Frequently Asked Questions

Please consult our COVID Safety Precautions & Policy Changes page for more information by clicking here.

In addition please read: Massage Therapy and COVID-19 – What you need to know from the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario

Massage Therapy is the assessment and treatment of the soft tissue and joints of the body by manipulation in order to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain. (Massage Therapy Act, 1991)

Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are regulated healthcare professionals who are recognized by the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). They must be registered and be in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) to be able to practice in Ontario. They are issued a wall certificate and photo ID from the CMTO demonstrating proof of their registration to be able to provide safe and effective treatments to the public.  You can look up any RMT in Ontario at www.cmto.com

In Ontario, Massage Therapy is regulated by the CMTO (College of Massage Therapists of Ontario). The CMTO grants qualified therapists the designation of R.M.T. (Registered Massage Therapist).  In order to achieve this, candidates must undergo 2200 hours of theoretical and practical training over two or three years at an approved school. The curriculum includes extensive anatomy, physiology, neurology and pathology to ensure the safest and most effective massage. Following graduation from the Massage Therapy course, candidates must pass written and practical Ontario provincial board examinations in order to receive their RMT designation and licence to practice in Ontario.

All ages can receive Massage Therapy. However, there are certain health conditions that are not safe for treatment.  If you have any questions or concerns about treatment, please feel free to discuss with your therapist if Massage Therapy is appropriate for you.

On your first visit, you will be expected to fill out or email your Therapist your Health History. Please provide your Therapist a list of any current medications as well as the results of any imaging relating to your condition, if you have them. Beyond that, honesty and clarity are first and foremost as there are some conditions where massage is not always appropriate. As your treatment plan progresses, even minor changes in your status may affect any given session. Rest assured that any information you provide will be held in complete confidence and always kept safe. In order to receive the most benefit from you treatment, we do ask that you turn your cell phone off unless you are expecting an urgent call. As your treatment plan progresses, even minor changes in your status may affect any given session, so please inform your Therapist of any changes in your health, medication or lifestyle.

As with all health professionals, Massage Therapists must obtain your consent prior to commencing any treatment. When explaining a proposed treatment a Massage Therapist must explain: the nature of the treatment, the expected benefits, any material risks and side effects and any of the alternative options and, the likely consequences of not having the treatment.

When explaining a proposed treatment, your Massage Therapist will explain: their clinical impression, predicted outcomes and benefits, techniques used, areas to be treated, recommended duration and frequency of treatment, any risks and side effects of the treatment, any alternative options, the likely consequences of not having the proposed treatment, and remedial exercise and homecare.

A client may withdraw consent to a treatment at any time, and this will be immediately respected by the Massage Therapist. A client may also ask for a specific technique to be ceased, certain areas to be avoided or a change in pressure being used. Due to Covid-19, you will be pre-screened to verify you are not experiencing any symptoms and feeling well at the time of booking as well as immediately prior to your appointment to ensure your well being, other patients well being and your Therapist’s well being.

At your initial appointment, a discussion of your overall health history will occur and then special orthopedic assessments will take place. These assessments range from gait and postural analysis, range of motion of the affect joint(s), palpation, orthopedic testing, neurological and sensory tests, reflexes, blood pressure check and other tests as required. Assessments are necessary so that a safe & effective treatment plan can be developed to specifically meets your needs. We ensure patient safety and comfort at all times.

Yes. You have the responsibility to provide accurate and up-to-date health information. You also have the responsibility of communicating with your therapist any concerns you may have about your treatment or your preference as to pressure. Your therapist will ask for your feedback throughout the treatment and will be able to adjust the pressure to meet your needs. Communication is a key element of an effective massage and ensures that your treatment goals are being met. Please feel free at any time to ask your Therapist any questions you may have regarding your treatment.

We use a specialized massage cream which is water based, non scented and non-staining to the clothes and leaves your skin soft & smooth without any residue.

Massage on healthy tissue is usually very pleasant and relaxing. Depending on your specific areas of tension, there may be some discomfort as the muscles release but this usually lessens quickly. During treatment it is important to let your therapist know if you experience any discomfort or pain so that adjustments can be made to suit you. The most effective massage works with your body’s responses, not against them.  Your comfort is very important, so please ask your Therapist to adjust pressure if you require more or less.  You can ask to have your treatment altered or stopped at any time if it becomes too uncomfortable.

Dress comfortably for your assessment…yoga pants or other such clothing, so that your therapist may move your joints without clothing restrictions.

Massage can be deeply relaxing so take a few minutes before getting up off the table. If possible, try to schedule your treatment for a time when you don’t have to rush off.  Your body may need some time to adjust and recover after the massage, so consider postponing that workout or reschedule that big meeting to another time.

Post treatment suggestions/recommendations are usually self-care techniques to minimize soreness and prolong the effects of the session. These can include stretches, strength exercises, hydrotherapy, breathing and lifestyle changes to keep your pain from returning. Effects can be felt immediately or take a day or so to be fully realized, depending on the person.

Frequency of treatment varies greatly from person to person. Your Therapist may recommend that if you have a particular concern with acute or persistent pain then regular treatments, perhaps even once per week, might be better. If, on the other hand, you’re very aware of your body and do plenty of your own self-care (ie. stretching, strength training, hydrotherapy) you may only need a treatment every few months. Most people fall somewhere in between these two realities and generally feel they need a session every 4-6 weeks but it’s really up to you.

Experiment a bit and just do what feels right!

Please arrive 5 minutes prior to your booking time to ensure you receive your full appointment time.  Please wait in the outside porch, your Therapist will open the clinic door when all cleaning and disinfecting procedures have been done.

We take pride in never making you wait for your appointment.  However, if the person before you is late, please know this will not affect your appointment time.

We accept cash, cheque and email transfers as payment methods. However, cheques must be made out prior to arrival and e-transfers must be sent prior to arrival. Please note that payment is due at treatment time and receipts cannot be given out without payment.

In most cases YES.  Most Extended Health Care Benefit Plans and Insurance Companies do cover massage. You should check with your insurer to see if you qualify and the extent of the coverage you are entitled to. A physician’s referral may be necessary.

NO.  Full payment is required at the time of service and an insurance receipt will be provided which can be submitted for reimbursement.

ABSOLUTELY!  Gift certificates may be purchased in person or by calling ahead to prearrange payment and pick up time.  They can be in amounts of time or dollars.

We value your business and ask that you honour our time that has been specifically reserved for you.  

If you wish to change or cancel your appointment for any reason, please notify your Therapist at least 24 business hours in advance of your appointment. 

There is NO CHARGE for appointments cancelled with 24 hours business notice.

The FULL appointment fee will be charged for cancelling your appointment with less than 24 hours business notice or for a missed appointment.

This policy also applies to Gift Certificates.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation of our policy.

YES. If you are not feeling well in the days leading up to your appointment or on the morning of your appointment, please contact your Therapist to reschedule your appointment.