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Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

What is massage therapy?


Answer:

Massage Therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy helps alleviate the soft tissue discomfort associated with every day and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions. If employed early enough after accidents involving trauma and injury, massage therapy can greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning.


Question:

What is a massage therapist?

Answer:

A Registered Massage Therapist is an individual who has:

1. Completed competency-based education at educational institutions recognized by the Government of Ontario;

2. Studied anatomy, physiology, pathology, physical assessment, neurology, treatments, ethics and other subjects;

3. Completed a minimum of 150 clinical hours;

Successfully completed examinations from and have been "registered" by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (the College) in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Massage Therapy Act;

4. Maintained their registration by participating in continuing education and a Quality Assurance Program that assists them in the maintenance of high professional standards and quality care of their clients.

Only members of the College are permitted to use the title, Massage Therapist or Registered Massage Therapist or the designation of RMT or MT. All members of the Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario must be registered with the College and are therefore licensed massage therapy practitioners.

Question:

How will massage therapy benefit me?


Answer:

With massage therapy you can experience relief from muscular tension and pain, receive increased range of motion and a reduction of mental stress levels. Massage is a natural healing process that can deliver both physical and emotional benefits. Treatments are specifically tailored to meet your needs.


Question:

Can anyone receive massage therapy?


Answer:

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. Massage Therapists can treat a variety of diseases and disorders or just concentrate on certain conditions (fibromyalgia) or groups of people such as athletes, performers, women during pregnancy (including labour and delivery), infants and children.


Question:

How often will I need treatments?


Answer:

Your body can let you know. Some people require only a few sessions to treat a specific problem, while others become regular users of massage therapy as both proactive and preventative healthcare. Massage can help maintain good muscle tone, flexibility, and help correct muscular injuries.

Through mutual discussion, your Massage Therapist can help you establish a program which fits your physical needs and lifestyle. Your Massage Therapist is most interested in your recovery and in the maintenance of your health. Any recommendation for further treatment is being made by a qualified health professional and is made with your utmost care in mind.


Question:

Will I experience muscle soreness following a massage therapy treatment?


Answer:

Most people report feeling very relaxed, and often experience significant relief from aches, pains and stress after a massage session. However some people, especially those who require deep-tissue massage, experience mild muscle soreness which may last a day or two. Once the soreness is gone, they often notice heightened energy levels and an increased range of motion. Your therapist will keep in constant communication with you throughout the treatment. It is your right to let your therapist know if the pressure is too deep or if you would like more pressure or even if you would like to completely stop the treatment.


Question:

Is massage therapy a regulated health profession?


Answer:

The practice of massage therapy is regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) and is therefore a Regulated Health Profession. Only individuals who have completed the requisite training and have met the strict competency requirements of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) can call themselves a "Massage Therapist" or a "Registered Massage Therapist".


Question:

Will my extended healthcare plan cover the costs of massage therapy treatments?

Answer:

Yes. Most extended healthcare plans include massage therapy and some even have on-line billing. Some plans ask you to first receive a physician's referral. Most plans have a maximum amount available. Please consult your extended health benefit plan.

The following is a summary of reimbursement options available:

  • Employer Sponsored Extended Health Insurance Plans, which may be administered by private companies
  • Consumer Purchased Extended Health Insurance Plans
  • Veterans Affairs Canada, in the case of war veterans
  • Private Automobile Insurance Companies, in the case of clients who are victims of motor vehicle accidents (under authority of the Auto Insurance Rate Stability Act, 1996)
  • The Work Place Safety and Insurance Board, in the case of workers injured on a work site (under the authority of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997)
  • The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (for members of the RCMP)
  • Transportation to a massage therapy office may also be reimbursed to persons who qualify under the Ontario Disability Support Programme.
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