way to lower overall tension and support relaxation and sleep.
Pregnancy discomfort
Gentle, safely positioned prenatal massage for back and hip strain as your body changes.
Fascia & mobility restriction
Myofascial release to ease tight connective tissue limiting movement, see our myofascial release service.
Sports & training recovery
Sports massage to support recovery, injury prevention, and performance: see our sport injury program.
Post-surgical & rehab support
Used alongside physiotherapy to support recovery and reduce scar tissue restriction.
Workplace injuries & car accidents
Massage therapy is often part of recovery from a WSIB workplace injury or a motor vehicle accident (MVA), and we bill directly to your claim where applicable.
Your first visit
What to expect at your first massage therapy session
Your first visit starts with a conversation about your symptoms, health history, and goals, so your RMT can choose the right technique and pressure for your condition.
Treatment can begin the same visit, and your therapist checks in throughout to make sure pressure and technique feel right for you, never a fixed routine regardless of how you respond.
- No referral needed
- Full health history
- Treatment can start day one
- Pressure adjusted to you
Why Physio Cottage
Why choose our Scarborough massage therapy clinic
Registered RMTs
Regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO).
Personalized treatment
Every session is built around your condition, not a fixed spa menu.
Comfortable environment
Calm treatment rooms designed to help you relax, not rush.
Integrated care
Combine massage with physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or acupuncture.
Direct billing
Most extended health plans, plus WSIB and MVA claims, no need to pay out of pocket and file it yourself.
Google
Patient reviews
Read what patients across Scarborough and east Toronto say on our Google profile.
Where our patients come from
Neighbourhoods we serve near Scarborough
Physio Cottage is located near Victoria Park & Ellesmere and welcomes patients from across Scarborough and east Toronto.
- Victoria Village
- Wexford
- Bendale
- Agincourt
- L’Amoreaux
- Clairlea
- O’Connor-Parkview
- Scarborough Village
- Golden Mile
- Maryvale
Techniques
Massage therapy techniques our Scarborough RMTs use
Registered massage therapists are trained in a range of techniques and choose between them based on your assessment, not a menu. Most sessions blend two or three of the approaches below, and the pressure is adjusted to you throughout. If something feels too deep or not deep enough, say so; adjusting is part of the treatment, not an interruption.
Swedish and relaxation massage
Long, flowing strokes and kneading at light to moderate pressure to calm the nervous system, improve circulation and ease general tension. Often the right choice for stress, poor sleep and first time patients.
Deep tissue massage
Slower, firmer work into the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to release chronic tightness in the back, hips, shoulders and neck. Deep does not have to mean painful; good deep tissue work stays within your tolerance.
Sports and training recovery massage
Focused work on the muscle groups you load most, combined with stretching, to reduce soreness, keep range of motion and support recovery between training sessions, races or games.
Myofascial release and trigger point therapy
Sustained pressure on tight bands and tender points that refer pain elsewhere, such as the shoulder blade knot that sends pain up the neck. Read more about myofascial release.
Prenatal and postpartum massage
Side lying and supported positioning, gentle pressure and attention to the low back, hips and legs during pregnancy and after delivery. Our RMTs screen for any reasons to modify treatment before each session.
Treatment for injuries and claims
Massage therapy is included in many WSIB and motor vehicle accident treatment plans alongside physiotherapy. We coordinate the plan and bill the insurer directly for approved care.
Frequency
How often should you book a massage?
There is no single right answer, and an RMT who tells you to come weekly forever is not assessing you. These are the patterns we typically recommend at Physio Cottage, adjusted after each visit:
- Acute tension or a recent strain: one or two sessions a week for two to three weeks, then reassess. The goal is to settle the tissue quickly so you can return to normal activity.
- Chronic tightness and desk related pain: every two to three weeks while you build the stretching and strength habits that address the cause. Massage treats the symptom; the home program treats the pattern.
- Athletes and physically demanding jobs: every two to four weeks in season or during heavy training, with extra sessions before and after key events if your schedule allows.
- Pregnancy: monthly in the second trimester and every two to three weeks in the third is common, depending on comfort and your care provider’s advice.
- Maintenance and stress management: monthly is a reasonable rhythm for most people once the original problem has settled.
Your extended health plan usually sets an annual dollar limit for massage therapy rather than a number of visits. Tell us your limit and we will help you space sessions so coverage lasts the year. How massage therapy insurance coverage works.
Combined care
Massage therapy alongside physiotherapy and chiropractic care
Because our RMTs work in the same clinic as our physiotherapists and chiropractor, massage therapy can be built into a larger recovery plan instead of running in isolation. A typical example: a patient with a lower back strain sees the physiotherapist for assessment and exercise, then books massage therapy on alternate weeks to ease the muscle guarding that makes the exercises harder to do. The therapists share notes, so you do not have to repeat your history or explain what the other practitioner is working on.
The same applies after a car accident or a workplace injury, where the treatment plan often lists both physiotherapy and massage therapy. We prepare the plan, bill the insurer directly and schedule both services at the same visit when you prefer fewer trips.
If you book massage first and your RMT finds a problem that needs a physiotherapy or chiropractic assessment, such as nerve symptoms, joint instability or pain that is not responding to soft tissue work, they will tell you and arrange the referral within the clinic.
How to prepare for your appointment
- Arrive a few minutes early for your first visit to complete the health history form, or complete it online when you book.
- Avoid a heavy meal in the hour before, and drink water afterwards.
- Tell your RMT about any medical conditions, recent surgery, pregnancy, skin conditions or medications that affect bleeding or sensation.
- Undress only to your comfort level. You are always draped with a sheet and only the area being treated is uncovered.
- Bring your insurance card so we can bill your plan directly.
Honest advice
When massage therapy is not the right first step
Massage therapy helps with a great deal, but there are situations where another assessment should come first, and our RMTs will tell you if you describe one of them when you book:
- Pain that began with a fall, collision or sports impact where a fracture, dislocation or ligament tear has not been ruled out.
- Numbness, tingling or weakness that is getting worse, or pain that travels down an arm or leg: these need a physiotherapy or medical assessment to find the source.
- Fever, an active infection, a rash or open wound in the area, or a recent blood clot.
- Calf pain with swelling, redness and warmth, especially after travel, surgery or long bed rest.
- Unexplained weight loss, night pain that does not change with position, or a history of cancer with new pain: see your doctor first.
Once a doctor or physiotherapist has assessed the problem, massage therapy is frequently part of the recovery plan and can start right away.
Types of massage in Scarborough: full body, deep tissue, prenatal and more
Whether you want a full body massage to unwind or focused work on one painful area, every session at Physio Cottage is provided by a Registered Massage Therapist, so you get an assessment, a treatment plan and an RMT receipt for your insurance.
Full body massage
A full body massage covers the back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs and feet. Most people choose 60 or 90 minutes for full body work. Tell your RMT which areas matter most so the time is spent where you need it.
Therapeutic massage for muscle tightness and sports injuries
Deep tissue and therapeutic massage target tight muscles, knots and overuse injuries from running, gym training, hockey and other sports. Your RMT can coordinate with our physiotherapists when massage is part of an injury plan.
Prenatal massage
Prenatal massage uses side-lying positions and gentle techniques to ease low back, hip and leg discomfort during pregnancy. Let us know how far along you are when you book.
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage uses slower, firmer pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscle and fascia. It suits stubborn knots in the upper back and neck, tight hips and low back pain from long hours of sitting or physical work. Deep work should feel strong but never sharp, and your RMT adjusts pressure as you go.
Swedish and relaxation massage
Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes and kneading at a lighter to moderate pressure. It is a good choice if stress, poor sleep or general tension is the main reason you are booking, and it is often done as a full body massage.
Sports massage
Sports massage is aimed at people who train regularly. Before an event it focuses on warming up the muscles you rely on; after training or competition it helps with tightness and recovery. It pairs well with our sports injury physiotherapy when you are coming back from an injury.
Lymphatic drainage massage
Lymphatic drainage massage uses very light, rhythmic strokes that follow the direction of lymph flow. It is used for swelling after injury or surgery and for some people with fluid build-up in the legs. Ask when you book so we match you with an RMT who offers it, and bring any notes from your surgeon or doctor.
Foot massage and lower leg massage
A foot massage session focuses on the feet, ankles and calves. It is popular with people who stand all day, runners and anyone with tight calves or heel and arch pain. Foot work can be booked as a 30 minute session on its own or added to a full body massage. For ongoing heel pain, our physiotherapists can also check whether custom orthotics or shockwave therapy would help.
Body massage near Scarborough, Wexford and Dorset Park
If you are searching for a body massage or a massage near Scarborough, the clinic is at 2231 Victoria Park Ave, Unit #5, near Ellesmere Rd, with on-site parking and evening and Saturday appointments. Patients come from Wexford, Dorset Park, Maryvale, Clairlea, Parkwoods and Victoria Village. Every session is with a Registered Massage Therapist, so you get a receipt your extended health plan will recognise.
What to expect at your first RMT massage
- Health history: a short form and a few questions about your goals and any conditions.
- Comfort and privacy: you undress only to your comfort level and stay covered with a sheet; only the area being treated is uncovered.
- Pressure: your RMT checks in and adjusts pressure as you go.
- Afterwards: mild soreness for a day is common after deeper work; drink water and stay gently active.
Aftercare
What to expect after a massage, and how to make it last
After a deeper session you may feel loose, a little tired or mildly sore for a day, much like after a good workout. Drinking water, gentle movement and a warm shower help. Soreness that is sharp or lasts beyond two days is unusual, so let us know. Between sessions, the things that make treatment last are simple: short stretch breaks if you sit for long periods, a walk most days, a desk set up that keeps your screen at eye level, and the two or three stretches your RMT shows you. Patients who do these need fewer sessions, and that is the outcome we are aiming for.
More questions about massage therapy in Scarborough
Do you offer full body massage in Scarborough?
Yes. A full body massage with a Registered Massage Therapist covers the back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs and feet. Most people book 60 or 90 minutes. Prices are $124.30 for 60 minutes and $169.50 for 90 minutes, tax included.
Do you offer lymphatic drainage massage?
Yes, ask when you book so we match you with an RMT who offers lymphatic drainage. It uses very light strokes and is often used for swelling after injury or surgery.
How long is a massage therapy session?
We offer 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 minute sessions. A first visit includes a short assessment, so 60 minutes is a good starting point for most new patients. Ask about pricing when you book.
Can I choose a male or female RMT?
Yes. Let us know your preference when you book and we will schedule accordingly.
Will I get a receipt for my insurance?
Yes. If we direct bill, you receive a receipt for any remaining portion. If your plan does not allow direct billing, you receive an official RMT receipt with the registration number your insurer requires.
Do you offer massage therapy in the evening or on Saturdays?
Yes. The clinic is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm and Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and evening massage appointments are popular, so book a few days ahead where you can.
Is there parking at the clinic?
Yes, there is on-site parking at 2231 Victoria Park Ave, Unit #5, and the Victoria Park and Lawrence East buses stop nearby.
Can I book massage therapy for a family member or as a gift?
Yes. Call (416) 445-5353 and we will set it up. The person receiving treatment completes their own health history at the first visit.
Condition guide
How massage therapy is used for common problems in Scarborough
Patients rarely book massage therapy for no reason. These are the complaints that fill most of our RMTs’ days, and how treatment is usually approached for each.
Low back pain and stiffness
Work on the lumbar paraspinals, glutes and hip flexors, which tighten together when you sit for long periods or lift awkwardly. Combined with the physiotherapist’s core and hip program when pain keeps returning. What causes lower back pain.
Neck, shoulder and desk strain
Upper trapezius, levator scapulae and the small muscles at the base of the skull carry most desk tension. Slow release work here often eases tension headaches as well. We also look at your workstation habits so the knot does not rebuild by Friday.
Sciatica and buttock pain
When the piriformis and deep hip rotators are tight they can irritate the sciatic nerve. Targeted release plus stretching helps, provided a physiotherapy assessment has confirmed the source. Buttock pain when sitting.
Frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tightness
Massage cannot free a truly frozen shoulder on its own, but it reduces the muscle guarding around it so physiotherapy mobilization and exercise are more comfortable and effective. Massage therapy for frozen shoulder.
Plantar fasciitis and tight calves
Deep work through the calf, Achilles and the sole of the foot, with advice on footwear and loading. Often paired with custom orthotics when foot mechanics are part of the problem.
Jaw pain and tension headaches
Gentle intra oral and external work on the masseter and temporalis muscles for clenching, grinding and TMJ discomfort, alongside the physiotherapist’s jaw mobility program when needed.
Scar tissue after surgery or injury
Once the surgeon clears you, scar massage helps keep the tissue mobile and less sensitive. Massage therapy for scar tissue.
Stress, sleep and burnout
Relaxation focused sessions at lighter pressure, with attention to breathing and the neck and shoulders. Many patients book these monthly as part of managing a demanding job. Massage and tension headaches.
Training recovery for runners and gym athletes
Flush work after hard weeks, focused release for quads, hamstrings and calves, and a check on mobility restrictions that could become injuries. Deep tissue massage for recovery.
Choosing a session
Which session length should you book?
- 30 minutes: one specific area, such as the neck and shoulders or a tight calf. Good for a quick follow up partway through a treatment plan.
- 45 minutes: one region in depth, for example the full back or both legs, with time for assessment and stretching.
- 60 minutes: the standard first visit and the most common choice. Enough time for a full body relaxation massage or focused work on two regions.
- 90 minutes: full body deep tissue work, athletes in heavy training, or anyone with several problem areas who prefers fewer visits.
If you are unsure, book 60 minutes. Your RMT will suggest the right length for future visits once they have assessed you, and we will tell you if a shorter session would do the job.
Questions patients ask
Massage Therapy FAQ
What’s the difference between an RMT massage and a spa massage?
An RMT is a regulated healthcare professional overseen by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, providing clinical treatment based on an assessment of your condition. A spa massage is typically relaxation-focused and isn’t a regulated clinical service, which is also why RMT treatment can be billed to most insurance plans.
Is massage therapy covered by insurance?
Most extended health insurance plans include registered massage therapy. We offer direct billing to most major providers where available.
Do I need a referral to book a massage?
No referral is required. Some insurance plans may request one for reimbursement, so check with your provider if unsure.
Do you direct bill WSIB and motor vehicle accident (MVA) claims?
Yes. We bill directly for approved WSIB workplace injury claims and MVA claims where applicable.
Is deep tissue massage painful?
It can involve firmer pressure than a relaxation massage, and some soreness afterward is possible, similar to a hard workout. Your RMT adjusts pressure to your comfort throughout.
Is massage safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Prenatal massage uses gentle techniques and safe positioning for pregnancy, so let your RMT know how far along you are when you book.
How often should I get a massage?
It depends on your goals. Some patients come weekly for an active injury, others monthly for general maintenance. Your RMT can recommend a schedule after your first visit.
Can I combine massage therapy with physiotherapy or chiropractic care?
Yes. Many patients combine massage with physiotherapy or chiropractic care for more complete recovery. Ask our team for a recommendation.
Book your massage therapy session
Registered massage therapists, direct billing, and appointments that fit your schedule, right at Victoria Park & Ellesmere.
Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm · Saturday 9am to 5pm · Sunday closed
2231 Victoria Park Ave, Unit #5, Scarborough, ON M1R 1V8
How to book a massage therapy session in Scarborough
Booking with a Registered Massage Therapist at Physio Cottage takes a few minutes. Here is how it works:
1. Choose your reason for the visit
Tell us whether you want help with pain, an injury, pregnancy discomfort, sports recovery or general tension, so we can match you with the right RMT and session length.
2. Pick a time
Book online or call (416) 445-5353. We are open Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm, so after-work and weekend times are available.
3. Check your coverage
If you have extended health benefits, look up your massage therapy limit and whether your plan needs a doctor’s note. We can bill many plans directly.
4. Prepare for your session
Arrive 10 minutes early for your first visit to complete the health form, drink water, avoid a heavy meal just before, and tell your RMT about any medical conditions or medications.
From the blog
Guides about massage therapy from Physio Cottage
Visit the clinic
A look inside Physio Cottage
Your wellness matters to us
Book a massage therapy session online or call the clinic. We are at 2231 Victoria Park Ave, Unit #5, Scarborough, ON M1R 1V8, open Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm.
- Registered Massage Therapists
- Direct billing where your plan allows
- Evening and Saturday appointments
- Easy parking at Victoria Park and Ellesmere