Frequently Asked Questions about Massage Therapy:
Q: What can I expect when I go for a massage appointment?
A: On your first visit you will complete a confidential health history form. Your therapist will assess and create a treatment plan for you. At this time it is important to inform your therapist if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications. To fully understand your position your Massage Therapist listens to your concerns and your individual needs as well as other factors that may be contributing to your situation. With your health history information your therapist will develop a treatment plan with you so you receive the appropriate treatment that will help you a return, as much as possible, to your normal activities.
Q: Do Massage Therapists have Cancellation Policies?
A: Yes, always ask your therapist what their policy is. It should be posted in the clinic. You should be informed of any policy when making an appointment. Many clinics require a minimum of 24 hours prior notice of a cancellation. You can be responsible for partial or the full treatment fee.
Q: Do I need a doctors’ referral?
A: There is no requirement to have a referral to see a Registered Massage Therapist. Extended health care plans, and insurers may require a referral before you will be covered. You need to check with your policy to see if you need one to be reimbursed for the treatments.
Q: Do Provincial Health plans (Blue Cross or BCMP) cover Massage Therapy?
A : Extended Health Care Insurance programs have full or partial coverage. Auto Insurance (ICBC) cover the cost of massage therapy for injury rehabilitation. Before you go for your Therapeutic massage treatment your details of coverage should be arranged with your insurance representative.
Q: After my appointment, is there anything I need to have on hand or anything specific I should do?
A: Plan for 30 minutes of quiet time right after your treatment. An Epsom salt bath is recommended to soothe and to calm muscles, and enhance the benefits of the massage. It will help alleviate stiffness you may feel the next day, and it is also recommended for use after workouts for the same reason. Make sure to drink water to keep your tissues hydrated.
Q: How often should I have massage treatments?
A: A mutual consultation with your Massage Therapist can help you establish a treatment program which 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. Your choice of RMT assures you that your recommendation for further treatment is being made by a qualified health professional and is made with your preeminent care in mind.
Q: Is one massage therapy treatment enough?
A: Yes, if you just want to experience massage therapy to relax. However, to have a longer term therapeutic affect one treatment may not be enough.
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 car accident to a muscular sprain. Chronic conditions are present for several months or years.)
Q: What can I expect when I go for a massage appointment?
A: On your first visit you will complete a confidential health history form. Your therapist will assess and create a treatment plan for you. At this time it is important to inform your therapist if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications. To fully understand your position your Massage Therapist listens to your concerns and your individual needs as well as other factors that may be contributing to your situation. With your health history information your therapist will develop a treatment plan with you so you receive the appropriate treatment that will help you a return, as much as possible, to your normal activities.
Q: Do Massage Therapists have Cancellation Policies?
A: Yes, always ask your therapist what their policy is. It should be posted in the clinic. You should be informed of any policy when making an appointment. Many clinics require a minimum of 24 hours prior notice of a cancellation. You can be responsible for partial or the full treatment fee.
Q: Do I need a doctors’ referral?
A: There is no requirement to have a referral to see a Registered Massage Therapist. Extended health care plans, and insurers may require a referral before you will be covered. You need to check with your policy to see if you need one to be reimbursed for the treatments.
Q: Do Provincial Health plans (Blue Cross or BCMP) cover Massage Therapy?
A : Extended Health Care Insurance programs have full or partial coverage. Auto Insurance (ICBC) cover the cost of massage therapy for injury rehabilitation. Before you go for your Therapeutic massage treatment your details of coverage should be arranged with your insurance representative.
Q: After my appointment, is there anything I need to have on hand or anything specific I should do?
A: Plan for 30 minutes of quiet time right after your treatment. An Epsom salt bath is recommended to soothe and to calm muscles, and enhance the benefits of the massage. It will help alleviate stiffness you may feel the next day, and it is also recommended for use after workouts for the same reason. Make sure to drink water to keep your tissues hydrated.
Q: How often should I have massage treatments?
A: A mutual consultation with your Massage Therapist can help you establish a treatment program which 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. Your choice of RMT assures you that your recommendation for further treatment is being made by a qualified health professional and is made with your preeminent care in mind.
Q: Is one massage therapy treatment enough?
A: Yes, if you just want to experience massage therapy to relax. However, to have a longer term therapeutic affect one treatment may not be enough.
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 car accident to a muscular sprain. Chronic conditions are present for several months or years.)
