What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?

Before you arrive for your first massage therapy visit, you’ll be sent a case history form that can be filled out online. It’s important to fill this form out prior to your arrival so that your RMT will be able to read it and know a little bit about your case before you meet for a more in depth chat about what your main issue is. Once you discuss the reason for your visit, your massage therapist will recap the areas of the body that will be treated and go over and sign a consent form for your treatment. The consent form
outlines the areas that will be treated and your RMT will be sure that you understand the expectations of the treatment session.
Your RMT will explain how much to disrobe, where to put your things and how to get onto the table. You will be covered at all times, except for the area that is being massaged, and you’ll be lying on a cozy heated table.
During the first session, there will be time devoted to case history taking and assessment, and the remainder of the visit will be for the massage treatment. If you want to be sure that you’ll get 60 minutes of “hands on” time, book a 75 minute session for your initial treatment. On your second and subsequent sessions, the check in time will be less time (unless you have a challenging and painful condition) and you’ll have most of the time devoted to your massage “hands on” time. Your therapist will check in
with you several times throughout your massage session. They will be checking to see if their pressure is too light, too deep or just right. It’s important that you’re honest with your RMT so that you get the type and pressure in your massage that you are hoping for. Communication is key so that your therapist can get used to what works for you. Don’t worry, you won’t hurt your therapist’s feelings, their goal is to give you the treatment that you want and need.
After your session, your massage therapist will give you a plan letting you know the ideal frequency of visits to get you feeling better. Depending on your issue, they may suggest complementary treatments with one of our other disciplines since we have physiotherapists, chiropractors and acupuncturists working in our multidisciplinary clinic.