FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Massage Therapy?

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 tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain. (Massage Therapy Act, 1991). For more information, please visit the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario website.

What is the difference between a Massage Therapist, and other massage providers?

In Ontario, ‘Massage Therapist’ is a protected title and massage practitioners operating under any other title (e.g., massage practitioner, masseuse etc.) are not regulated professionals. Massage Therapists are accountable to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario which protects the interests of the public against harm or maltreatment. Massage Therapists in Ontario undergo 2200 hours of extensive education including anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, ethics, research literacy, and practical application which enable them to provide massage therapy treatment within the healthcare profession.

Is a doctor's referral required for a massage with Registered Massage Therapist?

You do not require a doctor’s referral to receive massage therapy treatment, however there may be times where your therapist might require approval from your doctor prior to treating you (i.e. if there is a possibility that you have a condition that is contraindicated for massage). You may want to note that your insurance company may require a doctor’s referral prior to covering you for massage treatments and you should check your insurance policy or speak with your human resources department to find out about that.

How often should I get a treatment?

This is a great question to discuss following your initial assessment. If there is a particular condition that you are getting treatment for, I will recommend a treatment plan for you. We can come up with a schedule that works for you and that will achieve your health care goals. If you are looking for regular maintenance, with no specific condition or treatment plan, it is recommended to have a massage once per month or more often if funds allow for it.

Can you walk me through what an appointment looks like?

Sure! Ideally your health history form should be completed in advance of the treatment however it may be completed on arrival as well. Keep in mind that you should arrive early in case of the latter, so it does not eat into your treatment time. Every appointment will begin with a brief discussion about your goals for treatment, a review of your health history, and an assessment to ensure the treatment provided is both safe and effective. Once we mutually agree on a plan for the treatment I will leave the room to wash my hands and allow you to get undressed and on the table (if you have trouble with this I am available to assist; please see "Specific questions / concerns" section below).

What follows is the hands-on massage therapy treatment which makes up the majority of the appointment. When the massage is complete I will leave the room to wash my hands and allow you time to get re-dressed. We will conclude with a brief re-assessment to check for notable changes and record differences that will help inform future treatments. This is a great time to provide feedback! I'm committed to providing care that is both beneficial and enjoyed by my clients so please don't be shy. Treatment plans can be changed or modified at any time (with your consent) to account for your feedback and any findings that become apparent during the assessment/re-assessment process.

Should I prepare my payment in advance?

It is a good idea to prepare your payment ahead of time if you are paying by cash or cheque. Your therapist will collect it at the end of the treatment. This way, you can minimize any administrative time and maximize your time on the table. In the event that you choose to pay by e-transfer, payment must be processed so that the therapist receives the email prior to the start of the treatment. Acceptance of the e-transfer by the therapist will occur once the session is completed. See the Fees section under Policies in the main menu for further information.

Should I avoid eating or drinking before my massage?

It is recommended that you leave 30 minutes following a meal before having a massage to give your body a chance to digest. It is not a good idea to have any alcohol or other mind or body altering substances prior to your massage, in fact, if it is believed that you may be intoxicated, the massage will be have to be rescheduled. Massage therapy has a physiological effect on the body and could be dangerous when coupled with mind or body altering substances as they may counteract one another or increase the effect in some cases. For this reason it is important to provide a complete health history prior to massage, including all prescription/over-the-counter medications and supplements that you are currently using.

What clothing do I wear for the assessment?

It would be ideal if you were wearing shorts and a t-shirt or tank-top for the assessment. If that is not available to you, we can work around it.

What clothing do I wear for the massage?

That is entirely up to you. Some people choose to remove all of their clothing, some choose to leave their undergarments on, and some prefer to be fully clothed. It is recommended, especially if lotion is being used, to remove your watch and jewelry. If you choose to remove your clothing, you will be draped with linen at all times and only the areas being treated at any given time will be uncovered. We can work with whatever you are most comfortable with. If you choose to remain fully clothed,please note that lotion/oil will not likely be used and the massage techniques used will be adapted accordingly. If you need assistance removing your clothing due to an injury or immobility for any other reason, I am available to provide assistance while maintaining your privacy at all times.

As a general rule, I always wash my hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after each treatment. In addition, I keep my nails clipped short to prevent any build up (and so they don't bother you during treatment!).

The linens used on the treatment table (ex: sheets, face cradle, towels, pillowcases) are changed after each session between clients and are stored in a plastic garbage bag to be laundered.

Commonly touched surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, tables, chairs etc) and the massage table itself are cleaned and disinfected prior to each treatment using a general cleaning spray followed by Pre-Empt disinfectant. I follow the CMTO’s Practice Standard- Infection Prevention and Control, Practice Standard- Safety and Risk Management, and Public Health Ontario’s IPAC guidance.

Although the Mask Mandate has been lifted in Ontario, Massage Therapy requires close contact with clients for an extended period of time and therefore, given the continued risk of contracting/transmitting COVID-19, I will continue to wear a face mask while I am in the clinic and recommend that my clients do the same. Face masks are available at the clinic for clients who arrive without one and are in need.

What if I am not able to get on to the massage table?

I am prepared to accommodate you in any situation. If you require assistance getting on or off the table, I am available to assist you while maintaining your privacy at all times. If you are not mobile due to pain or other reasons, we will find a way to treat you in the most comfortable position for you. The same applies if you have difficulty getting undressed before or getting re-dressed after a treatment session.

What type of lubrication do you use?

I generally use an unscented massage gel I do have other options as well. In the event that you prefer not to use lotion, you can still have a treatment, although the techniques may be a little different. Please let me know of any allergies or sensitivities to lotions or smells. If there are particular lotions, oils, or gels that you prefer me to use, let me know prior to your appointment and I will do what I can to accommodate you.

Can I be treated if I have a cold or a flu?

There are some conditions that may be completely contraindicated (not allowed) for massage. In these COVID times it is also important to err on the side of caution so if you are experiencing any symptoms that would indicate you have a virus it is advised that you re-schedule your appointment. There are many clients who come through our doors who have compromised immune systems and so it is a general courtesy to stay away avoid coming into the clinic space if a transmissible illness is suspected. It is important to communicate any illnesses to me (or the Continuum Wellness receptionist) as soon as you become aware of it so we can take any necessary precautions for the safety of the therapists, other clients, and yourself.

How can I maximize the ‘hands-on’ time for my session?

Preparing your paperwork (health history information and any other relevant information such as reports from other health care providers), setting up the treatment space, and having your payment ready in advance can save some setup and tear down time leaving you more time on the massage table for hands-on treatment.

What if I am uncomfortable or in pain during the session?

Please let me know! I won't feel badly if you ask me to change my pressure, stop using a certain technique, or cease working on any area if you are uncomfortable. Quite the opposite, I want your honest feedback throughout the treatment so you have the most enjoyable and beneficial treatment possible. I understand that each individual is different and that what one client enjoys and can tolerate may not work for others. If you need to stop the treatment for any reason please let me know right away. To modify your treatment you can simply let me know you want less (or more) pressure or that you are not comfortable with the technique I'm using and would like to know if there is something else I can do to achieve the same goal. I will always do my best to provide modifications when necessary.

Will my massage be painful?

Contrary to beliefs that may exist, massage does not have to be painful in order to be effective. That being said, there are some techniques that can be painful depending on what you are having treated and what your goals for treatment are. If you and I decide to use these more painful techniques, I will work within your pain tolerance using a pain scale if necessary to establish a healthy pain zone with you. Basically, if it is a pain that you can comfortably breathe through then that is likely a "good pain". If you are holding your breath or tightening your muscles to get through the treatment then it is "bad pain" and you should communicate this to be right away so I can make the necessary adjustments. While I do my best to be intuitive and recognize non-verbal cues that may indicate the need for modifications, some clients are easier to "read" than others. At the end of the day it is vital to maintain open communication between therapist and client to ensure the most comfortable, safe, and effective treatment possible.

What are the fees for Massage Therapy treatment?

Please refer to the

Fees section

in the main menu.

Do you provide receipts for insurance?

Yes, a receipt is provided for your insurance claims. Please check with your insurance company to ensure your plan provides coverage for massage therapy.

Can you submit my insurance claim for me?

There are some cases when that may be possible. It depends which insurance company you have coverage through. If this is something you're interested in, send me an email or speak to me about your appointment and I will let you know if direct billing is an option.

How much should I tip my therapist?

If you would like to show your appreciation for the treatment providing direct feedback and referrals are always a great way to show your gratitude. A tip is not required nor expected as I am a health care provider just like a nurse, doctor, physiotherapist etc.

Why do I need to complete a health history form?

Legislation requires Massage Therapists to maintain a health record on each client so that we can identify useful information that will help us safely and effectively select the appropriate course of action in the treatment.

Do I need to complete the health history form each time I have a massage?

No. Your health history form must be updated once per year unless there is a change in yourhealth status at which point you will need to update the relevant portions of the form before your next appointment begins.

Can I e-mail my health history form prior to my first appointment?

Email is not a secure method of sending information so it is not recommended. If you book online or provide your e-mail address prior to your first appointment you should receive an e-mail containing a link to sign-in to my online booking system (Jane app) and you may fill out the form this way. If you have trouble completing the form from your electronic device you do have the option of completing the health history form at the time of your appointment. However, it is recommended you arrive early so the time it takes to complete the form does not take away from your appointment.

What is involved in an assessment?

On your first visit I will conduct a thorough assessment of your posture, range of motion and, if necessary, include relevant orthopedic tests. A palpation (examination by touch) assessment will take place on the table in conjunction the massage to hone in better on target areas. At each subsequent visit the assessment will simply focus on the areas that were treated at the last appointment (to monitor changes) and any new areas to be treated that day.

What clothing do I wear for the assessment?

It would be ideal if you were wearing shorts and a t-shirt or tank-top for the assessment. If that is not available to you, we can work around it.

Can you modify the assessment if I am in too much pain?

The purpose of the assessment is actually to recreate the pain/symptoms so that the therapist can get a better idea of what could be causing the pain. That being said, the movements are done gradually and slowly to minimize the pain as much as possible. Although the assessments cannot be modified, you have the right to ask for the assessment to stop at any time if it is too painful or uncomfortable for you to bear as the intent is to understand the mechanism of injury, not reinjure you,

Can my therapist diagnose my condition?

I can tell you if there are soft tissue disturbances, restrictions, inflammation, swelling, skin changes, abnormal tissue, or identify other observations and provided a subjective clinical impression however I cannot diagnose your condition. If there are abnormal results from the assessment/treatment, or any changes in your tissue, I may recommend that you see a physician or other appropriate health care professional however this should never be regarded as a diagnosis.

**MOBILE MASSAGE THERAPY APPOINTMENTS ARE NOT CURRENTLY BEING OFFERED**

How do I book a mobile appointment?

Mobile appointments are accepted by referral only and can be arranged via phone call or e-mail provided the referral source is identified in the request and can be confirmed.

How much space do you need to set up your massage table?

A space of approximately 10ft x 6ft would be ideal. The area should be clear of furniture or clutter so the table fits comfortably with room for me to maneuver around it on all sides. If you have concerns about the space, get in touch and we’ll work something out.

Do I need to provide any supplies?

It would be good to have chair or stool nearby as well as 2-3 pillows to increase your comfort and support during the massage. I will provide all the linen (including pillow cases), lotion/oil (if you have a preference please let me know ahead of time), music and, of course, the massage table. If you have specific music you would like to listen to please let me know.

Can you conduct the massage in a hospital?

In some cases it is possible. First, clearance from the doctor in charge of your care is mandatory. It also depends on the hospital policy, current COVID restrictions etc. If this is something that you are interested in, please contact me directly so we can chat about the details specific to your situation.

I prefer not to have a massage at home, do you have a clinic I can go to?

Yes! You can schedule an appointment online (click here) or by phone 416-913-3080 to see me in-clinic at Continuum Wellness, located at 3402 Yonge St., Suite 301, Toronto, ON, M4N 2M9. Click here for map.