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 (e.g., 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 and you should check your insurance policy or speak with your human resources department to find out about that.
Most clinics will require you to arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of time, generally to fill out paperwork. Since our clinic is paperless, an electronic form will be sent to you, upon booking your first appointment, so it is thus not required on your part to arrive early on your session. Please note that the door may be locked if we are in treatment, until treatment ends, as we work exclusively by appointment.
Some clients choose to leave their undergarment on, and some prefer to be fully clothed. It is recommended, especially if lotion is being used to remove jewelry. If you chose to remove your clothing, you will be draped with linen at all times and only the areas being treated at the time will be exposed. Your massage therapist can work with whatever you are most comfortable with. If you choose to remain fully clothed, lotion will not likely be used. If you need assistance removing your clothing due to an injury or immobility for any other reason, your therapist may assist you.
That depends! If this is your first session, or if this is concerning a chronic injury or strain or stiffness we recommend at least 60 minutes, whereas a treatment scheduled in the acute phase of an injury should not exceed 45 minutes. We also tend to recommend no more than 45 minutes for a treatment focussed around your neck and shoulders. There are however no real contraindications regarding treatment duration for relaxation massages, which are generally fairly light!
This is a great question to discuss with your therapist following your initial assessment. If there is a particular condition that you are getting treatment for, your therapist will recommend a treatment plan for you. 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.
That is entirely up to you. Some people choose to remove all of their clothing, some choose to leave their undergarment on. If you chose to remove your clothing, you will be draped with linen at all times and only the areas being treated at the time will be exposed. If you need assistance removing your clothing due to an injury or immobility for any other reason, your therapist may assist you.
Speak to your therapist as there are some conditions that may be completely contraindicated (not allowed) for massage. Generally speaking though, as long as you are feeling well enough to have a massage therapy session, you probably can still be treated. Some modifications may need to be made. It is really important to communicate any illnesses with your therapist as soon as you become aware of it so that they can take any necessary precautions for their own safety and for yours.
Contrary to beliefs that may exist, massage does not have to be painful in order to be effective. Having said that, there are some techniques that can be painful depending on what you are having treated and what your goals are. If the therapist and you decide to use these more painful techniques, the therapist will work within your pain tolerance using a pain scale ( 0-10, 10 being the most painful) with you, and work within a reasonable pain or discomfort level.
