FAQ
COVID-19 Policy
Currently, you are not required to wear a mask indoors at our clinic, but it is recommended, as we see many people that may be higher risk of getting ill. Please give others space and respect their decision.
Your practitioner will continue wearing their mask during your treatment.
If you are presenting with any cold/flu symptoms, please reschedule your appointment for a later date. RMT will send you home if you show up with symptoms.
What will my first appointment look like?
Arrive on time to your appointment, no more than 5 minutes early. You will be given time to fill in your paperwork that is not included in your treatment time.
Fill your forms in truthfully and to the best of your ability. Bring a list of medications with you, as some medications may require me to modify your treatment to ensure your safety
Once completed, we will discuss your health history to ensure your massage therapy treatment is indicated and safe to do so. All information is confidential and will never be shared without your written consent or unless I am legally obligated to.
Assessment will involve the interview process, gathering information, manual/special testing and getting informed consent to assess and treat. We will discuss why you are seeking MT, body parts to be treated, benefits, risks, consequences, contraindications, goals, and much more. Together we will work to develop a treatment plan that you will be included in.
Treatment will follow, with your consent and after I wash my hands. Techniques and pressure can be modified at any time are are based on individual needs. If you do not like something I am doing, speak up, I will never be offended or cast judgement.
You can stop/modify the treatment at anytime; if you are uncomfortable, please let me know.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
I require 24 hrs notice to cancel without being penalized.
If you are cancelling with less than 24 hrs, you will be subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the treatment rate. You can send someone in your place to avoid being charged. If I fill the appointment, you will not be charged.
Subsequent late notice cancellations and ALL no call no shows will be subject to the full treatment rate. If there is an emergency, let me know as soon as possible. Some reasons for cancellation will be accepted at my discretion and waived.
If you are feeling under the weather - showing signs of cold/flu (fever, persistent cough, gastrointestinal symptoms, etc.), please stay home and reschedule your appointment when you are feeling well. I work with many people who may be in higher risk populations and are susceptible to illness.
*Cancellation charges cannot be claimed to your extended health benefits plan.
**No, I cannot direct bill a missed appointment to your insurance - this is fraud.
Do you offer direct billing to my extended health benefits plan?
Yes, I am registered to bill to most major insurance plans. Bring your card/information with you, I will take a photocopy and require you to fill out an authorization form to allow me to bill and collect monies on your behalf.
Plans vary - some will pay my full rates and some only pay a portion. Any portion not covered by your benefits plan will need to be paid out of pocket. Some plans also require a doctors note for massage therapy to be able to claim. Know your plans offers and limitations.
Do I have to get fully undressed?
No, treatment and techniques can be modified. If wanting to stay clothed, please bring comfortable, movable clothing. If clothing will be removed, you will be getting into the sheets and blanket, set up on the table to cover up, when I leave the room to wash my arms/hands.
Only body parts that are to be treated may be exposed, draping is required at all times and will be secure to ensure nothing is exposed that doesn't need to be. Treatment can also include a mix of both draped and clothed.
Some body parts like: gluteals (buttocks), upper inner thigh/pelvis/groin, chest wall/breasts will require an indication and special written consent to treat. If there are any other areas that you feel are more sensitive or would be apprehensive to treat, please let me know (e.g. front of neck/throat, feet, sides of flank, underarms, etc.)
When should I seek out a massage therapist?
People will seek massage therapy for many reasons. in my practice, I typically see people who are experiencing:
acute/persistent pain
body or joint tension/stiffness
injury rehabilitation - slips/falls, motor vehicle accident (MVA), WSIB, sports, etc
loss of range of motion in a joint
weakness/numbness & tingling
Some conditions may be better managed with MT, such as:
headaches/migraines
concussions/whiplash
neck/shoulder tension
temporomadibular joint (TMJ) pain
adhesive capsulitis ("frozen shoulder")
mastectomy/breast massage for augmentation
pregnancy related conditions
non-specific low back pain
tendinitis/tendinosis/bursitis
nerve irritation/neurological (sciatic, median n. - carpel tunnel, etc)
muscle twitches/spasms
shin splints, "runners knee", etc
plantar fasciitis
physical effects associated with people living with mental health issues (anxiety/depression)
and more...
Ask me how I can assist you more.
MT may assist some people, but isn't always for everyone. It can be a great way to provide safe touch and bringing awareness to the body.
Anecdotally, MT has provided many short term benefits for people. More research is needed for us to understand this though. This does not mean it can do no harm. Please visit a registered and regulated health care professional for your safety and optimal care.
MT may not be for everyone. It is not a cure, nor will it fix or heal you; no outcome is guaranteed. Some things will be out of an RMT's scope of practice, a referral may be given to the appropriate RHCP.
What if I didn't shave?
That's okay, I probably didn't either! Body hair is completely natural and most males do not shave for me either. I use a gel that will allow for more glide and to ensure we do not irritate the skin in that area, if newly shaved.
If you would like to skip that body part at your treatment, just let me know.
Do your hands get sore?
No. I have a range of techniques and an electrical table that I use to my advantage. My body mechanics are important and I am trained to use my body weight and positioning behind my pressure.
Not only is your safety in mind, mine is as well. If I do not feel safe treating a certain area or way, I will modify what I am doing to the best of my ability, but I will not put myself at risk for injury. I have the right to refuse unsafe practices, as do you. Let's work together!