Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Massage Therapy? Read through some of the most Frequently Asked Questions below.
Yes! I completed my Massage Therapy Diploma at Western College of Remedial Massage Therapies in Regina, SK in June 2005. This was a 2200-hour program, which is the minimum recognized standard for Massage Therapy training in Alberta. I am Registered with the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada and treatment receipts are recognized by all insurance companies.
Most extended health benefits plans do include Massage Therapy treatment, but I recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm that it is included in your plan.
Yes! Direct billing is available through Telus Health eClaims and AB Blue Cross.
Electronic money transfer, Visa and MasterCard payments are accepted.
Upon booking your first appointment, you will be emailed an intake form containing questions relating to your contact information, past and present health history, and reasons for seeking treatment. I will review this with you during your first session, as well as perform any necessary assessment, to ensure that Massage Therapy treatment is safe and appropriate for you, to determine any possible risks or contraindications to treatment, and to formulate a treatment plan with you to coincide with your treatment goals. Treatment will be implemented based on these details and with your consent.
I primarily use coconut oil for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It provides the skin with great hydration, especially in our cold, dry winters, but doesn’t leave you feeling greasy.
I have Jojoba Oil as a back up for those with coconut allergies. Jojoba resembles the body’s natural moisturizer and is great for those with sensitive skin.
I have a small selection of essential oils that I use, like Japanese Mint Oil, which is great for muscle tension, and Lavender Oil, which is great for relaxation.
I do not use any diffusers or artificial fragrances.
Please let me know ahead of time if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Massage Therapy is a safe and effective treatment choice for many conditions and can provide tremendous benefit to your overall health and wellness. Here is a brief list of the benefits that I focus on in my practice:
- relieve pain and muscular tension
- reduce stress
- reduce tension headaches
- calm the nervous system to reduce anxiety and depression
- aid in digestion
- promote restful sleep
- improve quality and range of motion in your joints
- promote a balanced posture for efficient and effective movement patterns
- promote relaxation and an overall sense of health and wellness
Duration and frequency of treatment may be determined by your health history, stress levels, physical and emotional needs, assessment findings and desired treatment goals. For acute conditions, an initial series of frequent treatments may be required, moving towards a maintenance or preventative/proactive schedule from there.
Reassessment may be necessary throughout the duration of your treatment plan to determine progress and adjust or amend as needed. Self care practices such as breathing, stretching and or strengthening exercises may be recommended for you to implement in addition to treatment. For best results it is recommended that you actively participate in these practices to enhance the effects of your treatments and further support your health and wellness goals.
Yes. I have converted the spare room into my treatment space and privacy will be maintained for your comfort at all times.
I use a cloud-based clinic management system called Jane. All booking, scheduling, billing and charting details are kept securely within this system. All records are password protected and stored on Canadian servers in accordance with Canada’s Privacy Legislation. As a health care professional, I am committed to keeping your information strictly confidential.
Absolutely not. Your comfort and ability to relax is my number one priority and of the utmost importance for effective treatment outcomes. I am trained in proper draping techniques to ensure your privacy is respected at all times throughout treatment. I will describe the treatments to be provided to ensure your comfort and obtain your consent prior to treatment.
Your comfort is my number one priority. If there is any part of your body that you would prefer not to be included in the treatment, simply let me know and I will exclude that area from the treatment plan.
Please do! You know your body best! If at any time you feel uncomfortable or would like to modify or stop the treatment, I encourage you to inform me immediately.
I will communicate with you throughout the treatment regarding techniques, pressure and your comfort levels, and I encourage you to share questions or concerns you may have during your treatments. But you are otherwise not expected to carry on a conversation. In fact, I recommend that you take advantage of the opportunity to practice silence and stillness, checking in with your body so you can focus on releasing any tension or stress. This also helps me remain focused on the task at hand!
Tipping is not expected and is solely at your discretion. If you have enjoyed your service and have found value and benefit in your treatment, then the best tip you can leave me is a referral to your friends and family!