Massage therapy is the physical manipulation of soft body tissues (connective tissues, muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to enhance a person’s overall health and well-being. There are dozens of types of massage therapy methods (often called modalities).
A relaxation massage is the typical spa-type massage. It can also be called a Swedish massage, as this treatment uses Swedish techniques, such as kneading, with light to medium pressure. This is a massage that you treat yourself to.
Therapeutic massages use advanced techniques to help alleviate pain and address chronic health issues. This is a massage that is more clinical in nature. Clients come in to address a specific issue and may have frequent visits during the initial stages of treatment.
You can expect to be taken care of! At Therapeutic Body Concepts, we take great pride in helping you through the whole process.
When you arrive, you’ll take off your shoes and have a quick chat with our receptionist to let them know you’ve arrived.
We direct bill insurance companies, so you’ll be asked for any third party medical billing information and asked to fill out a form about your health history. This takes about 10 minutes. We ask that you be as honest and thorough as possible so we can help you.
After you’ve returned your form and insurance is taken care of, you’ll be escorted to your massage room by your massage therapist. They’ll go over your medical form with you, asking some questions to gain clarity on your needs.
Once you’ve had that initial conversation with your therapist, they’ll leave you alone to undress and get under the blanket on the table. You’ll usually start face down.
When they come back, the therapist will knock on the door and make sure it’s okay with you if they come in and start.
As the massage begins, the therapist will uncover the part of the body that they will be working on. They will use an oil, or lotion during the treatment to reduce friction between their hands and your skin, so please indicate if you have any allergies.
As the massage continues, your therapist will ask about the pressure they’re using (too much, too little) and whether you’re experiencing pain. Be honest with them, as the goal of your massage is to have you feeling relaxed and relieved.
At the end of your massage, you’ll get dressed and go to the front desk for our favourite drink – water! Make sure to have plenty of water after your massage, your muscles need it. Drink your water, pay, and enjoy the rest of your day!
Arrive 10-15 minutes early to your first appointment so you can park, find us, and complete the medical health history form.
Massage therapy can hurt, especially if you’re working through areas that are tight, inflamed, injured, or in spasm. During your massage, be open and honest with your therapist about the level of pressure they’re giving and whether you’re experiencing pain in a particular spot. “No pain, no gain” does not necessarily apply to massage therapy.
You may be sore after a massage. Make sure to drink plenty of water, do some stretching and if needed, have a hot Epsom salt bath afterward to curb any soreness.
Like your doctor, your therapist is here to help you. Without the context of what’s going on in your body before you start, they are unable to target their treatment to your needs.
Not unless you want to. Your comfort is of the utmost importance during your treatment. Our massage therapists are trained in proper draping techniques, so whatever level of undress you choose, your privacy is completely respected.
Ask yourself:
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- Do I want a male or female therapist?
- What types of massage do I want them to be trained in?
- What types of other skills do I want them to have?
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Ask us! We are happy to help select a massage therapist depending on your needs. We have a wide range of skill and personality.
Keep an open mind – you’re coming for treatment and relaxation.
Don’t eat for an hour or two beforehand and keep it light.
Drink water.
At this time, Alberta Health Care does not cover massage therapy.
No, however, you may need a doctor’s referral in order for your insurance company to cover some or all of the cost. Please check this with your insurance company prior to coming in for an appointment.
We Accept Cash, Debit, Credit (Visa, Mastercard), and E-Transfer!
Benefits coverage depends on the type of plan you have. Call your insurance provider before you book so that you have an understanding of what’s covered.
Massage Therapy can benefit people of all ages and conditions and is used to treat and obtain relief from a wide range of specific issues, such as:
a) Inflammatory conditions such as tendonitis and arthritis
b) General stress relief
c) Insomnia
d) Headaches and migraines
e) Whiplash
f) Cramps, spasms, strains and sprains
g) Repetitive strain injuries
h) Circulation issues
i) Rehabilitation post-surgery, or post-injury
j) Pregnancy discomfort, or discomfort from labour
k) Back pain
l) Sciatic nerve compression and pain
m) Anxiety
n) Myofascial Pain syndrome and much more…
Anyone can benefit from massage therapy.
You can get a massage when you are in pain. However, if you have any of the following conditions, you should not get a massage:
- Fever
- Any type of infectious disease
- Systemic infections
- Severe cold
- Fracture, bleeding, burns or other acute injury
- Liver and kidney diseases
- Blood clots
- Pregnancy-induced diabetes, toxemia, preeclampsia/eclampsia
- High blood pressure (unless under control with medication)
- Heart disease
- Open skin lesions or sores (therapist may work around them if localized)
If you’re unsure about whether or not to come in for your appointment, call us and we’ll guide you.
The frequency of your massages will depend on your course of treatment. Your therapist will help you by putting together a treatment plan. Massage appointments can be as many as once per week to treat something specific, once a month for maintenance, or once every six months for a relaxation massage.
An hour is a great way to get a feel for massage and its benefits. Depending on your needs, you may need shorter or longer visits in the future.
Depends – if you’re coming in for a relaxation treatment, it might be. For those who are coming to Therapeutic Body Concepts for treatment of pain or other issues, they will likely have multiple treatments.
Yes! Check out our Gifts Page , or please speak with our Front-Desk Staff to purchase a physical Gift Certificate in clinic.
Check out our Parking Document!
