What should I expect at my first appointment? On the first visit you will complete a confidential health history as part of your assessment. This is important as the Massage Therapist needs to know if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications. The Massage Therapist will listen to your concerns, assess your individual needs as well as other factors that may be contributing to your injury (lifestyle, nutritional status, etc.). The Massage Therapist will then develop a treatment plan with you to ensure you receive appropriate treatment that will help you return, as much as possible, to your normal activities.We ask that you arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to complete the necessary forms. You are welcome print out / fill out these forms in advance by visiting our forms page. Note: during your initial assessment appointments, it is quite common for a small portion of your massage time to be compromised with intake information / discussion with your therapist. This is common practice within the profession and is to your benefit.
How often should I have Massage Therapy? Some people believe that one treatment is enough; however, massage therapy is most beneficial in acute conditions when used over a series of treatments and then followed up with maintenance or preventive treatments. Through mutual discussion, your Massage Therapist can help you establish a program which fits your physical needs and lifestyle. Your Massage Therapist is most interested in your recovery and in the maintenance of your health. Any recommendation for further treatment is being made by a qualified health professional and is made with your utmost care in mind. How much clothing should I remove for my treatment? Your comfort as a client is of the utmost to all Registered Massage Therapists, whether that is in the context of the clothing you wear or the treatment you receive. Massage Therapists can provide important treatment whether you elect to remove any, some, or all of your clothing. All RMTs are trained in proper draping procedures to ensure that your privacy is completely respected at all times during treatment. Your comfort and ability to relax is paramount to effective treatment. Registered Massage Therapists will also describe the treatments to be provided to ensure that you are comfortable with them. Your consent is sought before treatment is provided. If you are uncomfortable, your RMT wants you to let them know immediately, whether that discomfort involves the treatment, draping or any pain you may experience. Be sure and discuss the most effective means of treatment with your Massage Therapist.
Should I tip? No.We areregulated under the RHPA which is the same as those in the profession of Dentistry, Medicine, Optometry as well as many other health care professions. Massage Therapy is a regulated healthcare profession and we are respected and valued as a provider of safe and effective healthcare to all Canadians. Accepting tips is not in keeping with this vision.We appreciate the gesture, but we graciously decline.
What if I didn't love the massage I received? It happens.. and it doesn't hurt our feelings. We all have expectations that may or may not be met during a massage treatment. This may be the result of unclear communication of your needs, past massage experiences or simply you just didn't care for the techniques used and style of that therapist. We understand 100% and it's not a problem! that is why we welcome you to try a few Therapists and decide for yourself which one you "gel" with. Each therapist does not "own" clients... in fact we love "versitile" clients. If your schedule doesn't allow you to see Therapist "A" we feel good knowing you have been with Therapist "B & C" before and are more than likely happy to be treated by either. Having multiple therapists to book your appointments with creates a wonderful environment of ease for both therapist and client.
Is my Massage Treatment covered by Extended Health Care? Many extended health insurance plans cover massage therapy treatments when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist. They often do not require a physician's order for treatments, although some may still have this requirement. Many plans require that the covered individual pay for the treatment and submit the expense for reimbursement. Most Registered Massage Therapists will require payment upon the provision of services. As most are operating as an independent practitioner, they are not in a position to provide credit, that is, wait until payment is received under extended health plans, before receiving payment. Please be sure to discuss this with your RMT before treatment.
What are these marks from Cupping? Despite how they look, Cupping marks are NOT bruises. Cupping marks are caused by suction instead of the pressure, and works to bring toxins to the surface. The most important differentiating factor between Cupping marks and bruising is the cupping marks do not cause pain nor caused by impact/ trauma. Marks are generally gone within 4-5 days, but this can vary depending on your healing time and the amount of toxins brought to the surface.
Will my Massage Therapist Keep my Personal Information private? As regulated health professionals, Massage Therapists are required as a part of the standards set by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario to maintain the information you provide, both verbally and in written form, in the strictest of confidence. In addition, Registered Massage Therapists are covered by Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004. As a result, information that is collected about clients may be collected only with consent, may only be disclosed with consent or to your immediate health providers (circle of care), and must be secured and maintained.
For further Massage Therapy information please visit RMTAO.