Massage therapy is the assessment and manipulation of the soft tissue and joints of the body. Massage therapy can be restorative or preventative, helping to maintain, rehabilitate, augment physical function or relieve pain.
Massage therapy can help alleviate the soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular overuse and many chronic pain conditions. If employed early enough after an accident involving trauma and injury massage can help greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning.

An RMT is a Registered Massage Therapist. An RMT is a regulated health profession in Ontario and we fall under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA), and the Massage Therapy Act, 1991(MTA). In order to become a registered massage therapist you must complete a minimum 2200 hours training program from an accredited school. Following completion of your training program you must pass a registration exam given by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (The College).
Use of the title "massage therapist" or "registered massage therapist" is restricted under the Massage Therapy Act (MTA, 1991). Only individuals who are registered with the College may use this title.
When a therapist is registers with the College they are issued a wall certificate and photo ID card. A massage therapist must provide one of these documents as proof of registration, if so requested.

Massage therapy can be beneficial to people of all ages and conditions and is widely used to help obtain relief from many specific problems including:
• Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis
• Stress relief and associated conditions
• Headaches and migraines
• Muscle and related conditions such as spasms, strains and sprains.
• Back pain
• Repetitive strain injury
• Circulatory and respiratory problems
• Pregnancy and labour discomfort
• Post injury and post surgical rehabilitation

On the first visit you will complete a confidential health history as part of your assessment. This is important as the massage therapist needs to know if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications. The massage therapist will listen to your concerns; assess your individual needs as well as other factors that may be contributing to your injury (lifestyle, health status, job duties, exercise etc). The massage therapist will then develop a treatment plan with you to ensure you receive appropriate treatment that will help you return as much as possible to your normal activity.

No. Your comfort as a client is of the utmost importance to all Registered Massage Therapists, whether that is in the context of the clothing you wear or the treatment you receive. Massage Therapists can provide important treatment whether you elect to remove any, some or all of your clothing. All RMTs are trained in proper draping procedures to ensure that your privacy is completely respected at all times during treatment. Your comfort and ability to relax is paramount to effective treatment.

Registered Massage Therapists will also describe the treatments to be provided to ensure that you are comfortable with them. Your consent is sought before treatment is provided. If you are uncomfortable, your RMT wants you to let them know immediately, whether that discomfort involves the treatment, draping or any pain you may experience.

Be sure and discuss the most effective means of treatment with your Massage Therapist.

Some people believe that one treatment is enough; however, massage therapy is most beneficial in acute conditions when used over a series of treatments and then followed up with maintenance or preventive treatments.

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.

No, massage is not covered by OHIP, although many extended health care insurance companies cover massage therapy when performed by an RMT (Registered Massage Therapist). Check your insurance company or employer to see if you have coverage.

There are several ways you can find out if you have coverage. You can ask your employer. If you have an employee handbook, it may indicate whether or not you have coverage. Another way is you can call the insurance company directly, but be sure you have your Group and ID numbers ready. When finding out about your coverage be sure to ask the following questions:
• How much coverage do you have, if any?
• Is there any deductible?
• Is it per calendar year (example: January-December)?
• Do they cover a certain amount per visit or up to a maximum per year?
• Is a medical doctor's note required?

Confirm with your insurance company that the coverage applies to you specifically. Check to see if your spouse and/or children also have coverage under your plan.

If your spouse has coverage and you are listed on their plan, then you generally have coverage. If you have coverage through your own employer, you must use your coverage before you claim on your spouse's plan. If you have no coverage or have used up all of your own coverage, and your spouse does not want to use their own, you can NOT claim in their place. Also, a gift certificate cannot be purchases using insurance coverage.

If you are using benefits to pay I would check with your insurance company to be certain there policy on if a doctors not is required for reimbursement. If you are not using insurance coverage, and are paying out of yourself, you do not need a doctor's note.