What is involved with the first massage appointment?
How will I feel after a massage?
How long will my treatments be?
What do I wear during the massage treatment?
What do I do once the massage is finished?
Does BC medical cover any of my treatments?
Do I need a referral to see a Massage Therapist?

What is involved with the first massage appointment?

The first 15 minutes of a new patient appointment are allotted to discuss the health history forms and to allow the massage therapist to ask you general health questions along with information about your primary concerns. The therapist may perform assessments to evaluate the area. The remainder of the appointment time is reserved for treatment.

How will I feel after a massage?

Most people experience an overall feeling of relaxation, which may make you feel tired. This is normal, and should resolve within a day or two. You may also experience some soreness after a deeper therapeutic massage, which is normal, but should not last more than 2 days.

How long will my treatments be?

The optimal time for a complete treatment is 60 minutes for a full body treatment or for a thorough treatment of a specific condition. Shorter appointments of 45 and 30 minutes are available for more specific goal oriented treatments such as neck and shoulder, back, or legs and feet.

What do I wear during the massage treatment?

The massage is geared towards your comfort and therefore we ask you to undress to your level of comfort. It is easier for us to treat you most effectively when working directly on your skin; however, we can work through clothing. Often people leave their underwear on, but others feel more comfortable without. You will always be securely draped with the top sheet and only the area treated is undraped. If we need to move you often on the table or guiding you through exercises you will be asked to bring in or wear shorts and a sports bra for the ladies.

What do I do once the massage is finished?

In order to promote elimination and drainage from the tissues, it is recommended that you drink several glasses of water following a massage treatment. Epsom salts bath are also encouraged.

Does BC medical cover any of my treatments?

Most extended health insurance plans in Canada cover massage treatments as long has you see a registered massage therapist. Insured patients are encouraged to contact their employer or individual insurance brokers to determine if they are covered and/or to request that their policy be extended to include registered massage services if it does not already do so.  Massage Therapy is currently not fully covered by any of the provincial health plans. However, if you are eligible for MSP Premium Assistance in British Columbia, visits with a Registered Massage Therapist are included in your 10 annual supplementary health care benefits.

Do I need a referral to see a Naturopathic Physician or Massage Therapist?

If you are eligible for MSP Premium Assistance in British Columbia, you do not need a referral from a medical doctor to use your 10 annual supplementary health care benefits.  However, if you have coverage by an extended health insurance plan, you should check with your individual plan as some companies still require a medical referral in order to access your benefit coverage.