Home > FAQs
FAQs



Does OHIP cover Massage Therapy and Acupunture treatments?
No, massage or acupuncture is not covered by OHIP, although many extended health care insurance companies cover it. Check with your employer or insurance company to see if you have coverage. Top

How do I find out if I have coverage?
You can find out a few different ways. If you have an employee handbook, it may indicate whether or not you have coverage. You can also ask your employer. Another way is to phone the insurance company directly. Be sure to have your Group and ID numbers handy. Ask them:

  • How much coverage do you have, if any?
  • Is there any deductible? Is it per calendar year (i.e.: January-December)?
  • Do they cover a certain amount per visit or up to a maximum per year?
  • Is a medical doctor's note required?

You should confirm with your insurance company if the coverage applies to you individually. Check to see if your spouse or children also have coverage under your plan. Top

If my spouse has coverage, could I be covered under their plan?
If your spouse is covered and you are listed on their plan, then you generally have coverage. If you also have coverage through your own employer, you must use it up first before claiming on your spouse's plan. If you have no coverage or have used up all of your own coverage, and your spouse does not want to use their own, you cannot claim it in their place. Also, gift certificates can not be purchased using insurance coverage Top

Do I need a referral from my doctor?
If you will be using your insurance coverage, then yes, you generally require a doctor's note. To be sure, ask your employer or phone your insurance company if they require one If you are not using insurance coverage and are paying for the massage yourself (out of pocket), you do not need a doctor's note. Top

I was recently in a car accident; will my car insurance pay for massage and/or acupuncture treatments?
Your car insurance will pay for accident related injuries upon approval of a treatment plan filled out by a Registered Massage Therapist. You may have received a treatment plan form (OCF-18/59) with your paperwork from the insurance company. On your initial visit you will need to bring the following information:

  • Adjusters name, address, phone, fax number
  • Policy and Claim numbers
  • The treatment plan form, if you have it (OCF-18/59)
  • Names of medications you are taking
  • Extended health insurance information (if you have coverage)

After your initial assessment visit (usually one to one and a half hours), the treatment plan form will be filled out by your therapist and submitted to your insurance adjuster for approval. It will contain information regarding goals of treatment, frequency, time frame and estimated cost. You will have to pay for your treatments, however your insurance company should reimburse you. If you also have extended health insurance coverage, most car insurance companies will require you to use up the other coverage first before they will start to pay. A treatment plan will still need to be filled out either way. Top

How do I pay for my treatments?
You may pay by cash and personal cheque. Top

How often do I need to go, and how long will I have to keep going for therapy?
This is a difficult question to answer because it really depends on the individual and their particular condition. If you were in a serious car accident, you may need to go three times per week. If you are just going for relaxation, you may only need once per month. After treating you, your therapist can give you a guideline as to how often they think you should come. It ultimately depends on you. Factors such as pain levels, time commitment, finances, insurance coverage and your healing time will affect your decision. Your therapist can give you a rough estimate of how long they think you'll need to go. Top

Should I go for an hour or an hour and a half?
For your first appointment, I usually recommend one hour and a half sessions although one hour is enough. This gives me time to go through any assessment or testing while still allotting a fair amount of time for hands on treatment. This will also give me a chance to see what areas require more focused work. Top

What areas are worked on during a typical full body massage treatment?
A full body massage generally includes your back, the back of your legs and feet, front of your legs, arms and hands, neck, shoulders, face and scalp. It can also include your buttock muscles and abdomen if you wish. More focused treatments would only include the area that needs to be treated. We can decide together what areas will be treated before your treatment commences. Your genitals will never be touched. Women can request breast massage to treat specific pathologic conditions. Please e-mail or call if you have questions regarding this. Top

What do I wear?
You can wear as much or as little clothing as you wish. Whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. A sheet will cover you at all times, uncovering only the area being worked on. Most people just wear their underpants, some prefer to wear nothing, some women leave their bra on, some people bring shorts, and others are fully clothed. It is really up to you. I would rather have you fully clothed and comfortable than totally unclothed and nervous. It is difficult to relax someone who is nervous about what they are (or are not) wearing during their massage. Generally, a lubricant is applied to the skin to allow the therapists hands to glide smoothly over the area being treated. This is why removal of clothing is usually suggested. Top

What does R.M.T. stand for?
R.M.T. stands for Registered Massage Therapist. Some therapists use the designation M.T. for Massage Therapist. This is the same as an R.M.T. although these therapists may have become registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) after 1998. Currently, to become a massage therapist in Ontario, one must follow 2200 hrs of training in Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Treatments and other related courses. Also, have passed a registration examination given by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and have a registration number. Top

What is the difference between a masseuse, and an R.M.T.?
Masseuse and masseur are names that were used by some people before we became regulated by a government body. The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) started assigning the R.M.T. designation in 1994. Those who were members of the College at that time then became R.M.T.'s. If someone does massage and calls themselves a masseuse, then they are not registered and may not be providing therapeutic massage treatments. Top

What is the difference between someone who is “licensed”, “certified” or “registered”?
Someone who says they are “licensed” or “certified” are not the same as someone who is “registered”. They generally do not possess liability insurance and may have trained for less than 2200 hours. They are not covered by extended health or car accident insurance and are not regulated by the CMTO. It is illegal for some who is not registered to use the name or designations R.M.T. or M.T.

Recently, some people trained in "myomassology" have adapted the designation Registered Myomassology Practitioner or R.M.P. They have also referred to themselves as Registered Aroma-Massage Therapists (R.A.M.T.) in the past. Others call themselves “Orthotherapists”. Please note that they are not registered by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) and are not the same as an R.M.T. An R.M.T. is bound by the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Massage Therapy Act, and must possess at least two million dollars in both professional and general liability insurance. All R.M.T.'s have a photo I.D. card with their registration number on. Always ask to see it if you are uncertain of the person's credentials. Top

I am nervous about receiving a treatment. What can I expect?
Very often, first time clients tell me that they are nervous. It is normal to be nervous for any new experience. Part of any massage, even if it is therapeutic, is to help the client to relax. Please download my treatment forms for a complete description of what to expect. Top



Home | About Me | Home/Office Therapy | Policies | International Spa Training | Resources | FAQs

2006 © Marc J. Plouffe, All Rights Reserved.