Q1: Is massage therapy covered by MSI or my private health plan?
A: Massage therapy is covered by many health plans. You may already be paying for this service. To find out if your health plan gives massage coverage, you will need to check your policy or call the toll-free number on your card. On some plans, you may require a doctor’s referral. Due to my provincial massage therapy association membership, I am a registered massage therapist. I am eligible to write insurance receipts to submit to your health plan. In some cases, direct web billing is available. MSI, the provincial health plan, does NOT cover massage.
Q2: What is the difference between relaxation and a treatment session?
A: Relaxation and treatment massages are similar. The main difference is the outcome. If you hope to relax, the treatment will focus on relaxing you. If you have a particular injury that you need to be treated for, the session will focus more on the injured area. When you have an injury, I will do testing to determine the cause of the pain so that treatment can be more focused.
The testing can include assessing your posture, or the length or strength of your muscles, or trying to determine if the pain is something other than muscle tissue, like ligaments or nerves. You will not require unique clothing for these tests.
The techniques during a treatment session may be uncomfortable at times, but the therapist will provide you with the things to do at home to relieve your discomfort and continue healing. This home care may include stretching or strengthening exercises or information about the application of heat or ice.
At no time should a massage be painful. Always check with your therapist about
Q3: What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
A: The lymphatic system travels through your body in vessels, similar to your veins and arteries. It moves fluid and is important to your immune system. Lymphatic nodes and vessels can be injured or damaged by disease or surgery. In other cases, there can be an underlying health condition that affects how fluid moves. Whatever the cause lymphatic issues are chronic and are best managed by treatment and self-care.
Lymphatic system breakdown can lead to fluid building up in a certain body part more than in others. When that happens, light rhythmic massage can help direct the flow out of the congested area.
In some cases bandaging, exercises and self-care are recommended, while in others, the treatment is enough.
MLD can also be used in cases of sinus congestion and chronic sinus problems. Click here for more information.
Q4: What should I wear?
A: You should dress to your comfort level. I can do massage over your clothes, or the sheets or directly on your skin. During massage therapy treatments, you are covered with blankets and only the area being treated is uncovered. Some clients choose to disrobe completely, and others are more comfortable leaving on their undergarments or remaining clothed.
Q5: What if I have allergies or prefer scent-free products?
A: The lotion used at Better Bodies is hypoallergenic, organic and scent-free. There is a mild scent in the foot lotion, but that can be omitted if you prefer a scent-free session. Additionally, the linens are laundered in a scent-free soap. However, please discuss any allergies or preferences with your therapist.
Q6: Why do I need to fill out a health history form?
A: The health history you complete will help your therapist provide safe and effective treatment. Certain drugs and health conditions may affect your treatment session through what techniques can be used to how you lie on the table. All the information you provide is confidential, so please feel free to discuss any concerns you have with your therapist.
This form will need to be updated annually.
Q7: Is it ok to talk during my massage?
A: The time that you book with a therapist is YOUR time. You may find it more beneficial to concentrate on your breathing, muscles, and the whole experience. Some people do this in silence, while others find that talking helps relieve some of their pent-up stress. It is your time – do whatever feels right, and remember this can change from session to session.
Q8: I would like to get a massage, but I am uncomfortable with my body.
A: This is one of the most common feelings that people give as a reason they delay getting care. If you consider your family or work environment, you know that there are many body types. Differences in posture, height, weight, skin condition and muscle tone are what makes us so great and so unique. Massage therapists are highly trained health care workers. You will never be judged for who you are! And remember, if you are still uncomfortable with your body or your therapist, you can choose to have your treatment done over the sheets or while you are fully clothed.