FAQs about massage therapy

Massage therapy can be beneficial to people of all ages and conditions, it is widely used to obtain relief from many specific problems, including:

• Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis

• Stress relief and associated conditions

• Headaches and migraines

• Muscle and related conditions such as spasms, strains and sprains

• Back pain

• Repetitive strain injury

• Circulatory and respiratory problems

• Pregnancy and labour discomfort

• Post-injury and post surgical rehabilitation

Insurance plans and how it works

Most health insurance plans cover massage therapy when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist.  Many plans do not entail a physician’s note for treatments, although a few may still have this requirement (please double check with your insurance company). We require that the covered individual pay for the treatment and submit the expense for reimbursement.  A receipt will be given at the end of each treatment. You will use this receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Unfortunately, we do not offer online billing at this time.

Can anyone receive massage therapy, provided she/he has no open lesion on the skin?

• Yes, massage therapy is appropriate for individuals of all ages, including infants, children, and the elderly; however, there are some conditions for which massage therapy is not appropriate.  A qualified Massage Therapist (RMT or MT) is trained to recognize these cases.

• Many Massage Therapists treat a variety of diseases and disorders while other Massage Therapists concentrate on certain conditions (i.e. fibromyalgia) or groups of people such as athletes, performers, women during pregnancy (including labour and delivery), infants and children.  When booking your first consultation, be sure that the Massage Therapist is the right choice for you.

Is massage therapy a regulated health profession?

• The practice of massage therapy is regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA).  Only individuals who have completed the requisite training and have met the strict competency requirements of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) can call themselves a “Massage Therapist” or a “Registered Massage Therapist”.

• When seeking massage therapy, look for an individual who uses one of those two titles and ask to see their registration with the CMTO.

• Alternatively, look for someone who displays the logo of the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario.  All RMTAO members must maintain their registration with the CMTO in order to be members.

Do I have to remove all my clothing for massage therapy?

No.  Your comfort as a client is of the utmost importance to all Registered Massage Therapists. Massage Therapists can provide treatment whether you elect to remove any, some, or all of your clothing.  All RMTs are trained in proper draping procedures to ensure that your privacy is completely respected at all times during treatment.  Your comfort and ability to relax is priority to effective treatment.

Prior to any massage treatment, our therapists will go through a treatment plan to ensure that you are comfortable with them.  Your consent is sought before treatment is provided.  If you are uncomfortable in any way, you should notify your Registered Massage Therapist immediately.

Does massage therapy hurt?

As with many treatments affecting soft tissue, there are times when massage therapy can cause some light discomfort but it is not harmful.   Discomfort usually diminishes and no technique of this nature is used without the therapist first discussing it with the client and obtaining your permission. A comfort scale will be established and the therapist will work to the client’s tolerance level. The client can stop or change the treatment at any time and Massage therapists will modify their techniques to meet their client’s needs.

Be sure and discuss the most effective means of treatment with your Massage Therapist.

What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage Therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues in the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy helps alleviate soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stress, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions. If employed early enough after accidents involving trauma and injury, massage therapy can greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning.