Have a few FAQ’s about Massage Therapy and what happens during your first visit? Take a look below for a few of our answers to some common questions we get about Massage Therapy. If you don’t see an answer to your question, feel free to get in touch with us over the phone!
Contact : 705-719-9884 | info@lisasmithrmt.ca
FAQ
What can Massage Therapy help with?
Massage Therapy can help relieve:
- Inflammatory conditions (ie. arthritis)
- Stress and associated conditions
- Headaches and migraines
- Muscle conditions (ie. spasms and strains)
- Back pain
- Repetitive strain injury (ie. Carpal tunnel)
- Circulatory and respiratory problems
- Pregnancy and labour discomfort
- Post-injury and post-surgical rehabilitation
- Many other conditions
Cancellation Policy
We understand that sometimes you may need to change your appointment.
A 24 Hour Cancellation Notice is required to cancel at no charge, otherwise a $25 fee will apply. The 24 Hour Cancellation Notice also applies to same day bookings.
In case of emergencies and illness, exceptions to the policy may be made at the discretion of the Massage Therapist.
Do you have instructions for an epsom salt bath?
Certainly. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts to a hot bath (38º to 44º C).
Soak for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
While in the bath, drink several glasses of fresh water to replace lost fluids from your body.
When finished, get up carefully and cool your body down with either a cool shower or a cold cloth. Then rest and relax!
Epsom salts can be purchased at most drugstores. It can also be purchased through massage therapy supply companies.
Ask your massage therapist.
Why does my Massage Therapist recommend an epsom salt bath after a massage or a hard workout?
Epsom Salt is absorbed through the skin to replenish the body’s levels of magnesium.
Studies indicate this may help to relieve stress in a number of ways, including:
- Raising the body’s level of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
- Offsetting excess levels of adrenaline generated by pressure and stress; magnesium ions relax and reduce irritability by lowering the affects of adrenaline.
- Helping to regulate the electrical functions that spark through miles of nerves.
- Lowering blood pressure.
Researchers have found that magnesium also increases energy and stamina by encouraging the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy packets made in the cells. Experts recommend soaking with Epsom Salt at least three times a week to look better, feel better and have more energy.
Also, Epsom salts aid in drawing lactic acid out of your system. A build up of lactic acid is believed to be a cause of muscle soreness. Therefore, by reducing the amount of lactic acid in your muscles, you will reduce muscle stiffness.
The hot water of a bath also helps to reduce stiffness by increasing blood flow to the muscles and increasing the nutritional exchange between the muscles and the bloodstream. This type of bath is very stimulating, therefore people who have serious circulatory problems (i.e. high blood pressure and severe varicose veins) should not take it.
Why is my Massage Therapist giving me exercises and/or stretches? Aren’t they just supposed to massage me?
In order to stay balanced in posture and stature, therapists need to ensure that shortened muscles are lengthened and weakened muscles are strengthened.
This is the reason behind your therapist stretching you passively during your treatment or giving you stretches and / or strengthening exercises for home care.
Stretching and strengthening are integral parts of your recovery or maintenance.
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)
Can just anyone call themselves a Massage Therapist?
No. While massage itself is in the public domain in the context of a relaxation massage in which the techniques cannot go past the superficial skin surface.
Massage Therapy can only be done by a registered massage therapist (RMT).
RMT’s by law are required to carry professional and liability insurance.
In Ontario, RMT’s are required to complete a minimum 2200 hour massage therapy diploma and have met basic standards in competency and safety by the College of Massage Therapy (CMTO) which is the regulatory body of RMT’s.
The CMTO’s mandate is to protect the public.
What happens on the first visit?
On the first visit you will complete a confidential health history as part of your assessment.
This is important as the therapist needs to know if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications.
The therapist will listen to your concerns and assess your individual needs, as well as other factors that may be contributing to your injury (lifestyle, nutritional status, etc.).
The therapist will then develop a treatment plan with you to ensure you receive appropriate treatment that will help you to return, as much as possible, to your normal activities.
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.
Discomfort usually diminishes and no technique of this nature is used without the therapist first discussing it with you and obtaining your permission.
A comfort scale will be established and the work done will only be within your tolerance level.
You can stop or change the treatment at any time or the techniques can be modified to meet your needs / concerns.
Do I have any rights in regards to my treatment?
As your therapist is a regulated health professional, your rights as a client are protected by the Regulated Health Care Practioners Act and The Massage Therapy Act.
Your therapist cannot pursue or continue a treatment without your consent.
You have the right to alter, modify, or terminate your treatment at any time!
If you are uncomfortable with anything about your treatment or have any questions, ask the therapist.
You and your therapist(s) are partners in regaining, maintaining, and optimizing your health.
How do I ensure the quality of my massage with you?
Communication! Although your therapist is usually in tune with what you might need, we are still fallible as human beings. This means that we may not pick up on subtle or sometimes not so subtle cues to your needs.
Hints are not communication. Your responsibility as a client is to discuss your needs with your therapist. This may pertain to amount of pressure used etc, and can and should include the amount of conversation during treatment time.
Each person is unique and therapists do their best to meet each person’s unique needs. Some clients may need to chat, some may need absolute silence. This needs to be communicated to the therapist.
Communication breakdown is ultimately the reason for being dissatisfied with a therapist’s services.
Do I have to remove all my clothing?
Removal of clothing is completely at the discretion of you, the patient and it is of the utmost importance that you are comfortable.
Massage Therapists can provide important treatment, whether or not you elect to remove any of your clothing.
Be sure to discuss the most effective means of treatment with the massage therapist.
If you do remove any of your clothing, the Massage Therapist is required to drape you with a sheet and only the areas being worked on will be undraped.
Is there research out there on Massage Therapy?
Yes, there has been quite a bit of research on numerous amounts of topics.
As the amount of research is constantly growing, as well as the list of topics is so long, the best thing is for you to visit the Miami Touch Research Institute and browse through the topics that interest you.