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Massage Therapy Frequently Asked Questions
Our goal is to deliver the highest quality massage therapy available in Guelph.  Have a question about massage therapy? See the list of Frequently Asked Questions listed below. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to contact the office or ask your specific massage therapist for more information.

 

Do I require a Doctor's note for massage therapy?

Some insurance companies offering extended health care benefit plans may still require you to provide a Doctor's referral to be reimbursed for massage therapy.  If you have extended health care benefits through work, please check with your plan to be sure.

Otherwise, no you do not need a physicians referral for massage therapy.  If you have one however, please bring it with you, as it could provide valuable insight into your condition.  Also, if you have any imaging reports (i.e. MRI, X-ray, ultrasound), please bring them in.  Although massage therapists are not trained to interpret imaging, we can definitely understand the written reports, and likely help further explain them to you.

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What should I expect at my first appointment?

Please arrive ten minutes early, as you will be asked to fill out a confidential health history questionnaire.  Please list any medications you are currently taking.  If your list is lengthy, feel free to bring a printed copy with you.

Your therapist will conduct an interview to find out what brings you in for massage therapy, and to establish your goals for treatment.  This may be brief, or may take some time, depending on your presenting complaint and health history.  Following the interview, your therapist may perform an assessment to determine the cause and severity of your symptoms, thereby outlining the best course of treatment to safely and effectively treat the cause of your condition.  This assessment may include postural observations, range of motion and muscle tests, joint mobilizations, neurological tests and special tests to confirm any findings.  Please wear comfortable clothing that allows movement.

The proposed treatment plan will be explained to you.  You will be given an opportunity to ask questions and with your consent, the treatment will be begin.

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What do I wear; what do I take off?

You may choose to remove any, or all clothing that you feel is appropriate or 
necessary for treatment, as long as you are comfortable.  Massage 
therapists use very specific draping techniques designed to make every 
effort to ensure that only the area being treated at a specific time is 
exposed.  Otherwise, you will be covered with linen both to ensure your 
comfort and to keep you warm.

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What is a “knot”?

The scientific name for a “knot” is a trigger point.  Trigger points can be easily treated with massage therapy.  A trigger point, by definition is a tight spot in a muscle that refers pain elsewhere in the body.  Trigger points can refer pain at rest, or when palpated (touched).  The character of pain along the referral pattern is often dull and achy.  Trigger points, or these tight spots in muscles can weaken the 
muscle, decrease range of motion and alter biomechanics.  Trigger points are palpable and treatable.  Sometimes Trigger point therapy may be perceived as painful.  Your therapist will establish a pain scale with you to ensure that the treatment of trigger points is within your tolerance level.

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Do I use heat or cold?

This is quite simple, but one that people seem to forget.  Don’t put heat on 
heat, don’t put cold on cold.  Heat should generally be as warm as tolerable, 
and cold should be as cold as possible.

Heat is used to loosen muscles and make them more pliable.  Great choice 
for general low-grade discomfort, or to assist with warming up prior to 
activity.  BUT, if you place heat on an area that is already inflamed, you’re 
asking for trouble. (i.e. If you recently injured an area on your body - the 
hot tub may sound like a good idea at the time, but better to use cold).

If in doubt use cold; or ice.  If the injury is acute, apply Pressure, use Ice, Elevate and Rest (PIER).

In the subacute phase, contrast hydro (heat and cold) is an excellent way to 
create a vascular pump and speed along the healing process.  Some areas of 
the body (i.e. ligaments and tendons) are slow to heal due to a low blood 
supply.  In these instances contrast hydro is the way to go - ask your 
therapist for instructions.

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Will my Massage Therapist touch sensitive areas?

The chest wall musculature, breast tissue, inner thigh and gluteal region are 
considered sensitive areas of the body generally regarded as potential 
targets for both misunderstandings of intent and actual sexual abuse.

Based on the findings from the assessment or re-assessment of your 
condition, some of the above areas may be indicated in the treatment plan.  
If so, your therapist will explain this to you at the start of the treatment.  
The therapist will ensure that you are comfortable with proceeding just prior 
to initiating touching of a sensitive area and during the treatment of that 
area.  Your comfort is of paramount importance.  If you become 
uncomfortable during a treatment, please indicate this discomfort 
immediately.  Treatment will cease until you are comfortable.  It is your 
treatment - you are in control.

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Should I tip my massage therapist?

There are currently no rules governing the provision of gratuity.  Consider 
the environment in which the service has been provided.  In a 
multidisciplinary clinic such as ours, the short answer is no. In Ontario, 
massage therapists take great pride in the amount of time and study that is 
required to earn their regulatory status.  The best gratuity you can provide is 
a thank you and a recommendation to a friend.

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Why do Massage Therapists charge HST?

In Canada, before a health profession can be exempted from charging 
HST the profession must be regulated in a minimum of five (5) provinces.  
Registered Massage Therapists are a regulated health profession currently in 
only three (3) Provinces, Ontario, Newfoundland and British Columbia.  
Legislation is in progress in several other provinces at various stages.  These 
include Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia.

The RMTAO, is working to ensure that Massage Therapists become regulated 
in other provinces and will be asking the Canadian Government to allow the 
exemption as soon as possible.

In the meantime, most Massage Therapists are HST-registered under the 
rules established by the Canadian Government and are required to charge HST.

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Does WORA direct bill insurance companies?

At this current time we do not offer direct billing.  Please pay at the time of service, and your therapist will sign your receipt.  You may then submit that receipt for possible reimbursement using your extended health care plan.

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What is Sports Massage?

Sports Massage is a form of massage that utilizes special techniques applied 
within specific timing parameters to enhance an athletes preparation for 
optimal performance during training and competition.
Certain massage techniques are performed pre-game, or pre-competition to 
augment an athletes warm up, while others are performed following an 
event to aid in the athletes physical and psychological recovery. In clinical 
practice athletes are often seen during their training, conditioning and
maintenance phases.  Special attention is also given to the rehabilitation and prevention of any injuries.

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What are the benefits Sports Massage?

Athletes often walk a fine line between optimal performance and injury.

Sport Massage may:

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Can anyone receive massage therapy?

Yes, massage therapy is appropriate for individuals of all ages, including infants, children, and the elderly; however, there are some conditions for which massage therapy is not appropriate.  A qualified Massage Therapist (RMT or MT) is trained to recognize these cases.

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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. Trigger point therapy and frictions, for example, are two techniques that may be perceived as painful.  Your therapist will establish a pain/comfort scale with you to ensure that all techniques used are within your tolerance level.  The risks and benefits of all techniques (but especially the more aggressive ones) will be explained to you, applied only with your permission, and may be stopped or modified at any time.  It is your treatment, and YOU are in control.  Everyone has a different idea of pain.  Establishing a pain scale ensures that each client is comfortable and satisfied with their massage experience.

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