Frequently Asked Questions
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage Therapy is a recognized health care approach that assists in optimizing a person's health and well-being. We are part of the Regulated Health Professions Act (1991) and governed by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). Specifically, Massage Therapy is the manual manipulation of soft tissues and joints of the body to improve mobility and function in order to reduced pain or discomfort .
What can I expect at my first massage appointment?
We ask that you arrive a few minutes early to your first appointment to fill out a brief health history form. We have a very comfortable waiting room where you are welcome to make a cup of tea and relax before your appointment. Your therapist will invite you into the treatment room where you will have a brief chat about your health history and discuss any questions or goals you might have. Your therapist may perform a short assessment to determine the best course of treatment. Massage therapy is often (but not necessarily) performed directly on the skin, so a certain amount of disrobing may be requested. Treatments take place on a comfortable massage table with fresh linens, cozy blankets and pillows. After discussing your comfort levels, your therapist will leave the room so you can undress and and get comfortable on the table between the sheets before they re-enter. RMTs have strict rules about draping so only the area being worked on at any given time will be exposed. Your therapist with check in with you periodically about your comfort including massage pressure, but please always speak up if you are uncomfortable at all. When the treatment is finished, your therapist will leave to room so you can dress and then give you some home care tips or exercises to do.
Do I need a doctor's note?
You do not need a doctor's note to make an appointment with an RMT or ND. Some insurance companies require their clients to obtain a doctor's note before they will cover the expense. Check with your insurance company to see what their policies are.
What do I wear?
Whatever you like. Most massage therapy treatments take place on a comfortable massage table with fresh sheets, blankets and pillows. Your therapist will ask you to undress to your comfort level (in private) and get cozy between the sheets. RMTs are trained to drape (uncover) only one area at a time as they work on it (i.e. leg, back, arm). The rest of the time, you are completely covered. There are strict rules about sensitive/private areas always remaining covered, unless there is written consent from the client for a specific therapeutic treatment plan (i.e. breast massage). You may choose to wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing if you are expecting to only receive Craniosacral therapy.
How many treatments will I need?
This is very case-specific. Your therapist will discuss your history with you, perform an assessment and treatment and give you home care to do between treatments. Treatment plans will vary depending on the severity of your condition, your response to treatment and your dedication to your home care.
Do you directly bill insurance companies?
We do not do direct billing. We issue you a receipt at payment with the relevant information that you may submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.