Do I need a doctor’s referral?
There is no requirement for you to have a referral to see a Registered Massage Therapist. However, some 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. Your RMT is unable to check for you, due to privacy laws.
Do Provincial Health plans (OHIP) cover Massage Therapy?
OHIP does not cover Therapeutic Massage. However, many work place or private Extended Health Care Insurance programs have full or partial coverage. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and Auto Insurance may cover the cost of massage therapy for injury rehabilitation. Check to make sure you are covered before you go for your Therapeutic Massage treatment! You are responsible for all incurred costs.
How do I pay?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, debit, e-transfer, and cash. Direct billing is offered; however, you are responsible for all fees should your insurance company refuse payment. This includes obtaining and submitting any required doctor note or referral.
When do I pay?
Payment is due at the end of your appointment.
Who do you direct bill to?
We offer direct billing to: AI Financial Group, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, SSQ, BPA, Canada Life, CCWU, Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan, CINUP, ClaimSecure, Cowan, D. A. Townley, Desjardins Insurance, First Canadian, GMS, Green Shield Canada, Group Health, Group Source, Johnson, Johnston Group, LIUNA Local 183, LIU Local 506, Manion, Manulife, Maximum Benefit, RWAM, Sun Life, and Union Benefits.
What is included in the appointment time?
An appointment consists of the intake interview, assessment and consent for the appointment, time for you to dress and undress, massage, and home-care/remedial exercise demonstrations.
Should I undress? How much clothing should I wear?
You should undress to your comfort level. Some of our clients prefer various stages of undress, while others prefer to remain completely dressed. This is completely up to you. You will undress and dress in the privacy of your massage room and will be securely covered by a sheet during your massage session.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly covered or draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed, and no areas will be exposed without your consent.
What if I didn’t shave my legs? Or my feet stink?? Or (whatever perceived issue)???
Your therapist does not care about hairy legs, sweaty feet, or any other body ‘issue’; all bodies are welcome as they are. Weight, height, hirsute or bald, or any other physical attributes do not matter to your massage therapist.
Why do you need to know what drugs I take?
As part of your health history, your therapist needs to know what medications you take to ensure that your treatment is appropriate and safe. For example, if you are on blood thinners, your therapist needs to know in order to ensure proper pressure is applied and to more closely watch for potential bruising/bleeds.
When should I not get a massage?
Massage is not recommended for the following conditions: acute inflammation, broken bone or over a non-consolidating fracture, varicosities (varicose veins) over sites with deep vein thrombosis, local contagious conditions, open wound/sore, local irritable skin conditions, acute lesion, malignancy or over sites of active cancer, skin infection (does not include acne), acute flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis, a recent burn, phlebitis, phlebothrombosis, or arteritis.
You should never come in for a massage when you have a viral or other infectious illness (such as influenza), fever, uncontrolled hypertension, when you are intoxicated, severe atherosclerosis, acute pneumonia regardless of reason, eclampsia, endocarditis/pericarditis regardless of reason, sepsis or bacteremia, infectious skin conditions (such as cellulitis).
Will this hurt?
While massage in and of itself should not hurt, you may feel some discomfort during your massage. This generally happens when the massage is focused on rehabilitation, such as increasing your range of motion after a hip or knee replacement, axillary web/cording breaking, or working with atrophied muscles due to bone breakage. Your pain tolerance and expectations will be discussed before and during your treatment. Please let your therapist know the moment you are uncomfortable!
Should I tip?
No. As a regulated Health Care Professional, like your doctor or dentist, your massage therapist does not expect or require tips. The best ‘tip’ you can give is coming back when you need, and referring your friends and family.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email!