There is a two sided health history form to be filled out before the treatment. We recommend that clients show up 10 minutes. before their scheduled treatment time to allow adequate time to fill out the health history. Your therapist will be happy to answer any questions regarding this form.

New patient appointments are 1 hour in length. Your therapist will go over your heath history with you to ensure safe and effective treatment. There will be an assessment prior to treatment that will include orthopedic testing. Assessment time varies according to the needs of the individual but usually takes no more than 10 minutes.

Clients undress to their level of comfort and will have privacy to do so. The client will always be covered with a sheet. Only the areas that the therapist is working on directly will be undraped and only with the client’s permission. If the client chooses to keep on clothing the therapist will work over them.

The oils used at Metta are hypoallergenic. If you have sensitive skin or allergies please let the therapists know before treatment begins. If you are bringing you own oil due to allergies or sensitivities keep in mind that the therapists can’t work with oils with any scent or any oils that could cause allergic reactions in other clients of the clinic.

Avoid eating 1 hour before a treatment for comfort.

It is important to drink plenty of water after a treatment. Bring a bottle of water if you wish or there is tap water available at the clinic.

Wear comfortable clothing.

A trigger point, or a "knot" as commonly called is a taught band of muscle or muscle fiber; it may refer pain to other areas or may just be local.

A massage can help to alleviate a trigger point. Your therapist will negotiate a comfort level with you while working on trigger points.

This depends on what you want to achieve though massage therapy, the reasons you are getting massage therapy and whether or not you adhere to the home care recommended by your therapist. At the end of your treatment your therapist will recommend a treatment plan including frequency of treatment.

In order to ensure a safe and effective treatment your massage therapist needs a full health history including any medications or supplements you may be taking. Some medications will require your therapist to alter his or her approach to treatment as well as some medications present contraindications for massage therapy.

You should always check with your doctor before trying different therapies especially with regard to illness or medications.

Some insurance companies require a prescription or referral from a medical doctor in order to reimburse of massage therapy.

Registered Massage Therapists (RMT) are regulated health care professionals. Massage Practitioners or other body workers are not. Registered Massage Therapists are able to provide receipts for insurance purposes.

RMTs are governed by the Standards of Practice and The Policies and Procedures set out by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. They must also abide by the Regulated Health Professions Act, The Massage Therapies Act and Privacy Legislation. RMTs undergo peer assessments to ensure quality assurance in the workplace. All RMT’s must complete continuing education courses or workshops on their own time to ensure quality of client care.

Complaints commonly treated with massage include but are not limited to:

• Repetitive strain
• Stress and related strain
• Headaches
• Muscle tension, adhesions, trigger points ect...
• Postural imbalances
• Pregnancy
• Rehabilitation
• Motor vehicle accident victims
• Chronic pain
• Fibromyalgia

Massage therapy can help to prevent injuries and maintain a level of comfort. These are only a few of the things massage can help with.

There are some things that you should be careful with when coming to a massage therapist for your health and the health of the clinic you are visiting. If you are unsure if you should come to the clinic please call reception.

• Fever
• Severe cold
• Systemic infections
• Infectious diseases
• Open skin lesions, sores, warts, bleeding, broken bones, burns, acute injuries (Treatment can still proceed but a local precaution will be taken)
• Liver, heart, kidney disease and cancer (It is best to check with your doctor for approval with any disease/disorder before coming for a massage)