Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are health professionals who provide hands-on services that will assist in rehabilitation, promote recovery, pain reduction and aid in stress reduction. Massage can be effective in managing acute or chronic conditions. Massage benefits people of all ages and although it can be helpful for many conditions, its true strength lies in prevention of injury. RMTs at Renew will focus their treatments to restore your body to its optimal form.
Registered Massage Therapy FAQs
Q: What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
A: Your Massage Therapist at Renew will require you to fill out a confidential health history form. Please arrive approximately 10 minutes early to fill out the necessary paperwork. The Therapist will then begin by asking you general questions to understand what regions you would like focused on, if there are any conditions that are required to be addressed and to determine if Massage is appropriate for you. Your Massage Therapist may perform certain assessments to determine what condition you may be suffering from and to focus on any of the presenting complaints. This will also allow for your Therapist to develop an appropriate treatment plan that would best be suited for your condition and help you, as much as possible, to return to your normal daily activities.
Q: Do I have to disclose all my health conditions on the Health History form for my Massage Therapist?
A: To allow for an accurate picture of your health and any current or past injuries it is best to disclose this information on your confidential health history form. This will allow your Therapist to design the most appropriate and effective treatment and Plan of Management for you.
Q: Where will my Massage session take place?
A: At Renew your Massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music will be playing in an effort to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort throughout the Massage.
Q: How long will a Massage treatment last?
A: An average full body massage will require approximately one hour. If a half-hour massage is booked it will only allow time for a partial massage session for a specific region. To achieve optimal relaxation or benefit from massage treatments many clients prefer a 60 to 90 minute session. Please allow relaxation time prior to and after the treatment to achieve the maximum benefit from the therapy.
Q : Should I eat before I come for a Massage?
A: We encourage clients to not eat for at least 90 minutes before your Massage treatment and only a light meal at that time. When the body is digesting it directs blood flow away from your peripheral tissues and concentrates it on digestive tract. However, Massage draws the blood flow to the region that is being treated and will, in turn, draw the blood away from the digestive tract potentially causing poor digestion and possible discomfort.
Q: What do I wear during the Massage? What if I am uncomfortable with my body? Do I have to undress?
A: Let your Therapist know your comfort level. Depending on the primary technique your Therapist uses, you may or may not need to undress. For a full body massage, most people undress completely. However, you may choose to wear underwear if that will allow you to remain comfortable during your Massage. Your Massage Therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except for the area being worked on. If you would opt to wear clothes, please bring clothes that you can get oil on like a bathing suit or shorts and a tank top.
Q: Does the gender of the Massage Therapist make a difference?
A: This is an issue of personal preference.
Q: What do I do during a Massage Therapy treatment?
A: At Renew we want you to be as comfortable as possible! If your Therapist wants you to adjust your position, she or he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; some fall asleep; others prefer to talk. It’s up to you. It is your Massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax! If you have any questions during before, during, or after the Massage then please do not hesitate to ask those questions at any time.
Q: Will the Massage oils used make me break-out?
A: The Massage Therapists at Renew will use hypoallergenic massage oils or lotions. However, if you have sensitivity to certain types of oils or lotion please bring it to the attention of the Massage Therapist before your initial Massage.
Q: How will a massage feel?
A: Different Massage Techniques provide different responses. Many Massage Therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. If you feel any discomfort or have questions during your Massage please do not hesitate to ask questions or provide feedback to allow for the Massage Therapist to use another approach or technique.
Q: How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?
A: Some clients experience freedom from long term aches and pains developed from repetitive strain or tension. Most clients feel very relaxed. Following an initial experience of being slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity that can last for days. You will be encouraged to drink plenty of water following your massage as a response to the toxins that are released from your soft tissues during a Massage. Massage Therapists sometimes recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that will promote further relaxation and enhance the benefits of the massage treatment. It will help alleviate stiffness you may feel the next day.
Q: Why should I get Massage Therapy?
A: Regular Massage Therapy may help renew your overall sense of emotional and physical well-being and increase your quality of life. It is always encouraged to get treated earlier to be able to correct and prevent the progression of a problematic condition.
Q: How frequently should I visit a Registered Massage Therapist?
A: The frequency of visits will depend on your goals and what you would like to achieve from treatments. The Therapist will discuss the frequency and duration of the treatments according to the results of assessments and your personal goals. The Registered Massage Therapist will help you establish a treatment program that fits your lifestyle and physical requirements. Your Massage Therapist is on your team and is involved with your repair, rejuvenation and in the maintenance of your health.
Q: Do I need a doctors’ referral?
A: There is no requirement to have a referral to see a Registered Massage Therapist. However, some extended health care plans, and insurers may require a Medical Doctor’s referral before you will be covered. You need to check with your policy to see if you require this documentation to be reimbursed for the treatments.
Q: Do Provincial Health plans (OHIP) cover Massage Therapy?
A: Currently there are no Provincial Health plans that cover Therapeutic Massage but many work place or private Extended Health Care Insurance programs have full or partial coverage. In Ontario, Worker’s Compensation Insurance, Work Place Safety Insurance WSIB and Auto Insurance cover the cost of massage therapy for injury rehabilitation. Before you attend your Initial Registered Massage Treatment, your details of coverage should be arranged with your insurance representative.
Q: Why do Massage Therapists Charge HST?
A: In Canada, before a health profession can be exempted from charging HST the profession must be regulated in a minimum of five (5) provinces. Registered Massage Therapists are a regulated health profession currently in only three (3) Provinces, Ontario, Newfoundland and British Columbia. Legislation is in progress in several other provinces at various stages. These include Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia.
The RMTAO, is working to ensure that Massage Therapists become regulated in other provinces and will be asking the Canadian Government to allow the exemption as soon as possible. In the meantime, most Massage Therapists are HST-registered under the rules established by the Canadian Government are required to charge HST.
Take note: Massage Therapy is most beneficial in both acute and chronic conditions, when used over a series of treatments and then followed up with maintenance or preventive treatments. (Acute conditions are recent, occurring within a week to a month, and can be severe to mild but are sudden in onset. This could describe anything from a car accident to a muscular sprain. Chronic conditions are present for several months to years)