Background and Training
Our therapists have been trained in the art of massage therapy at different schools but all have the title of Registered Massage Therapist. The style of body work that we practice incorporates Swedish massage, deep tissue massage (which reduces scar tissue caused by injuries) and relaxation massage. Our therapists’ may have been trained in specific massage techniques such as Pregnancy Massage, Sports Injury and Nutrition, Hot Stone Therapy, Joint Mobilization, Myofacial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, Sacral Cranial, Hydrotherapy and Reflexology among others. We specialize in working with people of all ages who suffer from various types of tension and pain problems. Our style of bodywork focuses in two directions:
1. Stress reduction and relaxation
2. Work with pain and injury problems.
Massage therapy is useful for a variety of pain, injury, and tension problems, but does not address serious medical conditions. After assessing a client, we may refer them to a doctor, an osteopath, chiropractor, acupuncturist, psychologist or nutritionist among other possibilities. Massage therapy is successful in working with problems related to excess tension build up, chronic pain and musculoskeletal injuries. In addition to working with pain and tension problems in the neck, back, ankle, knee, shoulder and so forth, massage therapy is very effective with people who suffer from chronic headaches, insomnia, and problems with fatigue. Conditions such as Carpal tunnel syndrome, Tendonitis, TMJ, Sciatic, Strains, Sprains, Spasms, Adhesive Capsulitis, Whiplash, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Constipation, Respiratory, and Circulation problems are a few of the conditions that massage therapy addresses. Massage therapy is also beneficial for pregnant women, and is often used as an adjunct to certain medical conditions on the recommendation of a physician (e.g.,, high blood pressure, anxiety or stress.)
Client/Practitioner Expectations
The first session begins with an interview and health history. You are asked a series of questions and an assessment is performed. Keep in mind that privacy and confidentiality are maintained at all times. During the session, clients are covered and draped with sheets and towels, uncovering only the body part to be worked on. The genitals are never exposed or massaged. Massage sessions may start with the client lying face up or face down, depending on the purpose of the session. If the session focuses on a particular injury, that body part is generally worked on first. For a regular stress-reduction session the back and neck are worked on first, followed by the legs, feet and arms. Clients can ask for different parts of the body to be worked on or not worked on, and are encouraged to discuss this with us at the beginning of the session. Some kinds of massage sessions use oil or lotion, and others do not. When Swedish massage is employed, oil/lotion is used. If you have any reactions to oils or lotions it is important to inform you therapist as soon as possible so that adjustments to what is being used can be made. During the session, clients are encouraged to relax, and inform us if anything makes them uncomfortable, either physically or psychologically. Talking may occur during the session, but often we will ask you to talk with us before or after, as the massage session may take a good deal of concentration. If something feels uncomfortable during the session, please speak up immediately. We want to know as soon as possible. The sessions don’t vary much in length. You might be sore after an injury massage session for one to two days. Be sure to tell us if this occurs. If you are sore for longer than two days, the massage therapists needs to know so that the massage can be adjusted to be gentler.
Appointment Policies·
Each session has a time limit. This includes the assessment. The first appointment, which includes a history and an assessment, lasts approximately 1 hour. If a client is late for a treatment session, the session still falls within the allotted time slot. If we are late, the session lasts the full time booked or the treatment rate is discounted. If you wish to cancel an appointment, you must do so 24 hours in advance, or you are charged for the full amount of the session unless the appointment can be filled. We have an answering machine and messages can be left there. Please include the time and date and the name of the person that you were booked with to ensure cancellation. Emergency cancellations aren’t charged for at the practitioners’ discretion. If we need to cancel an appointment, we will do so within 24 hours whenever possible. We do not do house calls. We see clients from 6:45am – 8:30 pm Mondays – Thursday, 2:30 pm – 8:30 pm Thursday and 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Saturday & Sunday (Subject to change without notice) We return phone calls in-between appointments when we are working at the clinic. If our receptionist in working, phone calls will be returned within 15 minutes.
Fees·
If during our assessment we determine with reasonable certainty that our work won’t help you, we end the session at that time and you aren’t charged for the initial appointment. Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made prior to treatment. We accept, Cash, Cheques, Debit, MasterCard and Visa. We do not bill clients nor provide direct billing for insurance other than Veterans Affairs and RCMP claims. There is a $25.00 NSF fee for any returned cheques. Sometimes private insurance companies reimburse clients for our services. It is best to get in touch with your insurance company to see if our services are covered by your provider. We provide you with a receipt but can’t guarantee that your visit will be covered by your insurance provider. Fees are generally not raised more than once per year
Professionalism·
Our profession ascribes to a code of ethical behavior, which is available upon request. We follow all of the statements in this ethical code and have strong beliefs that practitioners and their clients shouldn’t engage in intimate social relationships. We are governed by many acts and those acts are administered by the CMTO (College of Massage Therapists of Ontario). These acts are in place for your (the public’s) protection. RMT’s (Registered Massage Therapists) in Ontario must abide by the laws as set out by these acts. Personal and professional boundaries are respected at all times. We perform services for which we are qualified (professionally, physically and emotionally) and able to do, and refer to appropriate specialists when work in not within our scope of practice or not in the clients best interest. We customize our treatment to meet the client’s needs. We keep accurate records and review charts before each session. We respect all clients regardless of their age, gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, body type, political affiliation, state of health and personal habits. We reserve the right to refrain from working on a person who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Sexual harassment is not tolerated. If the practitioner’s safety feels compromised, the session is stopped immediately.
PPE and Sanitation Measures
Core Elements Massage Therapists follow all guidelines advised through Ontario Health. Hand washing protocols are done before every assessment, treatment and post treatment. We have always been dedicated to the cleanliness of our space but now we are raising or standard to comply with Covid-19 Ontario Health guidelines.
