FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS MASSAGE?

Massage Therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues, fascia and joints of the body to improve physical function, reduce tension and relieve pain.

Massage therapy can be used for the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions. I work with a wide variety of patients, of all ages, in the treatment of illness, injury rehabilitation and disability.

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY

  • Reduces or eliminates pain
  • Relieves stress
  • Relieves headaches & migraines
  • Improves flexibility & range of motion
  • Improves local circulation
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Increases lymphatic drainage
  • Reduces muscle tension
  • Reduces depression & anxiety
  • Improves rehabilitation after injury
  • Improves body awareness

Massage Therapy can also be used as part of a preventative care program. This includes sports training, injury prevention, ergonomic assessment, stress management and more! I work directly with my patients to develop a treatment plan based on their needs so that they get maximum results from each treatment.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT BEFORE MY TREATMENT?

You will be asked to complete intake paperwork upon arrival for your first treatment.  It’s helpful to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your first scheduled appointment so that this paperwork can be completed and we can start your session on time.

It is up to you to contact your insurance provider to inquire if you need a doctor’s note prior to your appointment for your claim to be supported by your insurance provider.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY TREATMENT?

Please allow 1 hour and 15 minutes for your initial treatment (you will be charged for 1 hr).

Prior to your treatment I conduct a health history interview and assessment of your problem (this can include measuring range of motion, orthopedic tests, etc). I will discuss the treatment plan, techniques to be used and positioning to accomplish this. I will request that you undress to your comfort level and instruct how to position yourself on the table.  I will leave the room and let you get positioned and will knock and request to enter the room. For your privacy you will always be positioned under a large sheet with a blanket and draping towels that will border areas I am working on. Once the treatment is finished, I will leave you to redress and when you are ready I will conduct a reassessment to mark results and response.

I will review home care stretches and/or exercises that target the areas that we found to be problematic in treatment. This will help maintain your results from the session and aid in prevention. I will also give you a copy of these to reference for your use at home.

Treatment depth, pressure and techniques can be adjusted at any time to suit any person. Communication is extremely important so that I can specialize the treatment to ensure best possible results. If you feel uncomfortable or wish to stop the treatment, you have the right to do so – just let me know and I will stop treatment immediately.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER MY TREATMENT?

Massage will reduce muscle tension, increase mobility and range of motion. Patients report increased body awareness and better posture. Tissue health is improved, stress is reduced and massage triggers the release of endorphins (feel good hormones).  

If the problem was longstanding and quite severe, you may experience muscle soreness/tenderness up to 48 hours after a treatment. Slight bruising may appear in cases of deep tissue work or if you have a tendency to bruise easily. This can be helped by drinking plenty of water and continuing to stretch and increase your range of motion in the affected area.

IS THERE ANY REASON I SHOULD NOT HAVE MASSAGE?

Massage should not be performed if you suffer from:

  • Fever
  • Contagious Disease
  • Blood Clots
  • Kidney or Liver Conditions
  • Cancer
  • Uncontrolled Hypertension
  • Sunburns or open wounds

It is extremely important that you give a thorough and accurate account of your health history to ensure the therapist can deliver a treatment that is safe and effective.

If you have a chronic existing condition it is best to discuss using massage therapy with your doctor prior to booking your appointment. Generally, massage can be tailored to suit all types of disease and conditions with simple adjustments to ensure your safety while still achieving results.

HOW LONG WILL I FEEL THE BENEFIT FROM MASSAGE?

Each person is different as to how long a treatment will last. Numerous factors influence this outcome; if the problem has been longstanding, severity of the problem, ergonomic factors and triggers, medical health and existing conditions, etc. I provide all patients with stretches and home care routines so that they can aid themselves in between sessions as much as possible so they can lengthen the time they have between treatments.

CAN I HAVE MASSAGE THERAPY IF I AM PREGNANT?

It is important to note that each stage of pregnancy requires adjustments and modifications to massage to ensure safety. Positioning, areas to be treated, length of time and techniques need to be conducted according to specific standards. Always ensure you are working with a Registered Massage Therapist who has trained in pregnancy massage and inform them every session what stage you are at in your pregnancy.

WHAT IF I HAVE ALLERGIES?

It’s important to let your therapist know of any allergies you may have while completing your health history.  

I only use Biotone Oils and lotions during my treatments – they are hypoallergenic, unscented and Paraben-Free.

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE/HOW DOES IT WORK?

I use single use sterile acupuncture needles at my clinic. These are inserted into specific points on the body to produce 3 beneficial responses – a local effect (where the muscle retracts from the area of the inserted needed and the segment of tissue is released), a systemic effect as the body sends extra blood, oxygen and cells to clean up debris and repair the site, and a chemical effect as the brain receives a signal from the central nervous system to secrete endorphins (feel good hormones) to counteract this minor injury.

WILL MY TREATMENT BE COVERED BY MY INSURANCE PROVIDER?

I am a Registered Massage Therapist with the Massage Therapist Association of Alberta, therefore my invoices are accepted by insurance providers that support Massage Therapy in their plans.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

As spaces are limited and there is only one of me, I require 12 hours notice of any appointments that need to be cancelled or changed, this allows me time to try and fill this appointment or offer it to someone else. If I don’t receive timely notice, you will be charged the full price for the session.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

PLEASE GET IN TOUCH:

Phone: 403.715.1067

‘Angie’s massage therapy, combining sports physiotherapy massage with acupuncture, was simply the best treatment I have ever had. I went to Angie with a combination of lower back pain and stiffness, sciatica and tight hamstrings. Angie carefully assessed my problems, monitored progress, and adjusted the treatment to get the maximum benefit for me from it…  I cannot recommend Angie highly enough!’
Gavin

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