On your first visit you should come in 10-15 minutes before your appointment time to fill out a brief health history form. The therapist will then take you into the treatment room and go through your history with you to get any pertinent information that could affect the treatment. This is when you should let the therapist know what areas you would like treated and any major concerns you have. The therapist may do some orthopedic assessment on any areas of concern to gauge the level of injury or limitation. All this information is essential for the therapist to build a treatment plan that is effective for you. Following the assessment the therapist will leave the room to allow you to prepare for the treatment. Once you are on the table the therapist will return for the hands-on treatment. In an hour appointment this should take about 45 minutes. Once the treatment is completed the therapist will leave the room to allow you to dress. When you are ready open the door and the therapist will return and may do some assessment to gauge what effect the treatment had. Lastly, the therapist may show you some exercises (stretching and strengthening) that would be beneficial to you.
Wear comfortable clothing LIKE yoga pants, shorts or sweat pants that are comfortable. Avoid jewellery such as necklaces or dangling earrings. Don’t make a point of doing your hair or makeup. Odds are it will just get messed up during the treatment. Too many hair clips or pins can also be uncomfortable.
During the treatment you will always be covered by a sheet except for the immediate area being treated. The majority of techniques used by massage therapists are applicable through clothing and therefore it is not necessary to undress.
Registered massage therapists are considered primary healthcare providers in B.C. so you do not need a referral for an appointment. Some insurance companies, however, require a doctor’s referral to cover the cost of massage therapy. Check your workplace to see if your health insurance company requires a referral to claim coverage.
Most extended healthcare insurance plans cover massage therapy to some extent. See your workplace to find out if you have coverage. At our clinic you will pay us directly and receive a receipt which you can then submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Presently we do not do any direct billing of any third party insurance plans.
A 60 minute treatment is recommended for a first appointment to allow adequate time for an interview to go over your health history and to do any assessment in order to make an effective hands-on treatment personalized to you.
When muscles are tight they can restrict the circulation flowing through them. When this occurs metabolic waste begins to accumulate and will start to irritate it the muscles. This is what you feel when you are sore, achy and stiff the day after exercise. There may be some discomfort during a massage treatment as these irritated muscles get flushed out and circulation returns. Localized contractures in muscle called trigger points can also cause discomfort when worked on. Always communicate with your therapist to let them know if the pressure is too much. Massage therapy is not something you should have to suffer through. You should be able to relax your whole body during the entire treatment. Deep breathing can be used to make sure discomfort stays at a minimum. The good news is that the effects of massage are cumulative which means that the more treatment you receive the more restored your muscle will become. If it is your first time receiving massage arriving 10 min before your treatment time is advisable so you can fill out new patient intake forms and be prepared for your treatment. It is proper etiquette to arrive clean and not wear scents to your treatment as most clinics are scent free for allergy sensitivity.
Registered Massage Therapist is a health care professional and a part of our health care system. Massage Therapy is beneficial in helping resolve chronic pain and discomfort. RMTs provide an accurate assessment, differential diagnosis and prognosis of specific soft tissue and musculo-skeletal conditions, acting upon the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems to improve health. RMTs are primary health care providers. You may have coverage through your extended health care plan.
RMTs must take part in continuing education courses, in order to keep their registration current.
RMTs are educated in Musculoskeletal anatomy & Pathophysiology, Neurology, Clinical assessment, Orthopedic pathology & Kinesiology
RMTs are qualified to take a blood pressure readings
British Columbia Registered Massage Therapists before 2013 will have completed at least 3,000 hours of training at an accredited college.This is the highest quality of training in North America. Students obtain over 1000 hours of hands-on training in massage techniques and practice with the public. Studies include clinical sciences, manual skills, orthopedic, remedial exercise, hydrotherapy and patient education. The management of chronic diseases, injuries and the effects of long-term stress are also studied extensively. To maintain status as a Registered Therapist, RMTs must obtain a number of continuing education this ensures that RMT’s are up-to-date in new research and techniques as well as constantly reviewing and refining treatment skills and knowledge. This title comes with much responsibility. Massage Therapy is one of the best forms of preventive health care available. It has been part of the provincial health care system for over 50 years and has been part of the Medical Services Plan since its inception in 1968.
