Some Frequently Asked Questions about Massage Therapy...
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage Therapy is defined as the manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. The soft tissues include muscles, connective tissue, tendons, joints, and ligaments. By manipulating any or all of these tissues, Massage Therapy has a history of being very effective in alleviating all kinds of pains and discomforts. Pain and discomfort can develop from injuries, stress, systemic conditions, postural strain, over-use and all kinds of chronic pain conditions.
What is a Registered Massage Therapist?
Massage Therapy is regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA). This means that anyone practicing Massage Therapy in Ontario must be regulated with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). In order to become registered, all practitioners must complete an approved course, and then pass the Ontario Certification Exams. Once certified, it is the practitioners mandate to uphold and adhere to all of the expectations and regulations put forth by the CMTO and the RHPA.
What's the difference between a Registered Massage Therapist and a masseuse?
What kind of massage does a Massage Therapist perform?
What conditions does Massage Therapy help?
Is Massage Therapy safe during pregnancy?
Are there any conditions or circumstances for which Massage Therapy is NOT advised?
What happens during a typical Massage Therapy treatment?
What should I expect for my first appointment?
How long should my appointment be?
How often should I book an appointment?
Will I be expected to talk during my appointment?
No. Your therapist will probably make some small-talk initially, to help you feel comfortable. They will also check in from time to time to ensure you are comfortable. Lot's of people enjoy chatting during their massage, while others are more interested in the process and ask lots of questions. If you don't feel comfortable talking, and would rather just relax (i.e. fall asleep!), then simply let your therapist know during the intake. Either way, rest assured that anything discussed during the intake portion as well as the treatment portion of the massage will be listened to with non-judgmental ears, and treated with the utmost confidentiality and respect by the therapist.
How will I feel after my appointment?
Will I be given exercises or stretching to do at home?
How much does it cost?
There is a slight variation in price from one place to the next. Typically half-hour massages usually start in the $40-45 range. 60 minute massages will range from $75-90 dollars, and don't forget that all Massages are subject to the HST! Usually longer massages are more bang-for-your-buck, while shorter massages give you the ability to budget for more visits to the Massage Therapist!
Is Massage Therapy subject to the HST?
Unfortunately, yes all Massage Therapists are required to charge the 13% HST on top of their posted prices. Previously RMTs were only required to charge the 5% GST, but when the Harmonized Sales Tax was introduced in July 2010, that changed. Trust me, we don't like charging it any more than you like paying it, and our professional association (RMTAO) continues to lobby the provincial goverment to get Massage Therapy exempt from the HST...stay tuned!
How do I register a complaint against a Registered Massage Therapist?
Anyone can file a complaint against a Registered Massage Therapist. There is a detailed information about the process on the CMTO website. On their homepage, you will see a "Complaints Process" link in the menu on the left hand side....or go here --->http://www.cmto.com/complain/file.htm.
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