FAQs

I am a registered massage therapist which means I successfully received my license to practice as a RMT in BC by the College of Massage Therapists of BC.  My license number will be on your receipt and the treatment will be accepted by your provider.

A typical massage consists of 3 components:  assessing your health and concerns, treatment, reassessment and possible exercises.  Each time we meet I’ll check in with you on how you’re doing and what brings you in.  An assessment of your body appropriate to your concerns will also be completed.  The treatment itself is generally on the table under the sheets and you can either chat or not.  At the end of the treatment we will touch base again and I may reassess your concern or give you helpful exercises.

This is very much dependent on what brings you in, the time you have and finances.  The initial treatment is a minimum of 60 min to give us enough time to know each other and give you a satisfying treatment.  Subsequent treatments are generally 60 min as well although they can be shorter or longer.  30 min appointments are only available booking directly with me as there are only a few situations where this short time slot is sufficient.

This depends on what brings you in, the time available and finances.  If the injury is more acute, such as a kink in the neck, more treatments during a shorter interval is generally recommended.  As a person’s condition progresses than treatments can decrease and spread out more over time.  For general maintenance, it is completely dependent on the person’s preference.  Factors such as cost of treatments is also taken into consideration and we will work together to make the most of what is available.  

If you have booked an appointment, and need to cancel it for any reason, please let me know with one full business days’ notice (24hrs) of the scheduled time.  If are unable to do this, or if you forget, you will be charged the entire cost of the appointment.   As health care professional, I take your health very seriously and ask that you respect my time and expertise by allowing enough time for your spot to be filled if you need to change or cancel your appointment.  I understand that unfortunately extenuating events do happen and under those circumstances the fee will be reassessed and likely removed.

I do provide treatments for clients with MSP as well as those who are RCMP or Veterans.  For ease of processing your treatment, please inform me at the earliest possibility of your status as certain information and forms may be required prior to your first appointment.  For more detailed information on coverage I recommend either emailing or calling me directly.  The wonderful receptionists at Hartwell Clinic are quite knowledgeable and can also answer your questions on a timely manner.

There is never too old.  Massage is helpful for the elderly as it helps with circulation, maintain joint function and aid in feeling good overall.  For children, I recommend a parent be with the child during the first assessment and treatment if under 13 years of age.  Massage for children is a wonderful way to learn the importance of self-care at a young age.

Rates, services and accessibility are key differences.  Rates at home are slightly less because I have less maintenance costs compared to Hartwell which has full time reception and offers other services such as infrared sauna and physiotherapy or kinesiology.  My home clinic is a quieter, more serene space and ability to walk without restriction is necessary as there are two flights of stairs to reach the treatment room.

This is in large part dependent on what you are comfortable with and what is being treated.  Generally, most clients dress down to their underwear which allows the therapist to have easy access to the body’s muscles to massage.  Some clients choose to keep their bra or socks on.  However, if the treatment is in the upper body (neck, shoulders) then some clients choose to keep their pants on.  I always tell clients that as long as the clothes item do not interfere with the treatment and are not uncomfortable then they can be kept on.  

If you are paying independently for the treatment then you do not not need a doctor’s referral.  Those with extended health benefits should contact their insurance provider to know whether the insurer requires a doctor’s referral before covering any massage treatments.