Massage Therapy FAQ’s

In British Columbia, Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are medical professionals and are considered the best trained in North America. Up until 2010 Massage Therapists in BC were required to complete a comprehensive 3000 hour medically based college program.

In order to accommodate a more National scope in the Massage Therapy industry the College of Massage Therapists of BC changed the educational requirements to 2200 hours. The change in educational hours is designed to reflect education based on producing massage therapy graduates who are competent and safe.

Registered Massage Therapists are trained to assess and treat a variety of neuromuscular problems by manipulating the body’s soft tissue. Massage therapy has been documented as an alternative treatment for a wide range of conditions involving short-term and long-term pain. In addition to “hands-on-therapy,” RMTs are also trained in the use of a wide variety of techniques that help improve patient outcomes including hydrotherapy, stretching, strengthening, and postural exercises.

BC Massage Therapists are required to continually upgrade their knowledge and skills by taking courses and programs throughout their career.

All Registered Massage Therapists are governed by the College of Massage Therapists and are Regulated Health Professionals in British Columbia. Massage therapy in BC has been a regulated health care profession since 1946.

The painPRO Welcome

Aim to arrive a few minutes early.

When you arrive your therapist will generally be there to greet you. Should they still be with a patient, relax and help yourself to a glass of water and a handful of Jelly Beans.

Please fill out the Health History form located at the front desk.

For first time clients, we ask that you pay before the treatment begins. You will be provided an official receipt for presentation to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Starting your session

Your therapist will accompany you to the clinic room where they will go over your Health History Form and ask questions about your specific issue(s).

Depending on the problem, your therapist may perform some special tests to assist them in uncovering the cause of your pain.

The therapist will then direct you on how to position yourself on the massage table prior to them leaving the room.

You then disrobe to your level of comfort and get positioned on the massage table. For best results, we recommend skin-to-skin contact. Please communicate to the therapists if you are uncomfortable at any point. You are always in control.

During your massage

Your massage treatment will usually begin within 5-10 minutes of your appointment start time. This will depend on the initial inquiries and special tests needed to properly identify the root cause of your problem.

Please advise the therapist if you have any specific nut allergies. We carry a wide range of hypoallergenic oils, lotions, and gels.

Throughout the treatment session the therapist will ensure that the techniques being used remain within your level of comfort. Some massage techniques are focused on initiating tissue healing and as such can be uncomfortable for some patients. Please communicate with your therapist; we are here to ensure your comfort while at the same time achieving the best possible treatment results.

Depending on your specific needs or requests, your therapist may perform a full body massage or focus on specific parts of the body.

Approximately 5 minutes before the appointment end time your massage therapist will begin wrapping up the treatment.

Once the treatment is completed the therapist will leave the room, at which time you may get dressed.

Remaining pain free

In order to assist in your recovery process the therapist may suggest a couple of stretching or strengthening exercises.

Depending on the complexity of your issue the therapist may recommend an additional appointment, which can be booked at the clinic or at your convenience on-line.

Don’t forget to help yourself to some water and Jelly Beans prior to leaving. The water is great for recovery and the Jelly Beans are just yummy. So Enjoy!

During your massage you will be asked to disrobe to your level of comfort. For best results, we recommend skin-to-skin contact. Please communicate to the therapists if you are uncomfortable at any point. You are always in control.

In some cases, sports shorts may be requested and for woman sport shorts and bra. Most clinics have an extra set of clean apparel in case you’ve forgotten yours.

At painPRO Therapeutics we require at least 24 hours notice prior to any appointment change or cancellation. Failure to provide the minimum 24 hours notice will result in the full treatment charge…this includes “Same Day Appointments”

“Same Day Appointments” are made available to help people get in when they most need to. Please ensure when you book on the same day of the appointment that you can make it in. If you take it, please be prepared to keep it, because you blocked someone else from that time.

We adhere to this cancellation policy as last minute cancellations have a significant impact on our massage therapists as they are not paid by the hour. The time you have booked has been reserved for you and we hold up our end of the bargain by ensuring that your time slot is not double booked.

There are two ways to cancel or reschedule your appointment:

1. CALL OUR RECEPTION AT 604-683-7246

2. LOG INTO YOUR ACCOUNT AND MAKE CHANGES ON-LINE

*we do not accept e-mail cancellations due to the unpredictability of e-mail delivery.

We thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Many people who are booking on-line for the first time are unsure about what treatment length to book. We have found that many people think that the standard time for a massage treatment is 60 minutes. Our goal is to save you money while at the same time getting you the massage treatment you need.

At painPRO Therapeutics much of the work we do is clinically based massage therapy in addition to handling a large number of stress related massage treatments. We have prepared the following as a guide to help you choose the treatment length that best suits you. From stress relief to pain relief, come and experience the painPRO difference.

Remember this is only a guide. You know your body best so choose what you think is right for you. Some people feel they need longer treatments to optimize the benefits of their massage experience, while others prefer shorter treatments.

Target Treatment (30 minutes) – best for:

1. pain in a specific region of the body
2. headaches
3. sports massage
4. computer related discomfort (back, shoulders, neck)
5. on-going treatments
6. decompress from the days stress

painPRO Treatment (45 minutes) – best for:

1. first appointment (just a suggestion. Allows our therapists to provide you the best possible results)
2. pain in multiple regions of the body
3. chronic headaches
4. complex on-going treatments
5. computer related discomfort (back, shoulders, neck)
6. decompress from a stressful time

Extended Treatment (60 minutes) – best for:

1. complex treatments in multiple areas of the body
2. general body pain
3. accident trauma
4. you’ve got extra time
5. full body massage
6. on-going treatments
7. preventive maintenance
8. general stress relief

Stress Buster (90 minutes) – best for:

1. vacation
2. why not
3. when the boss is away
4. massage addictions…this is the intervention
5. can’t get great massage at home
6. when tired and a nap is in order
7. someone having a really bad day/ week/ year

You do not need to have a referral to see a Registered Massage Therapist.

If you are being covered by your extended health care plan, be sure to check your policy to see if a referral is needed in order to be reimbursed for the treatments. Generally once you have received your doctor’s referral it is good for all massage therapy sessions for the next 12 months. Some extended health policies only require a doctor referral every 24 months.

The majority of extended health care plans cover registered massage therapy treatments.

So, the question then becomes “how much coverage do I have?” The answer to this is in your insurance policy. The coverage amounts are located usually under the headings, “Paramedical” or “Supplementary Benefits.” Policies typically have a percentage of coverage and/or a specified dollar amount (e.g., 80% coverage up to a total of $500 per calendar year).

You may also need to check if your employer has requested a referral from a Medical Doctor. A referral from your MD, if required, is generally good for 12 months.

Yes we do. We bill directly to these insurance providers and you merely pay the difference between the clinic rate and the amount covered by the insurer. RCMP patients will have their entire treatment fee billed directly to the insurer.

If you are considering seeking legal advice for your ICBC or Work Safe claim, we can offer referrals to lawyers who are proactive in helping accident victims get the treatment they desperately need.

It is best if the area to be treated is unencumbered with clothing as direct skin contact is best.

At times, we will need to apply oil or lotion. When you are positioned on our specially designed massage tables, you are completely covered by linen sheets and only the area being worked on will be undraped.

As a Regulated Health Professional, your massage therapist adheres to the highest ethical standards and will ensure your complete comfort and privacy during the treatment process.

If you would like, you can wear a sport short and top. If you desire, it is possible to do a session with clothes on. Whatever will make you most comfortable is the policy at painPRO Therapeutics.

Once your massage therapy session is completed your massage therapist will leave the treatment room to allow you a couple of minutes to get off the table and get dressed in complete privacy.

painPRO is about more than just massage therapy, we are proud to be community focused and globally responsible.

Each month painPRO highlights a charity in our newsletter and blog, which includes a $5 off coupon that can be used towards massage therapy treatments or products. For each $5 off coupon redeemed, we match it and give the money to our charity of the month.

We also feel strongly about being actively involved in making our local community a better place to live and work. We offer up to 3 hours of free chair massage to corporate employees who work within 4 blocks of any painPRO clinic location, as well as support local charities, fundraisers and corporate events with time, services and money.

Please check out the available links to the sustainable community based charities in need of support and donate or volunteer today.