Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does OHIP cover Massage Therapy treatments?
2. How do I find out if I have coverage?
3. If my spouse has coverage, could I be covered under their plan?
4. Do I need a referral from my doctor?
5. I was recently in a car accident; will my car insurance pay for massage treatments?
6. How do I pay for massage therapy treatments?
7. How often do I need to go, and how long will I have to keep going for massage?
8. How long will my appointment last?
9. What areas are worked on during a typical full body massage treatment?
10. What do I wear?
11. What does R.M.T. stand for?
12. What is the difference between a masseuse, and an R.M.T.?
13. What is the difference between someone who is "licensed", "certified" or "registered"?
14. I am nervous about receiving a massage. What can I expect?
15. Do I have to see the same therapist each time I go for massage?

 

1. Does OHIP cover Massage Therapy treatments?

No, massage is not covered by OHIP, although many extended health care insurance companies cover massage. Check with your employer or insurance company to see if you have coverage.

2. How do I find out if I have coverage?

You can find out a few different ways. If you have an employee handbook, it may indicate whether or not you have coverage. You can also ask your employer. Another way is to phone the insurance company directly. Be sure to have your Group and ID numbers handy. Ask them:

• How much coverage do you have, if any?
• Is there any deductible? Is it per calendar year (i.e.: January-December)?
• Do they cover a certain amount per visit or up to a maximum per year?
• Is a medical doctor's note required?

You should confirm with your insurance company if the coverage applies to you individually. Check to see if your spouse or children also have coverage under your plan.

3. If my spouse has coverage, could I be covered under their plan?

If your spouse is covered and you are listed on their plan, then you generally have coverage.If you also have coverage through your own employer, you must use it up first before claiming on your spouse's plan. If you have no coverage or have used up all of your own coverage, and your spouse does not want to use their own, you cannot claim it in their place. Also, gift certificates can not be purchased using insurance coverage.

4. Do I need a referral from my doctor?

If you will be using your insurance coverage, then yes, you generally require a doctor's note. To be sure, ask your employer or phone your insurance company to ask. If you are not using insurance coverage and are paying for the massage yourself (out of pocket), you do not need a doctor's note.

5. I was recently in a car accident; will my car insurance pay for massage treatments?

Your car insurance will pay for accident related injuries upon approval of a treatment plan filled out by a Registered Massage Therapist. On your initial visit you will need to bring the following information:

• Adjusters name, address, phone, fax number
• Policy and Claim numbers
• Names of medications you are taking
• Extended health insurance information (if you have coverage)

After your initial assessment visit (usually one to one and a half hours), the treatment plan form will be filled out by your therapist and submitted to your insurance adjuster for approval. It will contain information regarding goals of treatment, frequency, time frame and estimated cost. The insurance company will be invoiced directly for treatments so you do not have to pay out of pocket. If you also have extended health insurance coverage, most car insurance companies will require you to use up the other coverage first before they will start to pay. A treatment plan will still need to be filled out either way.

6. How do I pay for massage therapy treatments?

You may pay by cash, personal cheque, Visa, Mastercard, Amex or Interac.

7. How often do I need to go, and how long will I have to keep going for massage?

It really depends on the individual and their particular condition. Generally, in acute conditions, massage therapy is most beneficial when used over a series of treatments and then followed up with maintenance or preventative treatments. For example, if you were in a serious car accident, you may need to come two-three times per week for 12 weeks before “graduating” to a more relaxed schedule of once per week and then once per month. On the other hand, if you are looking for stress relief or relaxation, once a month may suffice.

Factors such as pain level, availability, finances, insurance coverage and your body’s healing time will affect your decision. After going over your health history with you and treating you, your therapist can give you a recommendation as to how often they think you should come. Ultimately the decision is yours.

8. How long will my appointment last?

Again, the decision is ultimately yours. However, for your first appointment, we recommend one hour. This gives your therapist time to go through your health history as well as perform any necessary assessment and testing, while still allotting a fair amount of time for hands on treatment. This will also give your therapist a chance to see what areas require more focused work. If you think you would like a full body massage, it usually takes one hour. If you would like us to concentrate on a specific area only (i.e.: just neck and shoulders or just lower back), then a half-hour could be sufficient.

9. What areas are worked on during a typical full body massage treatment?

A full body massage generally includes your back, the back of your legs and feet, front of your legs, arms and hands, neck, shoulders, face and scalp. It can also include your buttock muscles and abdomen if you wish. More focused treatments would only include the area that needs to be treated. You and your therapist can decide together what areas will be treated before your treatment commences. Your genitals will never be touched. Women can request breast massage to treat specific pathological conditions. Please e-mail or call if you have any questions.

10. What do I wear?

You can wear as much or as little clothing as you wish. Whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. A sheet will cover you at all times, uncovering only the area being worked on. Most people just wear their underpants, some prefer to wear nothing, some women leave their bra on, some people bring shorts, and others are fully clothed. It really is up to you. We would rather have you fully clothed and comfortable than totally unclothed and nervous. It is difficult to relax if you are nervous about what you are (or are not) wearing during your massage. Generally, a lubricant (cream or oil) is applied to the skin to allow the therapists hands to glide smoothly over the area being treated. This is why removal of clothing is suggested (but not mandatory).

11. What does R.M.T. stand for?

R.M.T. stands for Registered Massage Therapist. Some therapists use the designation M.T. for Massage Therapist which is equivalent to R.M.T. Currently, to become an RMT in Ontario, one must follow 2200 hours of training (including at least 150 clinical hours) in an accredited educational institution recognized by the Government of Ontario. A Massage Therapy student must study and pass courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Physical Assessment, Neurology, Treatments, Hydrotherapy, Remedial Exercise, Kinesiology, Development & Research, and Ethics.

RMTs are examined and registered by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Massage Therapy Act. The CMTO requires that RMTs possess professional liability insurance. All the therapists at the OPTC are Registered Massage Therapists.

12. What is the difference between a masseuse and an R.M.T.?

Masseuse and masseur are names that were used by some people before regulation under a government body. In 1994, the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) started assigning the R.M.T. designation. If someone does massage and calls themselves a masseuse, then they are not registered, cannot provide insurance receipts and may not be providing safe or therapeutic massage treatments.

13. What is the difference between someone who is "licensed", "certified" or "registered"?

Someone who says they are "licensed" or "certified" is not the same as someone who is "registered".  They generally do not possess liability insurance and may have trained for less than 2200 hours. They are not covered by extended health or car accident insurance and are not regulated by the CMTO. It is illegal for someone who is not registered to say that they provide “Massage Therapy” and they cannot use the titles “R.M.T.” or “M.T.”

All RMTs have a photo I.D. card that includes their registration number. RMTs are also required to display their Certificate of Registration at their primary place of practice. If you are uncertain of a person's credentials, always ask to see their photo ID card or Certificate of Registration. You can also ask if they can provide you with an insurance receipt and if they cannot, they are not registered.

14. I am nervous about receiving a massage. What can I expect?

It is not uncommon for first time clients to come in and tell us that they are nervous. Rest assured that we will work within your comfort zone and that you are in charge of your treatment. You can ask us to stop or modify your treatment at any time before, during or after. We will do our very best to accommodate you and make you comfortable.

15. Do I have to see the same therapist each time I go for massage?

It is up to you. You can always see the same therapist or you can switch at any time. One therapist may have a schedule that is more compatible with your own or they may specialize in a certain treatment or modality which makes them more appealing to you and your particular condition. We are happy that you have chosen the OPTC for your health care needs and you will not offend us if you prefer to switch to another therapist.