FAQ Massage Therapy

What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?

Your massage therapist will require you to fill out a health history form (please arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out forms). Afterwards the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. It’s very important to communicate clearly what you want/don’t want with your RMT. Please be sure to ask for more/less pressure during treatment if you need to.

Where will my massage session take place?

Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, room on a heated table. Soft music will be playing to help you relax.

What do I wear during the massage?

Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to undress. For a full body massage, most people undress completely. However, you may choose to wear underwear. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except for the area being worked on.

What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?

Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she or he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk about the treatment while it’s being done. It’s up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.

How will a massage therapy session feel?

It usually depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish relaxation massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. In a general massage session, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax/release specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. A light massage oil or gel is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach or technique. Therapeutic massages can feel more intense and “deep” as the goal is to work on “problem” areas that are causing pain and stiffness. Various advanced techniques will be used in a therapeutic massage session. It’s very important to communicate with your massage therapist if you are feeling excess pain at any time. Many people like the ‘good pain’ of a therapeutic massage treatment, and it’s normal to feel a bit tender the next day in areas that were worked on.

Will the massage oils used make me break out?

Most massage oils/lotions that we use are hypo-allergenic. However, if you have sensitivity to certain types of oils or ingredients please bring it to the massage therapist’s attention as most practitioners have an assortment of oils and lotions on hand.

Is a massage therapy session always appropriate?

No, there are several medical conditions that would make massage therapy inappropriate. That’s why it is necessary that you fill out the health history forms and before you begin your session. The massage therapist will ask general health questions to rule out if you have any contraindications to massage. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care for any serious condition, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session.

How long will a massage treatment last?

The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60- to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation and therapeutic benefits. A therapeutic massage will usually cover 1-2 primary ‘problem’ areas. It is nearly impossible to do a full-body therapeutic treatment in an hour as the therapist needs time to properly release the areas of tension.

How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage therapy treatment. Massage therapists sometimes recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment. Epsom salts are also very high in magnesium, which is a natural muscle relaxer. Sometimes after a therapeutic treatment there can be a little bit of muscle soreness, but no more than the type of soreness after a workout.

Will my extended health benefits cover massage therapy treatments?

Health benefits vary from company to company so please ask your insurance provider if massage therapy is covered, how much is covered per treatment, what the maximum benefits are for the year and also whether or not a doctor’s note is needed. A credit card or Visa/MC debit card is needed as a back-up payment if you choose to have us  direct bill your massage treatment for you.

Can I bring my child with me to an appointment?

While we love children, we are not equipped to have children under the age of 12 waiting in the reception area for their parents. We simply don’t have the space or the staff coverage to be able to supervise a young child. There is not enough space in the treatment rooms for children to accompany their parents in the massage. We are happy to provide massage services for children though, as long as the parent stays present in the clinic.