FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy has many benefits, and can be goal specific, or quite general. Massage therapy has been shown to decrease stress hormone levels (cortisol), increase feel good hormone levels (dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin), decrease excess muscle tone, and increase immune function and feelings of wellness. Massage therapy can have transient effects on blood sugar and blood pressure. Massage therapy can help lengthen muscles that may be shortened, can help the body prepare for, or recover from, a sporting event. It can help children with ASD focus on tasks better and be less disruptive. Answering this question can be made easier once the therapist knows which goals are important to you.


What is an RMT?
An RMT is a Registered Massage Therapist. RMT’s are regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO), and are Healthcare Providers. Most Extended Health Care Benefits packages will cover treatment from an RMT.

What should I expect for my first treatment?
The first treatment will involve the completion of a Health History Form. This information is used to determine whether you are able to receive a massage therapy treatment, a modified treatment or no treatment because of any health issues that may make treatment dangerous. Other paperwork that may be required includes consents for using direct billing for your insurance company.

The first treatment will also have a short assessment to determine what may be causing the pain you are experiencing, including movement and questions. We will also determine the goals of treatment, and expected outcomes of each treatment. There will also be a short assessment after your treatment to see if the massage treatment has met the goals as set by client and therapist.

All information gathered by the therapist is covered under a privacy policy.


Do I have to be totally undressed?
Absolutely not. If you are comfortable removing all your clothing then please do - skin on skin contact is best. However, if you are not comfortable and wish to leave some or all of your clothes on, treatment can be done on top of sheets and clothing. While on the massage table you will be between two sheets and under a blanket and only the area worked on will be undraped.


Will I be sore after my treatment?
You may experience a little tenderness in any areas where we have worked on a trigger point. This can be alleviated with heat and stretching. You should not be in pain during or after your treatment. If you are, it may be due to an underlying, undiagnosed medical condition. Please call your therapist to let them know this has happened, and also contact your primary health care provider for further testing.


Do I require a referral from my doctor?
You do not require a referral from your doctor to get a massage therapy treatment. However; your insurance provider may require you to have one, or a prescription, in order to claim your benefits. Please check with your insurer to determine what they require.


Are massage therapy treatments covered by insurance?
Each insurance company will have various policies. Please check with your insurance provider to determine what coverage you have. Massage therapy treatments are not covered by OHIP and if you do not have extended health care benefits then you will have to pay for each treatment. Some insurance companies can be directly billed by the massage therapist. Please call Christine to see if your insurer is one that can be billed directly.