So You've Never Seen A Registered Massage Therapist before?

It is very important that the person receiving a Massage Therapy Treatment fully understands what will be happening during their appointment and why.

As a Registered Massage Therapist I will explain my legal and ethical responsibilities, and what you can expect during your treatment.

Before you have arrived, I have already assured that my clinic is properly maintained, disinfected, and has freshly laundered linens and coverings.

We will discuss the fee for your massage and I will obtain your agreement to that fee.

I will also ask about, and record, your Medical Health History when you arrive, so I can determine a safe and effective course of treatment with you.

I will explain to you that any information you share with me is completely confidential and that I would require your informed, and written, consent to share any of your personal information, unless otherwise required by law.

If necessary, after we review your health history, I will perform any assessment needed, with your consent, to determine the treatment that will be most appropriate. The time this takes varies. (15 - 45 minutes is usually sufficient).

I will ask you questions about what your goals are, what your chief complaint is, and if there is any other pertinent information that would help facilitate your treatment.

Here are some other things that I will explain during your consultation:

 
Any possible side effects that you can experience from massage.

How I plan to treat you, such as your positioning on the massage table, the areas to be massaged, the areas that will be undraped for the purpose of treatment, and in what manner I will do that, all with your consent.

Any avoidable risks such as pain or bruising.

Some alternatives to treatment, if I feel that I likely can't help you.

Any possible results of not having treatment for your issue.

Your right to stop, or request a modification to the treatment at any time, as well as my right to stop treating you if I think it is necessary to cease treatment.

Your right to ask me questions at any time and the necessity of understanding everything that I have shared.

And receiving your informed consent to continue with the treatment.

Getting on the Massage Table:

I will explain to you what position you will need to be in on the massage table, and how to cover yourself. THIS IS NOT AN OPTION. Our professional college does not allow us to treat clients uncovered if they are undressed.

If I think that you might need assistance getting on the massage table, I will ask you if you desire it beforehand. In that case I will use one of the covering as a barrier for your privacy or you can remain clothed.

Important notes concerning clothing:

Though skin on skin contact is often best for a massage treatment there is no wrong amount of clothing for you to wear or not wear under the covering which we use as an appropriate professional barrier.

The occasional person is more comfortable wearing clothing. Others prefer to wear their undergarment(s) during a massage. Others will be more comfortable wearing nothing at all while covered with the table's flannel sheet. What you decide to wear, or not wear, underneath is your decision. You can decide what is most comfortable for you personally before your treatment, which we will discuss.

The gluteal cleft (butt crack), crotch, and chest, MUST be covered at all times (all sexes) according to "The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario standards." 

The only exception would be for a medically necessary Breast Massage, and even then only one breast at a time is exposed. Otherwise, AT NO TIME are the breasts, gluteal cleft, or genitalia ever exposed in this practice, nor in any other Registered Massage Therapy Practice that follows our College's standards of practice.

The gluteal muscles, the inner thigh muscles, and the chest muscles are all considered to be "Sensitive Areas" by The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, and will be treated as such. Specific consent will be received from you before treating any sensitive area(s), and only when treatment is necessary. It should go without saying that one's genitalia, gluteal cleft and areola are NEVER EVER touched.

I sometimes massage gluteal muscles through the flannel sheet because many of my clients do not remove their underwear for treatment. Certain styles of underwear can make skin on skin massage on the gluteal muscles problematic. Trying to stretch one's underwear to do a proper glute drape is often problematic. I don't even attempt massage directly on the skin in that particular case, I simply massage through the thick sheet I provide as a covering over top of your underwear. We can discuss what scenario works best for your individual situation.

 
If at any time you are feeling uncomfortable for any reason whatsoever, please say so immediately. Communication is key to ensure a positive and professional massage therapy experience. It should go without saying that I always ensure my hands will only touch what they are supposed to touch.

Once consent to continue the massage treatment is received, and all of your questions have been answered thoroughly, I will leave the room, close the door, and go wash my hands. 

Before I re-enter the room I will ask if you are on the table and covered appropriately.

After I re-enter the massage room, I will make sure you are comfortable, then remind you of the specific draping I will use with your consent.

I am happy to converse with you and will ask you if you are comfortable during the massage. There are people who prefer to have very little conversation during their massage. That is perfectly fine as well. Everyone is different and you can decide what you prefer.

I personally prefer massage lotion. I have never had anyone have an allergic reaction to it and I prefer to keep it that way. Oils can stain sheets, and gels often make one's shower floor slippery, so I stay away from them.

With all treatments, I will communicate with you to ensure that you are able to relax your body during the treatment in order to utilize the full benefit of the techniques which I will use.

I do not practice a "no pain no gain" philosophy. This way the specific techniques will be effective and you will remain comfortable during the massage treatment. 

Once again, If at any time you feel uncomfortable with anything during the treatment please say so, no matter how insignificant you may think it is. Your comfort and informed consent is my main priority.

At the end of your massage you may wish to remain on the table for a while to continue relaxing and to slowly prepare yourself to get off of the table. I have set aside extra time between my clients for the specific purpose of not rushing you out the door. It is definitely not a time to feel rushed.

Many clients over the years have suggested the option of being able to stay on the massage table for a while after their massage. I offer that option for those who wish it.

If you wish you may stay on the table, I will simply knock on the door after fifteen minutes ensuring that you are awake. Then you may get dressed and exit the room. Sometimes I will suggest staying on the table with a heating pad on an area for 15 minutes to improve the treatment results as well.

When you are ready to get up,  move very slowly. Sit on the side of the table for a minute or so to be sure you are not dizzy. Being light headed for a short time is not unusual after a therapeutic massage. It can be like having a workout for some people.

Once you are dressed and have come out of the massage room, I will ask how you are feeling, and I may suggest some self care for you to do at home to help augment, or sustain the benefits of the massage.

And lastly I'll have you pay for your treatment. A Debit and Credit device with Tap is available if needed. I also accept cash and e-transfer. 

A short note on side effects: Please ensure that you are hydrated and properly nourished before your massage. There are various reactions to Massage Therapy depending on the individual. You may experience soreness a day or two after your massage depending on the treatment, though, each person is different.  Let me know if you have discomfort lasting beyond 48 hours and I will reduce my massage intensity during your future treatments.

Once again, take your time getting off of the table and please communicate with me if you need assistance at any time.

I have a water cooler and washroom available for your convenience.

I hope this was informative and that you will consider booking an appointment for a Massage Therapy Treatment soon.

Please contact me if you have any questions before or after a massage. I will be happy to get back to you:

519-933-2814 Text or Call ( calls often go to Voice Mail ) I am very responsive.