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FAQs & Answers about Massage Therapy in Ontario
If you've never been to a Registered Massage Therapist before, you are in for a wonderful experience! Whether you are coming for therapeutic reasons or just to relax and de-stress, massage therapy can have an amazing effect.
What Is Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is the hands-on manipulation of soft tissues of the body to gain a therapeutic response. Soft tissue includes muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints.The therapeutic process is a partnership between client and therapist, working together towards common and realistic goals.
What Are Some Benefits of Massage Therapy?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
What techniques are used?
Registered Massage Therapists use their knowledge on anatomy and physiology, combined with traditional Swedish and modern techniques, such as hydrotherapy, trigger point therapy, myofascial therapy, deep tissue massage, manual lymphatic drainage, and remedial exercises to treat their clients.
What Will I Expect On My First Visit?
Your Therapist will have you complete a Health History Form and will go over it with you. It may include the reasons you are getting a massage, current physical condition, medical history, life style and stress level, experiences with specific areas of pain, and whether there is any specific need you want addressed during the massage. First and foremost, the massage therapist needs to make sure there aren't any conditions present that rule out having a massage due to any health risks. Second, the Massage Therapist needs to know what your needs are regarding the massage and be sure both of you are clear about what your expectations and goals for the session are. Third, the information you provide helps the massage therapist determine what techniques to use and how to structure the session. All of your personal information is confidential and is not released to anyone without your written permission.
Assesments
In order to determine if the massage is appropriate, and what kind of techniques should be used, the therapist, with your consent, may perform: a visual examination, palpation, movement evaluation such as range of motion, and any number of special testing procedures (for example reflex testing). All testing is done within your pain tolerance and level of discomfort. The assessment period will not take up any of your treatment time.
Consent to Treat
Informed Consent basically consists of the Massage Therapist discussing the planned areas of treatment, proper method for lying on the table, proper draping technique, benefits/risks of massage treatment and answering all your questions with the goal of empowering you, the patient. The Therapist may also ask you to sign a Consent to Treat form that can be revoked by you at any time.
How long is a session?
A Massage Therapy session is usually based on what your needs ranging from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.
Where will My Treatment Take Place?
The room is cozy, clean, and comforting, striving to create a relaxing atmosphere for clients by using freshly laundered sheets, soft lighting, and relaxing music. You may prefer to have no music or bring your own. You will lie on a massage table especially designed for your comfort.
Do I have to get undressed?
You are asked to undress to whatever point you are comfortable. Most clients choose to undress entirely or choose to leave on their underclothing, or some leave on most of their clothing. Whatever you choose, the massage therapist will act in a professional manner, and will provide you with a relaxing experience, no matter what your level of undress. Some clothing may, however, interfere with the natural flow of the massage, and preclude the use of certain techniques.
Special Consent
Massage Therapy will usually not include breasts or the gluteal area of either sex. But, depending on the treatment, it may be necessary to do so. In this case, special consent must be received from you, before proceeding. This may be in the form of a verbal consent, written consent, or both. Your therapist will fully explain the benefits of treating the area and will answer any questions or concerns you may have.
What Happens During a Session
During the actual Massage Therapy treatment, the Massage Therapist will apply many kinds of soft tissue manipulations primarily through the use of manual techniques. At no time during a Massage Therapy Treatment should one feel unwilling to express comfort levels or general feelings regarding the Massage Treatment especially when it comes to a certain area being treated or if the pressure used is too much or not enough.
How Will I Feel After the Massage Session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage this may cause some post-massage soreness which should dissipate within 24-48 hours. It is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.
Will I be sent home wth exercises that might be helpful for my condition?
At some point, your therapist may feel you will benefit by doing certain stretching or strengthening exercises at your home or office. It is also important to note that exercise will not provide any benefit unless you are committed to do it regularly and following the instructions.
How many times should I receive Massage Therapy?
If you are very active, or just very sore, you may require massage as often as is feasiblesome clients get one massage per week, particularly clients with chronic discomfort, insomnia, ADHD, or injury rehabilitation. Unfortunately, this can get pretty pricey. Discuss options with your therapist to develop a regimen for yourself.
Does my insurance cover the cost of massage?
Many insurance plans provide excellent coverage for massage therapy by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). In some cases, your insurance company can bill directly, but usually a receipt is issued to you after your payment and you submit it yourself. Some insurance companies require a referral note from your physician. Please check your extended health care benefits plan for yourself and your family today!
Should I tip?
Registered Massage Therapists in Ontario are health professionals (licensed under the Health Practitioners Act-the same law that governs physicians, dentists, etc.) and tipping is not expected or necessary. Your return visits are the best reward and your referral is always most appreciated!
Massage Therapy in Ontario
* Complete a minimum of 2200 hours of intensive training and have passed provincial written and practical exams.
* Are member of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and are issued certificates and photo ID cards with a registration number. Only members of the College are permitted to use the title of Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) or Massage Therapist (MT).
* Are licensed and registered under the Regulation Health Professions Act.
