Registered Massage Therapy, Services

FAQs about Massage Therapy

Hey, below you will find some questions that I hear quite often about massage therapy. Take a look if you have any questions or are just curious about the modality…

*Please note that these may have Ontario-based specifics (for those of you reading from elsewhere in the world).

  • Are all massages just for relaxation?

No. You may request a massage treatment specifically for relaxation, but a large number of RMT treatments are more therapy based. Most massage therapy treatments will have some relaxation components in them, but that doesn’t have to be the main focus. Treatment plans are a combination of what you, the client, want and any suggestions your therapist feels are appropriate in your specific situation.

  • Is massage therapy painful?

No way! Massage therapy treatments should totally be within each individual’s personal pain tolerance levels. If you were to look at a pain scale of 1-10 (1 being no pain and 10 being the most excruciating you can imagine), any technique performed should not surpass a level 7. Generally, relaxation-focused treatments are pain-free. Therapeutic treatments may however have instances where techniques and movements may be uncomfortable. But therapists should always work within your level of pain tolerance and communicate effectively throughout the treatment. Soreness or DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) can be quite common 24-48 hours post-treatment.

  • Can massage therapy help with (…insert literally any condition…)?

I am going to go with a resounding YES! Massage therapy can help with so many different conditions, ailments, injuries, etc. Obviously any kind of musculoskeletal issue can be improved (such as: tendonitis, bursitis, scar tissue, postural imbalances, improving range of motion, overuse injuries… the list goes on). Stress can also help with mental or emotional conditions, such as stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc. Some conditions or medications will require modifications to the way an RMT may treat (such as blood pressure conditions, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc), but if you feel you have something very major please consult your physician to make sure massage therapy is safe for you.

  • How long of an appointment do I need?

This will vary depending on each person. Generally, the more areas you want to work on means more time needed to accomplish your goals. Also, extra modalities such as kinesio taping or laser therapy will take extra time as well. Here are some examples of what I typically see and do:

♦ 30 minute treatments:

-neck and shoulders

-lower back and hips

-full back

-TMJ

-one specific joint (ie. right knee, left elbow, etc)

♦ 45 minute treatments:

-shoulders and arms

-legs

-full back and hips

-neck and shoulders

♦ 60 minute treatments:

-back, neck and shoulders (and jaw or scalp)

-hips and legs

-neck, shoulders and arms

♦ 75 minute treatments:

-back, neck, shoulders (and hips or arms)

-low back, hips and legs

♦ 90 minute treatments:

-full body

-upper body (back, neck, shoulders, arms, scalp and jaw)

  • Should I tip an RMT?

Whether to offer a tip or gratuity is a growing question among patients of massage therapists. Currently, there are no rules governing the provision of gratuity; however, clients are urged to consider the environment in which the service has been provided. Massage therapists are health professionals, and as such, they do not expect a gratuity when they provide services in your home, their private clinic or a multidisciplinary setting. A massage therapist will use his or her discretion when deciding whether to accept gratuities from you as a patient. It is not recommended that a tip or gratuity be sought or required.

  • How do I confirm that a Massage Therapist is registered?

All Registered Massage Therapists are required to be registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. You can go to www.cmto.com, and navigate to the Public Register on the top of the screen.

  • How do I find an RMT?

If you are seeking massage therapy treatment in Ontario, please visit this website: www.RMTFind.com. You can search by postal code, region or massage therapist name to find a massage therapist near you.

  • Is massage therapy covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

No. Massage therapy treatments are not covered under OHIP, regardless of whether the treatments are provided by a Registered Massage Therapist directly, by a physician or required (i.e. a prescription) by a physician. Most progressive extended health benefit plans do cover massage therapy treatments when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist and most do not require a physician’s order to do so. Contact your employer for more information.

  • What clothing articles do I need to take off?

Level of undress is completely up to you! Massage therapy can be done through clothing, however many RMTs find they get a better treatment when being able to directly work on skin. Also, the area being treated is important; if you want to just work on upper body issues, leaving your pants on is completely your decision – it has no impact on your treatment. Many clients leave just their underwear on during treatment.

You will be covered with a sheet and blanket during the treatment, and just the one area that an RMT is currently working on will be uncovered at any given time.

 

I hope this post helps! If you have any other questions, feel free to post below or contact me directly.

Take care,

xoxo, Amy

Join The Conversation