FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions, Answered
If you’ve never visited a professional Massage Therapist before, you’re bound to have lots of questions or concerns. Below, you’ll find a list of several frequently asked questions from my clients. Connect with me today for more information.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage Therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy is a clinically-oriented healthcare option that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular overuse and many chronic pain conditions.
Who can receive massage therapy?
Massage therapy is appropriate for individuals of all ages, including infants, children and the elderly. There are some conditions for which massage therapy is inappropriate and a qualified RMT is trained to recognize these cases. Many RMTs treat a wide variety of conditions and disorders, while other RMTs concentrate on certain conditions or groups of people such as athletes, women during pregnancy, infants and children. When booking your first consultation, be sure that the RMT is the right choice for you.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST TREATMENT?
On the first visit you will complete a confidential health history as part of your assessment. The RMT will assess your individual needs as well as other factors that may be contributing to your injury or condition. The RMT will then develop a treatment plan with you to ensure you receive appropriate treatment. The treatment plan can be changed at any time you wish and will be reassessed at an appropriate time. You have no obligation to undergo any part of the treatment. Your treatment will begin once you have given your informed consent. This involves setting realistic goals for treatment, discussing possible responses to treatment, and being informed of alternate care options.
What are the benefits of massage therapy?
Massage therapy can be beneficial to people of all ages and conditions and can be an important part of your health maintenance plan by:
reducing or eliminating pain, improving joint mobility, improving circulation, improving lymphatic drainage, reducing depression and anxiety , reducing muscular tension
How can massage therapy help me?
Massage therapy can be used as a treatment for both acute and chronic conditions. RMTs can work with a wide
variety of patients in the treatment of illness, injury rehabilitation and disability.
The following is a list of conditions for which massage therapy can prove beneficial:
Anxiety and Depression
Arthritis
Asthma and Emphysema
Cancer
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Dislocations
Edema
Fibromyalgia
Headaches
Inflammatory Conditions
Insomnia
Lymphoedema
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscle Tension and Spasm
Parkinson’s Disease
Plantar Fasciitis
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Pregnancy and Labour Support
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Sports Injuries
Strains and Sprains
Stress and Stress-Related Conditions
Stroke
Tendinitis
Whiplash
How often should I have massage therapy treatment?
Some people believe that one treatment is enough; however, massage therapy is most beneficial for specific conditions when used over a series of treatments and then followed up with maintenance or preventative treatments. Through mutual discussion, your RMT can help you establish a program which fits your physical needs and lifestyle. Your RMT is most interested in your recovery and in the maintenance of your health. Any recommendation for further treatment is being made by a qualified health professional and is made with your health in mind.
Does massage therapy hurt?
As with many treatments affecting the soft tissue, there are times when massage therapy can cause some light discomfort but it is not harmful. Discomfort usually diminishes and no technique of this nature is used without the therapist first discussing it with the client and obtaining your permission. A comfort scale will be established and the therapist will work to the client's tolerance level. The client can stop or change the treatment at any time and RMTs will modify their techniques to meet their client's needs.
Do I have to remove all my clothing for massage therapy?
No. Your comfort is of the utmost importance to all RMTs, whether that is in the context of the clothing you wear or the treatment you receive. RMTs can provide important treatment whether you elect to remove any, some or all of your clothing. All RMTs are trained in proper draping procedures to ensure that your privacy is completely respected at all times during treatment. Your comfort and ability to relax is paramount to effective treatment. RMTs will also describe the treatments to be provided you ensure that you are comfortable with them. Your consent is sought before treatment is provided. If you are uncomfortable, tell your RMT immediately, whether that discomfort involves the treatment, draping or any pain you may experience.
Will my RMT keep my information private?
As regulated health professionals, RMTs are required to maintain the information you provide, both verbally and in written form, in the strictest of confidence. In addition, RMTs are covered by Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004. As a result, information may only be collected with consent, may only be disclosed with consent or to your immediate health providers (circle of care), and must be secured and maintained. Any concerns about the requirements of this legislation or about whether a RMT breached the requirements of the Act may be addressed to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario