Below you will find answers to many of Rain Wellness’ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). Need a question answered? Please contact us, and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have regarding Rain Wellness and/or our treatments.
1. Do I need a doctor’s referral to get a massage?
2. Does my insurance cover the cost of massage?
3. Does your clinic offer any special accommodations for people with disabilities?
4. What should I expect from my first massage therapy visit?
5. Do I need to remove my clothing to have a massage?
6. Do I need to be injured or have a health condition to get a massage?
8. I’m afraid massage will hurt; I’ve heard of people having unpleasant experiences; why?
10. Should I tip?
11. What should I expect after a treatment?
12. What else is necessary besides treatment?
1. Do I need a doctor’s referral to get a massage?
Registered Massage Therapists are recognized healthcare providers in British Columbia, and therefore no doctor’s referral is necessary. However, do check with your insurance companies for complete coverage, because some do require a doctor’s referral after a certain number of visits.
2. Does my insurance cover the cost of massage?
If you qualify, MSP will cover $23.00 of your massage therapy visits up to 10 visits per year. There are also many 3rd party insurance plans that provide excellent coverage for massage therapy by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). Please consult your extended health care booklet or contact your human resources coordinator to confirm coverage and any limits that might be applicable. Policies typically have a percentage of coverage or a maximum of up to a certain dollar amount (e.g. 80% coverage up to a total of $500 per calendar year). At Rain Wellness, we directly bill many insurance companies. For non-direct bill companies, our policy requires that you pay for your visit upfront; we will then give you a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
3. Does your clinic offer any special accommodations for people with disabilities?
Yes, we welcome those who may need extra support or care during their visit. We have free parking and ground-floor entry for those using a walker or wheelchair. We have hydraulic tables to accommodate most people and our staff have been trained to properly assist in transferring. If you need assistance to fill out your pre-treatment paperwork, we are happy to help.
4. What should I expect from my first massage therapy visit?
Your appointment will begin by filling out a confidential health history form to establish your current level of health and ensure there are no contraindications to massage therapy. This is followed by an interview and assessment by your massage therapist to understand your individual health needs. Following the assessment, the therapist will leave the room, allowing you to disrobe and get into position on the massage table (covered by a sheet). The therapist will re-enter the room and perform the treatment. When the therapist is finished, he/she will leave the room, allowing you privacy to dress. Once you are dressed, the therapist will meet with you to educate you on home care to further assist you in your wellness goals.
5. Do I need to remove my clothing to have a massage?
While some techniques do work better with direct skin contact, you only need to undress to what you are comfortable with. You will always have complete privacy while undressing and dressing. During treatment, you will always be covered—only the targeted area will be exposed. Your comfort and relaxation is the most important thing.
6. Do I need to be injured or have a health condition to get a massage?
A health condition or injury is not a prerequisite for massage treatment. Massage therapy can be for everyone as it benefits your overall mind and body.
7. I am very sensitive and only want a gentle relaxation massage; can RMTs (Registered Massage Therapists) do this type of massage?
Yes, RMTs were first trained to only do relaxation massages. When using an RMT for your relaxation massage, you can count on receiving the best of both worlds. At Rain Wellness, we have the knowledge and experience to help you get the most relaxing massage ever, and if, for some reason, during your session, you find a “sore” area you would like more work on, then we would be happy to spend some extra time treating the “problem” area.
8. I’m afraid massage will hurt; I’ve heard of people having unpleasant experiences; why?
This is a very unfortunate yet very real dilemma with many clients. The number one cause of a painful treatment is due to a lack of communication from both the therapist and the patient. Unfortunately, many patients feel uncomfortable telling the therapist to “lighten the pressure” or that a treatment is “too painful”, regardless if the therapist asks, “Is the pressure okay?” At Rain Wellness, we have made it mandatory for each of our therapists to introduce a “pain scale” with every patient, no matter what. We have found that patients are better able to communicate their pain levels to their therapist without feeling uncomfortable in doing so by using this method.
Ultimately, you are in charge of your treatment and have the power to change any aspect of it, from the amount of clothing worn, pressure used, therapist chosen, and areas being treated. We work for you!
9. When will I feel better?
Usually, you’ll feel less pain and stress within four treatments. Some people will feel better after just one treatment. It depends on your initial health, how serious your condition is and how dedicated you are to recommended self-maintenance routines. Many times feeling better is a matter of changing your body mechanics and ergonomics at home and/or work.
10. Should I tip?
Massage Therapists are health professionals (licensed under the Health Practitioners Act – the same law that governs physicians, chiropractors, physiotherapists etc…), and tipping is not expected or necessary. Your return visits are the best reward, and your referral is always appreciated.
11. What should I expect after a treatment?
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. Often times depending on the severity of tension or soft tissue damage, your RMT may recommend a series of treatments or even recommend you see other health care professionals.
12. 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 do certain exercises and 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 in your improvement.