About Massage Therapy
"The practice of massage therapy is the assessment of the soft tissues and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain."
General Swedish Massage (the type of massage I practice) is the most common type of massage and uses various techniques to treat muscles and tissues. The practitioner uses hands, forearms and elbows to apply the techniques. Massage can positively impact the health of the soft tissues and joints, aid in the healing process from certain injuries, relieve pain, relieve some symptoms of anxiety and depression and promote healthier sleep. Trained massage therapists have a strong educational foundation in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology and remedial exercise. Massage therapists do not diagnose conditions, however, if you have a diagnosis, your massage therapist can work with you to provide individualized care.
Prenatal massage is an effective and safe way to reduce maternal muscle tension, stress and anxiety. Extra pillows and wedges are used for a comfortable and safe prenatal massage. Additional care is taken prior to each prenatal massage, ie. assessing for acute swelling. These extra precautions help to ensure the health of mother and her growing baby and to provide a safe and effective massage.
Research in massage therapy promotes best practice and outcomes by the practitioner. Evidence based massage includes best current research, clinical expertise as well as client values in achieving the best possible outcome. As a member of the Massage Therapists' Association of Nova Scotia, continuous learning and research literacy in massage therapy are not only a requirement for membership but integral to the practice and ability to give proper treatment as well as client education.
As a new client you will be required to fill out a confidential health history form and have a physical assessment which includes assessing areas of pain or dysfunction, measuring ranges of motion in joints, orthopedic tests, and answering questions to help create a treatment plan that is right for you. All of this information is gathered to ensure a safe and effective treatment.
Clients are explained the risks and benefits of a massage treatment, all aspects of the treatment will be explained prior to your massage. Informed consent is an important part of the treatment and client-therapist relationship and will be asked for prior to every treatment. Communication is encouraged throughout the assessment and during treatment. If at any time you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Please Read First**
When you come for a massage, always remember that it is your treatment and it is always okay to ask for more or less pressure, to change the treatment plan, or to work a different area than your last massage. Massage should be a relaxing, therapeutic and beneficial experience for you every time. Client confidentiality and comfort is a priority.
Why should I get a massage?
There are many reasons people choose to have a massage. You may be referred by another health care practitioner for help with a specific diagnosis or injury. You may have an old injury still causing pain that you think it could help with. You heard that it helped a friend or family member so you would like to try it too. You are pregnant and have muscle aches and tension. Massage can benefit many people with many different health care needs and goals.
Who can get a massage?
Any person, any age, can receive a massage. As long as there are no contraindications, meaning that you could not have a massage at the time for health reasons. And as long as you or a parent/guardian/caregiver can give consent for the treatment.
Do I need to be referred by a Doctor?
Some private health insurance plans require a Doctor's referral in your file in order to pay out benefits. Some clients are referred by their Doctor because their Doctor sees a need which can be improved by massage therapy. It is okay to decide for yourself that massage therapy could benefit you as well as see your Doctor and discuss whether it is a good fit for you.
Will my private health insurance pay for my treatment?
All insurance plans pay a different percentage for massage therapy. The best way for you to know what they pay as an annual amount is to contact your insurance provider before your first treatment. MSI does not cover massage therapy and your massage receipts are not income tax deductible.
Do you direct bill?
I direct bill with Medavie Blue Cross, and some other health care providers through Telus Health. Please call for more information.
What will happen during my first treatment?
During your first treatment you will fill out a health history form, a consent form and have a physical assessment. You will be asked questions about your health, activities of daily living, your needs and outcome desires. With this information I can form a treatment plan that is right for you. All your information is kept private and confidential. Physical assessment may include, range of motion of joints, postural exam, blood pressure, and palpation (touching) of the areas of concern. After the assessment we will discuss a treatment plan, then the massage.
Why do I have to have an assessment?
An assessment helps me to understand your pain, discomfort, or other physical issues. An assessment includes questions about your daily life experience including how your specific issue feels, assessing range of motion of joints, and palpation (touching) muscles and joints. All of this ensures you will have an effective massage and a well thought out treatment plan.
Why is it important to update my health history form?
Accuracy in your health history means that you will always have a safe and effective treatment. There are many reasons that a massage should be modified or even put off until a later date. You can never include too much information. Questions included in the health history are types of allergies, medications, injuries or surgeries, activities of daily living, areas of pain, systemic conditions, etc. It is a thorough questionnaire for your protection.
How often will I need a massage?
It is different for everyone. You may initially need several treatments within a few weeks to help with a specific issue. Or you may choose to come every few weeks or months as you feel the need. I will always give my recommendation but it is up to you to decide when to come back.
Will I have to take off my clothes?
Massage is typically performed directly on the skin, however, working within your comfort level is important. During a massage the body part being treated is the only part uncovered by the sheets. Sheets are firmly tucked in at all times. Respect and privacy are of the utmost importance. There are always modifications that can be made to make sure you feel comfortable.
Does massage hurt?
Working within your comfort level with pressure is very important during a massage. Always know that you may ask to have more or less pressure, however. Massage can cause some discomfort if done on a tight or tender area. However, it is important to be able to breathe comfortably and feel relaxed during a massage. Communication is key.
How should I feel after my massage?
There are many different, normal ways to feel after a massage. Relaxed, tired, energized, refreshed, tender. Generally, people feel more relaxed and have decreased muscle tension and stiffness after a massage. This feeling can last days or weeks. And coupled with remedial exercise at home, can help bring about long term recovery and well being.
I want to relax during my massage, do I have to have a conversation with my therapist?
No. Although there will be times when it is necessary for me to ask questions, explain a technique or ask you to actively move a muscle or body part. Otherwise feel free to relax and enjoy some quiet time.
What is home care?
Home care or self care are activities or exercises that you can do at home to improve strength, increase range of motion, decrease stress, or improve the health of soft tissues. Home care is a great way to care for your body after a massage. Home care helps you help yourself and is always recommended in a way specific to your needs. All activities will be explained and demonstrated to you for a clear understanding.
When shouldn't I have a massage?
There are certain times when a massage is not indicated. Examples are: fever, uncontrolled severe high blood pressure, a contagious condition. If you are not sure, always contact your doctor or massage therapist to discuss whether your condition requires a modification to the treatment or an appointment change.
Further reading about massage therapy
Massage Therapists' Association of Nova Scotia
www.mtans.ca/
Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy
collegeofmassage.com/halifax/
Massage and Fitness Magazine
https://www.massagefitnessmag.com/
International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
https://ijtmb.org/index.php/ijtmb/index
Massage Therapy Foundation
https://massagetherapyfoundation.org/
General Swedish Massage (the type of massage I practice) is the most common type of massage and uses various techniques to treat muscles and tissues. The practitioner uses hands, forearms and elbows to apply the techniques. Massage can positively impact the health of the soft tissues and joints, aid in the healing process from certain injuries, relieve pain, relieve some symptoms of anxiety and depression and promote healthier sleep. Trained massage therapists have a strong educational foundation in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology and remedial exercise. Massage therapists do not diagnose conditions, however, if you have a diagnosis, your massage therapist can work with you to provide individualized care.
Prenatal massage is an effective and safe way to reduce maternal muscle tension, stress and anxiety. Extra pillows and wedges are used for a comfortable and safe prenatal massage. Additional care is taken prior to each prenatal massage, ie. assessing for acute swelling. These extra precautions help to ensure the health of mother and her growing baby and to provide a safe and effective massage.
Research in massage therapy promotes best practice and outcomes by the practitioner. Evidence based massage includes best current research, clinical expertise as well as client values in achieving the best possible outcome. As a member of the Massage Therapists' Association of Nova Scotia, continuous learning and research literacy in massage therapy are not only a requirement for membership but integral to the practice and ability to give proper treatment as well as client education.
As a new client you will be required to fill out a confidential health history form and have a physical assessment which includes assessing areas of pain or dysfunction, measuring ranges of motion in joints, orthopedic tests, and answering questions to help create a treatment plan that is right for you. All of this information is gathered to ensure a safe and effective treatment.
Clients are explained the risks and benefits of a massage treatment, all aspects of the treatment will be explained prior to your massage. Informed consent is an important part of the treatment and client-therapist relationship and will be asked for prior to every treatment. Communication is encouraged throughout the assessment and during treatment. If at any time you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Please Read First**
When you come for a massage, always remember that it is your treatment and it is always okay to ask for more or less pressure, to change the treatment plan, or to work a different area than your last massage. Massage should be a relaxing, therapeutic and beneficial experience for you every time. Client confidentiality and comfort is a priority.
Why should I get a massage?
There are many reasons people choose to have a massage. You may be referred by another health care practitioner for help with a specific diagnosis or injury. You may have an old injury still causing pain that you think it could help with. You heard that it helped a friend or family member so you would like to try it too. You are pregnant and have muscle aches and tension. Massage can benefit many people with many different health care needs and goals.
Who can get a massage?
Any person, any age, can receive a massage. As long as there are no contraindications, meaning that you could not have a massage at the time for health reasons. And as long as you or a parent/guardian/caregiver can give consent for the treatment.
Do I need to be referred by a Doctor?
Some private health insurance plans require a Doctor's referral in your file in order to pay out benefits. Some clients are referred by their Doctor because their Doctor sees a need which can be improved by massage therapy. It is okay to decide for yourself that massage therapy could benefit you as well as see your Doctor and discuss whether it is a good fit for you.
Will my private health insurance pay for my treatment?
All insurance plans pay a different percentage for massage therapy. The best way for you to know what they pay as an annual amount is to contact your insurance provider before your first treatment. MSI does not cover massage therapy and your massage receipts are not income tax deductible.
Do you direct bill?
I direct bill with Medavie Blue Cross, and some other health care providers through Telus Health. Please call for more information.
What will happen during my first treatment?
During your first treatment you will fill out a health history form, a consent form and have a physical assessment. You will be asked questions about your health, activities of daily living, your needs and outcome desires. With this information I can form a treatment plan that is right for you. All your information is kept private and confidential. Physical assessment may include, range of motion of joints, postural exam, blood pressure, and palpation (touching) of the areas of concern. After the assessment we will discuss a treatment plan, then the massage.
Why do I have to have an assessment?
An assessment helps me to understand your pain, discomfort, or other physical issues. An assessment includes questions about your daily life experience including how your specific issue feels, assessing range of motion of joints, and palpation (touching) muscles and joints. All of this ensures you will have an effective massage and a well thought out treatment plan.
Why is it important to update my health history form?
Accuracy in your health history means that you will always have a safe and effective treatment. There are many reasons that a massage should be modified or even put off until a later date. You can never include too much information. Questions included in the health history are types of allergies, medications, injuries or surgeries, activities of daily living, areas of pain, systemic conditions, etc. It is a thorough questionnaire for your protection.
How often will I need a massage?
It is different for everyone. You may initially need several treatments within a few weeks to help with a specific issue. Or you may choose to come every few weeks or months as you feel the need. I will always give my recommendation but it is up to you to decide when to come back.
Will I have to take off my clothes?
Massage is typically performed directly on the skin, however, working within your comfort level is important. During a massage the body part being treated is the only part uncovered by the sheets. Sheets are firmly tucked in at all times. Respect and privacy are of the utmost importance. There are always modifications that can be made to make sure you feel comfortable.
Does massage hurt?
Working within your comfort level with pressure is very important during a massage. Always know that you may ask to have more or less pressure, however. Massage can cause some discomfort if done on a tight or tender area. However, it is important to be able to breathe comfortably and feel relaxed during a massage. Communication is key.
How should I feel after my massage?
There are many different, normal ways to feel after a massage. Relaxed, tired, energized, refreshed, tender. Generally, people feel more relaxed and have decreased muscle tension and stiffness after a massage. This feeling can last days or weeks. And coupled with remedial exercise at home, can help bring about long term recovery and well being.
I want to relax during my massage, do I have to have a conversation with my therapist?
No. Although there will be times when it is necessary for me to ask questions, explain a technique or ask you to actively move a muscle or body part. Otherwise feel free to relax and enjoy some quiet time.
What is home care?
Home care or self care are activities or exercises that you can do at home to improve strength, increase range of motion, decrease stress, or improve the health of soft tissues. Home care is a great way to care for your body after a massage. Home care helps you help yourself and is always recommended in a way specific to your needs. All activities will be explained and demonstrated to you for a clear understanding.
When shouldn't I have a massage?
There are certain times when a massage is not indicated. Examples are: fever, uncontrolled severe high blood pressure, a contagious condition. If you are not sure, always contact your doctor or massage therapist to discuss whether your condition requires a modification to the treatment or an appointment change.
Further reading about massage therapy
Massage Therapists' Association of Nova Scotia
www.mtans.ca/
Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy
collegeofmassage.com/halifax/
Massage and Fitness Magazine
https://www.massagefitnessmag.com/
International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
https://ijtmb.org/index.php/ijtmb/index
Massage Therapy Foundation
https://massagetherapyfoundation.org/