Frequently Asked Questions About Massage Therapy
Does my extended healthcare insurance cover massage therapy?
The majority of extended healthcare plans cover registered massage therapy treatments. The extent of coverage for massage therapy varies with each individual insurance policy. Be sure to double check the extent of your annual massage therapy coverage with your insurance provider.
The coverage amounts are usually located under headings titled, “Paramedical” or “Supplementary benefits.” Policies typically have a percentage of coverage or up to a dollar amount (eg. 80% coverage up to a total of $800 per calendar year).
For further information about insurance policies, click here.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No. Although many physicians refer patients for massage therapy treatments, RMT's are primary health care providers who can assess and treat patients independently.
However, some insurance plans do require a referral. You will want 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. Please arrive 10 minutes early in order to have time to complete this information thoroughly and without being rushed. You can fill this form in online through the online booking program, or click here to print the form, complete it ahead of time, and bring it with you to your initial appointment.
We will then spend about 10 minutes discussing your current symptoms and goals for your massage therapy treatments. A thorough assessment is the key to planning your treatments effectively. It is my responsibility to modify your treatments in cases of contraindications or safety concerns, so a comprehensive 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 in order to help me understand the potential causes of your pain.
Please feel free to ask me any questions that you may have during this time.
Do I need to get undressed for my treatment?
Depending on the primary techniques that I choose to use, you may or may not need to undress.
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, and you may choose to wear underwear or not. I will leave the room to give you privacy while you undress, and get on the treatment table, covering yourself with a sheet and blanket. When you are ready, I will then knock before I re-enter the room. I only undrape the area being worked on – your modesty is maintained throughout your treatment.
It is also possible to do a full and thorough treatment with clothing on. You may bring a sport bra and shorts, or other movable, comfortable type of clothing if you wish to receive your treatment with clothes on.
What should I do during the massage therapy treatment?
Make yourself comfortable!
You will relax during most of your treatment on a massage table designed for stability and comfort. I will ensure that you are comfortable and warm throughout your treatment by having pillows, heat and a blanket available. Relaxing music is played to help you unwind and focus on the changes occurring in your body.
Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It’s your time, and whichever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.
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.
Treatment to an area of injury or chronic pain may cause some discomfort at first, which usually lessens in the first few minutes. I will work to minimize this discomfort and encourage you to communicate your comfort level during this part of the treatment.
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 to be sure that we are working in a zone of ‘therapeutic tenderness’ – this sensation is described as a ‘good hurt’ – a level of tenderness that you can breathe through comfortably, and that dissipates fairly quickly as we continue to work, essentially easing the initial discomfort.
What should I expect afterwards?
Bodywork can be extremely relaxing, affecting all your body’s systems. Give yourself a moment to re-orient before slowly getting up from the massage table.
After a treatment, most people feel very relaxed. Many experience relief from aches and pains that have built up over months of tension or repetitive activity.
Following a massage, it is possible to have some soreness for 24-48 hours, similar to the sensation experienced after an intense workout. This is a normal response within the body, especially with use of any deeper techniques as well as treatment to an area of injury or chronic pain. As with exercise, the benefits of massage increase with regular treatments.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. If this notice is not given, you will be responsible for the full treatment fee.
If I am sick with a cold or flu, should I still come to my appointment?
If you are in the early and most contagious stage (first 48-72 hours) of a cold or flu, please do NOT come in for your session. Please phone or email me to cancel with as much notice as possible, so that I may be able to fill the appointment time with a patient on my wait-list. Thank you! I appreciate your thoughtful consideration of this matter. Please note, my cancellation fee will not be charged for last minute cancellations that are due to illness.