FAQ

Do you have a question that is not listed below? Please feel free to contact us directly.

• General questions about Massage Therapy

  What is the difference between a Massage Therapist, and other massage providers?

  In Ontario, ‘Massage Therapist’ is a protected title and massage practitioners operating under any other title (e.g., massage practitioner, masseuse etc.) are not regulated professionals. Massage Therapists are accountable to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario which protects the interests of the public against harm or maltreatment. Massage Therapists in Ontario undergo 2200 hours of extensive education including anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, ethics, research literacy, and practical application which enable them to provide massage therapy treatment within the healthcare profession.

  Do you require a referral from a doctor for a massage with Registered Massage Therapist

  You do not require a doctor’s referral to receive massage therapy treatment, however there may be times where your therapist might require approval from your doctor prior to treating you (e.g., if there is a possibility that you have a condition that is contraindicated for massage). You may want to note that your insurance company may require a doctor’s referral prior to covering you for massage and you should check your insurance policy or speak with your human resources department to find out about that.

• Health history questionnaire

  Why do I need to complete a health history form?

  Legislation requires Massage Therapists to maintain a health record on each client so that we can identify useful information that will help us safely and effectively select the appropriate course of action in the treatment.

  Do I need to complete the health history form each time I have a massage?

  No. Your health history form must be updated once per year unless there is a change in your general health, at which point you will need to provide us with an update prior to your next appointment.

  Can I e-mail my health history form prior to my first appointment?

  Email is not a secured method of sending information so it is not recommended. You prepare it for your therapist to review prior to the start of your treatment.

• Preparing for your appointment

  How much space do you need to set up your table?

  A space, clear of furniture or clutter, of approximately 10ft x 6ft would be ideal. If you have concerns about the space, give us a call, we’ll work something out.

  Do I need to provide any supplies?

  It would be good to have chair or stool nearby as well as a couple of pillows. Your therapist will provide all the linen (including pillow cases), lotion, and music. If you have specific music you would like to listen to, you are welcome to play it as well.

  Should I prepare my payment in advance?

  It is a good idea to prepare your payment ahead of time if you are paying by cash or cheque. Your therapist will collect it at the end of the treatment. This way, you can minimize any administrative time and maximize your time on the table. In the event that you choose to pay by email-transfer, payment must be processed so that the therapist receives the email prior to the start of the treatment. Acceptance of the email transfer by the therapist will occur once the session is completed. See our Fees Policy in the Resources section of the main menu for further information.

  Should I avoid eating or drinking before my massage?

  It is recommended that you leave 30 minutes following a meal before having a massage to give your body a chance to digest. It is not a good idea to have any alcohol prior to your massage, in fact, if the therapist believes that you may be intoxicated, the massage will be have to be rescheduled.

  What clothing do I wear for the assessment?

  It would be ideal if you were wearing shorts and a t-shirt or tank-top for the assessment. If that is not available to you, we can work around it.

  What clothing do I wear for the massage?

  That is entirely up to you. Some people choose to remove all of their clothing, some choose to leave their undergarment on, and some prefer to be fully clothed. It is recommended, especially if lotion is being used to remove jewelry. If you chose to remove your clothing, you will be draped with linen at all times and only the areas being treated at the time will be exposed. Your massage therapist can work with whatever you are most comfortable with. If you choose to remain fully clothed, lotion will not likely be used. If you need assistance removing your clothing due to an injury or immobility for any other reason, your therapist may assist you.

  Can you conduct the massage in the hospital?

  It is possible, it depends on the hospital, and there might be some red tape that we have to get through. If this is something that you are interested in, contact your therapist and they will see what they could do.

  I prefer not to have a massage at home, do you have a clinic I can go to?

  Arrangements may be made to treat you in another location. Contact your therapist to discuss it.

• Assessment process

  What is involved in an assessment?

  On your first visit, we will conduct a thorough assessment of your posture, range of motion, and if necessary, some orthopedic assessments. A palpation (examination by touch) assessment will be done on the table in conjunction with a relaxation massage. In each subsequent visit, the assessment will simply focus on the areas that are (or were) treated to see the progress.

  What clothing do I wear for the assessment?

  It would be ideal if you were wearing shorts and a t-shirt or tank-top for the assessment. If that is not available to you, we can work around it.

  Can my therapist modify the assessment if I am in too much pain?

  The purpose of the assessment is actually to recreate the pain so that your therapist can get an idea of what could be causing the pain. Having said that, the movements are done gradually, and slowly to minimize the pain as much as possible. Although the assessments cannot be modified, you can certainly ask your therapist to stop it at any time.

  Can my therapist diagnose my condition?

  Massage Therapists can tell you if there are soft tissue disturbances, restrictions, inflammation, swelling, skin changes, or abnormal tissue, or identify other observations or subjective clinical impressions. They may suggest that you see a physician or other health practitioner if there are abnormal orthopedic tests, or changes in your tissue, but that should not be regarded as a diagnosis in any way.

• Massage treatment

  How often should I get a treatment?

  This is a great question to discuss with your therapist following your initial assessment. If there is a particular condition that you are getting treatment for, your therapist will recommend a treatment plan for you. Between you and your therapist, you can come up with a schedule that works for you and that will achieve your healthcare goals. If you are looking for regular maintenance, with no specific condition or treatment plan, it is recommended to have a massage once per month or more often if funds allow for it.

  What clothing do I wear for the massage?

  That is entirely up to you. Some people choose to remove all of their clothing, some choose to leave their undergarment on, and some prefer to be fully clothed. It is recommended, especially if lotion is being used to remove jewelry. If you chose to remove your clothing, you will be draped with linen at all times and only the areas being treated at the time will be exposed. Your massage therapist can work with whatever you are most comfortable with. If you choose to remain fully clothed, lotion will not likely be used. If you need assistance removing your clothing due to an injury or immobility for any other reason, your therapist may assist you.

  What if I am not able to get on to the massage table?

  We are prepared to accommodate you in any situation. If you require assistance getting on or off the table, your therapist can assist you. If you are not mobile due to pain or other reasons, we will find a way to treat you in the most comfortable position for you.

  What type of lubrication do you use?

  We generally use a massage gel with a mild scent of pomegranate and green tea but we do have unscented, hypo-allergenic lotion available as well. In the event that you prefer not to use lotion, you can still have a treatment, although the techniques may be a little different. Please let us know of any allergies or sensitivities to lotions or smells. If there are particular lotions, oils, or gels that you prefer your therapist to use, discuss it with your therapist prior to you appointment and they will do what they can to accommodate you.

  Can I be treated if I have a cold or a flu?

  Speak to your therapist as there are some conditions that may be completely contraindicated (not allowed) for massage. Generally speaking though, as long as you are feeling well enough to have a massage therapy session, you probably can still be treated. Some modifications may need to be made (e.g., if your sinuses are congested, you will not be asked to lie face down). It is really important to communicate any illnesses with your therapist as soon as you become aware of it so that they can take any necessary precautions for their own safety and for yours (e.g., if you have an illness that might be contagious or if you have low immunity due to chemo treatment or another reason, your therapist may wear gloves and mask to treat you).

  How can I maximize the ‘hands-on’ time for my session?

  By preparing your paperwork, the room, and your payment in advance, you can save some setup and tear down time leaving you more time on the table.

  What if I am uncomfortable or in pain during the session?

  Your therapist wants your feedback. You will not be making the therapist feel badly, they are trained to understand that each individual is different. If you need to stop the treatment for any reason, you can say that you would like them to please stop the treatment. To modify your treatment, you can simply let the therapist know you want less (or more) pressure, or you can inform them that you are not comfortable with the technique they are using and you are wondering if there is anything else they can do to achieve the same goal.

  Will my massage be painful?

  Contrary to beliefs that may exist, massage does not have to be painful in order to be effective. Having said that, there are some techniques that can be painful depending on what you are having treated and what your goals are. If the therapist and you decide to use these more painful techniques, the therapist will work within your pain tolerance using a pain scale if necessary to establish a healthy pain zone with you. Basically, our rule of thumb is…if it is a pain that you can comfortably breath through, then that is good pain. If you are holding your breath or tightening your muscles, it is bad pain and you need to ask your therapist to use less pressure.

• Fees & related questions

  What are the fees for Massage Therapy treatment?

  Please refer to the Fees link in the main menu

  Do you provide receipts for insurance?

  Yes, we do provide receipts for your insurance claims.

  Can you submit my insurance claim for me?

  There are some cases where that might be a possibility. It depends on who you are insured with. Speak with your therapist and they will let you know if that is something that can be done.

  How much should I tip my therapist?

  We do not accept tips. If you would like to show your appreciation for the treatment that your therapist provided, feedback and referrals are always a great way to show your gratitude. If you feel that providing a tip is something you absolutely want to do, 100% of your tip will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation.