Know Your Body Best  Massage Clinic 

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CONTACT US!
416 466 1515
866 Broadview Ave. 
Toronto, Ont.
M4K 2R1
We are located minutes from downtown Toronto, just north of the Danforth/Greektown and the Broadview subway station.

  

      "He who enjoys good health is rich, though he knows it not"

                                                                  Italian Proverb
New to massage?  Our RMT answers all your questions about what to expect during a treatment, and how to get the most out of your massage.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY CHOOSE A REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST?
  • Registered Massage Therapists consistently provide the safest, most effective treatments. In order to be designated an RMT in the province of Ontario, therapists must complete a 2,200 hour massage therapy program at an accredited college.
  • Students are trained in massage techniques, as well as learning anatomy, pathology, neurology, ethics, safety and disease control, first aid, hydrotherapy, and specific treatments for a wide variety of injuries and health conditions.  
  • Students must pass an Ontario wide exam to become certified.  Registered Massage therapists and the places in which they work are regularly inspected by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario to ensure they are adhering to the standards and practices as set forth by the Massage Therapy Act.  In order to maintain their Registered status, therapists are required to continue their education and upgrade their skills on an ongoing basis.
  • Most supplemental health insurance providers only recognize Registered Massage Therapists.

CLINIC ETIQUETTE
  • Arrive at least 10 minutes early to avoid being rushed, to fill out forms and to use the washroom.   If you are going to be late, please let us know as soon as possible. We will do our best to accomodate you; unfortunately the high demand of the clinic usually prevents us from being able to run over time.   In most cases, even if you are late, your treatment will end at the appointed time and you will be charged the full amount of the treatment.
  • If you cannot make your appointment, please give us at least 4 hours notice.  If your appointment is before noon, please cancel before 6 pm the previous day.  Clients who are "no-shows" or who cancel with less than 4 hours notice will be charged a cancellation fee.
  • CANCELLATION FEES: 1st missed appointment~no charge                                                          2nd missed appointment~50% of treatment fee                                        3rd missed appointment~100% of treatment fee 
  • Please turn off cell phones and speak quietly in the clinic.              
  • Please remember that you are receiving a therapeutic massage; it is not meant to be a sexual experience.  Inappropriate behavior or sexual comments will result in the immediate termination of the treatment.


WHY DO I NEED TO FILL OUT A HEALTH HISTORY FORM?

  • All new clients must fill out a confidential health history form.  Massage therapy is a safe and effective treatment, however massage may not be suitable for clients suffering from certain health conditions or taking certain medications.  In most cases, simple modifications to the treatment will ensure the client does not suffer any ill affects.  Occasionally a client will present with a condition in which massage is contraindicated.  
  • Filling out an accurate health history form will assist us in treating you safely.  The information you provide will remain absolutely confidential.

DO I HAVE TO BE NAKED?
  • We will ask you to undress to your level of comfort.  As most of our treatments are performed using oil or lotion, clients are generally treated unclothed; some clients may prefer to leave their underpants on. During the massage you will be completely covered by a sheet, with only the area being worked on undraped.  If you prefer to remain clothed, we can accomodate you. 
  • Your therapist will leave the room while you disrobe, and will return when you are on the table under the sheet, fully covered. 
  • Thai Yoga Massage is performed with the client clothed; please wear loose, comfortable clothes that allow movement.

WHAT SHOULD I EAT BEFORE THE TREATMENT?
  • Clients should eat a light meal a few hours before the massage.  Avoid drinking alcohol or eating a heavy meal directly before the treatment.
  • Some diabetics experience a slight drop in blood sugar after a massage, so it's a good idea to bring some juice or candy.

WHAT TYPE OF MASSAGE IS BEST FOR ME?
  • After reviewing your health history plan, your therapist will work with you to design a treatment plan that is tailored to suit your needs.   Below are some types of massage you may choose; your therapist will often combine different techniques, or use different styles in different areas.
  • Swedish massage is very soothing and relaxing; perfect for beginners.
  • A relaxation massage uses swedish techniques, but is slower and avoids deeper modalities; perfect for beginners or people who are sensitive to pressure.
  • Deep tissue massage uses firmer pressure and techniques like trigger point therapy.  Effective at treating chronic tightness and injuries, but may be too intense for first time massage clients.
  • Hot stone massage uses heat to loosen muscles; very relaxing but not recommended for clients with high blood pressure, heart or circulatory conditions. 
  • Thai Yoga massage is ideal for increasing flexibility, or for improving your yoga practice.  Performed while clothed, so recommended for those who are uncomfortable disrobing.
  • Sports massage is ideal for enhancing an athlete's training and recovery; can also be beneficial for anyone with chronic pain, injury or decreased range of motion.
  • A full body massage typically includes the back, legs, arm, neck, feet, face and scalp, with each area getting equal attention.  We will tailor this to your particular needs.  Looking for a full body relaxation massage, but with deep tissue work to the shoulders?  Would you like the massage to focus on your legs and feet?  Do you require extra attention to your head and neck?  No problem!  A full body massage may also include the abdomen and chest.
  • A full body massage requires a 60 minute treatment.  A 90 minute treatment is recommended if you have more than one problem area that needs attention, while still leaving time to complete a relaxing full body routine.  30 and 45 minute treatments are recommended for focused work to a particular area, like the neck and shoulders, or the legs and feet.


IS IT OKAY TO DRINK ALCOHOL OR TAKE PAINKILLERS BEFORE THE MASSAGE?
  • Massage is contraindicated for anyone under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.  Please advise your therapist of any medications you are taking as they may affect the way your body responds to massage.
  • It is recommended that you avoid the use of painkillers and muscle relaxants before your massage. During massage, if the therapist is working too deeply, the muscle will naturally tense up, letting the therapist know to ease off.  Muscle relaxants block the muscles ability to do this; this could cause the therapist to work too deeply, potentially causing injury.

IS MASSAGE PAINFUL?
  • If you are receiving a relaxing, stress relieving massage, you should not experience any discomfort.  However, some clients are more sensitive than others.  What feels good to one client may be uncomfortable for another. If a massage feels painful, you are receiving more pressure than your body can handle.  Listen to your body. Let your therapist know immediately if you experience any discomfort. 
  • Some of the deeper modalities used to treat chronic tension, injuries or scar tissue may cause some temporary discomfort, but it should not be so intense that you cannot breathe through it and relax.  On a pain scale of 1 - 10, with 10 being excruciating, you should never experience higher than a 7 or 8.  You should be able to take a deep breath and relax with the pressure.  If you find yourself tensing, or unable to take a breath, then the pressure is too much and you should ask the therapist to lighten up if they have not already done so.  
  • Many clients and therapists refer to the type of discomfort you may feel during deeper work as "therapeutic pain" or "good pain".  This is pain that is aiding the therapy.  Most clients intuitively know the difference between "good pain" ( it hurts so good )and "bad pain"( why are you doing that to me?).  Ultimately the client is the judge about what feels right for them. Some clients enjoy "good pain" and some clients do not want to feel any pain whatsoever. 
  • The important thing to remember is that, as the client, you're in charge of the massage.  Let us know before the treatment if you prefer a lighter or deeper touch, and guide us during the treatment if you would like lighter or deeper work.  Clear, prompt communication between therapist and client is very important to ensure a painful experience does not occur.
  • Before using any of the deeper modalities we will ensure you understand that they may be uncomfortable, and that you consent to receiving them. If you have come to us for a relaxation massage, we will not force the deeper work on you!   


WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER THE MASSAGE?

  • Ideally you should rest and relax after your treatment, and enjoy the feeling of calm. Avoid strenuous activity if you can; a gentle swim or yoga class is fine.  If you see a chiropractor, post-massage is an ideal time for an appointment, as looser muscles make adjustments easier.
  • Drink plenty of water.  An epsom salts bath will flush out any lactic acid and help prevent post-massage soreness.  In lieu of an epsom salts bath a hot shower or heating pad may also help.  
  • If your therapist has done deep work or treated an injury, you may want to apply ice to the area 3x, for 10 minutes each time, with a 20 minute break between icing. Your therapist will advise you. 


WHY DO I SOMETIMES FEEL SORE THE DAY AFTER A MASSAGE?

Clients sometimes complain of soreness the day after a massage. Reasons for this include:
  • the amount of pressure used 
  • the duration of deeper massage modalities
  • the health and hydration of the client's tissues
  • the activity level of the client
  • lack of post-massage care
Post-massage discomfort is generally experienced as a mild degree of achiness  or stiffness, such as you would experience after a work out, but it should not be disabling.
  • There is a greater chance of experiencing post-massage soreness after receiving the deeper massage modalities used to address tight, injured or adhesed tissue. 
  • When you get a deep tissue massage, the therapist is separating muscle layers, milking metabolic waste out from between the layers and sometimes breaking up adhesions or scar tissue.  These types of sessions may leave you feeling a bit sore, but then after 1 -2 days you should feel great and the problem area should feel much better. You may see that you have an increase in your range of motion, reduction of pain or increased muscle stamina. 
  • Post-massage soreness may also occur when the muscles have been over worked, or massaged more deeply than the body can handle.  This is more common if the body is not used to massage, or if the tissue health is compromised by lack of activity, dehydration, or recent illness.  Clear communication before and during the massage is essential to avoid using more pressure than the tissue can therapeutically receive, as well as to avoid over working the tissue.  Let your therapist know immediately if you are experiencing pain during the massage.
  • After care can help prevent post-massage soreness.  Stretching and icing may be advised by the therapist to manage such discomfort.  Taking an epsom salts bath, and drinking lots of water are also recommended.
  • As your body adjusts to receiving massage, the incidents of post-massage soreness become much rarer. If you do experience discomfort, let your therapist know, and she will adjust your treatment accordingly.
  • WHAT ARE EPSOM SALTS AND WHY DOES MY THERAPIST KEEP RECOMMENDING THEM?
  • Epsom salts are a magnesium compound which assists in drawing lactic acid out of your muscles.  Lactic acid is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism; a build up of lactic acid is what causes muscle stiffness the day after a work out. Massage therapy can also produce lactic acid.  By using epsom salts to draw out lactic acid, you will reduce your chances of experiencing post-massage soreness.
  • Epsom salts increase buoyancy, enabling your joints to gently float and relax.  The hot water of a bath also helps to reduce stiffness by increasing blood flow to the muscles and increasing the nutritional exchange between the muscles and the bloodstream.
  • This type of bath is very stimulating, and increases blood flow to the heart. Epsom salt baths are not recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, or serious circulatory problems.
INSTRUCTIONS
  • Add 2 cups of epsom salts to a hot bath ( 38 to 44 degrees C ).  Soak for 15 to 20 minutes.  While soaking it is a good idea to place a cold wet cloth around your neck to avoid overheating.  Drink at least a glass of cold water while bathing to replace lost fluids.  When finished, get up slowly and carefully to avoid dizziness.  It is recommended you remain seated until all the water has drained from the tub. 
  • Epsom salts are inexpensive and available for sale at our clinic, or at most drugstores. 

IS MASSAGE SAFE FOR CHILDREN?
  • Absolutely!  We treat many young clients, and massage is just as safe and beneficial for kids as for adults.
  • Massage can help prevent sports or dance injuries, ease growing pains,and relax shoulders made tight from studying or long hours on the computer. We recommend that young children be accompanied by an adult, until both parent and child feel comfortable with the therapist and the massage. 




CALL TODAY TO BOOK YOUR MASSAGE
416 466 1515
                                                         










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