WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FOR MY FIRST MASSAGE APPOINTMENT?

 Please arrive 5 minutes early for your 1st appointment in order to fill out any additional paperwork that was not filled out online in advance. Our booking software will email you an electronic version of our intake form that you can fill out and submit to us online ahead of your appointment. You may still have to fill out more paperwork for us when you arrive here, depending on your specific needs. Included in your treatment time, we will go over your intake form and discuss your treatment. Your therapist may take your blood pressure, do a postural scan and perform any orthopedic assessment necessary. More time is spent on the assessment during your 1st appointment than future treatments. Your therapist will leave the room to wash their hands and so that you can disrobe to your level of comfort and arrange yourself under the sheets on the treatment table. The therapist will then return and perform the hands on massage. The hands treatment may end a few minutes prior to the appointment end time so that we can conduct any post-treatment assessment as necessary and we can offer any suggestions on homecare exercises. Your therapist will again leave the room so that you can get dressed before doing any post assessment.

                                                                                                                                     

 

DO I HAVE TO BE IN PAIN TO GET A MASSAGE?

No. Though massage is great for breaking the pain-tension cycle and reducing painful symptoms, pain is not the only indication for massage. Massage can be a useful tool at reducing sympathetic nervous system firing and stress as well as aiding in sleep cycles and general relaxation. Massage helps maintain active range of motion and promotes tissue health.

                                                                                                                                     

 

WHO SHOULD NOT COME FOR A MASSAGE?

Persons with high blood pressure, malignant cancers, and some central or peripheral nervous system disorders should have their doctors approval prior to seeking body work. And some acute conditions are contraindicated for massage.
If you have any concerns regarding this, please feel free to contact us.

                                                                                                                                     

 

DOES MASSAGE HURT?

Some modalities or techniques may require a deeper more targeted approach but massage should always be conducted within your pain tolerance. A massage treatment is your treatment and as such you are in control at all times. If at any time during your treatment you feel uncomfortable or as though you would like a technique changed or discontinued, it is highly encouraged that you let your practitioner know this.

                                                                                                                                      

 

WILL I BE SORE AFTER BEING TREATED?

Some of the deeper more targeted techniques may cause some muscle soreness, and it is not uncommon for people who are new to body work to have some post-soreness. Your practitioner may request that you apply ice to specific areas to help prevent bruising and soreness. It is important that you monitor your body’s response to massage after being treated in order to determine the best treatment approach for future appointments. As your body becomes familiar with massage, deeper techniques may be used without consequences. If you are concerned about this, speak with your practitioner prior to treatment.

                                                                                                                                     

 

IS MASSAGE SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?

Yes. Massage can be incredibly beneficial during pregnancy. Some precautions will be taken including position considerations and blood pressure assessment to ensure that there are no contraindications. Please advise your practitioner if you are pregnant prior to massage.

                                                                                                                                     

 

WHY DO YOU INCLUDE ASSESSMENT IN ALL YOUR TREATMENTS?

Orthopedic assessment is necessary to help build an appropriate treatment plan. This helps to ensure the best possible treatment for you. It’s also an invaluable tool for progress reporting.

                                                                                                                                     

 

WHAT IS HOME CARE?

Home care is a term we use to describe remedial exercises, hydrotherapy or other suggested techniques that you can do on your own at home, which will help increase the benefits you receive from massage treatment plan.

                                                                                                                                     

 

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

You can wear whatever you like. Your practitioner will leave the room so that you can disrobe (to your level of comfort) and arrange yourself on the massage table under the sheets so that you are not exposed. My treatment room is equipped with a place for you to hang your clothing up. If you are not comfortable disrobing for treatment, it can be conducted through your clothing.

It is requested that you remove any jewelry.

                                                                                                                                     

 

WILL MY MODESTY BE PROTECTED?

Yes. Your RMT practices draping techniques as instructed by the College of Massage Therapists of B.C. This means that only the area of your body being treated is uncovered at any given time.

                                                                                                                                     

 

WHAT BODY PARTS DO YOU MASSAGE?

While different body parts are indicated for different conditions, a full body relaxation treatment will consist of the back, the legs, the feet, the arms, the hands and the neck. When treatment is of a more targeted, specific nature, other body parts including the abdomen, the neck, the chest and buttocks may also be treated. No treatments are conducted without your prior consent.

                                                                                                                                     

 

WHAT KIND OF OIL OR PRODUCTS DO YOU USE?

Not all treatments require oil or lubricant. However, when treatments do require lubricant we prefer to use organic liquid coconut oil. This is a lightweight, clear oil that glides easily over the skin, seems to retain warmth and doesn’t leave a sticky feel on your body or clothing after treatment. If you have a special request, please feel free to let us know and we will try our hardest to accommodate you.

                                                                                                                                     

 

ARE TREATMENTS COVERED BY MSP AND/OR EXTENDED HEALTH?

In British Columbia only massage treatments conducted by Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are covered by Premium Assistance. This coverage does not include those on regular MSP. Most extended health care plans cover some massage therapy by RMTs as well. Our clinic is registered with many extended health insurers and we are currently able to direct bill Pacific Blue Cross, Medavie Blue Cross, Great West Life and Chamber of Commerce group. If you don’t see your provider on this list please let us know and we can look into direct billing for you.

                                                                                                                                     

 

WHAT IF MY QUESTION ISN'T ANSWERED?

Please contact us through the contact link at the top right hand corner of the menu. We try to respond to all communications within 48-hours of receipt.