RMT FAQs

Please visit this page for information about your first visit.

Massage therapy is not covered under OHIP however, most extended health insurance plans cover massage therapy treatments when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist.  I will provide you with a receipt to submit to your insurance company.

Yes, anyone can receive massage therapy from infants to seniors.  Some clients prefer to visit only when they are bothered by a particular issue.  Others find it useful to receive massage therapy on a regular basis as a preventative measure for the benefits of relaxation and improved muscle tone.  Those with particular health conditions (e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) can receive massage therapy with modifications to technique and positioning on the table.

Yes, massage therapists became regulated health professionals in Ontario with the Massage Therapy Act (1991) and as such must adhere to the RHPA (Regulated Health Professions Act – 1991).  Physiotherapists, chiropractors, nurses, dentists, naturopaths and many other health care professionals are also regulated under the RHPA (Regulated Health Professions Act).

This is a common question among clients who are new to massage therapy.  You will decide which articles of clothing to remove based on your comfort level.  Massage therapy can be applied over clothing or directly on the skin, with or without lotion depending on the techniques used.  Your comfort and ability to relax on the massage table are paramount. However, you may find it helpful to know that massage therapy can be more effective if performed directly onto the skin and any articles of clothing that are tight or restrictive e.g. belts, nylons, tights, etc. may prevent certain techniques from being applied and also prevent you from fully relaxing.  If you are uncertain, we can discuss what might work best for you on that particular day. During your treatment, you will lie between two freshly laundered sheets and covered with a blanket. Pillows will also be placed for support. Only the area of the body being worked on will be undraped while the rest of the body remains covered.

Each client has a personal level of pain perception and pain tolerance based on their personal history and current symptom presentation.  Together we will come up with a pain scale out of 10 for specific techniques and work within your tolerance. The idea of “no pain, no gain” is not helpful especially if it means you will be tensing your body to deal with certain techniques. This is where your honest feedback is important to inform me of the pressure and techniques that I may effectively use for the presentation of your symptoms in that particular visit. It is normal to experience muscles soreness up to a few days after a massage.  It is a good idea to follow some self-care strategies after a treatment and we can discuss which ones might be right for you (e.g. rest, drinking extra water, epsom salts bath, heating pad, ice pack). Please inform me if you have taken any prescribed or over-the-counter pain relieving medications as these may affect your pain perception during treatment.

“The practice of massage therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain.”

Massage Therapy Act, 1991, S.O. 1991, c. 27

In order to practice massage therapy in Ontario, RMTs must obtain a Certificate of Registration from the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (C.M.T.O.). Registrants are required to successfully complete a minimum of 2 years’ study in a government approved Massage Therapy Diploma Program. The diploma focuses on extensive training in Anatomy, Physiology, Neuroanatomy, Pathophysiology, Clinical Assessment & Treatment, Kinetics, General Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Techniques, Joint Mobilizations, Professional Ethics, Research Studies, Surgery, Medications & Adjunctive Therapies, Hydrotherapy and Remedial Exercise. Following achievement of the diploma, successful completion of C.M.T.O.’s written and performance Certification Examinations are required in order to obtain a registration number and photo i.d. to display in one’s practice space. Once registered, the use of the protected titles “Registered Massage Therapist” (R.M.T.) and “Massage Therapist” (M.T.) may be used equally.

Some people who are dealing with an acute injury (e.g. ankle sprain, sports-related injury) or a chronic health issue (computer-related postural issue) find benefit from a short series of regular treatments initially and then space those out to longer intervals in between. We can discuss an individual treatment plan for you, if that’s the case. Some people without a particular health issue prefer to have regular massage appointments to help with stress relief and improve muscle tone.

Any information you share with your RMT is kept strictly confidential.  Your file is kept securely locked and will never be shared with anyone without your written permission.  RMTs must adhere to guidelines in The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

Anyone may receive massage therapy although consulting with your doctor may be important if you are treating an injury or have other health concerns.   If you have benefits, check with your provider to determine if a note is required.

Yes.  Informing me of your trimester will influence how you are positioned on the massage table and certain techniques may be used or avoided.

No.  Since massage therapy provided by an RMT is healthcare, you are not required to tip.

The clinic is wheelchair accessible however, if you require assistance to get onto the table you may bring a caregiver along for support during the appointment.  Please note, at this time there are no grab bars in the washroom down the hall from my office. There are no steps to the ground floor entrance and an elevator opens outside my office door.

You are not expected to talk during your treatment although I will check in from time to time to inquire about your comfort level or other treatment related queries.

No. If you are seeking treatment for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident or a workplace accident, I will happily treat you, but I do not treat within the framework of insurance claims. If you have settled your claim or are paying out of pocket for massage treatments, we can come up with an agreed upon treatment plan together.

Continue to eat as you normally would, however, eating a large meal directly prior to your appointment is not advised.