Non-Registered Massage

Non-Registered Massage Providers (Bodyworkers) are massage providers who are not currently registered with the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia. In many cases, Bodyworkers are individuals who are currently completing their schooling/waiting for the results of their licensing exam to become a Registered Massage Therapist in the future. However, there are also individuals who train specifically for a career as a Bodyworker. 

Is non-registered massage right for me?

  • If you require massage but do not have or have run out of extended health benefits, non-registered massage is offered at a reduced rate and may be a great option for you! See rates below. 
  • Our one-on-one non-registered massage fits your schedule, comfort level, and symptoms. 
  • Our non-registered massage providers are experienced in using a wide variety of hands-on techniques to treat the causes of problems, not just the symptoms.

How does the billing work?

As bodyworkers are not registered with The College of Registered Massage Therapists of BC, the associated fees ARE NOT billable to any third party. This means that ICBC, WSBC, MSP, PBC, Canada Life etc. will not cover this service.

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Non-Registered Massage Service and Fee Schedule

Rates Effective September 18, 2023

Type Description Fee
Private 60 minute (Not Eligible for Coverage) $70* (Not Eligible for Coverage)
ICBC Not Eligible for Coverage Not Eligible for Coverage
MSP Premium Assistance Not Eligible for Coverage Not Eligible for Coverage
Extended Health Benefit Plans Not Eligible for Coverage Not Eligible for Coverage

*Non-Registered Massage services are GST taxable.

Click here for Registered Massage Therapy Rates.

Meet your Non-Registered Massage Provider

Learn more about non-registered massage

Non-Registered Massage is a great fit for patients who are dealing with muscle tension and stiffness, whether it’s due to stress, anxiety, injury, posture, etc. Non-Registered Massage utilizes several therapeutic techniques that can be helpful for those dealing with high blood pressure, muscle tension and/or headaches. Non-registered massage also offers full body relaxation and much more. Pressure can vary from superficial to deep. Our providers believe in treating the root of your problem, not just the symptoms. We’re here to help you achieve your health goals so you can live your life to its fullest.

How should I prepare for my non-registered massage appointment?

On your first visit to Total Therapy, you will be asked to fill out our online intake form. Please complete this prior to your appointment. Please arrive ten minutes before your scheduled appointment time to allow yourself sufficient time to find parking and get checked in. If you are unsure whether Non-Registered Massage would be beneficial to you, please consult with your current health care provider or give us a call and ask to speak with one of our Non-Registered Massage provider.

What is a non-registered massage appointment like at Total Therapy?

At Total Therapy, your massage provider takes the time to make sure that their treatment is tailored to meet your personal health goals. During your initial interview, your massage provider will ask you questions about your current and past health history, activities, and work demands to develop an effective treatment plan. Good communication is an important part of this process. After the initial interview, your massage provider will instruct you on how to position yourself on the table, and then will leave the room to provide you with privacy to get undressed to a level with which you are comfortable. Each room at our North Burnaby and Metrotown locations is fully private, with ergonomically-designed padded, heated tables, and is prepared with fresh linens prior to your arrival. Once you are positioned comfortably under the sheets, your massage provider will re-enter the room. During the session, your massage provider will maintain an open dialogue with you to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the session, and that the treatment provided meets your needs. As a part of your session, your massage provider may also include instruction on exercises or stretches to perform at home to maximize the treatment’s effectiveness. 

What should I expect afterward?

After your session, you will likely feel a sense of relaxation and relief, and a decrease in muscle tension/aches. In some cases, you may temporarily feel a mild sense of fatigue. Others report feeling energized. Your massage provider may recommend follow-up home care like fluids, heat or cold, or stretches/exercises to maximize the treatment effect. If you are still feeling pain or discomfort, it is important to stick to the treatment plan your massage provider recommended as sometimes more than one treatment is necessary for a desired result.

How will I progress?

  • Your non-registered massage provider will teach you therapeutic exercises and stretches to perform at home, helping you get the most out of your massage.
  • You are encouraged to reach out to your provider should you have any questions about your progress/treatment.

Is it safe to combine non-registered massage with other types of treatments?

Non- registered massage can be an effective complement to different therapies (e.g. physiotherapy, chiropractic, active rehabilitation), and can enhance or extend the therapeutic effects of other treatments. However, in some cases it may be more appropriate to have certain types of treatment sessions precede others (e.g. massage therapy prior to chiropractic treatment, or active rehabilitation prior to massage therapy). Keep an open dialogue with your massage provider if you are thinking about pursuing a multidisciplinary treatment plan. At Total Therapy, we work hard to deliver services as a team, and you’re an important part of it.

I’m pregnant. How can non-registered massage benefit me?

We are currently not providing pre-natal massage therapy through our non-registered massage service. 

However, massage is a wonderful way to relax, relieve pain and discomfort, and help you cope with stress and fatigue during pregnancy. If you are looking for a pre-natal massage, please book with our Registered Massage Therapists.

During pregnancy, your body undergoes several changes, including weight gain and postural shifts. This results in extra pressure on your joints and more strain on your muscles. Massage helps relieve muscle and joint discomfort associated with these changes. Non-registered massage is also a natural therapeutic option for the management of certain chronic conditions and prevention of illness. Regularly scheduled massage treatments are particularly essential since many medications that are considered relatively safe to control symptoms and discomfort (such as pain killers, anti-inflammatories, laxatives, sleeping pills) are not recommended (or desirable) to take during pregnancy. Talk with your massage provider to determine what treatment plan is appropriate for you.

Are there any situations in which non-registered massage would not be appropriate for me?

Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that you complete your health history questionnaire in detail and go through an assessment with your massage provider prior to treatment. It is very important that you inform your massage provider of any health problems you have had or are currently dealing with, or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it may help the massage specialist to have a referral from your doctor to describe your medical condition or recommend care. This way, your massage provider will be able to work with your doctor to treat you more effectively.

Should I tip?

Although a tip is a gracious gesture, since we are a medical facility, we are unable to accept tips. Your return visits are the best reward and your referral is always most appreciated.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

  • 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 provider can provide a safe and effective treatment

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