Frequently Asked Questions
What to Expect From the First Visit
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment allow time to complete any forms that are required for optimal care. Massage therapists are primary care practitioners and therefore offer direct access to massage therapy services without the need for a physician’s referral, although some extended health insurance plans may require a referral, please consult your individual insurance policy for specific details on coverage and if a physician’s referral is a requirement for use of your benefits.
Please note that massage therapy is not covered under OHIP but many private health insurers may cover treatment from a massage therapist as part of their extended health care plans.
Before your treatment, your massage therapist will propose a personalized treatment plan based on an initial assessment and health history. The assessment can consist of various tests to determine the condition of your muscles and joints. Any Information you provided is completely confidential and will be safeguarded. Your health record cannot be released or transferred without your consent.
Your massage therapist must also obtain your consent to work on any part of the body, regardless of whether you are fully clothed, or fully or partially covered with sheet or blankets. Your privacy will away be respect and you may withdraw your consent for treatment at any time.
The massage therapist will work with your level of pain tolerance during the treatment and the treatment can be stopped at any time should the treatment become uncomfortable.
Massage Therapists in Ontario
A massage therapist is regulated health professional who has received two to three year diploma programme from one of a number of recognized Massage Therapy schools in the province before completing written and clinical examinations, and registering with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
Only registrants of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario are permitted to use the protected title “Massage Therapist” (“MT”) or “Registered Massage Therapist” (“RMT”). Note – Both titles are equivalent and mean that the holder of the title is a Registrant of the College.
Through the College, all massage therapists participate in a quality assurance program that ensures high professional standards and quality client care.
Massage therapists can be identified by their Certificate of Registration, issued by the College, which shows their registration number.
To verify that a provider is a massage therapist or to locate a massage therapist in your area, visit the College’s on-line directory of members at www.cmto.com and click on “Find a Registered Massage Therapist”.