Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Soft tissues include muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, and other connective tissues found throughout the body. Massage therapy is commonly used as a form of treatment for common ailments but it is also used for relaxation.
2) Does massage therapy hurt?
Massage therapy can sometimes create discomfort especially when a therapist is performing a treatment on an area that is creating pain for the client. As a therapist and a client, Cory uses a pain scale as a way to measure how much pressure to use. This is to ensure proper depth is used to suit the client’s pain tolerance and needs. When receiving a massage, the client’s concerns are paramount to Cory. A patient should feel comfortable voicing their opinion on how much pressure they wish to be treated with. Before any treatment, an assessment and proper explanation of what treatments will be performed will be discussed.
3) Can I claim massage therapy?
Many benefit providers offer coverage for Massage Therapy. As a Registered and licensed Remedial Massage Therapist (RMT), a valid receipt will be provided to the client which can be submitted for claims. Massage therapists must be affiliated with a group or organization in order for clients to claim massage therapy for insurance purposes. The most common organizations in Alberta are Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC) and Massage Therapy Association of Alberta (MTAA). Please check your benefits plan to determine coverage amount and if there are any stipulations, such as requiring a doctor’s referral/recommendation, prior to your appointment.
4) Do I have to get undressed for my massage?
As a practitioner, Cory believes that a patient can be treated in many different forms. Ideally, direct skin contact would be preferred but for certain conditions and requests, alternative treatments can be performed to adjust to each individuals needs.
5) When or where should massage therapy be avoided?
There are specific situations where massage treatments may not be performed. These include, but are not limited to, broken bones, recent surgery, inflammation caused by recent injury, varicose veins, open wounds, acute infectious diseases (scabies, measles), acute pain, fever and blood clots. It is important that the client informs the practitioner of their current health status prior to the massage. Full disclosure of any ailments is required for safe and proper treatments. Many clients may need a physician’s letter of approval for massage treatments.
6) What is the difference between a Remedial Massage Therapist and a Registered/Licensed Massage Therapist?
In order to be classified as a Remedial Massage Therapist a thorough 2 - 3 year, or minimum 2200 hour, diploma program must be completed. Courses include techniques in relaxation massage, and further elaborate on the origin, insertion, action, nerve innervations, and treatments of muscles and their dysfunctions as part of the remedial massage curriculum. To attain a Remedial Massage Therapy Diploma, written exams in anatomy, pathology, exercise rehabilitation, physiology, hydrotherapy, nutrition, terminology and psychology must be completed along with practical exams in relaxation massage and remedial techniques. An average mark over 70% is required on all exams to earn a diploma. With this training Remedial Massage Therapists are qualified to specialize or perform treatments on specific musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
Registered/Licensed Massage Therapists most commonly undergo training in basic relaxation massage therapy. These courses can range from basic introductory courses with a minimum 250 hour program up to a more detailed 1 year program. Although all massage therapists are required to be licensed and registered, not all massage therapists have the same training. Individual training for massage therapists varies. It is the client’s responsibility to inquire about the amount and type of training their therapist has undergone.
In order to work as a massage therapist in Calgary, whether it is remedial or registered/licensed, there is a mandatory criminal record check to obtain a license from the City of Calgary.
7) With proper treatments, what conditions can benefit greatly from massage therapy?
- Back pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Post knee surgery
- Neck/whiplash pain
- Migraine headaches
- Rib pain or breathing problems due to rib dysfunctions
- Hip pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Sciatic pain
- Tennis/Golfers elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Stress relief through relaxing the mind and body
8) What do I have to do or provide in order to have massage therapy at home?
All that is required for a client to provide is a room for the therapist to set up a 6’ long x 22” wide table along with enough room to perform a massage without interference of obstacles. Linen and olive oil based massage oil are provided by Cory. Clients who have allergies or who prefer a specific massage lotion, aromatherapy, etc., may provide their own. It is encouraged that clients select and listen to music to promote relaxation and comfort during their massage.
9) Will my massage therapist keep everything confidential?
Massage therapists must keep a professional relationship with their clients. Keeping information that has been disclosed in either written or verbal form is strictly confidential.
10) What are the benefits of massage therapy?
Some benefits of massage therapy are:
- Increased circulation in the extremities
- Decrease in inflammation
- Lymphatic drainage
- Relief from joint pain through the treatment of muscular dysfunctions
- Relaxation of both the mind and the body
- Relieves stress
- Breakdown of scar tissue from injuries or surgery
- Creating a feeling of well-being
