What to Expect from Your First Appointment
What to Expect From Your First Massage Therapy Appointment
BlogImage
Are you curious about massage therapy, but not sure what to expect at the first appointment? This article goes through the common parts of a massage therapy appointment so you know what to expect and can get the best possible treatment. Massage therapy can help reduce your pain, improve function, or get back to doing the things love without pain. Massage therapy has a variety of benefits, and a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) will help make your treatment as comfortable and effective as possible.
Finding an RMT
The first step is ensuring you find a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in your area. RMTs are regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). You can determine if someone is an RMT by searching the CMTO “Look Before You Book” page which can be accessed on their website. This site will show you whether the individual is currently authorized to practice massage therapy, information about their education and about any past discipline/suspensions.
The CMTO is also the organization that manages continuing education for RMTs, is responsible for entry to practice requirements and investigates any complaints made about an RMT.
Filling Out Health History Information
Once you have found an RMT and have booked an appointment, in advance of your appointment your RMT will ask you to fill out information about your health history, including any injuries or surgeries, medications taken, and your primary area of concern that led you to visit an RMT. This is so the RMT knows as much as possible about you, your health, and your condition, so they can provide you with the best possible treatment. This personal health information and is kept confidential.
Part of your pre-visit intake may also include an acknowledgement that your read and understood the RMT’s cancellation policy, and an opportunity to indicate whether you consent for your information to be shared with third parties where relevant (e.g. insurance companies), or whether you consent for the RMT to send you emails.
Informed Consent
Your RMT will ask you questions to gain a deeper understanding of your conditions and concerns, as part of their assessment. Based on their assessment, they will propose a treatment plan, including any further assessment they would like to do. This includes the parts of the body they intend to work on, the potential benefits and potential drawbacks to treatments, how many treatments they think will be necessary and what results you can anticipate. They should also be able to provide you with alternative options and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
The RMT can also discuss options for draping/clothing. A massage therapy treatment can be done with the patient fully clothed, so if you would be more comfortable with that option, discuss that option with your RMT.
Even though you have provided your consent prior to treatment, the RMT will pause or stop the treatment at any time at your request.
Consent for Sensitive Areas
If your RMT determines based on their assessment that treatment of a sensitive area is recommended (e.g., breasts, chest wall, buttocks, upper or inner thigh, or gluteal region), you RMT will initiate a discussion about the benefits, risks, and alternatives to the treatment of the sensitive area, as part of their conversation to obtain your informed consent. After going through the informed consent process, you would like to proceed with the treatment of the sensitive area, you are required to sign a written consent form before starting the treatment.
Beginning the Treatment
Once you have provided consent for treatment, the RMT will leave the room to allow you to undress to the level you’ve discussed and get on the table under the sheet. Your RMT will check in with you regularly to ensure the pressure is to the level you’d prefer, and to ask how you are feeling about the treatment in general. Your treatment will typically begin face down, and then you will be asked to turn to your back to treat other areas. You will remain appropriately draped the whole time, and there may be some variation based on the RMT’s treatment plan and your preferences. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort at any time throughout the treatment, you should let the RMT know so they can adjust.
The RMT should take your lead on how much (or how little) conversation you’d prefer outside of asking about the treatment. The RMT will check in with you regularly throughout the treatment to ensure that you are comfortable and invite you to share any questions or concerns.
Many people choose to undress leaving on only their underwear for a massage therapy treatment. In these situations, you will be draped to cover any part of your body that is not currently being assessed or treated (except for the shoulders, neck, face, and head). The RMT will clearly explain what part of the body they will be assessing or treating. The RMT will also explain how to best position yourself for assessment and treatment to ensure your privacy, safety, and comfort.
After the Massage
The RMT will let you know when they are finished with the massage and leave the room to allow you time to comfortably get off the table and get dressed if applicable. The RMT will check in with you to see how you are feeling. They will also often give you advice on self-care you can complete at home between treatments. This can include demonstrating stretches and letting you know how often they recommend you complete them or demonstrating self-massage techniques. The RMT will ask if you would like to book any of the other treatments they recommended. The RMT will then settle the payment, whether that is directly submitting your claim to your extended health benefits company on your behalf, or requesting payment from you. Your RMT will then provide a receipt for your payment as well as a massage therapy treatment receipt, which you can submit to your extended health benefits company, if applicable.
Follow Up
After your appointment some RMTs will follow up with you to ask how you’re doing and whether you have any additional questions or concerns. If you consented to receiving emails from your RMT as part of your initial intake process, they may also send you emails with information about new additions to their practice. If you’ve booked another visit, your RMT will remind you of your next appointment in advance, which they likely also did prior to your first appointment.
This is just a general overview of everything you can expect in a massage therapy treatment. Your RMT will do their best to ensure you understand the treatment they are proposing, and ensure you always feel as comfortable as possible. This also helps your RMT to provide you with the best possible treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, you should ask your RMT directly. If you’re looking for an RMT, you can find one in your area by visiting RMTFind.com and searching by postal code.