Question 1

Will my Massage Therapist keep my information private?

Accepted Answer

As regulated health professionals, Massage Therapists are required as a part of the standards set by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario to maintain the information you provide, both verbally and in written form, in the strictest of confidence.   In addition, Registered Massage Therapists are covered by Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004.  As a result, information that is collected about clients may be collected only with consent, may only be disclosed with consent or to your immediate health providers (circle of care), and must be secured and maintained. Any concerns about the requirements of this legislation or about whether a Registered Massage Therapist breached the requirements of the Act may be addressed to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

Question 2

Is Massage Therapy covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

Accepted Answer

No. Massage therapy treatments are not covered under OHIP, regardless of whether or not the treatments are required by a physician.  Most progressive extended health benefit plans do cover massage therapy treatments when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist and most do not require a physician's order to do so, although some do have that requirement.  Contact your employer for more information.

Question 3

Why do Massage Therapists charge HST?

Accepted Answer

Under the federal Excise Tax Act, massage therapy is a service to which GST was applied.  While massage therapists are considered health care practitioners under Ontario Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, massage therapy is not included in the definition of health services that are exempt from the application of the HST.  The list of exemptions is controlled by the federal government and the federal Minister of Finance has made it clear that the current policies governing exemptions will remain in place. A health profession can be exempted if is it regulated in five provinces or territories or if it is paid for in the health plans of three provinces.  Massage therapy does not meet either of these conditions.

Question 4

Can anyone receive massage therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, massage therapy is appropriate for individuals of all ages, including infants, children, and the elderly; however, there are some conditions for which massage therapy is not appropriate.  A qualified Massage Therapist (RMT or MT) is trained to recognize these cases.  Many Massage Therapists treat a variety of diseases and disorders while other Massage Therapists concentrate on certain conditions (fibromyalgia) or groups of people such as athletes, performers, women during pregnancy (including labour and delivery), infants and children.  When booking your first consultation, be sure that the Massage Therapist is the right choice for you.

Question 5

What Is Massage Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Massage Therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy helps alleviate the soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions. If employed early enough after accidents involving trauma and injury, massage therapy can greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning.

Question 6

Is massage therapy a regulated health profession?

Accepted Answer

The practice of massage therapy is regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) and is therefore a Regulated Health Profession.  Only individuals who have completed the requisite training and have met the strict competency requirements of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) can call themselves a "Massage Therapist" or a "Registered Massage Therapist".  When seeking massage therapy, look for an individual who uses one of those two titles and ask to see their registration with the CMTO.  Alternatively, look for someone who displays the logo of the Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario.  All RMTAO members must maintain their registration with the CMTO in order to be members.

Question 7

How often should I have massage therapy?

Accepted Answer

Some people believe that one treatment is enough; however, massage therapy is most beneficial in acute conditions when used over a series of treatments and then followed up with maintenance or preventive treatments.  Through mutual discussion, your Massage Therapist can help you establish a program which fits your physical needs and lifestyle.  Your Massage Therapist is most interested in your recovery and in the maintenance of your health. Any recommendation for further treatment is being made by a qualified health professional and is made with your utmost care in mind.

Question 8

What happens on the first visit?

Accepted Answer

On the first visit you will complete a confidential health history as part of your assessment. This is important as the Massage Therapist needs to know if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications. The Massage Therapist will listen to your concerns, assess your individual needs as well as other factors that may be contributing to your injury (lifestyle, nutritional status, etc.). The Massage Therapist will then develop a treatment plan with you to ensure you receive appropriate treatment that will help you return, as much as possible, to your normal activities.  Massage therapists participate in a Quality Assurance Program that assists them in the maintenance of high professional standards and quality care of their clients.

Question 9

How do I know I am using the services of a Registered Massage Therapist?

Accepted Answer

All Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) have photo ID cards, issued by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, showing the Therapist's registration number.  All clients of massage therapy services have the right to view this ID card in order to be assured that you are visiting a Registered Massage Therapist.  More simply, all members of the Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario must be registered and in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.  You may therefore look for this logo as your assurance that you are in the hands of a professional RMT.

Question 10

Do I have to remove all my clothing for massage therapy?

Accepted Answer

No.  Your comfort as a client is of the utmost to all Registered Massage Therapists, whether that is in the context of the clothing you wear or the treatment you receive. Massage Therapists can provide important treatment whether you elect to remove any, some, or all of your clothing.  All RMTs are trained in proper draping procedures to ensure that your privacy is completely respected at all times during treatment. Your comfort and ability to relax is paramount to effective treatment.  Registered Massage Therapists will also describe the treatments to be provided to ensure that you are comfortable with them.  Your consent is sought before treatment is provided. If you are uncomfortable, your RMT wants you to let them know immediately, whether that discomfort involves the treatment, draping or any pain you may experience.  Be sure and discuss the most effective means of treatment with your Massage Therapist.

Question 11

Does massage therapy hurt?

Accepted Answer

As with many treatments affecting the soft tissue, there are times when massage therapy can cause some light discomfort but it is not harmful.   Discomfort usually diminishes and no technique of this nature is used without the therapist first discussing it with the client and obtaining your permission. A comfort scale will be established and the therapist will work to the client's tolerance level. The client can stop or change the treatment at any time and Massage therapists will modify their techniques to meet their client's needs.

Question 12

Who pays for massage therapy?

Accepted Answer

Most progressive extended health insurance plans cover massage therapy treatments when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist.  Most do not require a physician's order for treatments, although a few may still have this requirement. Most plans require that the covered individual pay for the treatment and submit the expense for reimbursement.  Contact your employer for more information.  Most Massage Therapists will require payment upon the provision of services.  As most are operating as an independent practitioner, they are not in a position to provide credit, that is, wait until payment is received under extended health plans, before receiving payment.  Discuss this with your Massage Therapist before treatment.

Question 13

How can I pay for massage therapy?

Accepted Answer

Many people pay for massage therapy through an insurance plan. When paying through an insurance plan, some massage therapists will bill directly while others will require payment from the client who then submits the claim to their insurance provider. Ask your Massage Therapist prior to initiating treatment.  Some insurance plans may require a physician's referral prior to the start of massage therapy treatments while others allow treatment without referrals.  Most plans have a maximum amount available.

Question 14

How can massage therapy help me?

Accepted Answer

Massage therapy can be beneficial to people of all ages and conditions and is widely used to help obtain relief from many specific problems, including:  Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis  Stress relief and associated conditions  Headaches and migraines  Muscle and related conditions such as spasms, strains and sprains  Back pain  Repetitive strain injury  Circulatory and Respiratory problems  Pregnancy and labour discomfort  Post-injury and post surgicalrehabilitation

Question 15

What type of cleaning and disinfecting agents do you use?

Accepted Answer

RMTs must use products approved by Health Canada by cross-referencing the Drug Identification Number (DIN) on the product container with the list on the Health Canada website.

Question 16

Are clients required to wear masks during treatment? What if I refuse?

Accepted Answer

In accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Health’s recommendation to wear masks whenever physical distancing is not possible, Rose must instruct the client to come to the appointment wearing a clean disposable or reusable mask to be worn throughout the treatment. Rose will provide the first surgical mask complimentary or you can bring your own (cloth acceptable) and request to have the client bring it in with every treatment.  Should the client happen to forget theirs, Rose will charge an additional $2 on top of the treatment fee. Rose will advise the client how to properly put on and take off the mask to limit possible transmission of COVID-19.     If the client cannot wear a mask (e.g. due to a health condition or difficulty breathing), however in the case that it is not possible, Rose will have to exercise her professional judgement to assess the risk of providing or continuing treatment. If she determines it is not safe to provide treatment without the client wearing a mask, the Rose can refuse to treat the client.    If a client refuses to participate in any reasonable infection prevention measures that have been implemented, the RMT can refuse to treat the client at that time.

Question 17

What types of gloves are acceptable?

Accepted Answer

It will not be mandatory for RMT's to use gloves during treatment. If gloves are used (for example, during treatments that pose a higher risk of transmission, such as intraoral treatments), the gloves should be single-use non-sterile nitrile or latex examination or medical gloves. These gloves are an effective barrier for disease transmission, are durable enough for manual work, and provide a fit that allows for high dexterity.   Latex gloves should only be used with water-based topical products and when the client and RMT do not have a latex allergy or sensitivity. Nitrile gloves can be used for all clients with oil or water-based topical products.  Rose uses nitrile gloves. Vinyl gloves are not recommended because they may not be durable enough for manual work.

Question 18

Is it mandatory for clients and RMT's to wear masks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, RMTs are required to wear surgical masks while within two metres of clients including while providing treatment.   For Clients: Government and public health organizations have indicated masks should be used when two metres of physical distance cannot be maintained, even if all parties have screened negative and do not have any COVID-19 symptoms.

Question 19

Can RMTs wear cloth masks?

Accepted Answer

No, RMTs should not wear cloth masks when within two metres of a client or during treatment. COVID-19 is spread primarily via droplets. Cloth masks may be significantly less effective at containing droplets than surgical/procedure masks, particularly when damp or moist. They are also significantly less likely to protect the wearer against inhalation of droplets or particles.

Question 20

How do you clean and disinfect in between clients?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the risks of contact and droplet transmission associated with COVID 19, Rose uses a local linen service that is able to decontaminate the linens, face cradles, towels and hospital gowns.     The pillow is made covered entirely by a plastic pillowcase that is swapped out every hour to ensure a 2 hour decontamination process and wiped down with a hard surface disinfectant approved by Health Canada.   Items that cannot be cleaned and disinfected after every client have been removed from the treatment room.

COVID-19

FAQ

When Your Wellness Journey re-opens you will notice changes in Practice.

COVID-19

FAQ

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When Your Wellness Journey re-opens you will notice changes in Practice.

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