FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where are you located?
You will find us located in the center of town. We’re at 1636 Peninsula Rd, which is the main road as you enter town (Hwy #4). Turn into Davison Plaza and you’ll see us directly at the far end.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
You do not need to have a doctor’s referral to see a registered massage therapist. If you have an open claim with WCB or ICBC, you must request a doctor’s referral to have the treatments partially covered. Some Healthcare insurance plans require a doctor’s referral to receive reimbursement. Please check with your employer or your insurance plan policy booklet.
What should I expect on my first visit?
On your first visit you should come in 10 minutes before your appointment time to fill out a brief health history form. Once completed you will meet your therapist and they will take you into the treatment room to go through your health history and get any pertinent information that could affect the treatment. This is when you should let the therapist know what areas you would like treated and any major concerns you have. The therapist may do some assessment on any areas of concern to gauge the level of injury or limitation. Following the assessment the therapist will leave the room to allow you to prepare for the treatment. Once you are on the table the therapist will return for the treatment. When the treatment has been completed the therapist will leave the room to allow you to dress. When you are ready, open the door and the therapist will return and may show you some remedial exercises or home care for your area’s of concern.
Do I need to undress?
During the treatment you will always be covered by a sheet except for the immediate area being treated. The majority of techniques used by massage therapists are most effective when done in contact with the skin, therefore, most people undress down to their underwear. If you are uncomfortable with undressing the therapist can always work around any clothing you wish to leave on.
Does my healthcare plan cover massage therapy?
The majority of extended healthcare plans cover registered massage therapy. Your insurance policy will explain how much coverage you have. The coverage amounts are usually located under headings titled, "Paramedical" or "Supplementary benefits." Policies typically cover a percentage of the cost up to a dollar amount (eg. 80% coverage up to a total of $500 per calendar year). You will be required to pay for the service upfront at which time we give you a receipt to submit to your insurance carrier for a prompt reimbursement from your plan.
The province of BC will reimburse up to $23 per treatment for massage therapy services (with a maximum of 10 treatments per calendar year) if you qualify for Premium Assistance. In order to qualify, your annual income must be at or below $28,000 per year.
Will the massage be painful?
Always communicate with your therapist to let them know if the pressure is too much. Massage therapy is not something you should have to suffer through. You should be able to relax your whole body during the entire treatment. Deep breathing can be used to make sure any tenderness stays at a minimum, if at all.
What are the education requirements of an RMT?
Achievement of a massage therapy diploma in BC requires 3,000 hours of training at an accredited college.
The curriculum includes comprehensive studies in health sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology and neurology. Clinical sciences include the topics of manual skills, orthopedics, remedial exercise, hydrotherapy and patient education. A diverse range of manual therapy techniques are taught and practiced with a wide range of clientele through student clinics within the colleges and in the community outreach programs. The management of chronic diseases, injuries and the effects of long-term stress are also studied extensively, as are the methods of treatment available.
Upon achieving a massage therapy diploma, BC graduates must successfully complete a rigorous series of Provincial Board Exams in order to qualify as a Registered Massage Therapist. The board exams are administered by the College of Massage Therapists of BC (CMTBC) which is the regulatory body for all RMTs in BC.
The CMTBC ensures that the public receives safe and ethical care by establishing and enforcing standards of education, qualifications and the quality of practice for all RMTs under the BC Health Professions Act.
As well, in order to stay licensed in BC, RMTs are required to continually update their skills by achieving biennial education credits at postgraduate courses approved by the CMTBC. This ensures that our clients are receiving the very best care possible.
