FAQ’s
What kind of conditions does Massage Therapy help?
What should I expect afterwards?
What kinds of techniques are used in Therapeutic Massage?
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
Do Health Insurance Plans cover massage therapy?
Do I need to get undressed for my treatment?
Do I need to have something wrong to get a massage?
Why Do Massage Therapists Charge GST?
What is massage therapy?
Massage Therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, which has a therapeutic effect on the health and well-being of the patient by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Massage therapy can help relieve your pain and disability and help you regain optimum function once again.
What kind of conditions does Massage Therapy help?
Massage Therapy can effectively help people suffering from a large number of aliments including but not limited to the following conditions.
- Stress and anxiety
- Strains, sprains, muscle spasms
- Migraines or headaches
- Sciatica/lumbago
- Swelling due to injury, surgery or disease
- Arthritis (OA and RA)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Repetitive strains
- Postural Problems
- Fibromyalgia
- Whiplash Injury
What should I expect afterwards?
After a massage therapy session, most people feel very relaxed. If deep tissue work was done, there may be some tenderness that lasts a day or two. We will advise you of homecare that will help to decrease any discomfort. It is recommended that you drink plenty of water following your treatment.
What kind of techniques are used in Therapeutic Massage?
There are a wide range of techniques that a Registered Massage Therapist is trained in. Each individual therapist has also taken continuing educations courses in areas that they have a particular interest in. At the time of your initial appointment the type of techniques to be used in your treatment will be determined by your assessment.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No. Although many physicians refer patients for massage therapy, 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.
Do Health Insurance Plans cover massage therapy?
Most company Extended Health Care Plans do give some coverage for massage therapy. Some plans, but not most, required a doctor referral for this coverage. Since each Plan is different, it is best to check your policy or with your employer to determine what coverage you may have.
Do I need to get undressed for my treatment?
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. While you get undressed and onto the table, the massage therapist will leave the room to give you privacy. The therapist will then knock before they re-enter the room. They undrape only the area being worked on – your modesty is maintained throughout your treatment. It is also possible to do a full and thorough session with clothing on, if you prefer.
Do I need to have something wrong to get a massage?
No, you do not need to have an injury or health condition to see a massage therapist. Although we are trained to treat many conditions, massage is very beneficial for overall wellbeing and stress reduction.
Do I Need to Tip?
No, you do not need to tip your therapist, as we are health care professionals and are not in the hospitality industry.
Why Do Massage Therapists Charge GST?
In Canada, in order for a health profession to be exempt from charging GST (Goods & Services Tax), the profession must be regulated in a minimum of five (5) provinces. Massage Therapists are currently a regulated health profession in three (3) provinces: Ontario, Newfoundland and British Columbia. Legislation is in progress at various stages in several other provinces.
There is a push right now to standardize massage therapy training across Canada and to regulate more provinces. In the meantime, Massage Therapists are a registered business and in British Columbia, are required to have a GST number and charge GST.