Registered Massage Therapy

Massage therapy consists primarily of hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body- specifically, the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints – for the purpose of optimizing health.

Massage therapy is proactively used by many people to prevent injury and long term disabilities that may result from having poor posture or muscular imbalances. It can also develop, maintain, rehabilitate, or augment physical function. Massage therapy has been used around the world, for thousands of years, as a way to decrease stress and/or relieve pain. It has grown in Canada to become a respected, and clinically-oriented health-care modality, as more and more people are looking to drug-free and non-invasive forms of care. RMTs work with illness, injury and disability in diverse and broad patient populations.

Some of the Goals of Registered Massage Therapy include:

reduction of muscle tension and stiffness
relief of muscle spasms
greater flexibility and range of motion
increase of the ease and efficiency of movement
relief of stress and aide of relaxation
promotion of deeper and easier breathing
improvement of the circulation of blood and movement of lymph
relief of tension-related conditions, such as headaches and eyestrain
promotion of faster healing of soft tissue injuries, such as pulled muscles and sprained ligaments, and reduction in pain and swelling related to such injuries
reduction in the formation of excessive scar tissue following soft tissue injuries
enhancement in the health and nourishment of skin
improvement in posture through changing tension patterns that affect posture
reduction in stress and an excellent stress management tool
creation of a feeling of well-being
reduction in levels of anxiety
increase in awareness of the mind-body connection
promotion of a relaxed state of mental awareness

Massage therapy is also remarkably effective when used as part of a preventive care program. Some examples of general wellness care include pre or post-natal care (pregnancy), infant massage, stress management, sports training, injury prevention and performance enhancement.

Your Treatment

Before a treatment, your Massage Therapist will propose a personalized treatment plan based on an initial assessment and health history. The assessment consists of various tests to determine the condition of your muscles and joints. Any personal and health information you provide to your Massage Therapist is completely confidential and will be safeguarded. Your health record cannot be released or transferred without your written consent.

Health Insurance Coverage

Premium Assistance
You may qualify for government premium assistance, based on your income. MSP will contribute a portion of the cost toward visits made to supplementary healthcare providers such as massage therapists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, naturopaths and podiatrists. RMTs are primary contact providers, therefore you do not require a physician’s referral for MSP coverage. MSP allows for a total of 10 treatments per calendar year divided between these therapeutic modalities. You do NOT require a doctors referral for treatment, however you will be required to pay the entire amount of treatment and then submit your receipt and seek reimbursement. For more information, call MSP at their toll-free number 1 800-663-7100 or follow this link to their website www.health.gov.bc.ca.

Employee Benefit Plans

Most extended medical plans will cover 75-100% of the treatment fees up to an annual limit. Please check with your insurer to confirm details and to determine if you require a Doctor’s referral. You will be required to pay the entire amount of treatment and then submit your receipt to seek reimbursement.

ICBC / WCB

ICBC and WCB patients will be required to pay for their treatments at the time of the appointment. They may then submit the receipts to ICBC/adjustor/lawyer or WCB case worker to be reimbursed. ICBC patients do NOT require a Doctor’s referral for the FIRST 12 treatments. WCB patients ALWAYS require a Doctor’s referral for all treatment as well as WCB approval.

RCMP

RCMP members are covered for Massage Therapy treatments and our office will bill RCMP directly for your visit. You will be required to fill out an RCMP treatment form at the time of your visit and a Doctor’s referral is required.

Veterans Affairs Canada

VAC will cover 15 one hour sessions per year at the therapist’s discretion. If more sessions are required, you must request authorization from the VAC treatment Authorization Centre. A doctor’s referral is required. For more information, visit www.veterans.gc.ca.

Please feel free to contact the Heritage Health Centre directly, or refer to the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia or Massage Therapists of British Columbia websites for more information:
www.cmtbc.ca
www.massagetherapy.bc.ca