FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions....

Below is a list of questions that I commonly face in my practice and in our line of work as massage therapists. If you have any additional questions, feel free to ask them in the comments or email seana.rmt@gmail.com

Q: What is massage therapy?

A: "The practice of massage therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain" (Massage Therapy Act 1991, CMTO).

Q: Can massage help more than just "stress"? Does it do more than just "relaxation"?

A: Yes! While stress management and relaxation is a common treatment and is very beneficial, it is a common misconception that this is all massage therapists can treat. Registered massage therapists are qualified to treat all sorts of injuries both acute and chronic. It covers but is not limited to pre and postnatal treatments, repetitive strain problems, chronic pain, swelling and edema, mastitis, muscle aches and pains, decreased range of motion or pain throughout a movement, tendontitis, tendinosus, TMJ dysfunction, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, sinusitis, sprains and strains, carpal tunnel, whiplash, IT Band pain/contractures, and many more! It also helps manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's, asthma and emphysema, diabetes, cancer and many more!

Q: What should I expect from my first treatment?

A: Your first treatment will begin with you completing a health history so that I have enough information to safely treat you. When you come into the clinic room we will thoroughly go over your major complaints and address any questions you may have. After this we will do a postural analysis and orthopaedic testing to see what the underlying cause is. We will do ranges of motion for specific joints that may be affected and will proceed when we have a better idea of what is going on. Once the testing is done you will have the rest of the allotted time to be on the table being treated. Depending on the condition this could take anywhere from ten minutes to a full hour to figure out, however the average time is about twenty minutes.

Q: How long should my first appointment be?

A: It is recommended that your first treatment be an hour so that you still have time on the table afterwards. It is hard to tell how long an initial assessment will take depending on the problem at hand. This can be done in a 45 minute treatment as well but I would not advise anything shorter or you may find you've paid for a consultation without a chance to be treated!

Q: Who has access to my files?

A: The only people who have access to your files are you and myself. Other health care practitioners etc. can have access only with your express permission and written consent. The only time this is not the case is if your file is being requested by the government in a court proceeding, with the proper paperwork.

Q: What if I am uncomfortable with my body? Do I have to undress?

A: No! Let the therapist know your comfort level. If you have any questions about clothing the day of your treatment do not hesitate to ask. Most of the techniques that are performed are directly applied to the skin and use a lotion or oil (sometimes gels or creams). While you will get the most benefit from contact directly with the skin, treatments can be altered and adapted for a client that is dressed.

Q: Do I have to have "something wrong with me" to come and seek a treatment?

A: No, you do not have to have a particular ailment to come in for a treatment. You can use massage as a preventative measure as well as treating a problem area. Massage is appropriate for an acute or chronic injury, and as a therapist we are trained to know the correct protocol. Whether an old injury is affecting you now, or a recent injury is causing you pain, they are treatable.

Q: Am I expected to talk during the treatment?

A: You are not required to talk during the treatment except to communicate comfort level with me. As the treatment progresses I am required to ask about pain levels, depth and pressure from time to time. I will also ask about pressure in particularly sensitive areas. If you would like silence, you can indicate that at the beginning of the treatment.

Q: What outcomes can I expect from a massage treatment plan?

A: "Massage therapy can have positive effects on muscle tone, fluid flow, fascial mobility, posture, movement, breathing, and Central Nervous System function. Many clients report improved mood, better responses to stress, and a general sense of well-being after massage." - flemingcollege.ca

Q: What happens after my treatment?

A: After your treatment it is advisable to not have anything planned for an hour or so. You may find you become tired and need a rest. You will be given homecare to help you make more progress in your treatment plan between treatments. A warm shower or bath is usually advised, but you will be given instructions upon departure.

Q: Do my benefits cover massage therapy?

A: This is an individual basis. The majority of insurance plans cover massage either in conjunction with chiropractic or on their own. In some cases massage is covered under "alternative health care" or "miscellaneous health care", but you need to contact your own insurance company for the exact amounts and so on. 

Q: My benefits say I need a prescription for massage therapy to be covered - how do I do this?

A: You make an appointment with your general doctor (in some cases nurse practitioners can also prescribe this but make sure you double check with your benefits that this is okay). Your general medical doctor will be able to write a prescription.