Massage Therapy, Frequently asked questions.

 What is a Registered Massage Therapist?

A Registered Massage Therapist is an individual who has:

Completed competency-based education at educational institutions recognized by the Government of Ontario;
Studied anatomy, physiology, pathology, physical assessment, neurology, treatments, ethics and other subjects;
Completed clinical hours;
Successfully completed examinations from and have been "registered" by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Massage Therapy Act;
Maintained their registration by participating in continuing education and a Quality Assurance Program that assists them in the maintenance of high professional standards and quality care of their clients.

Does my extended healthcare insurance cover massage treatments?

The majority of extended healthcare plans cover registered massage therapy treatments. So the question then becomes “How much coverage do I have?” The answer to this is in your specific insurance policy.

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

No. Although many physicians refer patients for massage therapy treatments, RMTs are primary health care providers who assess and treat people independently.

***However, some insurance plans do require a referral, so you will need to check your policy to see if you need one in order to be reimbursed for your treatments.

 What happens at the first appointment?

At your first appointment you will be required to complete a health history form. We will then spend about 10 minutes discussing your current symptoms and goals for your massage therapy treatments. Some of the questions may seem unrelated to massage, however, please realize that the body is complex in its connections and that often something may seem unrelated when in actuality it is connected to the cause of your symptoms.

It is my job to thoroughly assess your situation in order to plan your treatments most effectively. It is also my responsibility to modify your treatments in cases of contraindications or safety concerns, so a thorough inventory of your health is crucial in allowing me to provide you with the best care possible.

During our interview I will also be assessing your posture, the quality of your movements and may perform specific physical tests with you to help me clarify the potential causes of your pain. Please feel free to ask me any questions that you may have during this time.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please note that the time you reserve is yours, no one else can take it, therefore we require 24 hours notice of cancellation or there is a $50.00 cancellation fee.

How will a massage therapy session feel?

Massage techniques on healthy tissue usually feel very good. The normal response is to slow down, breathe deeply and relax.

Working in an area of injury or chronic pain may initially cause some discomfort, which usually lessens in the first few minutes. I am trained in a multitude of techniques which will work to minimize discomfort and I will work carefully within what feels right to you.

Always tell me if you feel any discomfort so that I can adjust the techniques that I am using. I will ask you for feedback throughout your session so that I can adjust the techniques that work best for you.

When people have been living in pain for any length of time, it can be difficult to differentiate these sensations, so I encourage you to listen closely to your body and let me know how you feel throughout the treatment. The most effective and deepest massage works with the body’s natural responses, not against them.

What do I wear?

What you are most comfortable wearing. For techniques that require the application of oil or lotion, direct skin contact is ideal. You will be asked to undress to your comfort level. I will leave the room to give you privacy while you undress, and get on the treatment table, covering yourself with a sheet. I will then knock before I re-enter the room. I undrape only the area being worked on.

It is also possible to do a full and thorough session with clothing on, as many of the techniques that I use do not require oil. I suggest that you bring a sport bra and shorts, or other moveable, comfortable type of clothing if you wish to receive your treatment with clothes on.

What should I expect afterwards?

Bodywork can affect all your body’s systems. Give yourself a moment to re-orient before slowly getting up from the massage table.

After a session, most people feel very relaxed.

Following a massage, it is possible to have some soreness for 24-48 hours, similar to the sensation experienced after a good workout. This is a normal response.

As with exercise, the benefits of massage increase with regular treatments. As your body-mind awareness is enhanced, you may find that you experience deeper relaxation and great gains in overall wellness with each massage therapy session.

Can my children receive Massage Therapy?

Absolutely. Massage is safe at all ages from infant to senior. It can be a great way to help ease the stresses that children face whether it be from school or from the physical stresses placed on their bodies from the sports that they play. Depending on the age of the child shorter treatment times can be arranged. I always welcome the parent into the treatment room to help make their children feel comfortable.