Registered Massage Therapy – Burnaby | Vancouver

Appointments

Due to the nature of Total Therapy’s multi-disciplinary approach, there are a variety of practitioners on staff all with different schedules. While we can sometimes accommodate last minute requests, the best way to secure an appointment that best fits your schedule is to call ahead. Otherwise, you can pre-book your next appointment after your initial visit. You may do so by calling the clinic at 604-437-9355.

We understand that due to unforeseen circumstances, you may not be able to make a scheduled appointment. If you know that you will not be able to keep a scheduled appointment, please kindly provide at least 24hr notice to avoid a possible cancellation fee. This allows us to fill your spot with another valued client who is on our waiting list.

*Please note, we do not provide massage therapy service for WorkSafe BC claims.*

Introduction to Massage

Registered Massage Therapists (RMT’s) in British Columbia are health care professionals committed to restoring and maintaining optimal health and pain-free function of the body. They are educated and trained to accurately assess and provide treatment with techniques which include, but are not limited to: massage and manual therapy, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy and rehabilitative exercise such as stretching, strengthening, postural exercise and patient education.

RMT’s in BC are members of a self-regulating health care profession and are legislated by the government under the BC Health Professions Act. The scope of practice for massage therapy in BC provides mandatory standards and guidelines for every RMT. RMT’s undergo a rigorous 3000-hr intensive program of study culminating in their ability to challenge the College of Massage Therapists of BC certification exams. RMT’s are required to undergo on-going educational upgrades to continually enhance their skills.

What is Massage?

The practice of massage therapy is the assessment and treatment of the soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia) and joints of the body. This is achieved primarily through manipulation of the soft tissues and joints to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function. In addition, various forms of hydrotherapy, remedial exercises and/or other self-care programs are used in conjunction to enhance the treatment results. When any of these tissue types are not in their proper place or alignment, massage can help to bring them back to where they should be. For example, shortened muscles can be lengthened, lesions on tendons can be reduced and tight fascia can be stretched out, all to allow for better biomechanical movement.

Benefits of Massage

While massage therapists are often perceived by the general public to only perform relaxation massages, most, if not all RMT’s, however, provide many of their clients with specific, treatment-focused massages which are designed to treat many common musculoskeletal injuries, neurological symptoms and respiratory conditions. Below is a list of some of the major benefits and commonly treated conditions.

• Helps relieve stress and aids in relaxation and reduction of anxiety
• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness by softening injured and/or overused muscles
• Helps alleviate tension related headaches and effects of eye-strain
• Promotes faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments by reducing pain, swelling and excessive scar tissue
• Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing
• Releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is being incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain
• Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs
• Reduces blood pressure
• Improves posture
• Strengthens the immune system
• Beneficial during pregnancy and helps alleviate labour discomfort

Commonly Treated Conditions

Registered Massage Therapists have experience working with a wide variety of conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Cerebral Palsy
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Epilepsy
• Fibromyalgia
• Flat Feet
• Hemiplegia
• Kyphosis
• Lordosis
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Osteoporosis
• Parkinsonism
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Polio
• Pregnancy
• Repetitive Strain Injury
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Shin Splints
• Sinusitis
• Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
• Tendonitis
• Whiplash
• Wry Neck/Torticolis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first appointment like?

You will begin your first appointment by filling out a health intake form. Please arrive about 5-10 minutes early to allow time for this. Alternatively, you may choose to access these forms online (Download New Patient Form). Feel free to print them out and complete them prior to your arrival which will help avoid any delays to your treatment. After this is complete, you will be introduced to your therapist who will lead you to your massage room. He or she will ask you any questions pertinent to the session after reviewing your intake form. The therapist will then instruct you how to position yourself on the massage table, and will leave the room while you undress to your comfort level.

You will relax on a padded table designed for stability and comfort and cover yourself with the sheet and/or blanket. The room will be warm and quiet, with soft music to set a relaxing mood. Upon the therapists return, the session will begin. The massage is done with professional massage lotions or light oils that are good for your skin and absorb easily. If you have any particular allergies, please advise your therapist. Some forms of massage do not require the use of oil or lotion. The therapist will begin by stroking your body with slow, even strokes. He or she will ask you if the level of pressure is to your liking. Remember, the more feedback that you give, the better the massage will be for you. A typical one-hour massage covers the neck, back, arms, legs, face, upper chest and scalp. Some clients like to receive massage over their stomach area, some do not, so please communicate your likes and dislikes with the therapist. If you have any sensitive or ticklish areas that you want avoided, tell the therapist. You can talk during your session, or remain quiet. After your massage is finished, you will be given privacy while you dress.

What should I expect afterward?

After the session, most people feel extremely relaxed and sometimes feel a little fatigued. Many experience freedom from aches and pains that have built up over weeks and months from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, clients often experience an increase in energy that can last for several days.

How long is a session?

An hour is the usual length of your treatment. This gives time for a deeply relaxing full body massage, or a more in-depth work on a particular area, for example back, neck and shoulders. Note: An hour is usually recommended for all first time clients. This enables the therapist some extra time to interview the client and determine if appropriate assessment is required to help structure the current and any on-going treatments.

What will the room be like?

Our rooms are cozy, clean and comforting. We strive to create a relaxing atmosphere for clients by using freshly laundered sheets, soft lighting and relaxing music.

Do I have to get undressed?

In the case of general, or relaxation, or what is often called “Swedish” massage, there is an almost universal procedure among massage therapists. You are asked to undress to whatever point you are comfortable. Most clients choose to undress entirely or choose to leave on their underpants. Whatever you choose, the massage therapist will act in a professional manner, and will provide you with a relaxing experience, no matter what your level of undress. Some clothing may, however, interfere with the natural flow of massage, and preclude the use of certain techniques and/or lotions.

The massage therapist leaves the room and gives you sufficient time to undress. You get onto the table under a sheet to cover yourself. During the massage, only the part of your body currently being worked on is uncovered. When necessary to change your lying position during treatment, the therapist will first make sure that you remain properly covered and then tell you what to do (such as turning over). Our massage therapists are well-trained in draping techniques.

If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of the massage, you should inform the therapist immediately.

What else is necessary besides treatment?

You will be in the treatment room for approximately an hour. How you spend the other 23 hours of the day also influences your recovery and therefore, requires some attention. You might be advised to do or not to do certain exercises, apply heat or ice packs. In some cases, altering your occupational and recreational activities might be necessary. Your therapist will make recommendations for your condition to assist your improvement.

Will you instruct me in any stretching exercise that might be helpful for my condition?

Since we would like to find out how you respond to the massage treatment alone, we rarely ask you to start any exercise regime during the first visit. At some point, your therapist may feel you will benefit by doing certain stretching or strengthening exercises at your home or office. In this case, he or she may recommend a specific exercise for your condition. Please note that time spent for exercise instruction is during your session. Therefore your actual time being massaged will be shortened accordingly. It is also important to note that exercise will not provide any benefit unless you are committed to do it regularly and following the instructions. In case you are not ready for this or already have someone looking after you in this area, please do not hesitate to inform the therapist.

Are there different types of massage?

There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement reeducation, application of pressure to specific points, stretching and more. The most effective treatments incorporate a variety of treatment modalities to best treat each individuals needs.

What are the benefits of massage during pregnancy?

Massage is a wonderful way to relax, relieve pain and discomfort, and help you cope with stress and fatigue during pregnancy. Massage helps relieve pain in your muscles and joints that must support extra weight and helps increase flexibility, making it easier for your body to adjust to additional weight. Massage therapy is one of the ideal natural therapies for management of chronic conditions and prevention of illness. Regularly scheduled massage treatments are particularly essential since many medications that are considered relatively safe or acceptable to control these symptoms and discomforts (such as pain killers, anti-inflammatory, laxatives, sleeping pills) are not recommended (or desirable) to take during pregnancy.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage inadvisable?

Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that you complete your health history questionnaire in detail and allow your therapist to ask you general health questions. It is very important that you inform your therapist of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it may help the therapist to have a referral to describe your medical condition so your healthcare providers can work together as a team to treat you most effectively.

Does my insurance cover the cost of massage?

Many insurance plans provide excellent coverage for massage therapy by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). At Total Therapy, we kindly request that you pay for your visit up front. We will provide you with a detailed receipt that you can then submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Please call us for more information on MSP as well as ICBC and WCB claims coverage.

Should I tip?

Our massage therapists are health professionals (licensed under the Health Practitioners Act-the same law that governs physicians, dentists, etc.) and tipping is not expected or necessary. Your return visits are the best reward and your referral is always most appreciated.

Who does the massage at the Total Therapy?

At Total Therapy, your massage will be given by a Massage Therapist registered in British Columbia. Currently, the BC licensing program to becoming a registered massage therapist is a 3000 hour course, followed by the provincial board exam. In addition, therapists must complete additional on-going training to further enhance their knowledge and maintain quality standards.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Client

• You have the right to be treated in a considerate and respectful manner
• You have the right to confidentiality and privacy both during and post-treatment
• You have the right to participate in and make decisions about your treatment plan prior to and during the actual treatment
• You have the right to modify or terminate the treatment at anytime
• You have the right to determine the areas of your body to be massaged as well as the level of undress required to perform the massage
• You have an obligation to be provide accurate up-to-date information about your health history and any changes in your health status so that your therapist can provide a safe and effective treatment

*Please note, we do not provide massage therapy service for WorkSafe BC claims.*